A revolution against racism and social injustice is upon us. Like the slow rise of water behind a dam, this revolution has been building for a long time. Finally, one drop too many fell on the rising water: the death of George Floyd while in police custody. This released the flood of global conscience which is sweeping away the long-standing barricades of racial injustice.

As well as outer events, there are unseen currents that direct human destiny: the influence of God and of Self-realized masters. That influence, subtle though it be, changes the course of world events much more than we realize.

In part this impact works through the Law of Karma.

Painfully or joyfully, karma teaches individuals and nations the lesson, “As you sow, so shall you reap.” Over time we come to realize that when we bring suffering to others, we ourselves suffer. By contrast, when we help others to achieve well-being, we find happiness for ourself. In this way the evolution of human consciousness takes place through the operation of higher laws.

Techniques of meditation that the Masters have brought also aid in uplifting humanity. The soul power awakened through God communion is invincible: greater than weapons, armies, or political control.

Mahatma Gandhi used this soul force to free India from British rule and to diminish the racism that has long been a blight on the caste system. In 1918 he started the Satyagraha movement based on non-violence and non-cooperation with foreign rule. For the next thirty years until the British withdrew from India in 1947, Gandhi and his followers used soul power to break the chains of colonial dominance.

Yoganandaji spoke very highly of Gandhi both as a man of God and as a leader. He made it a point to visit Gandhi during his return trip to India in 1935, and initiated him into Kriya Yoga.

Martin Luther King Jr., who led the civil rights movement from its beginning in 1955, was greatly influenced by Gandhi’s methods. Reverend King said that the Gandhian philosophy of non-violence was “the only morally and practically sound method open to oppressed people in their struggle for freedom.”

Knowing that humiliations and dangers lay ahead for his “freedom fighters,” King trained them to maintain their dignity and inward centeredness in spite of demeaning, brutal treatment. With deep faith in God, King’s followers drew upon their soul strength to overcome oppression and hatred.

Now we are at a moment in time when, consciously or not, we are being propelled forward by forces of social change. What can we do to add our energy to the wave of transformation?

Protests serve to bring racial injustices to public awareness and to awaken the demand for social change. Voting for ethical, honest leaders who work for the welfare of all also plays a vital role.

But those who believe in a just God—a large portion of humanity—need to awaken the soul force within them. Now is the time to make use of His gift of meditation, brought to us by enlightened teachers. Meditate, live in truth, share higher consciousness with all whom you meet, and use the immense power of prayer to bring about the needed changes.

Are you, or others you know, struggling with a sense of frustration or hopelessness as you confront the daunting challenge of effecting change in the world? If so, and if you haven’t yet learned to meditate, begin today. Make it a daily habit to awaken your own inner strength. Ananda offers a vast array of free online classes, guided meditations, inspiration, and personal instruction to help you get started, or to go deeper in your meditation.

The world is changing now, and according to the Masters, it will be for the better. If we look past the turmoil and uncertainty of these times, there are many hopeful signs for the future. People are beginning to realize how better to relate to the environment, government, and one another.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, we hear a lot about “herd immunity.” The idea is that if enough people (80% of the population) develop immunity either through a vaccine or by recovering from the disease, the virus won’t be able to affect us.

Similarly, if enough people awaken their soul power through meditation and God-communion, humanity may develop “herd immunity” from racism, hatred, and injustice. There is so much we can do, and so much reason for hope for positive changes in society.

Let us join our soul strength with God and with one another in this effort.

With hope for a better world,

Nayaswami Devi

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17 Comments

  1. Dear Nayaswami Devi Ji,
    Thank you for this blog. This is very helpful.
    I enjoyed reading the lines ‘herd immunity’ through spiritual practices :)
    It’s a great blessings for us to be part of Ananda and practising the teachings of Master which helps us immensely particularly at this point in time.

    In Master’s Love
    Prem

  2. Deeply inspiring words at a greatly needed time. History is at another great turning point and your thoughts beautifully evoke the courage to meet the stark challenges ahead like great souls before us, Ghandi and ML King Jr. A powerful and timely blog. Thank you, Devi ?

  3. Thank you so much for this message. Some days I become distraught, especially when I speak with friends whom I think are on a spiritual path. Yet, I see they are caught up with what’s happening physically all around us. I believe God to be in charge no matter what is going on around us. The situations certainly inspire me to do more meditation and prayer. I love the inspiration from Yoganandaji, Gandhi and ML King. Thank you, Devi.

  4. Thank you for sharing these powerful thoughts. Very helpful for the compassionate yogi who wants to see racism eradicated, but needs to do so in integrity with her/his own Soul.

  5. Thank you so much! Inspiring and so very appreciated!

  6. Thank you so much for these blogs. This one in particular is filled with so much wisdom and useful things to do.

  7. The call to dharmic action- thank you Deviji for this expression guiding & supporting all spiritual warriors now and always. Let all with ears to hear feel the power of this vibration and share it with our awakening brothers and sisters. aum, np

  8. Always glad to get your messages. Thank you for continuing, especially now, as the world is changing.
    Still getting a very pale type face on my Galaxy A20, in case anyone might be able to make it an easier to read font.
    Many thanks.

  9. Thank you for sharing this powerful and inspring blog. I will pass it along to others.

  10. So beautifully stated. Words of truth always awaken our souls to act . Blessings

  11. Very true Deviji.
    We all can do a lot to bring a positive change in the society and as rightly said by you we should start at the individual level i.e, as an individual how we can contribute. It might be small but as they say ‘every drop counts’. Thanks for inspiring us and pushing us towards awakening the soul power within us. May God, Guru and Swamiji bless you. ?
    Thank you
    Ritu

  12. Thank you Devi. Your article spoke to me on a soul level and articulated the truth that many of us feel but have trouble sharing. Much love and gratitude to you and Jyotish!
    Rose

  13. Dear Deviji,
    Loved the “Herd immunity” concept. Thank you for such a beautiful article!!!
    Jai Guru

  14. Deeply inspiring words. I took early retirement at the age of 55 with the goal of moving to Northern CA and spending a year or more doing Karma yoga at one of three ashrams. I am now 56 as I wait for the lockdown to be lifted. Expanding Light Ashram has been placed on top of my short list as the place where I would like to serve. I forwarded this article to all my friends so that they can feel empowered :).

    1. Glad that you drew inspiration from the blog. We hope that you can come to The Expanding Light and look forward to meeting you.

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