The week after Thanksgiving I had my annual week of seclusion. Seclusion is a personal retreat: a retreat where one is alone with God in prayer and meditation. This time I didn’t even go out for a walk or a run, though I did more chores around the Hermitage house than I have in past years: cleaning, mostly.
Why We Honor Jesus Christ & Christmas
We occasionally are asked, “Why is the picture of Jesus Christ on the altar and why are the teachings of the bible emphasized at Ananda?” We celebrate the birth, life and teachings of Jesus Christ because we are inspired by the explanation and insight given to us by our preceptor, Paramhansa Yogananda.
Christmas Spirit Comes from Living in the Presence of God
The week after Thanksgiving I had my annual week of seclusion. Seclusion is a personal retreat: a retreat where one is alone with God in prayer and meditation. This time I didn’t even go out for a walk or a run, though I did more chores around the Hermitage house than I have in past years: cleaning, mostly.
Calmness—A Doorway to Cosmic Consciousness
Calmness is one of the eight manifestations of God that one can experience in meditation. Peace is also an aspect of God, though there is a difference between Peace and Calmness. Paramhansa Yogananda explained the difference in this way: Peace is an early meditative experience. Peace, like weightless waterfall, cleanses the mind of all anxiety and care, bestowing heavenly relief. … Read More
We Celebrate the “Labor” of Summer!
A New Year’s Message from Paramhansa Yogananda, January 1950
Resolve, this coming year, to appreciate the value of time. For how is it possible to solve all the mysteries of the Soul in one short life span unless we make the most of each year? Very few know how much can be accomplished when each day is used wisely and economically. Without realizing the value of immortal time, which … Read More
Happy New Year
Happy New Year, everyone. Nayaswami Jyotish: This coming year could be very momentous for the world, for Ananda, and for each of us individually. It is going to be a very important year with many changes happening. This morning I read a letter from 1950 by Paramhansa Yogananda. He urges us to make better use of the time we are … Read More
A Christmas Gift to You: Life Is a Pilgrimage
Happy Christmas! Our gift to you this year is a parable about a pilgrimage taken by a young seeker: a journey towards self-discovery and enlightenment. It was part of one of our classes for Inner Renewal Week 2015, and afterwards many people asked to have a copy of it. So we had it transcribed, and have reworked and edited it … Read More
Autobiography Crossword Puzzle
This is a fun and spiritual game to play this holiday season in honor of the 70th anniversary of Autobiography of a Yogi this year. We hope this puzzle will be a relaxing source of spiritual enjoyment for you. It’s not about how many answers you already know. It’s about the inspiration, insight, and delight that come from diving into … Read More
New Book Release: The Meaning of Dreaming
Should your dreams be important to you or offer special messages or meanings? Have you ever wondered why you have nightly dreams, or exactly how the process happens? And what does it mean if you think you don’t dream or seldom remember your dreams? All these questions and more are answered by the great master of yoga, Paramhansa Yogananda, in … Read More