“Whatever comes of itself, let it come”

Dear Sanjay,

Yogananda used to say, “Whatever comes of itself, let it come.” He used this phrase to describe the right attitude for dealing with what life brings you — failure or success, poverty or wealth, sickness or health — just let it come but do not let what comes define you or determine your happiness. If you live centered within your Self then whatever does come cannot change your inner happiness.

I think this is also the right attitude for what you experience in meditation — “Whatever comes of itself, let it come.” — don’t deliberately seek any particular kind of experience. One genuine experience of Divine consciousness is no “better” than another. Instead, concentrate on becoming still in body and mind, and offering yourself to God. What you experience in meditation will grow and change over time.

In the Autobiography of a Yogi, Yogananda wrote that God is “ever-new Joy.” Don’t become fixed on what you want to experience. Let God’s blissful ever-newness beguile you. Let the guru decide what experiences you need.

Warm regards,
Puru (Joseph) Selbie