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Art of Superconscious Living: Transcendence

Nayaswami Hriman
May 2, 2022

Transcendence

Every night in sleep we leave the world behind us. We leave behind also our self-definitions, duties, worries and desires. Sleep is necessary to our physical and mental well-being, but its benefit is limited and doesn’t touch our soul, our spirit.

Paramhansa Yogananda is oft quoted saying “Seclusion is the price of greatness.” Few people can or will take seclusion in the sense that many of us yogis do (as in being alone with God for a week of total silence and meditation). But as Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita counsels us “Even a little of this practice will save us from dire fears and colossal sufferings.”

Meditation, even a few minutes each day, is a practical form of seclusion. So also is the practice of the gyanis who say throughout the day, ”Neti, neti:” “I am not this; I am not that.” Transcendence means to step away from self-preoccupations and self-definitions, at least a little bit EACH day to say, “I am not this, nor that.”

When we are misunderstood, affirm inwardly that “I am free.” When we err, affirm inwardly that “I am a child of God. In my soul I am perfect.” The only purpose of guilt is to remind us to do better but otherwise Yogananda counseled us that “The worse sin is to call yourself a sinner for a saint is a sinner who never gave up!”

Affirmation – Transcendence

I am a child of eternity! I am ageless. I am deathless. I am the changeless Spirit at the heart of all mutation!

Prayer

Wherever my body travels outwardly, let me feel Thy changeless presence within. Wherever my thoughts take me, let them return always, like prodigal children, to find repose in Thee.

Things are “Looking Up” — Try This! Throughout the day, from time to time, look up! Feel your awareness behind the forehead. As you look up, smile as if you had not a care in the world. Live more in the upper part of the body and when concentrating, focus at the point between the eyebrows.