Why I Meditate — Devendra

Brahmachari Devendra on why he meditates. He co-directs Ananda's activities in Gurgaon, practicing and spreading the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda.

"I think one of the greatest benefits of meditation to me is that it opens the heart. And I could connect with other people much more easily. The other thing about meditation is that it brings joy in life, the real joy which is in the heart. We can feel that joy bubbling from our heart, into our face, and it comes as a smile on our face, into the smile.

"The other day I was just walking after meditation on the road. I was just gently smiling, joyfully, walking, inwardly smiling. And one of the strangers on the road, he just greeted me says, 'Oh, good morning,' and I said, 'Good morning,' and then we just passed each other. Well, that was nice because it was joy in the heart, the joy and the smile on the face that attracts other people. So I think that's one of the best things about meditation, that it fills your heart and fills your mind with joy and brings a smile to your face."

Find out more at www.ananda.org/meditation