An introduction:
Have you ever found that maintaining harmony in relationships is a true art — one that needs to be developed and practiced?
Paramahansa Yogananda pointed out that indeed “the art of getting along with others is one of the greatest arts in life. It is not only a practical necessity for a successful existence, but an essential part of soul awakening and progress.”
We are happy to share below wisdom-guidance from Paramahansaji on ways we can cultivate greater harmony in our relationships — by tapping into and expressing the divine love, understanding, and higher potential of our souls.
From the talks and writings of Paramahansa Yogananda:
In your relationships with others, it is extremely necessary to recognize and appreciate the characteristics that they have chiseled out in themselves. If you study people with an open mind, you will better understand them and be able to get along with them.
Practice consideration and goodness until you are like a beautiful flower that everyone loves to see. Be the beauty that is in a flower, and the attractiveness that is in a pure mind. When you are attractive in that way, you will always have true friends.
Carry into your daily activities the calmness you feel in meditation; it will help you to bring harmony and happiness into every aspect of your life.
If you want others to sympathize with you, start showing sympathy to those around you. If you want to be respected, you must learn to be respectful of everyone, both young and old. If you want a display of peace from others, you must be peaceful yourself. If you want others to be religious, start being spiritual yourself. Remember, whatever you want others to be, first be that yourself, then you will find others responding in like manner to you.
[Affirm:] “As I radiate love and goodwill to others, I will open the channel for God’s love to come to me. Divine love is the magnet that draws to me all good.”
We invite you to explore this subject further by reading an excerpt from a 2019 talk given by Brother Chidananda in Mumbai, India, in which the SRF/YSS President discusses how meditation helps us form deep spiritual relationships with others — creating a real source of hope for a more peaceful and united world.
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Thank you for sharing these deeply inspiring words of Guruji! Jai Guru!
I admire the friendships he had, with a variety of amazing people., as described in his autobiography, and in the reflections of those around him. He truly walked his talk as regards making and keeping long term, quality friendships.