A friend in Seattle once sent us a copy of Paramhansa Yogananda’s original spiritual pledge that he had his students sign. Yoganandaji has such a genius for making the daunting task of Self-realization into simple, practical steps that seem doable. Here are some of the points he encouraged his disciples to follow:
- I will concentrate on the teachings and will be loyal to the faithful daily practice of the techniques.
- I will have a little temple of my own in my own room wherever I am (a closet or even a corner screened off).
- I will consider myself the minister of my temple, to correct myself and teach the audience (consisting of my diverse un-trained thoughts and feelings) so that I may be an ideal example and thereby be of real service to my fellow beings.
- I will endeavor to live by the following Moral and Spiritual Rules:
I will not judge others—only myself.
I shall strictly refuse to hear or read unkind discussions of others.
I will try to be efficient in everything—neither passively depending on God nor egotistically claiming the credit for myself when I have accomplished anything.
I will act and make myself successful through my own efforts and the power of God in me.
Nayaswami Jyotish and Nayaswami Devi are the Spiritual Directors of Ananda Worldwide. Writing by Nayaswami Jyotish and Nayaswami Devi is published weekly in their Touch of Light blog.
