“When you are steadfast in the principles of the guru-disciple relationship, the spiritual path becomes very easy. You cannot then go astray. No matter how delusion tries to pull you away, the master who has experienced God knows your trouble and will help you to steady yourself on the path again. That is what the guru does for you if you are in tune with him. Even though you and the guru may be thousands of miles apart, his help will reach out to you. I feel Master with me all the time, even though he is no longer incarnate on this earth plane. To have the guidance and grace of guru with you — that is the easiest way to move along on the spiritual path.”
—Paramahansa Yogananda
Dear One,
The most precious gift from the Divine that one can receive in this world is to be guided to a God-realized guru, a manifestation of unconditional love and friendship whose sole purpose is to awaken the sleeping God in each disciple. All of us in YSS/SRF have been drawn to such a one in our own beloved satguru, Paramahansa Yoganandaji. On this auspicious day celebrated throughout India, let us unite in offering our heart’s love and devotion in gratitude to that blessed Guru who has given to us his soul-liberating teachings, and whose entire life was dedicated to awaken love for God in the souls of all.
Paramahansaji said that he never found true happiness and wisdom until he met his guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar, one who had the pure and unerring wisdom to guide him back to God. As you travel the path and sincerely practise the sacred sadhana that our own divine Gurudeva laid out for us, you will surely experience ever more deeply the guiding protection and loving presence of Paramahansaji in your lives. It is through our attunement with his intoxicating wisdom and love that our lives are transformed.
As you immerse yourselves each day in the depths of meditation, I pray that you will tangibly perceive that God and Guru are ever near, guiding, loving, and uplifting you.
With divine love and blessings,
Swami Chidananda Giri
