When a famous Hollywood actor, Herb Jeffries, met Paramhansa Yogananda for the first time, he asked a question that resonates with many, though few have the courage to voice it:
“Religion seems to tell me you shan’t do this, and you must not do that. I’m not interested in what I can’t do. What I want to know is what I can do.”
Master’s reply was simple, profound, and fun. “Do you smoke?” he asked. “Yes,” came the reply. Master’s response surprised him: “You may continue.”
Next up was, “Do you drink alcohol?” “Yes,” was the reply. Again Master said, “You may continue.”
Finally, “Do you enjoy the company of women?” “YES!” “You may continue.”
Master ended by saying, “You may continue with all of these activities. But I must warn you, that if you take up this path, the desire to do them will fall away.”
Yoganandaji taught that it is what we do that makes us holy, not what we don’t do. His guru, Sri Yukteswar, said, “The vanished lives of all men are dark with many shames. . . . Everything in future will improve if you are making a spiritual effort now.”
Only three things are absolutely essential: First is the desire to improve; second, the self-discipline to practice consistently; and finally, being open to help from a guide. Other qualities are important, but if these three are in place, the rest will follow naturally in its own time, just as the flowers of spring develop naturally into the fruits of fall.
Nayaswami Dhyana, her teacher Kashif to her left, learning to play the esraj.
We are currently staying in an apartment in Delhi that we share with our dear friend Nayaswami Dhyana. She has recently taken up playing the esraj, a bowed Indian instrument. A person of great enthusiasm and energy, she personifies these three qualities. She has a strong desire to learn to play the esraj, partly for the sheer joy of playing music, but also so she can play the chants and songs of Paramhansa Yogananda and Swami Kriyananda as an aid to her attunement. Next, she practices two hours a day without fail. And, finally, she takes regular lessons from a teacher, Kashif, a master musician who himself started playing Indian classical music at age five and has practiced for hours each day for over forty years.
Interestingly, unbeknownst to Dhyana till now, we learned that Kashif’s father was a world-renowned musician who played for Yogananda when he was just fourteen years old. How strange are the graces of the guru and the threads of karma that weave together the tapestry of our life.
Not everyone has either the time or inclination to make such a dedicated effort. Consistency is more important than quantity, especially when we are just beginning a new endeavor. Swami Kriyananda would sometimes tell people, “Just try to meditate five minutes each day. You spend that much time on your dental hygiene. You can certainly do the same for your mental and spiritual hygiene.”
Paramhansa Yogananda playing the esraj.
While a teacher or guru is vital, he or she cannot and will not do the work for us. Our spiritual search will evolve so long as we make the effort. Day by day, year by year, a steady desire to improve plus consistent practice will produce magical results. Ultimately, all is accomplished by God’s grace, but it is our soul’s yearning accompanied by self-effort that draws that grace.
Yogananda wrote, “Suppose you want riches. Will you sit in a room and wait for God to give them to you simply because you believe in Him? Hardly! You’ll work very hard to earn them. Why, then, expect salvation to come to you effortlessly, just because you believe?”
As we embark on the spiritual adventure to discover the endless potential within us, there is no magic wand that can substitute for our own effort. As Swami Kriyananda said, “Sometimes we just have to roll up our sleeves and get to work.”
In divine friendship,
Nayaswami Jyotish
Listen to Jyotish as he first reads the blog, then expands on its meaning and messages for readers with behind-the-blog commentary. Subscribe to the podcast or download the audio recording by right-clicking here. Or listen to it here (9:28):
27 Comments
Thank you for this post. It’s true and guiding.
Loved it.
Neela
Wonderful post. So true everything that was said. Thank you
Thanks for sharing wonderful memories.
Jai Guru
A true reflection like a mirror. Am reminded of the saying, heights by great men achieved were not attained by sudden flight, they toiled & worked while their companions slept in the night….
Beautiful added comment! 💖
Thank you for sharing.
Thank you!
The post is very illuminating and guiding, especially for one who is earnestly in search of a path to follow which is unfailing in realising one’s goals, even spiritual.
Thank-you so much Nayaswami Jyotish! I find your words of wisdom inspiring, and I am filled with gratitude!
In Love and Light 🙏
Thank you Jyotish! This was very moving and interesting.
Paula
I love the way you frame things- understandable and uplifting
Of the 3 aspects of spiritual effort ,it was when I became devotional and open to being guided ( the 3rd aspect) that my practice deepened significantly. And I loved the story of Dhyana.
Thank You🙏
Thanks Nayaswami Jyotishji for this guiding and inspiring words. 🙏
Thank you for the post.
What a wonderful post tying so many things together. It will be wonderful to hear Dhyanaji on the esraj in the near future!
Well, I agree 100% with this post because I have already experienced it myself.When I do nothing, nothing happens.There is a place to plan a work, analise it, but if I don’t work it it doesn’t happen.
Your postsare very helpful and give good guidance
Practice makes perfection; many things we know and read, but consistently doing or practicing or living the knowledge and teachings is very important and that’s what will make a difference and help grow and progress; thank you for sharing this.
Thanks Ji for the wonderful thought provoking blog.
Joy!
Thank you, Jyotish Ji. Your posts are so encouraging and hope-giving. Just what I needed at the moment.
With gratitude,
Ankur
💕
Thank you for sharing this. Many blessings to you.
Thank you for the post…..
Dear Nayaswami Jyotish Ji,
Thank you for sharing this wonderful blog. The guidelines are very helpful and can be practiced in all aspects of life.
Very sweet to read about the musicians father.
Joy,
Prem
as always, great stories with great messages in such a simple and inspiring way put to use, thank you Jyotish ji,
So true. So well said! Thank you for the reminder!
Thank you for this wonderful blog ji.
Thank you Jyotish ji for this inspiring letter. I always get your letters when I need them the most .
Thank you so much.