Videos from Ananda Seattle

In Part 3, we discuss how the individual can respond to challenges and suffering from the viewpoint of the soul. It may be said that what happens to us is the result of our own actions: our past karma. But that is both hard to take and even harder to prove (usually). More important is how we respond in the … Read More

How important are past life memories? What can I do to distill the importance of their appearance in my thoughts and mind? We have lived countless lives. Memories are therefore beyond measure. If an image, memory of flashback has a meaning meditation can help us distill their message. But most probably do not. (Talk by Nayaswami Hriman)

It is too easy to make your diet a religion. Yogananda encouraged us to employ the traditional vegetarian diet but overall “proper eatarianism” suggests a diet that suits your body’s needs and temperament.

Before we consider the personal aspects of suffering, let us consider how the fact of creation’s manifestation by God sets into motion the conditions out of which suffering arises. Like the playwright’s experience of writing a play, the drama of creation takes on a life of its own. Ask any experienced author, dancer, sculptor or composer. Both science and sages … Read More

Paramhansa Yogananda used the metaphor of the movie theatre experience to explain the necessity of contrast to create the appearance of life. This is Part 1 of Existential Questions.

A person feels he has not lived a good life and wonders if it’s too late to reform. Looking around and seeing young people already on the spiritual path, he is discouraged about whether trying to become spiritual will have an impact on his past unspiritual actions. (By Nayaswami Hriman)

A person writes to describe a wonderful experience she had in meditation. What does it mean and how should I relate to this? With Nayaswami Hriman McGilloway

Those who thought Jesus was a revolutionary during his life had little or no idea of just HOW revolutionary Jesus really was. And so too are all of the great saints and avatars down through the ages. As Jesus initiated a new covenant consisting of a personal relationship with God so Paramhansa Yogananda has brought a new dispensation in HOW … Read More

What is the true meaning of the crucifixion of Jesus for you and I? No doubt Jesus’ sacrifice was real and no doubt it bestowed powerful blessings of forgiveness and grace upon those close to him but there is a deeper and more practical understanding of the meaning of his crucifixion than the convenient one that he died for our … Read More

In today’s marketplace of sexuality, traditional exhortations to celibacy or self-control are lost in the plethora of opinions, lifestyle choices, and the insistence of personal freedom. Therefore this subject is not a popular one and perhaps the best that can be offered in these times is the twofold suggestion to: 1) be present and conscious, and 2) be respectful and … Read More