This post presents an excerpt from “The Many Aspects of God,” a chapter in the soon-to-be-released volume of talks, Journey With Paramahansa Yogananda. Sri Daya Mata served as president and sanghamata (“mother of the society”) of Self-Realization Fellowship/Yogoda Satsanga Society of India from 1955 until her passing in 2010. Her compassionate and encouraging counsel — and sublime example of what it means to fully put spirituality into practice — has long been cherished by followers of Paramahansa Yogananda’s teachings worldwide.
Reflecting on my own life devoted to following the spiritual path, I do not think that the rewards of any other pursuit could match the great peace and joy — the happiness, security, and understanding — that come from seeking God. This in no way implies that I believe everyone must literally renounce the world and hie away to the solitude of caves or monasteries in order to find God. Not at all. Paramahansa Yogananda taught us that the real spirit of renunciation lies not so much in donning monastic cloth as in the seeking of inner attunement with God.
This does not require the forsaking of one’s responsibilities. God has given every one of us duties in this world, which He expects us to fulfill. Wherever we have been placed, we should discharge our obligations, but knowing full well one thing: “Lord, it is You with whom I have to do at every moment and in every circumstance. Even while carrying on all my duties, it is You I am seeking, You who are first in my life.” This is the way to live as a true renunciant. As Paramahansaji said, “Make your heart a hermitage, and your robe the love of God.”
That which gives us the greatest sorrow in life, and is the crux of all our problems, is frustrated desires. We want love, and grieve when frustrated in love. We seek financial security, and feel the pain of want when this is denied. Frustration of desire for health, happiness, peace, wisdom, security midst uncertainties — all such constitute the source of human misery. Seeking God is the way to end these frustrations. Did not Christ say, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you”?* That ideal I have always kept before me.
The way to seek God, regardless of one’s duties or mode of life, is to put Him first. The true renunciant is the one in whom all other desires are subservient to the supreme desire and ambition for God, who is the ultimate fulfillment of all our yearnings. When we purify the heart by inwardly renouncing everything for God, we are not renouncing our longing for love, security, joy. We are still seeking these things that are the goals of all beings. But we renounce the futile hope of attaining them from the world, and have the good sense to realize that fulfillment comes by seeking God first. That which is most important is placed uppermost in the consciousness. Then comes spiritual success. Then comes freedom from the painful frustrations of this world.
The sincere seeker creates within himself a sanctuary devoted solely to silent conversation with God. Guruji put less stress on large temples, and emphasized as more important the establishment of a temple of God within the heart and soul for quiet worship and divine communion. The whole world may disappoint us or forsake us, but if we have established a sweet and tender inner relationship with God, we shall never feel alone or forsaken. There is always that Someone by our side — a true Friend, a true Love, a true Mother or Father. In whatever aspect you conceive of the Divine, God is that to you, the devotee.
Footnote:
* Matthew 6:33
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