When I owned a cabinet shop in the 1970s, it often happened that when it came time to pay my employees, I didn’t have enough to pay everyone. I always made sure that I was the one who didn’t get paid. I had learned this concept from my father, who had impressed it upon me deeply – that true service … Read More
Dear Friend, Astrophysicists tell us the universe started with the “Big Bang” which occurred at some point in space and has spread out from there. I read about another astrophysicist who stated the “Big Bang” did indeed happen, but he could not explain how it happened everywhere at the same time in an infinite universe. Paramhansa Yogananda stated that God … Read More
Dear Friend, We are all faced with the challenge of constantly fine-tuning our spiritual practices to keep them inspiring, fun and joyful. Here is a note from a fellow tither that has realized through experience how to keep the spirit of joy in tithing: “Several years ago I began to pray sincerely about the issue of tithing. This solution came … Read More
Dear Friend, It’s interesting to note that during this past year that we have been in a recession, tithing has remained strong! Those of you who are in tune with the spirit of tithing already intuitively know the secret of making your way through difficult financial times. By giving back to the source of our inspiration, God takes care of … Read More
Dear Friend, This past August we had a very uplifting Spiritual Renewal Week. Nayaswami Jyotish and Nayaswami Devi spoke on the subject, “How to be Happy All the Time.” Devi started her talk with a quote from Master: “Life is a struggle for joy every step of the way. May I fight to win that battle on the very spot … Read More
Dear Friend, From fellow tithers: “Our story goes back well over one year ago. We were deep in debt and going through some difficult times in our lives, particularly with regards to finances. We contacted Mary Kretzmann in the Healing Prayer Ministry, who provided us with Yogananda’s Material Success Affirmation. My wife and I said that affirmation every day prior … Read More
Dear Friend, On the wall of the Outreach Ministry office at Ananda Village where I work is a framed statement by Swami Kriyananda about how to serve others. The last line reads: “We are part of a great tide of loving, joyful energy that wants to give and give, so long as people are happy to receive.” God is love, … Read More
Dear Friends, Swami Kriyananda recorded a series of videos based on the book, The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita Explained by Paramhansa Yogananda. One talk is entitled “Don’t Identify with Your Mistakes.” In this talk he states: “We have to get rid of the consciousness of identifying ourselves with any stage in life. If you’ve made a mistake, don’t identify … Read More
Dear Friends, I remember a meeting we had here in the Sangha Office some years ago. A longtime friend related the following story: In 1981 she was living in a house in nearby Grass Valley with other devotees of Ananda. Life was very simple, a little too simple. The earnings of the average “Anandite” in those years were very meager. … Read More
Dear Friend, Here is a touching story from the life of Padre Pio. Padre Pio built a hospital in a very poor region of Southern Italy. He was acquiring donations from many wealthy and poor individuals. The donation that most touched Padre Pio was from a poor widow. The donation was a 50 lire note, which was worth about 3 … Read More
