Episodes

23m ago

SRF monk Brother Kartikananda conveys wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda on the divine consciousness that was perfectly embodied and manifested by Jesus — known as the Christ Consciousness, God’s universal consciousness in creation. How can we understand the true nature of Jesus Christ in a way that brings greater peace and love into our lives and into our world, during the Christmas season or at any time? The teachings and exemplary life of Christ show us the way to our own spiritual realization. By striving to emulate his divine qualities of forgiveness and compassion — and by our communing with God in meditation — we can tune in with the infinite love of Christ Consciousness. This talk was given at the SRF temple in Glendale, California, in December 2024. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda’s practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! During his talk, Brother Kartikananda refers to the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons. You can receive Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his SRF Lessons, a home-study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org Brother Kartikananda also refers to the following books published by Self-Realization Fellowship: “God Talks With Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita,” Yogananda’s translation and commentary on the teachings of Krishna, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/ “The Second Coming of Christ: The Resurrection of the Christ Within You,” Yogananda’s commentary on the teachings of Jesus, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/the-second-coming-of-christ-ebook/ To view more talks from this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvgapvuKmZMZzL8eloisokH6 If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Dec 1

In this deeply encouraging talk, Brother Chidananda delves into how India’s beloved scripture of yoga, the Bhagavad Gita, can provide us with tremendous wisdom for how we conduct our everyday lives and pursue our highest goals. As Paramahansa Yogananda said, no matter where one is on the spiritual path “the Gita will shed its light on that segment of the journey.” This talk was recorded at the 2008 SRF World Convocation in Los Angeles. Brother Chidananda became president and spiritual head of Self-Realization Fellowship/Yogoda Satsanga Society of India in 2017. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda’s practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! For more information on Paramahansa Yogananda's commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, God Talks With Arjuna, please visit srfbooks.org . You can receive Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living by enrolling in the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, his home-study course available to all. To learn more and enroll: https://srflessons.org If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Nov 27

SRF monk Brother Jayananda conveys wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda on how we can practice the yoga science of meditation to discover God’s presence within — as the limitless Source of all-fulfilling love and joy. This talk, which was the opening class at the 2019 SRF World Convocation in Los Angeles, begins with special words of inspiration from Brother Chidananda, president and spiritual head of Self-Realization Fellowship/Yogoda Satsanga Society of India. He welcomes all those participating to the truly transformative experience of Convocation, and leads an invocation to officially open the annual weeklong program on Paramahansaji’s Kriya Yoga teachings. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda’s practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! You can receive Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his SRF Lessons, a home-study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org During his talk, Brother Jayananda refers to the following books published by Self-Realization Fellowship: “Autobiography of a Yogi,” Paramahansa Yogananda’s acclaimed life story, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/autobiography-of-a-yogi-ebook/ “The Science of Religion,” an amplification by Yogananda of his maiden speech in America, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/the-science-of-religion-ebook/ “Visiting the Saints of India With Sri Daya Mata,” by Sri Mrinalini Mata, fourth president of SRF/YSS, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/visiting-the-saints-of-india-with-sri-daya-mata/ To view more talks from this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvgapvuKmZMZzL8eloisokH6 If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Nov 21

SRF monk Brother Bhimananda conveys wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda on the spiritual practice of gratitude. Would you like to know how the simple act of expressing gratefulness can transform your life? Looking for the good in others and showing our appreciation can bring joy to us and those around us — and create a ripple effect of kindness in our world. When we cultivate gratitude for our blessings, during both good times and difficult times, it will strengthen our faith, increase our devotion, and deepen our awareness of God’s loving presence in every moment of life. This talk was given at the SRF temple in Glendale, California, in June 2024. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda’s practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! You can receive Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his SRF Lessons, a home-study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org During his talk, Brother Bhimananda refers to the following recording published by Self-Realization Fellowship: “Follow the Path of Christ, Krishna, and the Masters,” No. 6 in the Collector’s Series of recorded talks by Paramahansa Yogananda, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/follow-the-path-of-christ-krishna-and-the-masters To view more talks from this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvgapvuKmZMZzL8eloisokH6 If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Nov 14

Sri Mrinalini Mata (1931 – 2017), fourth president of Self-Realization Fellowship/Yogoda Satsanga Society of India, draws on her personal training from Paramahansa Yogananda and decades of experience living a God-centered life to convey the supreme importance of cultivating a deep, personal relationship with God. She explains how inner communion with the Divine through meditation becomes an anchor as we navigate the complexities of life, enabling us to see our external experiences as opportunities to let go of the ego and allow the soul to express its divine nature ever more perfectly. Ultimately, we can live in constant awareness of God, which brings all-satisfying love, joy, and fulfillment. This talk was recorded in January 1969 at the SRF International Headquarters in Los Angeles. Sri Mrinalini Mata served as the fourth president of SRF/YSS from 2011 until her passing in 2017. For many decades she also served as SRF vice president and editor-in-chief of SRF/YSS publications. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! During her talk Sri Mrinalini Mata often refers to Paramahansa Yogananda, guru and founder of SRF/YSS, simply as “Master,” one who has achieved self-mastery. To view more talks by Sri Mrinalini Mata: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3Pzvi9fMgSyq8Dayb20fFcuTTC You may also be interested in the following books by Sri Mrinalini Mata published by Self-Realization Fellowship: “Manifesting Divine Consciousness in Daily Life,” available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/manifesting-divine-consciousness-in-daily-life “The Guru-Disciple Relationship,” available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/the-guru-disciple-relationship “Visiting the Saints of India With Sri Daya Mata,” available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/visiting-the-saints-of-india-with-sri-daya-mata You can receive Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, a home-study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org

Nov 7

SRF monk Brother Kamalananda conveys wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda on the nature of the soul and how we can discover for ourselves the answers to profound questions such as, “Why are we here and what is the purpose of existence on this planet? How did we get here and where are we going?” As a soul we are a perfect individual reflection of the eternal, ever-newly blissful consciousness of God — but usually we are mistakenly identified with the limitations of the body and mortal consciousness. Through progressing through many incarnations we gradually desire to awaken from that delusion. And by practicing the yoga science of meditation we can greatly quicken that process to fully realize our true identity — ever one with infinite Spirit. This talk was given at the SRF temple in Glendale, California, in July 2025. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda’s practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! During his talk, Brother Kamalananda refers to two of the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons: Lesson 9, “God and His Universe”; and Lesson 10, “The Cycles of Life and Death.” You can receive Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his SRF Lessons, a home-study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org Brother Kamalananda also refers to the following book published by Self-Realization Fellowship: “Autobiography of a Yogi,” Paramahansa Yogananda’s acclaimed life story, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/autobiography-of-a-yogi-ebook/ To view more talks from this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvgapvuKmZMZzL8eloisokH6 If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Oct 31

SRF monk Brother Bhumananda conveys wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda on how to cultivate a spiritual outlook that allows us to see every experience as an opportunity for growth and transformation. Would you like to know how to approach life in a way that brings the greatest strength and fulfillment? Life is a cosmic school, and its challenges are meant to help us awaken the limitless potential of the soul — our true nature. By giving our relationship with the Divine primary importance we can face trials with courage, faith, and joy — and move steadily toward the ultimate goal of union with God. This talk was given at the SRF temple in San Diego, California, in November 2024. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda’s practical wisdom and teachings of yoga by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! During his talk, Brother Bhumananda refers to the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons. You can receive Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, a home-study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org To view more talks from this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvgapvuKmZMZzL8eloisokH6 If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Oct 17

SRF monk Brother Prafullananda shares wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda on the power of friendship to transform our lives. Would you like to know how to build friendships that are deeply fulfilling and uplifting? True friendship is unconditional and all-inclusive. By striving to express kindness, love, and understanding to all, we can deepen our close relationships and also broaden the reach of our friendship to include everyone around us. And by offering unconditional love to the Divine in meditation we can draw ever closer to the ultimate goal of life — oneness with God. This talk was given at the SRF temple in Fullerton, California, in March 2023. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda’s practical wisdom and teachings of yoga by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! You can receive Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, a home-study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org During his talk, Brother Prafullananda refers to the following book published by Self-Realization Fellowship: “God Talks With Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita,” Yogananda’s translation and commentary on the teachings of Krishna, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/ To view more talks from this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvgapvuKmZMZzL8eloisokH6 If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Oct 10

In this episode, SRF monk Brother Sevananda conveys wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda on how to become receptive to divine guidance. Would you like to know how to approach all of life’s decisions with a sense of clarity and inner assurance? Our own limited perceptions and understanding can often lead us astray, but intuition is the soul’s direct knowing of truth. Through the practice of meditation and humbly asking for God’s help with devotion and faith we can develop our intuition — and feel more and more the loving presence of the Divine guiding us from within. This talk was recorded at the 2012 SRF World Convocation in Los Angeles. During his talk Brother Sevananda often refers to Paramahansa Yogananda, guru and founder of SRF/YSS, simply as “Guruji” — “ji” being a suffix denoting respect, added to names and titles in India — or “Master,” one who has achieved self-mastery. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda’s practical wisdom and teachings of yoga by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! You can receive Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, a home-study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org During his talk, Brother Sevananda refers to the following books published by Self-Realization Fellowship: “Autobiography of a Yogi,” Paramahansa Yogananda’s acclaimed life story, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/autobiography-of-a-yogi-ebook/ “God Talks With Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita,” Yogananda’s translation and commentary on the teachings of Krishna, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/ “Intuition: Soul Guidance for Life’s Decisions,” by Sri Daya Mata, third president of SRF/YSS, available at: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/intuition-soul-guidance-for-lifes-decisions-ebook/ To view more talks from this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvgapvuKmZMZzL8eloisokH6 If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Oct 3

In this episode, Self-Realization Fellowship monk Brother Govindananda conveys wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda on how we must, in our earnest search for truth, go beyond merely weighing intellectual concepts to reach our own spiritual realization. After all, experiencing truth for ourselves is the essential goal of the spiritual path. Most of us have wondered about the nature of reality and if it was possible to know ultimate truth. Through the practice of meditation and striving to live by moral and spiritual principles, we can allow our true nature as the soul — with all of its divine qualities — to manifest more and more in our lives. And ultimately we can realize the truth of our oneness with eternal, blissful Spirit. This talk was given at the SRF temple in Glendale, California, in October 2024. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom and teachings of yoga by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! During his talk, Brother Govindananda refers to one of the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons — Lesson 75: “How to Develop Intuition Consciously.” You can receive Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, a home-study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org Brother Govindananda also refers to “Self-Realization” magazine, established by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1925. Learn more and read free sample articles from past issues at https://yogananda.org/self-realization-magazine In addition, Brother Govindananda refers to the following books published by Self-Realization Fellowship: “Autobiography of a Yogi,” Paramahansa Yogananda’s acclaimed life story, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/autobiography-of-a-yogi-ebook/ “God Talks With Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita,” Yogananda’s translation and commentary on the teachings of Krishna, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/ “The Divine Romance,” Volume II of Yogananda’s “Collected Talks and Essays,” available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/the-divine-romance-ebook/ To view more talks from this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvgapvuKmZMZzL8eloisokH6 If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Sep 26

In this episode, SRF monk Brother Vimalananda shares wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda on how we can harness the power of habit to shape our lives. Would you like to become adept at creating the positive habits that will help you achieve your highest aspirations? We have created our present habits through repetition of certain thoughts and actions, and we can use the same method to overcome a bad habit by consciously cultivating the opposite good habit. Regular practice of meditation and positive affirmations are powerful tools to lift us above the influence of limiting habits — so ultimately we can experience the perfect joy and divine fulfillment to be found within ourselves. This talk was given at the SRF temple in Glendale, California, in November 2024. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom and teachings of yoga by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! You can receive Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, a home-study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org During his talk, Brother Vimalananda refers to the following books published by Self-Realization Fellowship: “Scientific Healing Affirmations,” available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/scientific-healing-affirmations-ebook/ “Metaphysical Meditations: Universal Prayers, Affirmations, and Visualizations,” available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/metaphysical-meditations-ebook/ “God Talks With Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita,” Yogananda’s translation and commentary on the teachings of Krishna, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/ “The Second Coming of Christ: The Resurrection of the Christ Within You,” Yogananda’s commentary on the teachings of Jesus, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/the-second-coming-of-christ-ebook/ To view more talks from this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvgapvuKmZMZzL8eloisokH6 If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Sep 19

In this episode, SRF monk Brother Satyananda shares wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda on how we can take simple yet powerful actions to foster peace. Would you like to know how you can help establish peace in our world? Through the practice of meditation and prayer we can experience divine peace within and radiate it to the world. And as we cultivate greater calmness we can more readily act as peacemakers, even in situations of conflict — sharing the peace that permeates the soul with all. This talk was given at the SRF Lake Shrine Temple in Pacific Palisades, California, in September 2023, and is being released this week in honor of the UN International Day of Peace (which falls each year on September 21). You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda’s practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! You can receive Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, a home-study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org During his talk, Brother Satyananda refers to the following books published by Self-Realization Fellowship: “The Divine Romance,” Volume II of Yogananda’s “Collected Talks and Essays,” available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/the-divine-romance-ebook/ “God Talks With Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita,” Yogananda’s translation and commentary on the teachings of Krishna, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/ “The Second Coming of Christ: The Resurrection of the Christ Within You,” Yogananda’s commentary on the teachings of Jesus, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/the-second-coming-of-christ-ebook/ To view more talks from this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvgapvuKmZMZzL8eloisokH6 If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Sep 12

In this episode Sri Daya Mata (1914 – 2010), beloved third president of Self-Realization Fellowship/Yogoda Satsanga Society of India, shares insightful wisdom from her personal experience as one of Paramahansa Yogananda’s closest disciples. The joyous and uplifting spirit of hope and encouragement that Daya Mata conveys in this talk allows all to feel the divine love and God-realization with which she was able to touch the hearts of everyone she met. Topics include: How to be “in” the world but not “of” the world Why God-communion is the universal solution to all life’s needs Making time for spiritual practice and balance while fulfilling your material responsibilities Ways to counteract the stresses, fears, and tensions of modern existence How to succeed in attaining Self-realization Sri Daya Mata served as president of Self-Realization Fellowship/Yogoda Satsanga Society of India from 1955 until her passing in 2010. This talk was recorded on July 19, 1996, at the annual SRF World Convocation in Los Angeles. During her talk Sri Daya Mata often refers to Paramahansa Yogananda, guru and founder of SRF/YSS, simply as “Guruji” — “ji” being a suffix denoting respect, added to names and titles in India — or “Master,” one who has achieved self-mastery. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! You can receive Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his SRF Lessons, a home-study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org To view more talks from this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvgapvuKmZMZzL8eloisokH6 To view more talks by Sri Daya Mata: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvhD6uSSA-9ZLNc67KBonSFf If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Sep 5

In this episode, Self-Realization Fellowship nun Sister Ranjana shares wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda on how to harmonize the demands of our daily lives with our spiritual goals. Have you ever wondered what the secret is to finding a balanced and lasting sense of well-being? Today’s world offers many enticing distractions, but we can consciously choose to focus on the things that will bring us the greatest fulfillment. When we simplify life and make regular time for meditation, it helps us cultivate inner peace and engage more meaningfully with our responsibilities — and we can experience the great happiness that comes from living in attunement with the Divine. This talk was given at the SRF Temple in Encinitas, California, in April 2024. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom and teachings of yoga by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! During her talk, Sister Ranjana refers to one of the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons — Lesson 15: “The Art of Balanced Spiritual Living.” You can receive Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, a home-study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org To view more talks from this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvgapvuKmZMZzL8eloisokH6 If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Aug 29

In this episode, Self-Realization Fellowship monk Brother Kamalananda shares wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda on where fear comes from and how we can overcome it. Would you like to learn how to live beyond worries and fears? The soul is fearless, being a spark of the Divine, but when we identify with the ego and feel separate from God then fear arises. Through the practice of meditation, positive affirmation, and other practical tools, we can manage fears and worries in everyday life. And ultimately, fear dissolves completely when we realize our oneness with the Divine — that Loving Presence who is always within and around us, offering protection and peace. This talk was given at the SRF Temple in Glendale, California, in October 2024. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! During his talk, Brother Kamalananda refers to the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons. You can receive Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, a home-study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org Brother Kamalananda also refers to the following book published by Self-Realization Fellowship: “God Talks With Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita,” Yogananda’s translation and commentary on the teachings of Krishna, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/ To view more talks from this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvgapvuKmZMZzL8eloisokH6 If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Aug 8

In this episode, SRF monk Brother Tyagananda shares wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda on how we have the ability to let go of the past, stop worrying about the future, and cultivate a devotional relationship with God in the present. Would you like to know how to live in the present moment in the most meaningful and abundant way? By doing so we can transform our lives — filling each moment with divine peace, love, and joy. This talk was given at the SRF Lake Shrine Temple in Pacific Palisades, California, in October 2023. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! You can receive Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, a home-study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org During his talk, Brother Tyagananda refers to the following books published by Self-Realization Fellowship: “Autobiography of a Yogi,” Paramahansa Yogananda’s acclaimed life story, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/autobiography-of-a-yogi-ebook/ “Inner Peace: How to Be Calmly Active and Actively Calm,” available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/inner-peace-ebook/ To view more talks from this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvgapvuKmZMZzL8eloisokH6 If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Aug 1

In this episode, SRF monk Brother Saralananda conveys wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda on how we can gradually awaken from our perceived limitations and false sense of being separated from the Divine, to experience the reality of our infinite essence as the soul — full of love and joy. While we sleep we create a dream world that seems very real to us. Paramahansa Yogananda taught that this universe is similarly God’s cosmic dream, a temporary existence created from the thoughts of the Divine. So how can we awaken from this cosmic dream and live in the consciousness of our true soul-nature? Through yoga meditation, devotion, and right activity we have the potential to steadily grow in understanding — while learning from life’s challenges — and ultimately rediscover our eternal connection with God. This talk was given at the SRF temple in Hollywood, California, in June 2024. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! You can receive Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, a home-study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org During his talk, Brother Saralananda refers to the following book published by Self-Realization Fellowship: “Metaphysical Meditations: Universal Prayers, Affirmations, and Visualizations,” available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/metaphysical-meditations-ebook/ To view more talks from this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvgapvuKmZMZzL8eloisokH6 If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Jul 25

In this episode, SRF monk Brother Nikhilananda conveys wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda on how a God-illumined guru can guide us toward divine realization through step-by-step methods for spiritual development, and the power of example and unconditional love. On the spiritual path it is a great blessing to have the guidance of one who has traveled to its end and can help us based on personal experience of truth. A true guru is a tireless divine friend and advocate, uplifting the disciple during times of fear and doubt. With faith, perseverance in practicing meditation, and the support of the guru, we can realize our divine nature — and experience God’s infinite joy within. This talk was given at the SRF temple in Glendale, California, in July 2021. During this talk, Brother Nikhilananda mentions “Convocation” — referring to the SRF World Convocation, an annual weeklong program of immersion in the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda. You can view many of the classes, meditations, and kirtans from the 2025 Convocation at: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvjZ4rkvJ8VAAZdXnNCGQPx-&si=_9PhNTI92pkzQjq8 You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! You can receive Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, a home-study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org During his talk, Brother Nikhilananda refers to “Destroying the Consciousness of Fear,” a talk by Paramahansa Yogananda that is now published in the recently released book “Solving the Mystery of Life,” Volume IV of Yogananda’s acclaimed anthology series “Collected Talks and Essays on Realizing God in Daily Life,” available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/solving-the-mystery-of-life-pb Brother Nikhilananda also refers to the following books and a recording published by Self-Realization Fellowship: “Autobiography of a Yogi,” Paramahansa Yogananda’s acclaimed life story, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/autobiography-of-a-yogi-ebook/ “In the Sanctuary of the Soul: A Guide to Effective Prayer,” available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/in-the-sanctuary-of-the-soul-ebook/ “Enter the Quiet Heart: Creating a Loving Relationship With God,” by Sri Daya Mata, third president of SRF/YSS, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/enter-the-quiet-heart-ebook/ “Removing All Sorrow and Suffering,” No. 9 in the Collector’s Series of rare archival talks by Paramahansa Yogananda, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/removing-all-sorrow-and-suffering To view more talks from this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvgapvuKmZMZzL8eloisokH6 If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Jun 13

In this episode, SRF monk Brother Prafullananda conveys wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda on how we can find the true happiness we are all seeking by experiencing the presence of the Divine within. Have you ever wondered if it is possible to possess a lasting happiness, one that transcends the fleeting pleasures of this world?When we give priority to a daily practice of seeking God through meditation, we can discover a joy greater than we ever dreamed possible — in the ever new bliss of the soul. Moreover, by becoming “spiritual business people” — pragmatic and efficient in the way we hold on to that divine happiness — we can lead the most fulfilling and meaningful lives. This talk was given at the SRF temple in Fullerton, California, in August 2022. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! You can receive Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, a home-study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org During his talk, Brother Prafullananda refers to the following books published by Self-Realization Fellowship: “Autobiography of a Yogi,” Paramahansa Yogananda’s acclaimed life story, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/autobiography-of-a-yogi-ebook/ “The Second Coming of Christ: The Resurrection of the Christ Within You,” Yogananda’s commentary on the teachings of Jesus, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/the-second-coming-of-christ-ebook/ “God Talks With Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita,” Yogananda’s translation and commentary on the teachings of Krishna, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/ To view more talks from this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvgapvuKmZMZzL8eloisokH6 If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://yogananda.org/donate

Jun 6

In this episode, SRF monk Brother Achalananda conveys wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda on how we can find the greatest success and fulfillment in both our inner and outer endeavors. Within each one of us lie divine powers — such as willpower, positive thought, and initiative — that enable us to achieve our noblest pursuits. When we continually practice these in our daily lives, while striving to attune with the Divine Will through meditation, we can build a truly successful life — one centered in the happiness and security of the soul. In this talk Brother Achalananda refers to Yogananda, guru and founder of Self-Realization Fellowship/Yogoda Satsanga Society of India, simply as “Master,” being a reverential way to address one’s guru and signifying a soul who has achieved full self-mastery. This talk was recorded at the 1995 SRF World Convocation in Los Angeles. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! You can receive Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, a home-study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org During his talk, Brother Achalananda refers to the following books published by Self-Realization Fellowship: “Man’s Eternal Quest,” Volume I of Yogananda’s “Collected Talks and Essays,” available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/mans-eternal-quest-ebook/ “The Divine Romance,” Volume II of Yogananda’s “Collected Talks and Essays,” available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/the-divine-romance-ebook/ “The Law of Success: Using the Power of Spirit to Create Health, Prosperity, and Happiness,” available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/the-law-of-success-ebook/ “Scientific Healing Affirmations,” available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/scientific-healing-affirmations-ebook/ To view more talks from this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvgapvuKmZMZzL8eloisokH6 If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

May 30

In this episode, SRF nun Sister Ranjana shares wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda on how we can anchor ourselves in the awareness and protection of the Divine to experience true solace and safety — no matter what is going on around us in this world. When we are able to use the science of Kriya Yoga and the power of positive thinking to establish a bond with God that is based in love and understanding then we will be able to hold on to and make the most of the peace, joy, and faith we discover within ourselves through meditation and affirmation. This talk was given at the SRF temple in Encinitas, California, in May 2024. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! During her talk, Sister Ranjana refers to the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons. You can receive Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, a home-study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org Sister Ranjana also refers to the following books published by Self-Realization Fellowship: “The Second Coming of Christ: The Resurrection of the Christ Within You,” Yogananda’s commentary on the teachings of Jesus, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/the-second-coming-of-christ-ebook/ “Finding the Joy Within You: Personal Counsel for God-Centered Living,” by Sri Daya Mata, third president of SRF/YSS, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/finding-the-joy-within-you-ebook/ “Enter the Quiet Heart: Creating a Loving Relationship With God,” by Sri Daya Mata, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/enter-the-quiet-heart-ebook/ To view more talks from this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvgapvuKmZMZzL8eloisokH6 If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

May 23

In this inspiring talk Sri Mrinalini Mata, fourth president of Self-Realization Fellowship/Yogoda Satsanga Society of India, draws on her personal training from Paramahansa Yogananda and decades of experience living a God-centered life to share how we can bring about the perfect attunement with God which our souls seek. Emphasizing the importance of developing an intuitive understanding of how to solve our problems, Sri Mrinalini Mata reminds us that Yogananda’s teachings offer guidance for every aspect of life — and she explains how we can open our hearts, minds, and souls to that sublime Divine Presence which is ever leading us onward toward the highest realization. This talk was recorded in November 1977 at the Yogoda Satsanga Sakha Math in Ranchi, India. To view more talks by Sri Mrinalini Mata: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3Pzvi9fMgSyq8Dayb20fFcuTTC You may also be interested in the following books by Sri Mrinalini Mata published by Self-Realization Fellowship: “Manifesting Divine Consciousness in Daily Life,” available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/manifesting-divine-consciousness-in-daily-life “The Guru-Disciple Relationship,” available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/the-guru-disciple-relationship “Visiting the Saints of India With Sri Daya Mata,” available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/visiting-the-saints-of-india-with-sri-daya-mata You can receive Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, a home-study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org To view more talks from this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvgapvuKmZMZzL8eloisokH6 If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

May 19

In this episode, SRF monk Brother Satyananda shares an important key for letting go of any emotional drama that is currently fighting for our attention in meditation. Drawing from Paramahansaji’s commentaries on the Bhagavad Gita, “God Talks With Arjuna,” and other works, Brother Satyananda shows us ways to empower ourselves to release mental dramas and calm our restless minds as we enter divine communion. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! To learn about the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, the home-study course presenting Paramahansa Yogananda’s comprehensive personal instruction on the science of meditation and the art of balanced spiritual living: https://yogananda.org/lessons To read “God Talks With Arjuna”: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/p... To read “Autobiography of a Yogi”: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/p... To view more from this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvgapvuKmZMZzL8eloisokH6 To participate in an online group meditation through the SRF Online Meditation Center: https://srfonlinemeditation.or g If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

May 19

SRF monk Brother Achalananda presents ideas from Paramahansa Yogananda on how to attain an awareness of the Divine you can take with you wherever you go. “God is omnipresent, God is everywhere, and so in this sense we automatically take Him with us wherever we go. But on the other hand, although He is everywhere, we are not always aware of Him. And so it is helpful to do things that remind us of God and that keep the consciousness of Him in our minds…” This talk was given at the 2005 SRF World Convocation in Los Angeles. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! To learn more about the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, the home-study course giving Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal instruction in meditation and spiritual living: https://yogananda.org/lessons To read the ebook of Yogananda’s “Autobiography of a Yogi”: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/p... To participate in a group meditation through the SRF Online Meditation Center: https://srfonlinemeditation.org If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

May 19

SRF nun Sister Bhakti speaks on the importance of a guru in one’s spiritual search, and how to receive more fully the love and wisdom that the guru offers. This talk was given at the 2018 Self-Realization Fellowship World Convocation. Sister Bhakti’s presentation of this essential topic on the spiritual path interweaves delightful and instructive stories of Paramahansa Yogananda’s direct disciples, insights gleaned from her decades of discipleship, and practical advice that can be applied in daily life. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! To learn more about the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, the home-study course giving Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal instruction in meditation and spiritual living: https://yogananda.org/lessons To read the ebook of Yogananda’s “Autobiography of a Yogi”: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/p... To read the ebook of Yogananda’s translation and commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, “God Talks With Arjuna”: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/p... To participate in a group meditation through the SRF Online Meditation Center: https://srfonlinemeditation.org/ If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

May 19

Self-Realization Fellowship nun Sister Draupadi shares wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda on how to address two fundamental—and interwoven—questions on the spiritual path: “What can I do to nurture a personal relationship with God?” and “What will help me to sustain that relationship through all the ups and downs of daily life?” She explains how becoming anchored in a personal relationship with the Divine “imparts to us spiritual strength, protection, and the divine understanding with which we can navigate successfully through all the difficulties and the uncertainties that we face in our world today.” This satsanga, which was recorded at the SRF International Headquarters in Los Angeles, includes a period of guided meditation and chanting. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! To learn about the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, the core of Paramahansa Yogananda’s teachings, where he gives personal instruction in the science of meditation and the art of balanced spiritual living to make one’s life complete: https://yogananda.org/lessons To view the playlist for all the talks with guided meditations in this series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvgapvuKmZMZzL8eloisokH6 To read the ebook of Yogananda’s “Autobiography of a Yogi”: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/p... In this satsanga, Sister Draupadi discusses the great influence that Sri Daya Mata was on her spiritual life. Below are two links to books by Daya Mata, in which she shares tremendous wisdom on developing and nurturing a relationship with the Divine. “Enter the Quiet Heart”: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/p... “Finding the Joy Within You”: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/p... To participate in a group meditation through the SRF Online Meditation Center: https://srfonlinemeditation.org/ <

May 16

In this episode, SRF monk Brother Saralananda conveys wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda on how our practice of repeating devotional thoughts of God can spiritualize and elevate our lives. Would you like to feel a buoyancy and flow of divine inspiration throughout every day? When we keep our consciousness centered on feeling the loving presence of God and sending that love to others, all of our daily actions become stepping stones to an ever closer relationship with the Divine — as we strive to unite fully with the universal love, joy, and wisdom of Spirit. This talk was recorded at the SRF temple in Fullerton, California, in September 2023. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! During his talk, Brother Saralananda refers to one of the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons — Lesson 25: “Understanding and Attuning With the Power of Love.” You can receive Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, a home-study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org Brother Saralananda also refers to the following books published by Self-Realization Fellowship: “Autobiography of a Yogi,” Paramahansa Yogananda’s acclaimed life story, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/autobiography-of-a-yogi-ebook/ “The Divine Romance,” Volume II of Yogananda’s “Collected Talks and Essays,” available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/the-divine-romance-ebook/ “Man’s Eternal Quest,” Volume I of Yogananda’s “Collected Talks and Essays,” available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/mans-eternal-quest-ebook/ “The Second Coming of Christ: The Resurrection of the Christ Within You,” Yogananda’s commentary on the teachings of Jesus, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/the-second-coming-of-christ-ebook/ “God Talks With Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita,” Yogananda’s translation and commentary on the teachings of Krishna, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/ “Metaphysical Meditations: Universal Prayers, Affirmations, and Visualizations,” available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/metaphysical-meditations-ebook/ To view more talks from this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvgapvuKmZMZzL8eloisokH6 If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

May 12

Brother Anandamoy (1922 – 2016), a direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda and much-loved minister of Self-Realization Fellowship, shares principles from Paramahansaji’s teaching on the power of thought. With compassionate understanding, profound insight, and gentle humor Brother Anandamoy reminds us of the transforming power of our own thoughts and shows us how to use that power to connect with God and the innate strength of our soul. Topics include: • Understanding the universal nature of thought • The mind’s power to bind your or free you • Benefiting from life’s tests and challenges • Inner secrets of happiness and success • Forgiving ourselves and others Recorded at the 1989 Self-Realization Fellowship Convocation in Los Angeles. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! To learn more about the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, the home-study course giving Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal instruction in meditation and spiritual living: https://yogananda.org/lessons To read the ebook of Yogananda’s “Autobiography of a Yogi”: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/p... To read the ebook of Yogananda’s translation and commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, “God Talks With Arjuna”: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/p... To participate in a group meditation through the SRF Online Meditation Center: https://srfonlinemeditation.org/ If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

May 12

In this inspirational service, SRF monk Brother Bhumananda shares Paramahansa Yogananda’s wisdom on the steps that a spiritual seeker can take on the path of yoga to satisfy the heart’s deepest longing for love. The service includes a period of guided yoga meditation. This talk was recording in January, 2021, at the SRF Mother Center in Los Angeles. In discussing unconditional love and steps to take to experience it, Brother Bhumananda draws ideas from works by Paramahansa Yogananda, Sri Daya Mata—one of Yogananda’s foremost disciples—and Swami Sri Yukteswar, Yogananda’s own guru. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! To learn more about the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, the home-study course giving Yogananda’s personal instruction in meditation and spiritual living of the Kriya Yoga path, mentioned by Brother Bhumananda: https://yogananda.org/lessons To read the ebook of Yogananda’s “Autobiography of a Yogi”: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/p... To read the ebook of Yogananda’s translation and commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, “God Talks With Arjuna”: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/p... To read the ebook of Sri Daya Mata’s “Enter the Quiet Heart”: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/p... To read the ebook of Sri Yukteswar’s “The Holy Science,” which describes the stages of purifying the heart to receive unconditional love: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/p... To participate in a group meditation through the SRF Online Meditation Center: https://srfo

May 12

Self-Realization Fellowship monk Brother Govindananda discusses Paramahansa Yogananda’s teaching on meditation—that not only do we want to experience God’s presence as peace, love, joy, in meditation, but to take that awareness with us during the day, no matter what’s going on around us. The importance of seeing our spiritual efforts as a divine offering, Brother Govindananda points out, is discussed in detail in Lesson 5 of the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, the home-study course on meditation and the art of balanced spiritual living from Paramahansa Yogananda. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! To learn more about the Lessons: https://yogananda.org/lessons He also mentions the influence of Paramahansaji’s “Autobiography of a Yogi” and translation and commentaries on the Bhagavad Gita, “God Talks With Arjuna.” To read Autobiography of a Yogi: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/p... To read God Talks With Arjuna: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/p... To participate in a group meditation through the SRF Online Meditation Center: https://srfonlinemeditation.org/ If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

May 12

Brother Anandamoy (1922 – 2016), direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda and much-loved Self-Realization Fellowship minister, gives an inspiring overview of the power of Kriya Yoga to uplift the consciousness of those who practice this sacred science deeply and regularly. This talk was given at the SRF Pasadena Temple on January 4, 1998. The Kriya Yoga path—focusing on scientific meditation and the art of balanced spiritual living—was brought to America from India by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1920. Paramahansaji founded SRF, in that year, to be the organization that spread his teachings worldwide. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! To learn about the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, the core of Paramahansa Yogananda’s teachings on the Kriya Yoga science: http://srflessons.org To see all the talks in this special series: https://yogananda.org/weekly-and-spec... To read Yogananda’s “Autobiography of a Yogi,” now translated into more than 50 languages: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/p... To participate in a group meditation through the SRF Online Meditation Center: https://srfonlinemeditation.org/ If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

May 9

In this episode, SRF nun Sister Usha conveys wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda about the all-embracing Divine Mother, God in the aspect of perfect unconditional love. We all yearn to be loved unconditionally — fully understood and accepted without reservation. When we approach God as a child appealing to our Divine Mother, we can experience the sympathetic understanding, tenderness, and nurturing care that our souls crave. And as we draw closer we ultimately realize that the Divine Mother sees us as we truly are — a beautiful, shining soul, one with Spirit. This talk, which includes a period of meditation, was recorded at the SRF temple in Glendale, California, in May 2024. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! During her talk, Sister Usha refers to the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons. You can receive Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, a home-study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org Sister Usha also refers to the following books published by Self-Realization Fellowship: “Autobiography of a Yogi,” Paramahansa Yogananda’s acclaimed life story, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/autobiography-of-a-yogi-ebook/ “The Divine Romance,” Volume II of Yogananda’s “Collected Talks and Essays,” available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/the-divine-romance-ebook/ “Man’s Eternal Quest,” Volume I of Yogananda’s “Collected Talks and Essays,” available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/mans-eternal-quest-ebook/ “God Talks With Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita,” Yogananda’s translation and commentary on the teachings of Krishna, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/ “The Second Coming of Christ: The Resurrection of the Christ Within You,” Yogananda’s commentary on the teachings of Jesus, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/the-second-coming-of-christ-ebook/ “Paramahansa Yogananda: In Memoriam,” available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/paramahansa-yogananda-in-memoriam/ “Enter the Quiet Heart: Creating a Loving Relationship With God,” by Sri Daya Mata, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/enter-the-quiet-heart-ebook/ In addition, Sister Usha refers to a talk by Brother Anandamoy, a beloved minister of SRF, entitled “The Mother Aspect of God,” which you can view here: https://youtu.be/rqnS4by1Onk?si=EB7cytfhE8l_vbpW To view more talks from this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvgapvuKmZMZzL8eloisokH6 If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

May 5

Brother Bhaktananda (1914 – 2005), a longtime SRF monk and minister who became a disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda in 1939, explains how to develop and perfect the guru-disciple relationship: the Divine’s eternal plan to free each soul. He discusses how a commitment to simplicity, obedience, and loyalty in our daily lives leads to real freedom and happiness. From his long experience practicing the SRF teachings he offers three essential keys to spiritual development: practicing the presence of God, meditation, and study of the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons. He also discusses the importance of deep periods of stillness after practicing meditation techniques. This talk was given at the 1994 SRF World Convocation. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! Learn more about the SRF Lessons, Paramahansa Yogananda’s home-study course on the science of meditation and art of balanced spiritual living: https://yogananda.org/lessons To learn more about how to participate in SRF online group meditations and see the full calendar of events for the SRF Online Meditation Center: Home - SRF Online Meditation To view the 2020 SRF World Convocation events: • 2020 Convocation | Immersion in the T... To read Paramahansa Yogananda’s “Autobiography of a Yogi”: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/p... If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

May 5

SRF monk Brother Jayananda discusses positive ways we can approach all life’s situations as yogis in order to be successful spiritually: “When we talk about thanksgiving or gratitude, these are attitudes really—ways of thinking, or ways of approaching life.” Drawing from Paramahansa Yogananda’s teachings and his experiences with Sri Daya Mata, SRF’s beloved third president, Brother Jayananda explains that right attitudes are just as much a foundational aspect of the science and practice of yoga as are right behaviors. He delves into the subjects of karma and justice, positivity of mind, evenmindedness, and practicing the presence of the Divine in daily life; and stresses that no matter what problems occur, we can maintain an attitude of thankfulness to become aware of God’s guidance and protection. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! For further exploration, based on topics covered in this talk: Learn more about the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, Paramahansa Yogananda’s home-study course on the science of meditation and art of balanced spiritual living: https://yogananda.org/lessons To read Yogananda’s Autobiography of a Yogi: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/p... To read Daya Mata’s Finding the Joy Within You: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/p... To read Yogananda’s The Science of Religion, available as paperback and ebook: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/p... If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

May 2

In this episode, SRF monk Brother Jayananda conveys wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda on how we can find the true and lasting happiness that is the very nature of our souls. Would you like to experience a happiness that is all-satisfying and never ends? All of us are looking for happiness, but the joy we get from outer conditions and experiences quickly fades. When we practice yoga meditation and follow the principles of spiritual living we discover a great treasure of happiness within that stays with us through the ups and downs of life — and helps us become attuned to the bliss of Spirit. This talk, which includes a period of meditation, was recorded at the SRF temple in Hollywood, California, in November 2022. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! During his talk, Brother Jayananda refers to one of the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, titled “Control of Emotions Is the Key to Health and Happiness.” You can receive Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, a home-study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org Brother Jayananda also refers to the following works published by Self-Realization Fellowship: four books from Paramahansa Yogananda and a video of a talk by Sri Daya Mata, third president of SRF/YSS: “Autobiography of a Yogi,” Paramahansa Yogananda’s acclaimed life story, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/autobiography-of-a-yogi-ebook/ “Journey to Self-realization,” Volume III of Yogananda’s “Collected Talks and Essays,” available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/journey-to-self-realization-ebook/ “Where There Is Light: Insight and Inspiration for Meeting Life’s Challenges,” available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/where-there-is-light-ebook/ “The Law of Success: Using the Power of Spirit to Create Health, Prosperity, and Happiness,” available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/the-law-of-success-ebook/ “Him I Shall Follow: Remembrances of My Life With Paramahansa Yogananda” by Sri Daya Mata, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/him-i-shall-follow-2/ To view more talks from this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvgapvuKmZMZzL8eloisokH6 If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Apr 28

In this episode, SRF monk Brother Padmananda conveys wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda on how we can awaken to the joy of Spirit that lies just behind the passing illusions of this world. The yogis of ancient India said that this material world is a dream — so how can we wake up from this dream and experience true reality? When we focus on the pleasures and pains of life and our emotional reactions to them, they seem all too real. But through the practice of meditation and striving for evenmindedness we can learn to see the Divine Hand behind everything — and live in eternal peace, joy, and love. This talk, which includes a period of meditation, was recorded at the SRF Temple in San Diego, California, in June 2024. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! You can receive Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, a home-study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org During his talk, Brother Padmananda refers to the following books published by Self-Realization Fellowship: “Man’s Eternal Quest,” Volume I of Yogananda’s “Collected Talks and Essays,” available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/mans-eternal-quest-ebook/ “The Divine Romance,” Volume II of Yogananda’s “Collected Talks and Essays,” available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/the-divine-romance-ebook/ “Journey to Self-realization,” Volume III of Yogananda’s “Collected Talks and Essays,” available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/journey-to-self-realization-ebook/ “God Talks With Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita,” Yogananda’s translation and commentary on the teachings of Krishna, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/ “The Second Coming of Christ: The Resurrection of the Christ Within You,” Yogananda’s commentary on the teachings of Jesus, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/the-second-coming-of-christ-ebook/ “The Holy Science,” by Swami Sri Yukteswar, guru of Paramahansa Yogananda, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/the-holy-science-ebook/ To view more talks from this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvgapvuKmZMZzL8eloisokH6 If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Apr 14

Mukti Mata (1922 – 2008), a longtime SRF nun and minister SRF who became a disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda in 1945, discusses Paramahansaji’s teaching that prayer is an expression of the soul. She explains that the more we go directly to God with a trusting attitude in prayer, conversing naturally from our heart, the more we build a strong and intimate relationship with the Divine—one which will be a constant source of guidance and support, no matter the circumstances of life. Mukti Mata shares stories of her experiences with Paramahansa Yogananda and Paramahansaji’s own use of prayer to draw the help of God. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! For further exploration, based on topics covered in this talk: Lesson 5 of the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons gives Paramahansa Yogananda’s in-depth teachings on prayer in relation to meditation and the science of yoga: https://yogananda.org/lessons To read Yogananda’s Autobiography of a Yogi: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/p... To read Whispers from Eternity, Yogananda’s book of mystical prayers: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/p... To read “Mejda”—The Family and Early Life of Paramahansa Yogananda, a book by Yogananda’s brother Sananda Lal Ghosh: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/p... If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Apr 14

Self-Realization Fellowship monk Brother Achalananda discusses ways we can cultivate faith—which, as Paramahansa Yogananda explained, goes beyond mere belief and is grounded in actual experience of the Divine within ourselves. To cultivate faith, “we have to start with one quality which [Paramahansa Yogananda] mentions in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita as being the foremost quality that every devotee has to develop to succeed in returning to God,” Brother Achalananda says. “And that quality is fearlessness….Fearlessness means faith in God.” As we work to develop fearlessness, we have much more ability to make progress on the spiritual path because we are no longer holding ourselves back; we are going through life with the proper positive attitude, with increasing faith. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! In his How-to-Live teachings, Paramahansa Yogananda has given to people of all cultures, races, and creeds the means to free themselves from physical, mental, and spiritual inharmonies — to create for themselves a life of enduring happiness and all-round success. To learn more about Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal instruction in the science of meditation and the art of balanced spiritual living: https://yogananda.org/lessons To purchase the ebook of Yogananda’s “Autobiography of a Yogi”: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/p... To purchase the ebook of Yogananda’s translation and commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, “God Talks With Arjuna”: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/p... If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Apr 14

In this talk, SRF nun Sister Preeti addresses questions such as “Why is it that some people are happy and others are not? What can we do to increase our inner happiness? Why should we try to be happy? How does our personal level of happiness affect others?” She explains: “Our guru, Paramahansa Yogananda, assures us that happiness is the birthright of every soul. Each one of us, without exception, has access to the wellspring of inner spiritual happiness.” “Each mortal being has in his heart a terrible hunger for happiness, love, peace, joy,” Paramahansa Yogananda said. And Sister Preeti states, “That hunger is implanted in us by God as part of His beautiful divine plan. Its purpose is to help turn our consciousness away from the world — which we come to realize cannot satisfy us, cannot provide the inner happiness that we crave — and direct us toward God, the source of all happiness, the repository of all peace, and love, and joy.” This talk was given at the 2013 SRF World Convocation in Los Angeles. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! In his How-to-Live teachings, Paramahansa Yogananda has given to people of all cultures, races, and creeds the means to free themselves from physical, mental, and spiritual inharmonies — to create for themselves a life of enduring happiness and all-round success. To learn more about Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal instruction in the science of meditation and the art of balanced spiritual living: https://yogananda.org/lessons To read the ebook of Yogananda’s “Autobiography of a Yogi”: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/p... To read the ebook of Yogananda’s translation and commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, “God Talks With Arjuna”: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/p... If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Apr 11

In this talk, Self-Realization Fellowship monk Brother Anandamoy focuses on the essence of Paramahansa Yogananda’s teachings, providing encouraging guidance on how it is possible to attain God-realization in this life. Through the practice of meditation we can learn to go within and concentrate one-pointedly on God — and establish a sweet, deeply satisfying relationship with the Divine. Brother Anandamoy (1922 – 2016) was an international lecturer and beloved minister of Self-Realization Fellowship for many years, and his talks continue to present for students of Paramahansaji’s teachings and spiritual seekers everywhere key insights into the spiritual path. This talk was recorded on August 8, 1983, at the annual SRF Convocation in Los Angeles. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! Brother Anandamoy mentions the power of group meditation. In addition to meditation services at SRF temples, centers, and meditation groups worldwide, opportunities for group meditation are also offered online on a daily basis through the SRF Online Meditation Center: https://onlinemeditation.yogananda.org/ Brother Anandamoy also refers to the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons. You can receive Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, a home-study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org You may be interested in the following works from Self-Realization Fellowship, based on topics Brother Anandamoy covers in this talk: “God Talks With Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita,” Yogananda’s translation of and commentary on the teachings of Krishna, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/ “Only Love: Living the Spiritual Life in a Changing World,” by Sri Daya Mata, third president of SRF/YSS, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/only-love-ebook/ “Self-Realization” magazine, established by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1925 and available currently as an annual issue. Learn more and read free sample articles from past issues at https://yogananda.org/self-realization-magazine If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Apr 11

SRF nun Sister Karuna shares insights on how you can have a two-way conversation with the Divine. Drawing from Paramahansa Yogananda’s book “How You Can Talk With God” she discusses how, in applying the science of meditation in our daily lives, we can truly realize the kingdom of God within. Sister Karuna also speaks of the deeply personal relationship with Divine Mother experienced by Sri Daya Mata, beloved third president of SRF/YSS. Providing excerpts from Daya Mata’s book “Enter the Quiet Heart,” Sister Karuna lets us know that meditation and conversing with God in a natural way allows us to develop “the ability to love purely and unconditionally.” In his How-to-Live teachings, Paramahansa Yogananda has given to people of all cultures, races, and creeds the means to free themselves from physical, mental, and spiritual inharmonies — to create for themselves a life of enduring happiness and all-round success. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! To learn more about Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal instruction in the science of meditation and the art of balanced spiritual living: https://yogananda.org/lessons To purchase the ebook of Yogananda’s “Autobiography of a Yogi”: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/p... To purchase the ebook of Sri Daya Mata’s “Enter the Quiet Heart”: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/p... To purchase the ebook of Yogananda’s “Metaphysical Meditations”: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/p... If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Apr 4

Are you interested in a simple but profound way to experience the presence of God in everyday life? In this episode, SRF monk Brother Satyananda conveys wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda on how we can take control of our own patterns of thoughts and feelings to fill our lives with sacred moments. Often we are passive about our inner flow of thoughts, but consciously changing the nature of our thoughts can have a powerful effect. Our life is like a tapestry, and when we repeatedly weave in loving, devotional thoughts of God even challenging experiences can become rich and beautiful — as we feel the loving response of the Divine. This talk, which includes a period of meditation, was recorded at the SRF Lake Shrine Temple in Pacific Palisades, California, in December 2024. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! You can receive Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, a home-study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org During his talk, Brother Satyananda refers to the following books published by Self-Realization Fellowship: “The Divine Romance,” Volume II of Yogananda’s “Collected Talks and Essays,” available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/the-divine-romance-ebook/ “Journey to Self-realization,” Volume III of Yogananda’s “Collected Talks and Essays,” available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/journey-to-self-realization-ebook/ “Whispers from Eternity,” a collection of prayers and affirmations, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/whispers-from-eternity-ebook/ “Songs of the Soul,” poems by Paramahansa Yogananda, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/songs-of-the-soul-ebook/ “God Talks With Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita,” Yogananda’s translation and commentary on the teachings of Krishna, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/ “Finding the Joy Within You: Personal Counsel for God-Centered Living,” by Sri Daya Mata, third president of SRF/YSS, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/finding-the-joy-within-you-ebook/ To view videos of more talks from this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvgapvuKmZMZzL8eloisokH6 If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Mar 28

Would you like to know how to develop your will power so that it can accomplish things that may seem impossible? In this episode, SRF monk Brother Prafullananda conveys wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda on how we can attune our limited human will with God’s infinite divine will. Every one of us has the potential to develop “dynamic will” that is constantly improving and expanding. When we use that will power for a good purpose, divine laws operate to bring about the desired result — especially to help us reach our highest goal: realizing our oneness with the Divine. This talk, which includes a period of meditation, was recorded at the SRF temple in Fullerton, California, in May 2022. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! During his talk, Brother Prafullananda refers to the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons. You can receive Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, a home-study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org Brother Prafullananda also refers to the following books published by Self-Realization Fellowship: “God Talks With Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita,” Yogananda’s translation and commentary on the teachings of Krishna, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/ “The Second Coming of Christ: The Resurrection of the Christ Within You,” Yogananda’s commentary on the teachings of Jesus, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/the-second-coming-of-christ-ebook/ “The Law of Success: Using the Power of Spirit to Create Health, Prosperity, and Happiness,” available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/the-law-of-success-ebook/ To view talks from this series as videos: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvgapvuKmZMZzL8eloisokH6 If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Mar 21

In this deeply encouraging talk Sri Daya Mata, beloved third president of Self-Realization Fellowship/Yogoda Satsanga Society of India, shares many beautiful insights from her personal experience as one of Paramahansa Yogananda’s closest disciples. The God-love and tangible divine realization Sri Daya Mata so naturally radiates allows all to come away with renewed strength, inspiration, and commitment to making God’s unconditional love a reality in daily life. Topics include: • Experiencing the infinite love, joy, and peace of God • The inestimable value of a true guru’s example and guidance • The transforming power of daily communion with the Divine in meditation • How learning to love God expands our hearts to want to help others • Cultivating love, compassion, and understanding in our homes and in our world Sri Daya Mata served as president of Self-Realization Fellowship/Yogoda Satsanga Society of India from 1955 until her passing in 2010. This talk was recorded on August 2, 1985, at the annual SRF World Convocation in Los Angeles. During her talk Sri Daya Mata often refers to Paramahansa Yogananda, guru and founder of SRF/YSS, simply as “Guruji” — “ji” being a suffix denoting respect, added to names and titles in India — or “Master,” one who has achieved self-mastery. She also speaks of the Convocation participants as having had their “Kriya today” — referring to the sacred Kriya Yoga Ceremony that many of those present had attended. The Kriya technique, which is bestowed on eligible students of the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, is the highest technique in the system of meditation techniques taught by Paramahansa Yogananda and his lineage of gurus, known as Kriya Yoga. The Kriya Yoga path also embodies a complete philosophy and way of life. You can receive Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his SRF Lessons, a home-study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org To view more talks from this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvgapvuKmZMZzL8eloisokH6 To view more talks by Sri Daya Mata: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvhD6uSSA-9ZLNc67KBonSFf If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Mar 14

How can we experience pure divine love in meditation and give that love to others in daily life? In this video, Self-Realization Fellowship monk Brother Kamalananda conveys wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda on how expressing the love we experience within can transform our lives and world. Accepting that God loves us unconditionally enables us to reciprocate that love more and more — with the Divine in our meditations and through even small acts of loving kindness, which have the power to impact others in profound ways while also bringing us tremendous joy. This talk was recorded at the SRF temple in Glendale, California, in September 2024. During his talk, Brother Kamalananda refers to the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons. You can receive Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, a home-study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org Brother Kamalananda also refers to the following books published by Self-Realization Fellowship: “Autobiography of a Yogi,” Paramahansa Yogananda’s acclaimed life story, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/autobiography-of-a-yogi-ebook/ “The Divine Romance,” Volume 2 of Yogananda’s Collected Talks and Essays, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/the-divine-romance-ebook/ “In the Sanctuary of the Soul: A Guide to Effective Prayer,” available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/in-the-sanctuary-of-the-soul-ebook/ To view more talks from this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvgapvuKmZMZzL8eloisokH6 If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Mar 8

How can we bring God closer, so that lasting peace and joy become part of our everyday reality? Paramahansa Yogananda explained that God is “ever-existing, ever-conscious, ever-new Bliss.” And in this talk, SRF monk Brother Kartikananda conveys wisdom from Paramahansaji on how, through regular meditation, we can experience within ourselves that same bliss, which is the true nature of the soul as a reflection of the Divine. As we strive to carry that happiness with us throughout the day, we find our actions infused with a positive attitude and we more selflessly serve others — steadily progressing on the spiritual path. This talk, which includes a period of meditation, was recorded at the SRF temple in Glendale, California, in September 2024. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom and teachings of yoga by clicking “like” above. We greatly appreciate your support! During his talk, Brother Kartikananda refers to the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons. You can receive Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, a home-study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org During his talk, Brother Kartikananda refers to the following books published by Self-Realization Fellowship: “The Divine Romance,” Volume 2 of Yogananda’s Collected Talks and Essays, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/the-divine-romance-ebook/ “God Talks With Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita,” Yogananda’s translation and commentary on the teachings of Krishna, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/ “In the Sanctuary of the Soul: A Guide to Effective Prayer,” available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/in-the-sanctuary-of-the-soul-ebook/ “Only Love: Living the Spiritual Life in a Changing World,” by Sri Daya Mata, third president of SRF/YSS, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/only-love-ebook/ To view more talks from this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvgapvuKmZMZzL8eloisokH6 If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Mar 5

In this talk Brother Anandamoy, one of Paramahansa Yogananda’s direct disciples, identifies the universal needs that lie at the core of all spiritual seeking, and demonstrates how true spirituality, found in the esoteric traditions of the world’s great religions, fulfills these needs through direct personal experience of God. In his How-to-Live teachings, Paramahansa Yogananda has given to people of all cultures, races, and creeds the means to free themselves from physical, mental, and spiritual inharmonies — to create for themselves a life of enduring happiness and all-round success. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! To learn more about Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal instruction in the science of meditation and the art of balanced spiritual living: https://yogananda.org/lessons To read the ebook of Yogananda’s “Autobiography of a Yogi”: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/autobiography-of-a-yogi-ebook/ To read the ebook of Yogananda’s translation and commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, “God Talks With Arjuna”: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/ To view the collection of ebooks available from SRF: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product-category/books/ebooks/ To subscribe to the SRF Newsletter or Self-Realization magazine: https://yogananda.org/subscribe If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Mar 5

SRF monk Brother Sattvananda explains that enthusiasm—the ability to motivate ourselves and feel joy in whatever we are doing—is not only important in every aspect of life, but especially in order to achieve our highest spiritual goal of communion with God. He shares Paramahansa Yogananda’s ideas on how to cultivate spiritual enthusiasm and understand the relationship between will power and maintaining enthusiasm in all our pursuits. With a deep sense of understanding for the trials we all face as we strive to grow spiritually, Brother Sattvananda encourages us to be regular in our spiritual practices—and to keep reminding ourselves of the daily blessings that come from meditation—in order to infuse our lives with divine enthusiasm. In his How-to-Live teachings, Paramahansa Yogananda has given to people of all cultures, races, and creeds the means to free themselves from physical, mental, and spiritual inharmonies — to create for themselves a life of enduring happiness and all-round success. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! To learn the science of meditation and the art of balanced spiritual living of the Kriya Yoga path: https://yogananda.org/lessons To read the ebook of Yogananda’s “Autobiography of a Yogi”: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/autobiography-of-a-yogi-ebook/ To read the ebook of Yogananda’s translation and commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, “God Talks With Arjuna”: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/ To view the collection of ebooks available from SRF: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product-category/books/ebooks/ To subscribe to the SRF Newsletter or Self-Realization magazine: https://yogananda.org/subscribe If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Mar 5

A talk given by Sri Daya Mata at the 1993 SRF World Convocation in Los Angeles as part of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of Paramahansa Yogananda’s birth. Sri Daya Mata was the president of Self-Realization Fellowship/Yogoda Satsanga Society of India from 1955 until her passing in 2010. In this talk Daya Mata explains that Paramahansaji was sent to the West to address humanity’s hunger for direct personal experience of God. She provides insight into the deep underlying reasons for the current difficulties in the world situation, along with uplifting counsel to help us to connect with the Inner Source of security and reassurance. She says: “We must change. That was the message of Master [Paramahansa Yogananda]; that is why this work will grow on and on and on—because it can and will help people to change. Afflicted by suffering, people say: ‘Why did God do this to me?’ He didn’t do it to us. We must take responsibility for ourselves. When we hit a stone wall, the wall doesn’t mean to hurt us; but we may break our knuckles, or our head! This is what we must learn. “That is why God created divine laws and set them forth as guidelines in all the great religions of the world. To each of us He is saying, ‘My child, these are the absolutes you must follow.’ He knew that we were weak; He knew that we were frail. He knew we had lost contact with Him by our becoming too much immersed in this material world. Those laws are there to help us know when we are doing wrong. We must not go against those ancient divine principles.” You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! In his How-to-Live teachings, Paramahansa Yogananda has given to people of all cultures, races, and creeds the means to free themselves from physical, mental, and spiritual inharmonies — to create for themselves a life of enduring happiness and all-round success. To learn more about the SRF Lessons, which present Yogananda’s personal step-by-step instruction in the science of meditation and the art of balanced spiritual living of the Kriya Yoga path: https://yogananda.org/lessons To read the ebook of Yogananda’s “Autobiography of a Yogi”: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/autobiography-of-a-yogi-ebook/ To view the collection of ebooks available from SRF: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product-category/books/ebooks/ To subscribe to the SRF Newsletter or Self-Realization magazine: https://yogananda.org/subscribe If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Feb 24

As part of the 2020 SRF World Convocation, SRF monk Brother Kamalananda provides answers to questions submitted by Self-Realization Fellowship students and members on applying Paramahansa Yogananda’s "how-to-live" teachings in daily life. The 2020 Self-Realization Fellowship World Convocation was a week of free online classes, meditations, virtual pilgrimages to ashram centers where Yogananda lived, kirtans (devotional chanting), and more—offering all seekers of higher consciousness and balanced spiritual living a unique experience of peace and joy. Please visit convocation.yogananda.org for more information about our annual Convocation. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! Paramahansa Yogananda viewed the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons as the very core of the teachings he was ordained to bring to the world as a special spiritual dispensation for the coming global civilization. To learn more and apply for the SRF Lessons: https://yogananda.org/lessons In addition to the Lessons, in his satsanga Brother Kamalananda mentions three other resources that can be a great aid to those on the spiritual path: Paramahansa Yogananda’s “Where There Is Light: Insight and Inspiration for Meeting Life’s Challenges: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/where-there-is-light/ Paramahansa Yogananda’s “Scientific Healing Affirmations”: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/scientific-healing-affirmations/ And, a talk by Brother Anandamoy available as DVD or digital rental, “The Wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita”: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/the-wisdom-of-the-bhagavad-gita/ If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Feb 24

SRF monk Brother Balananda delivers a class on how, by embracing inner growth that builds both self-esteem and self-confidence, teens can learn to realize themselves as souls, made in the image of God—capable of accomplishing anything. This class, which is primarily oriented towards SRF/YSS teens, will explore how they can develop a strong spiritual foundation — so that when tests, trials, and challenges come they will be able to intuitively receive the soul’s wisdom-guidance and support. The sturdier this foundation, the smoother life becomes, and the happier one will be. This class was part of the 2020 SRF Online World Convocation. The 2020 Convocation was a week of online classes, meditations, virtual pilgrimages to ashram centers where Yogananda lived, kirtans (devotional chanting), and more—offering all seekers of higher consciousness and balanced spiritual living a unique experience of peace and joy. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! To read Paramahansa Yogananda’s Introduction to the SRF Lessons, “Highest Achievements Through Self-Realization”: https://flipbooks.yogananda.org/15791/30007/index.html?convo&_ga=2.237627968.1925057532.1597017556-1151153180.1597017556 To learn more and apply for the SRF Lessons: https://yogananda.org/lessons If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Feb 24

SRF monk Brother Saralananda discusses how students of the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons can make Paramahansa Yogananda’s living presence a tangible reality through their study of the Lessons—the very core of the Kriya Yoga teachings he was ordained to bring to the world. In the Preface to the new SRF Lessons, Sri Daya Mata and Sri Mrinalini Mata write: “The scriptures of India teach the value of shravana — listening with reverence and attention to the instruc¬tion received at the feet of one’s guru. Let your reading of these Lessons be that kind of ‘listening,’ which fully imparts the meaning of the words to your mind and heart.” And Paramahansa Yogananda said: “When this body shall be gone, still my voice shall always speak through these Lessons.” This class was part of the 2020 SRF Online World Convocation. The 2020 Convocation was a week of online classes, meditations, virtual pilgrimages to ashram centers where Yogananda lived, kirtans (devotional chanting), and more—offering all seekers of higher consciousness and balanced spiritual living a unique experience of peace and joy. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! To read Paramahansa Yogananda’s Introduction to the SRF Lessons, “Highest Achievements Through Self-Realization”: https://flipbooks.yogananda.org/15791/30007/index.html?convo&_ga=2.237627968.1925057532.1597017556-1151153180.1597017556 To learn more and apply for the SRF Lessons: https://yogananda.org/lessons If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Feb 15

SRF monk Brother Bhumananda conveys wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda on how to make introspection a positive experience and use it as a powerful tool for spiritual growth. Our true nature is the perfect divinity of the soul. The flaws and bad habits we have acquired are only temporary. Through regular introspection we can learn to see not only our strengths but any negative qualities or moods that are holding us back — and then take definite steps to cultivate the opposite qualities, all the while maintaining a positive attitude. Our daily efforts to improve, along with practicing meditation, can transform our lives — bringing us greater peace and revealing ever more clearly the blissful light of Spirit within. This talk was recorded at the 2010 SRF World Convocation in Los Angeles. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! You can receive Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, a home-study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org During his talk, Brother Bhumananda refers to the following books published by Self-Realization Fellowship: “Autobiography of a Yogi,” Paramahansa Yogananda’s acclaimed life story, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/autobiography-of-a-yogi-ebook/ “Man’s Eternal Quest,” Volume 1 of Yogananda’s Collected Talks and Essays, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/mans-eternal-quest-ebook/ “Journey to Self-realization,” Volume 3 of Yogananda’s Collected Talks and Essays, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/journey-to-self-realization-ebook/ “The Second Coming of Christ: The Resurrection of the Christ Within You,” Yogananda’s commentary on the teachings of Jesus, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/the-second-coming-of-christ-ebook/ “God Talks With Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita,” Yogananda’s translation and commentary on the teachings of Krishna, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/ “Only Love: Living the Spiritual Life in a Changing World,” by Sri Daya Mata, third president of SRF/YSS, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/only-love-ebook/ Brother Bhumananda also refers to “Self-Realization” magazine, established by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1925. Learn more and read free sample articles from past issues at https://yogananda.org/self-realization-magazine If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Feb 13

SRF monk Brother Govindananda discusses Paramahansa Yogananda’s teachings on how to harness the power of the mind through understanding its relationship to the spiritual eye and by applying the techniques of meditation taught in the SRF Lessons. Brother Govindananda explains that by practicing a powerful form of pranayama such as the Hong-Sau Technique, the yogi can gradually but surely bring the restless mind under control. He also shares how we can use other methods such as daily spiritual study and writing to enhance our ability to reach this goal. In his How-to-Live teachings, Paramahansa Yogananda has given to people of all cultures, races, and creeds the means to free themselves from physical, mental, and spiritual inharmonies — to create for themselves a life of enduring happiness and all-round success. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! To learn the science of meditation and the art of balanced spiritual living of the Kriya Yoga path: https://yogananda.org/lessons To read the ebook of Yogananda’s “Autobiography of a Yogi”: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/autobiography-of-a-yogi-ebook/ To read the ebook of Yogananda’s translation and commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, “God Talks With Arjuna”: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/ To view the collection of ebooks available from SRF: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product-category/books/ebooks/ To subscribe to the SRF Newsletter or Self-Realization magazine: https://yogananda.org/subscribe If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Feb 13

SRF monk Brother Anilananda discusses the importance of having a true guru on the spiritual path, in this talk given at the 2014 SRF World Convocation. He quotes Paramahansa Yogananda’s words: “Most people could not become millionaires in this lifetime no matter how much they wanted, because it would take several lifetimes for them to bring about the right circumstances. But…all of us, ‘being already made in the image of God, can attain Him in one lifetime by making the proper spiritual effort under the guidance of a true guru.’” Brother Anilananda stresses that there are three ways in which we can cooperate and tune in with the Guru, who is trying to help us reach omnipresent liberation. “The Guru is our guide to eternal freedom,” he states. “To attune with him, we should remember the importance of love; and the techniques of meditation he has given us, which will help us go inside to awaken that love; and finally we must learn to ‘give that love to all.’” In his How-to-Live teachings, Yogananda has given to people of all cultures, races, and creeds the means to free themselves from physical, mental, and spiritual inharmonies — to create for themselves a life of enduring happiness and all-round success. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! To learn the science of meditation and the art of balanced spiritual living of the Kriya Yoga path: https://yogananda.org/lessons To read the ebook of Yogananda’s “Autobiography of a Yogi”: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/autobiography-of-a-yogi-ebook/ To view the collection of ebooks available from SRF: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product-category/books/ebooks/ To subscribe to the SRF Newsletter or Self-Realization magazine: https://yogananda.org/subscribe If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Feb 13

SRF monk Brother Jayananda shares insights from Paramahansa Yogananda into how to progress on the spiritual path. First, "What is the true purpose of life?" After revealing the answer to this, Brother Jayananda explains how to achieve this purpose by applying various universal methods of spiritual seeking found in the SRF/YSS teachings, especially that of the technique of Kriya Yoga. In his How-to-Live teachings, Paramahansa Yogananda has given to people of all cultures, races, and creeds the means to free themselves from physical, mental, and spiritual inharmonies — to create for themselves a life of enduring happiness and all-round success. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! To learn the science of meditation and the art of balanced spiritual living of the Kriya Yoga path: https://yogananda.org/lessons To read the ebook of Yogananda’s “Autobiography of a Yogi”: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/autobiography-of-a-yogi-ebook/ To read the ebook of Yogananda’s “God Talks With Arjuna”: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/ To read the ebook of Yogananda’s “Journey to Self-realization”: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/journey-to-self-realization-ebook/ To view the ebooks available from SRF: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product-category/books/ebooks/ To subscribe to the SRF Newsletter or Self-Realization magazine: https://yogananda.org/subscribe If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Feb 13

SRF monk Brother Bhumananda shares insights into Paramahansa Yogananda’s stating that this world in which we live is—in an ultimate sense—a cosmic motion picture. He explains that although our life experiences seem so very real and compelling, the message from the great ones who know God—such as Jesus, Krishna, and the Self-Realization Fellowship lineage of Gurus—is that this ‘reality’ is not what it seems to be. The great spiritual masters come to wake us up so that we can know what we really are: beings of light and consciousness. This lesson is borne out in the Bible passage from the book of Matthew: “The ship was now in the midst of the sea tossed with waves, for the wind was contrary. And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them walking onto the sea. And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea they were troubled, saying it is a spirit and they cried out for fear. But straightway Jesus spoke unto them saying, ‘Be of good cheer. It is I. Be not afraid.’” Of this miracle Paramahansa Yogananda explains: “A master who by actual realization perceives the entire cosmos as a dream of God, and all matter as condensed light and consciousness, rises above the laws governing material creation….If a sleeping man dreams he is drowning, his consciousness would suffer a painful sense of suffocation. But if he knew the art of controlling his dreams at will he could save his dream self simply by changing his dream thoughts to behold his dream body floating safely on the dream waters. Jesus, perceiving his body, the sea, and the conglomerate world as differentiated dream waves of consciousness…could by mere willing change the…electronic composition of his body so that weightlessly it could walk on water.” Paramahansa Yogananda stated that Jesus and his close disciples practiced a form of yoga meditation very similar to Kriya Yoga. And it is through the practice of Kriya Yoga Meditation that a seeker after higher understanding can come to that realization that his or her essence is light and consciousness. Brother Bhumananda points out that when Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is within you,” the yogis of India would recognize that assertion as perfectly in harmony with yoga. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! To teach seekers in the practice of Kriya Yoga meditation, Paramahansa Yogananda established the SRF/YSS Lessons as a comprehensive system for balanced spiritual living: https://yogananda.org/lessons To read Paramahansa Yogananda’s translation and commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, God Talks With Arjuna: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/ To learn more about the SRF World Convocation, a yearly week-long immersion for SRF members and friends from around the world in the “how-to-live” teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda: https://yogananda.org/convocation If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Feb 13

SRF monk Brother Nakulananda explains how the secret for success on the spiritual path lies in developing a “never give up” attitude: “We will be delving into the subject of perseverance and having that indomitable will and determination to accomplish whatever we set out to do in our lives; and in particular to be determined to seek God, to love God, until we have that final union with God” He points out that the highest goal in life is to experience the Divine within ourselves, and that to do so requires persevering until we reach that sacred goal. Citing numerous examples of spiritually successful individuals, most notably Paramahansa Yogananda, he explains how we can develop #perseverance and our desire for realization—despite all the tests of life—through practical spiritual methods such as: • Understanding the purpose of life • Using affirmations as a means to know the divinity and strength of your true nature as a soul • Faithfully practicing scientific yoga meditation techniques, as those found in the SRF teachings “The scientific way of entering the superconscious state is by the methods of life-force control I am giving to you,” Brother Nakulananda quotes #Yogananda as saying about the pranayama (life-force control) techniques taught in the SRF Lessons. “If you faithfully practice these techniques and meditate deeply, I prophesy you will never give it up.” In this talk, which was recorded at the SRF Encinitas Temple in May 2020, Brother Nakulananda quotes from Yogananda’s commentaries on the Bhagavad Gita (“God Talks With Arjuna”) and the New Testament (“The Second Coming of Christ”) to show their underlying unity and emphasis on actual experience of God. And in drawing examples from the lives of saints, Brother Nakulananda tells us that we too can follow in their footsteps and achieve our own Self-realization. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! To learn the meditation techniques of the science of Kriya Yoga by receiving the SRF Lessons: https://yogananda.org/lessons To read the ebook of Yogananda’s “Autobiography of a Yogi”: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/autobiography-of-a-yogi-ebook/ To read the ebook of Yogananda’s “God Talks With Arjuna”: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/ If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Feb 13

SRF/YSS President Brother Chidananda shares how the comprehensive science of Kriya Yoga—which includes the specific technique of Kriya Yoga as well as the other meditation techniques taught by Paramahansa Yogananda—works in a systemic way to “reverse the searchlights of the senses” away from matter so that we can discover the bliss of the Divine within ourselves. As Brother Chidananda states in his talk, “An understanding of the basic principles of this comprehensive science helps a great deal in the practice of not just the Kriya technique proper, but also the Energization Exercises, the Hong-Sau Technique of Concentration, and the Aum Technique of Meditation, all of which are part of this interrelated science of yoga meditation.” Yoganandaji explains that “the little searchlights of our mind’s attention and of the five senses ordinarily are focused on imperfect matter….Man’s attachment to matter keeps the soul confined to the bodily prison and prevents it from finding freedom with God in the realm of eternal bliss. The ego attempts to satisfy through material channels the soul’s constant, insatiable longing for God.” This talk was recorded at the 2016 SRF World Convocation in Los Angeles, a year before Brother Chidananda became the fifth president of Self-Realization Fellowship, the organization established by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1920 to disseminate his teachings on Kriya Yoga meditation worldwide. Brother Chidananda points out that progress on the spiritual path begins from the very moment we start to feel what Paramahansa Yogananda described as “the soul’s constant, insatiable longing for God.” Brother Chidananda illustrates the incredible power of the science of Kriya Yoga for mastering the ego-principle, which allows us to realize the innate Joy of the soul—even in this modern age. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! To learn about the SRF World Convocation, please visit: https://yogananda.org/srf-world-convocation-overview To learn about the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, the home-study course from Yogananda that presents his in-depth teachings on the Kriya Yoga science of meditation and art of balanced spiritual living, please visit: https://yogananda.org/lessons To learn more about the yoga path and the science Kriya Yoga in particular: https://yogananda.org/path To experience more SRF how-to-live inspirational videos and guided meditations: https://www.youtube.com/user/YoganandaSRF If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Feb 13

SRF monk Brother Vishwananda discusses how we can more quickly and effectively achieve the ultimate goal of human life—Self-realization, oneness with the bliss of God—by understanding what devotion truly is and practicing it daily as we learn to “live in the moment.” He explains: “Very few people understand what the purpose of life is. But our guru, Paramahansa Yogananda, has told us: The purpose of life is to find God. If we can cling to this one thought alone, how our lives will change! That thought gives perspective and power of direction to every aspect of our lives. We now have a measure for our every thought, feeling, and action: is this taking me closer to God, or is it taking me away from God? This reflects the real meaning of yoga: It is not just practice of techniques that we perform a few times per day and then go about our lives. It is a way of life that impacts us on all levels—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.” Recorded at the 2012 SRF World Convocation, Brother Vishwananda states how wonderful it is to be at the Convocation—a weeklong immersion in the Kriya Yoga teachings of Yogananda—with SRF students from all over the world, gathering to set aside “all thoughts and cares of the world, the challenges that we all may be facing in our day-to-day lives, and just focus on loving God.” Brother Vishwananda reminds the audience of words spoken by SRF’s fourth president, Sri Mrinalini Mata, earlier in the Convocation week, in which she pointed out that Convocation experience, though soon to come to and end, could serve as a beginning of a lasting and deeper awareness of and true devotion to the Divine. (This talk by Mrinalini Mata was published as “Filling the Vessel of Your Life With God’s Love” in the Winter 2012 and Spring 2013 issues of Self-Realization magazine.) To learn about the SRF World Convocation please visit: https://yogananda.org/srf-world-convocation-overview Topics discussed in True Devotion include: • The purpose of life • The importance of living in the moment • Making you relationship with God and Guru personal • Yama-niyama—the first two steps in Patanjali’s Eightfold Path of Yoga, extolled in his Yoga Sutras, as the foundation of the spiritual practice of meditation You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! In his “how-to-live” teachings, Paramahansa Yogananda has given to people of all cultures, races, and creeds the means to free themselves from physical, mental, and spiritual inharmonies — to create for themselves a life of enduring happiness and all-round success. To learn about the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, the home-study course from Yogananda that presents his in-depth teachings on the Kriya Yoga science of meditation and art of balanced spiritual living, please visit: https://yogananda.org/lessons To experience more SRF how-to-live inspirational videos and guided meditations: https://www.youtube.com/user/YoganandaSRF If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Jan 28

SRF nun Sister Priya shares her insights into how to find spiritual balance in our lives with meditation as the foundation. In this talk, recorded at the 2000 SRF World Convocation in Los Angeles, she also discusses how we can allow the problems of life to drive us closer to God; the importance of forgiveness in our finding balance; and the power or prayer to bring about change in ourselves, our lives, and the world. The SRF/YSS path of Kriya Yoga meditation—taught by Paramahansa Yogananda in the SRF/YSS Lessons—is a comprehensive system for balanced spiritual living. As Sister Priya points out, “Regular meditation will always be primary among the SRF requirements for a balanced and spiritual life. Our guru, Paramahansa Yogananda, never spoke of the essentials without stressing meditation.” She tells us that it is regular meditation, especially Kriya meditation, by which, in Yogananda’s words, “Men and women, one by one, escape from creation’s prison of duality as they awaken to consciousness of their inseverable divine unity with the Creator.” But in addition to meditation, the spiritual aspirant looking for true happiness must also consider how to make one’s whole of life balanced. And this is where Sister Priya stresses the comprehensive and universal nature of the spiritual discipline, or sadhana, to be found in the “how-to-live” SRF/YSS teachings: “[Paramahansa Yogananda’s] sadhana is suitable both for householder and renunciant seeking freedom in God, because it includes this beautiful balance of regular meditation, of service to God in others, plus rest, recreation, and exercise. Everything in moderation.” At the beginning of this talk, Sister Priya also speaks of the hope she feels after having just visited an SRF summer youth program: “If children like this…represent the future of SRF and the future of the world, I think we have less to worry about than we thought. They radiated such purity and yet such depth, gentle spiritual strength.” You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! To learn to practice the SRF teachings of Kriya Yoga meditation: https://yogananda.org/lessons To learn more about Self-Realization Fellowship: https://yogananda.org/ To learn more about programs for youth from SRF: https://yogananda.org/events-and-programs-for-youth To read Paramahansa Yogananda’s translation and commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, God Talks With Arjuna: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/ To learn more about the SRF World Convocation, a yearly week-long immersion for SRF members and friends from around the world in the “how-to-live” teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda: https://yogananda.org/srf-world-convocation-overview If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Jan 28

SRF monk Brother Satyananda explores how to understand the idea of “Taking Shelter in God” in Paramahansa Yogananda’s Kriya Yoga teachings. When the trials of life suddenly encroach on us, do we seek inner peace in meditation: “are we putting first our fear, or are we putting first our faith?” Brother Satyananda explains that seeking the protective shelter of the Divine is a choice we can all make, just as we would choose to seek shelter from a storm. If we take shelter in God with devotion, we can, in Paramahansaji’s words, “become established in supreme peace and find eternal freedom in Him.” This inspirational service draws from Paramahansa Yogananda’s commentaries on the Bhagavad Gita, “God Talks With Arjuna,” and his commentaries on the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament, “The Second Coming of Christ.” You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! In his “how-to-live” teachings, Paramahansa Yogananda has given to people of all cultures, races, and creeds the means to free themselves from physical, mental, and spiritual inharmonies — to create for themselves a life of enduring happiness and all-round success. To learn how to receive the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons—which include the advanced techniques of meditation, including Kriya Yoga, and instruction on balanced spiritual living as taught by Paramahansa Yogananda: https://yogananda.org/lessons To purchase the ebook of Inner Peace: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/inner-peace-ebook/ To purchase the ebook of God Talks With Arjuna: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/ To learn more about Self-Realization Fellowship and its teachings: https://yogananda.org To learn more about how meditation is the central focus of the complete system of Raja Yoga: https://yogananda.org/yoga-union-with-bliss-through-meditation If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Jan 28

SRF nun Sister Draupadi discusses the Mother aspect of the Divine, and explains that by applying Paramahansa Yogananda’s teachings, we help our families live in a higher age of understanding and spiritual balance. She further affirms that as parents deepen their own relationship with God, they also guide the lives of children with ever-increasing love and acceptance. At the beginning of this service given at the SRF International Headquarters in Los Angeles, Sister Draupadi reads from "The Second Coming of Christ” and “God Talks With Arjuna,” Paramahansa Yogananda’s commentaries on the New Testament and the Bhagavad Gita, respectively. After describing the ennobling instruction given to children before they entered householder life in the Golden Age of ancient India, she points out that we are truly blessed in our present time to have the Kriya Yoga teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda — which we can apply in our lives in order to live in a higher age, right now. “All of us who have embraced Paramahansa Yogananda’s teachings are actually following the teachings of Vedic India,” Sister Draupadi affirms. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! To learn how to receive the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons—which include the advanced techniques of meditation, including Kriya Yoga, and instruction on balanced spiritual living as taught by Paramahansa Yogananda: https://yogananda.org/lessons To read the book Mejda, the account of the early years of Paramahansa Yogananda written by his brother Sananda Lal Ghosh: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/mejda/ To purchase the ebook of God Talks With Arjuna, Yogananda’s translations and commentary on the Bhagavad Gita: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/god-talks-with-arjuna-the-bhagavad-gita-ebook/ If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Jan 28

SRF monk Brother Nakulananda explains how we can face all of life’s challenges through applying Paramahansa Yogananda’s scientific Kriya Yoga teachings on meditation and balanced spiritual living and how-to-live principles: “Our Guru [Paramahansa Yogananda] has given to us so much in his vast teachings—in his lectures, his writings, his recordings, his how-to-live principles, the techniques of meditation—showing us the supreme purpose for which we are here on earth, and how to achieve that goal of God-realization, which is our divine birthright, our divine heritage.” He also cites the counsel of Sri Daya Mata—one of Yogananda’s earliest and closest disciples, and the third president of SRF/YSS—who explains that nothing in this world is stable: everything is changing except God, and that “lasting peace can only come from within, from attunement with God.” Brother Nakulananda explains that by becoming anchored in God through meditation and right activity, “we are not only helping ourselves, but we are also helping our family and our friends and our loved ones just by our example of the calmness and the evenmindedness that we are exemplifying in our daily lives.” He again quotes Daya Mata: “The more you fix your consciousness in the reality of His presence within you, the more you will learn, as stated by Master, ‘to stand unshaken midst the crash of breaking worlds.’ Established in the evenmindedness of soul consciousness and the constancy of God’s presence, you will not only be able to keep your own head high in times of crisis or tragedy, but also to give strength and comfort to others and to the world through the spiritual consciousness emanating from your uplifting thoughts, actions, and prayers.” In concluding his talk, Brother Nakulananda quotes solacing insight that Paramahansa Yogananda gives in his Autobiography of a Yogi concerning the promise that the SRF teachings on Kriya Yoga hold for not only this moment but the unfolding future: “The blessed role of Kriya Yoga in East and West has hardly more than just begun. May all men come to know that there exists a definite, scientific technique of Self-realization for the overcoming of all human misery!” This service was recorded at the Self-Realization Fellowship Temple in Encinitas, California. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! In his “how-to-live” teachings, Paramahansa Yogananda has given to people of all cultures, races, and creeds the means to free themselves from physical, mental, and spiritual inharmonies — to create for themselves a life of enduring happiness and all-round success. Learn more about Self-Realization Fellowship and the path of Kriya Yoga meditation: https://yogananda.org Learn Kriya Yoga by applying for the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, the home-study course in the science of meditation and art of balanced spiritual living established by Yogananda: https://yogananda.org/lessons Learn more Autobiography of a Yogi, Paramahansa Yogananda’s spiritual classic: https://yogananda.org/autobiography-of-a-yogi Purchase Autobiography of a Yogi as an ebook: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/autobiography-of-a-yogi-ebook/ Read selections of Yogananda’s “how-to-live” wisdom on a variety of topics: https://yogananda.org/how-to-live-wisdom If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org

Jan 27

In this inspirational service conducted at the SRF Hollywood Temple, SRF monk Brother Govindananda speaks about “Rediscovering Your Higher Self.” He explains how we can use Kriya Yoga meditation and the power of affirmation to uncover “your higher self” — the hidden soul nature that resides in every human being. He quotes Paramahansa Yogananda’s words for overcoming the limitations of human consciousness: “Material remedies—medicines, physical comforts, human consolation—have their place in helping to remove pain, but the greatest remedy is the practice of Kriya Yoga and the affirmation that you are one with God. This is the cure-all for every trouble, pain, and bereavement—the way to freedom from all individual and mass karma.” He further quotes Paramahansa Yogananda in explanation of “your higher self”: “Remember you are a child of God. It lies with you as to what you are going to be. Be proud that you are a child of God. What have you to fear?...He loves you everlastingly. Think that. Believe that. Know that. And suddenly one day you will find you are immortally alive in God.” In his “how-to-live” teachings, Paramahansa Yogananda has given to people of all cultures, races, and creeds the means to free themselves from physical, mental, and spiritual inharmonies — to create for themselves a life of enduring happiness and all-round success. You can help more people find and benefit from Yogananda's practical wisdom by rating and reviewing this podcast. We greatly appreciate your support! Learn more about Self-Realization Fellowship and the path of Kriya Yoga: https://yogananda.org Learn Kriya Yoga by applying for the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, the home-study course in the science of meditation and art of balanced spiritual living established by Yogananda: https://yogananda.org/lessons Read selections of Yogananda’s “how-to-live” wisdom on a variety of topics: https://yogananda.org/how-to-live-wisdom If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org