Dear Friend, Paramhansa Yogananda was asked by his disciples what they should do when he physically left this world. His reply was, “Only love can take my place.” Some years ago a friend asked Swami Kriyananda what we should do if times got really tough on this planet. He replied, “You’ll have to learn to love heroically.” I’ve pondered these … Read More
Thank You God, Tithing
Dear Friend, Everything good that you strive for will come if you put out enough energy and strive to raise your consciousness. Tithing requires you to raise your energy, which is necessary in order to draw God’s response. The one certain method for escaping the results of a specific action is to destroy it in this life: otherwise, it will … Read More
The Law of Abundance
The following quote from Paramhansa Yogananda is a tremendous reminder of how the law of abundance works: “Divine Abundance follows the law of service and generosity. Give and then receive. Give to the world the best you have, and the best will come back to you.” During the difficult financial times we are experiencing, I think it is a good … Read More
Tithing in the Christmas Season
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 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 to me: For me … Read More
Our Relationship with God
Imagine a mother in a park tenderly holding her young daughter who was just scared by a big dog. The dog is gone and the little girl is snuggling closer into her mom’s shoulder and feeling that everything is all right. At this moment the girl knows mom is taking care of her. This is our relationship with God. Many … Read More
How to Get Lasting Happiness
This world comes with a guarantee—it will never give us lasting happiness. The lasting happiness we seek is the indwelling spirit within each one of us. Cultivating a devotional and expansive spirit is key to having a rich spiritual life. Serving and living for others is the right way to live if we want our lives to work. Swami Kriyananda … Read More
What Should We Do When Life is Hard?
We have so much to be thankful for. We are living in a golden time, rich with Master’s grace and blessings—a time when we can really make great gains in our quest for God. We all know the state of the economy. It’s not always easy to give with the obligation of our current financial responsibilities. Give anyway. God knows … Read More
What is the Secret of Happiness?
Last year, Swami Kriyananda was asked the question: What is the secret of happiness? “The most important secret of happiness is self-offering to God. When you can offer yourself to God, and claim nothing for yourself, you find you’re always happy. Happiness is when the joy of God can sing though you. That happiness comes from giving your life to … Read More
God Will Take Care of Us
Dear Friend, From a fellow tither: “I have been looking for jobs since November but couldn’t I find anything. Three weeks ago, I donated half of my first unemployment benefit check to Ananda. Two weeks later, I got the first temporary job since November, ‘Thank you, Master.’” She just got a permanent job. Developing faith that God will take care … Read More
How Can I Have More Faith in God?
Dear Friend, This past summer, Swami Kriyananda videotaped the answers to hundred’s of spiritual questions. One question asked was, “how can I have more faith in God?” Swami gave a beautiful answer that I have paraphrased below: “Strive towards this attitude: whether I’m poor or in the lap of abundance and prosperity, I am irrevocably Yours, God. If you have … Read More