Swami Kriyananda often said that Ananda is like a living laboratory. By observing others, you can see which attitudes lead to deeper happiness and attunement with God, and which lead in the opposite direction.
One of the things that inspired me during our recent time in India was observing my friends from America who are serving there. We’ve known many of them for decades and have shared life’s laughter and tears together. We’ve been with them, “in their days of sunshine, gone with them in the rain,” as Swamiji says in his song, “Brothers.” They, too, have walked with us through life’s challenges and fulfillments.
But now I was filled with inspiration watching each one of them serving whole-heartedly, selflessly, joyfully. They’ve become radiant channels for God and Guru to all the devotees who come from throughout India.
In observing them, I saw how we grow spiritually when we forget about the little self and focus primarily on loving and serving God. Even though we still may get angry at times, or resist what’s being asked of us, we need to focus on the “main act” in our life — seeking God and serving Him in others. Dwelling on our imperfections, the “side show,” only limits the flow of God’s grace that can flow through us, and the joy we feel.
So as we enter 2014, take some time to reflect on the core values and goals in your life — who you already are in essence. Forget the little commotion in the small arena, which is our past karma. The greatest power of karma over us is to convince us that our flaws are really important. They are only dreams that will dissolve as soon as we turn our energy more completely towards God.
So keep your attention on the “main act” of your life — the skilled high-wire artist — and try not to get distracted by the silly clowns in the “side show.” We are all so much more than we realize.
We send our sincere prayers that your New Year be filled with blessings of divine freedom and joy.
In the love of God and Guru,
Nayaswami Devi
10 Comments
Dearest Jyotish and Devi,
These pearls of wisdom have come to be something I look forward to each week. After I have digested the true meaning of each they get categorized and saved for days when it is just that ‘lesson’ I need to go deeper into.
Thank you and bless you for finding the way to share these pearls and be with each of us every single week. I feel closer to God and Gurus and closer to you through them.
AUM, Shanti
Bless you! Lest we forget the blessed nature of the divine path, there you are steadfastly reminding us of the blessing.
Once again, you have hit the nail of the issue that has been at the forefront of my life within the last couple days, on the head. I just love your metaphor; it really clarifies for my mind the essence of the dynamic that is going on and how to respond most savvily!
Beautifully said, Devi! I add my thanks also for this important reminder to “keep our eyes on the prize”. Love and blessings always, dear one.
Thank you Devi. May your New Year also be filled with divine freedom and joy.
Thank you, Devi. Such important reminders to “keep our eye on the head of the bird” as Arjuna did.
I have observed the same divine qualities in our gurubhais everywhere, who are serving selflessly!
Joy and Love,
Jayanti
Thank you again, Devi! Indeed, seva is at the heart of the matter…Happy New Year!
Dear Devi,
I feel Master Yogananda and Swami Kriyananda’s energy and teachings working through you. I have been praying that my devotion and wisdom grow ever deeper in 2014. I need to take action and do the foot work on my part and have been asking Guruji to give me strength to break from Maya so I can partake in his Divine gift. One day at a time and sometimes one moment can make all the difference. Thank you for your inspiration.
Thank You Devi. This new year has not been as “planned” and I can now be grateful for the experiences that I am having, which didn’t “fall in line” with my intentions and concentrate on the “MAIN EVENT”, my relationship with God and Guru. A wonderful reminder, to not be sidetracked by the “side show”.
~~~Peace, Josette
Thank you very much
Happy new year to you.
John