An introduction:
The hurried pace and uncertainties of modern life can feel daunting, given the many seeming demands on our time and energy. And a yearning naturally arises for a sustaining sense of balance and calm.
Paramahansa Yogananda was keenly aware of the challenges our contemporary world would pose. He taught a way by which we can find lasting peace and stability — and draw on untapped supplies of energy. It does not require escape from life’s difficulties, but connecting with the inner strength and perfect poise of the soul. When we are anchored in God’s peace within, through daily meditation, we can actively engage in life with greater resilience — and joy.
Below we present inspiration from Paramahansaji on how to live with confidence amid changing outer conditions. By applying his wisdom, we can gain a deeper sense of well-being and contribute to greater harmony and happiness in our world.
From the talks and writings of Paramahansa Yogananda:
Poise is a beautiful quality. We should pattern our life by a triangular guide: calmness and sweetness are the two sides; the base is happiness. Every day, one should remind himself: ‘I am a prince of peace, sitting on the throne of poise, directing my kingdom of activity.’ Whether one acts quickly or slowly, in solitude or in the busy marts of men, his center should be peaceful, poised.
When you are passing through the difficulties and tests of life, you usually become rebellious: ‘Why should this happen to me?’ Instead, you should think of every trial as a pickax with which to dig into the soil of your consciousness and release the fountain of spiritual strength that lies within. Each test should bring out the hidden power that is within you as a child of God, made in His image.
Through meditation one can experience a stable, silent inner peace that can be a permanently soothing background for all harmonious or trialsome activities demanded by life’s responsibilities. Lasting happiness lies in maintaining this evenly peaceful state of mind.
You should not neglect God for work, and you should not neglect work for God. You must harmonize both activities. Meditate every day, and be thinking of God as you carry your heavy bag of worldly duties. Feel that you are doing everything to please Him. If you are busy for God, then no matter what tasks you are performing, your mind will be always on Him.
Yoga teaches that where God is, there is no fear, no sorrow. The successful yogi can stand unshaken midst the crash of breaking worlds; he is secure in the realization: ‘Lord, where I am, there Thou must come.’
Just beneath the shadows of this life is God’s wondrous Light. The universe is a vast temple of His presence. When you meditate, you will find doors opening to Him everywhere. When you have communion with Him, not all the ravages of the world can take away that Joy and Peace.
[Affirm:] I will cultivate calmness of mind, knowing God is ever with me. I am Spirit!
Would you like to experience the unending peace that is waiting to be discovered within you? We invite you to explore a toolkit which provides you with instructions on relaxation and several videos — from 3 to 30 minutes in length — to help you feel that peace throughout the day.
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