April 2022 Newsletter
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Dear Divine Atman, In
this month’s newsletter, we are happy to share with you wisdom from
Paramahansaji on what it truly means to follow in the footsteps of the
great souls and the sublime promise of where that leads.
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From the talks and writings of Paramahansa Yogananda |
Following
the example of the masters, we should sow the seed of wisdom in the
soil of our consciousness, and make earnest efforts to nurture it with
the waters of self-discipline and daily meditation. Self-discipline is
not self-torture; it is the way to organize and concentrate the unruly
forces of the mind on those specific habits of living that can bring us
true happiness.
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The
light of the sun falls equally on the diamond and the charcoal; but the
diamond, by its transparency, reflects the sun more. Bhagavan
Krishna taught that because the wisdom in man is covered by ignorance,
and because man chooses to misuse his independence to nurture that
ignorance, he doesn't reflect the true image of God that is within
him. But in all those who use the power of the mind to be good,
the power of Spirit will manifest. |
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Every
day, in the beginning, my mind used to say, “You can’t know God. Only
great ones like Krishna, Jesus, and Buddha could.” Then I would reason,
“If God favoured them, He is partial; but I know He is not — He does not
favour anyone. Even they had to go through great trials. But they were
divinely successful, so I too can realize God.” |
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An affirmation to practise: “All
spiritually successful persons, such as Jesus, Babaji, Lahiri Mahasaya,
Sri Yukteswar, Swami Shankara, and other masters are manifestations of
our one Father, God. I am happy in the thought that my spiritual
ambition to realize unity with God is one that has already been attained
by all great masters.”
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Watch
a short video of Swami Chidananda Giri, president of YSS/SRF, on our
“The Hidden Truths in the Gospels” webpage. Though this video is taken
from a talk recorded in 2020, it speaks directly to this moment and to
the ever-current opportunity that each one of us has to successfully
realize our unity with the bliss of the Divine — just as great yogis and
saints have done. |
| Watch video |
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The Yogoda Satsanga Monastic Order
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At
the heart of Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (YSS) is a dedicated
monastic community established by Paramahansa Yogananda, who belonged to
India's ancient Swami Order. |
Have
you yearned to be part of a community of God-seeking souls striving
together to attain the ultimate Goal? Does your heart feel drawn to a
life devoted wholly to God and Guru, and to serving Their divine
mission? If so, we invite you to read more about YSS monastic life. |
| Learn more |
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Serve in the YSS Digital Team
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We
invite you to join the YSS Digital Services team, to support the online
work of our Gurudeva, and to connect with fellow seekers in a spirit of
joyous service. |
The YSS websites offer to devotees and newcomers a sacred online space with resources to deepen their sadhana,
and to attune themselves with the blessings of God and the Gurus. Our
Digital Services team assists with the operational aspects of the
various YSS websites. This team is fully remote and you can serve our
Guru’s blessed work from any part of the world. |
You may explore the various service opportunities within this programme by visiting the SRF/YSS Volunteer Portal.
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| Learn more |
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Weekly Online Inspirational Talk |
We
wish to bring to your kind attention that this week we will not be
posting a “how-to-live” inspirational video talk. Next week we will
resume posting these regular weekly offerings. |
We invite you to view previously posted talks archived here. |
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May God and the Great Ones ever bless and guide you. |
In divine friendship,
Yogoda Satsanga Society of India
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