This episode covers the next part of chapter 13: 
“The saint’s censorious attitude vanished...” 
to 
“...I feel great love for you.” 

Summary: 

Young Mukunda (Paramahansa Yogananda) receives some gentle words of wisdom from Ram Gopal Mazumdar on following your guru, having a space to meditate and love. We dig a little deeper into the significance of these lessons in terms of the Guru-disciple relationship, the law of attraction and the the importance of taking the inner pilgrimage.  

0:00 Summary of prior episode; 

2:51 The windows to the soul; 
10:35 Devotion - to the ends of the earth; 
25:50 Inner vs. Outer Pilgrimage; 
41:55 Looking ahead to the next episode. 

 

Links discussed in this episode:  
https://yogananda.org/the-role-of-a-guru-in-ones-spiritual-search 
https://yogananda.com.au/pyr/pyr_devotion1.html 
https://yssofindia.org/product/mans-eternal-quest 
https://yogananda.com.au/sc/new_testament_kingdom_of_God_l17-20.html 
 
Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 13: 
“Ram Gopal took my hand and led...” 
to 
“...burn as though every cell were on fire.” 

#autobiographyofayogi  
#autobiographylinebyline  
#paramahansayogananda 
Autobiography of a Yogi  
awake.minute 
Self-Realization Fellowship 
Yogoda Satsanga Society of India 
#SRF #YSS 

This episode covers the next part of chapter 12: 
“My guru mixed freely with men and women...” 
to 
“...a love solitary because omnipresent.” 

Summary: 

The soul's is birthless, genderless and transcendent. Sri Yukteswar helps us to understand these high principles through some profound and inspirational philosophical dialogue. We reflect on how to live by these high thoughts, the benefits of Kriya in this endeavor and struggles of the aspiring Yogi. 

0:00 Summary of previous episode; 
1:45 Coming up; 
2:30 Gender-less approach; 
14:25 Women; 
34:48 Sri Yukteswar’s counsel; 
1:21:14 The freedom attained by the true devotee; 
1:25:00 Summary of next episode. 

Links discussed in this episode: 
https://yogananda.com.au/gurus/yoganandaquotes03b2.html 

Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 12: 
“Sri Yukteswar’s mother lived in the...” 
to 
“... finding God will mean the funeral of all sorrows.” 

#autobiographyofayogi  
#autobiographylinebyline  
#paramahansayogananda 
Autobiography of a Yogi  
awake.minute 
Self-Realization Fellowship 
Yogoda Satsanga Society of India 
#SRF #YSS 

Living in spiritual communities would certainly be supportive to our sadhana but do we really need to go down this extreme social lifestyle vs living the “householder Yogi” norm, does an adequate spiritual community even exist? The discovery of atomic bomb and the Atomic Age was predicted by Paramahansa Yogananda and the other great ones and we discuss how this is related to the human race’s own Yuga story (Chris again!). Oppenheimer's famous, moving speech about the Atom bomb heavily referenced (and made even more famous) the Bhagavad Gita, we discuss the ramifications of the use of that lethal weapon in Japan all those decades ago. We also discuss how Oppenheimer’s own translation of that verse (11-32) varies substantially to Guruji’s in God Talks with Arjuna.  0:00 Summary of minute; 7:39 Living in spiritual communities; 19:00 Atomic bomb; 35:09 I am become Death - The Gita's vision of visions; 49:42 'Fun with flags'. Other translations of that verse: “I am become death, the destroyer of Worlds”: www.waggish.org/2020/now-i-am-become-death-the-destroyer-of-worlds/  Paramahansa Yogananda’s Great Samadhi “Vision of Visions” of 1948: https:// yoganandasite.wordpress.com/2016/10/21/masters-great-samadhi-vision-of-visions-of-1948-mrinalini-mata/

The Autobiography of a Yogi was a phenomenally influential work which is still the most popular route to devotees taking refuge in Kriya Yoga as taught by Paramahansa Yogananda. Guruji also wrote many other books (God Talks with Arjuna, Second Coming of Christ and the lessons), numbering many thousands of pages, Tara Mata, Daya Mata and Mrinalini Mata have their seva stretched to the limit in typing the truth for us future devotees. We discuss how this process would have been transformative their own sadhana as well as professional skills!  0:00 Meet Michael; 6:00 Summary of minute; 7:40 Keeping a spiritual blog; 10:59 Autobiography of a Yogi; 20:11 Which Guru is most important? 31:40 Paramahansa Yogananda's vast bibliography; 45:00 Being a scribe for Guruji; 53:21 Images used in the minute. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paramahansa_Yogananda_bibliography

We discuss the benefits of experiencing your body as stone, consciousness and light, as expounded by Paramahansa Yogananda in this minute. We also reflect on what Asana/posture would be most conducive for this experience. Brother Chidananda talks about the importance of Yogananda’s writings during this time (after returning from India in 1936) and how Sri Mrinalini Mata was crucial in this respect, we recollect some the most moving moments from her memorial service. Guruji’s writings in English are just as powerful as ancient Sanskrit mantras to devotees around the world, encapsulating the famous quote: “When I am gone, the teachings will be the Guru”. 0:00 Hopes and dreams; 3:31 Summary of Minute; 5:06 The "New" Lessons; 9:54 Guruji and meditating with body "as if like stone"; 22:42 Master's Great Samadhi; 28:18 Mrinalini Mata. NB: the recording at the end of this episode is not by Daya Mata, but Mrinalini Mata.  Mrinalini Mata - In His Presence: https://yssofindia.org/about/mrinalini-mata-in-his-presence  Sri Mrinalini Mata Memorial Service: https://youtu.be/A-Ut2SB-dU8

Paramahansa Yogananda is surprised by his devotees with a hermitage in Encinitas, and Brother Chidananda, Leo Cocks, Sri Daya Mata and Sri Mrinalini Mata provide their insight how it was different being with Guruji after he returned from India, after Sri Yukteswar had mahasamadhi. Nita joins us to share her reflections of this minute. 0:00 Meet Nita; 8:51 Summary of minute; 10:30 Encinitas "surprise"; 19:23 Guruji entering different states of consciousness; 24:33 Glassy eyes; 40:03 Mrinalini Mata; 43:57 Why did guruji enter this state? Video on Mrinalini Mata discussed in the video:   https://yssofindia.org/about/mrinalini-mata-in-his-presence

Paramahansa Yogananda spoke often about the ramifications of war and the way of peace. We dig a little deeper and explore the wealth of Guruji’s writings to find relevant material to discuss, relevant for both this minute and the current, troubling, state of affairs around the world. A sombre episode, but with reason for hope. 0:00 Preamble; 1:10 Summary of Minute; 2:03 World War 1 and the Cosmic Dream; 21:31 The End of the World; 50:13 Hitler; 53:36 The need for the teachings. Articles discussed in minute from East West Magazine July – August, 1927 Vol 2-5: www.mysticalportal.net/2-5.html

Paramahansa Yogananda shares some optimistic reflections on how to consider home as anywhere and everywhere. Our guest Lauren joins us to discuss what this means for us, using the apt example of the lovely Cosmic Chant “Divine Gypsy”. We recite and reflect on Guruji’s related poem “God’s Boatman”, inciting both indebtedness and gratitude by devotees. We also explore a comment put forward by a follower on the subject of whether following the “News” should be a mandatory part of our lives.  0:00 Mike sings a song that none have sung; 2:12 Meet Lauren; 3:33 Summary of Minute; 6:16 Divine Gypsy and the beauty of Cosmic Chants; 27:00 God's Boatman; 31:07 Images and music used in minute; 38:45 Q&A Should we follow the "news"?. Music from the minute – Krishnadas's “Sita's Prayer / Hey Mata Durga": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABBl1a6kxKU

The Mahasamadhi of Sri Yukteswar has an intriguing background, we share the stories and sequence of events as covered by Paramahansa Yogananda in the Autobiography of a Yogi, as well as the last moments they shared together. Was it right for the producers to include the scenes of Sri Yukteswar’s soul-free frame? The documentary only hints at Yogananda's experience of Sri Yukteswar’s resurrection, we fill in the gaps and also reflect on our experiences of death within our own families. A minute to stop, think deeply and savour our journey of life.  0:00 Preamble; 1:37 Summary of minute; 3:54 Sri Yukteswar gives Yogananda signs; 10:20 God's to help us to deal with death; 23:50 Scenes from the minute and handing of Sri Yukteswar's body; 32:03 Guruji's vision and images of him conducting the ancient Hindu rites; 41:20 The resurrection as depicted in the film; 45:05 The priceless pearls from resurrection chapter in the Autobiography of a Yogi.

Paramahansa Yogananda dedicates a whole chapter of his Autobiography to Anandamayi Ma. In this minute we only have a small glimpse of their divine tryst, but as a picture tells a thousand words, so we thought it only right to elucidate our experience of this beautiful moment in our Guru’s history. The narrator reflects that Paramahansa Yogananda had no ‘attraction’ to return to America, but if he had actually followed through, how would the world have been different for us devotees? The narrator also speaks of Krishna and the Jamuna river, reminding us of Master’s cosmic chant: My Krishna is Blue. Will Mike or Chris take the hint and finally don their chanting voices? 0:00 Meet Padmini; 11:09 Anandamayi Ma; 23:55 Being near her in Samadhi; 47:59 What if Guruji did not go back to America in 1936?; 58:56 Krishna's India and that famous Tamal Tree;   1:07:07 Pictures used in the minute.

This minute is filled with a beautiful collage of images and moving pictures of Paramahansa Yogananda and Sri Yukteswar. It gives us the opportunity to discuss the significance of taking Darshan of saints, temples and holy places. We also ask ourselves about the importance of physical proximity to a spiritual master. The narrator mentions the spiritual zeal and ardour of the devotees surrounding Guruji while he was in India and that they did not need coaxing, but why do we have so much inertia?  There is a lovely video of Ramana Maharshi and we share our experiences of this famous spiritual master of South India.  1:35 Summary of minute; 3:20 Darshan, bringing in the presence of the Gurus; 21:00 Images of Guruji in minute; 27:10 Why do we need coaxing?; 40:25 Swami Gyanananda; 44:26 The great Ramana Maharshi; 53:10 Final reflections. Video extract from the minute - “Creating Your Spiritual Environment” by Brother Anandamoy: https://youtu.be/PaNngy76hK4

In this minute Mahatma Gandhi welcomes Paramahansa Yogananda into his ashram. Our guest Philip joins us to discuss the spiritual background of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (before his Kriya initiation) and some epic philosophies he founded that are as applicable today as they were a century ago. Paramahansa Yogananda is then reunited with his own guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri in a compelling cinematography sequence. We also discuss Richard Wright and his witnessing the magical scene as it unfolded.  0:00 Meet Philip; 4:47 Summary of Minute; 6:53 Mahatma Gandhi; 12:25 A fast on silence; 17:42 Challenging the caste system; 28:40 Was Gandhi already a Yogi before his initiation by Paramahansa Yogananda; 38:39 Priyank's favourite Gandhi quotes; 49:48 Renunciation; 55:01 Richard Wright; 1:05:26 Scenes from Guruji's reunion; 1:15:15 Philip describes how he is preparing for his Kriya Initiation. Links discussed in the podcast: Gandhi’s video and jovial voice: https://youtu.be/Zt_MmVBUv84  Richard Wright background: https://yoganandasite.wordpress.com/2017/01/08/tribute-to-richard-wright-his-great-contribution-to-gurus-work/

This episode covers the next part of chapter 12: “During my early months with Master I experienced...” to “...his bounty pouring peacefully over my being.”  Summary:  Mukunda is an exemplary of leader – even from a young age, including the appointment as a young supervisor of the Hermitage. We discuss the challenges of leadership roles, and the case of a disciple named Kumar who struggled with his character and habits. We also explored the importance of spiritual discipline, the role of habits and environment in shaping behaviour, and the concept of indulgence and its potential consequences.  0:00 Summary of previous episode; 3:15 The Leader; 40:10 Lessons not heeded; 1:18:45 Rejecting protection of the Guru; 1:48:37 Summary of next episode.  Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 12: “My guru mixed freely with men and women disciples...” to “—a love solitary because omnipresent.”  #autobiographyofayogi  #autobiographylinebyline  #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi  awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS

Sri Yukteswar recalls Paramahansa Yogananda back to India, with a lightening force! We discuss the beautiful and rare images used in this minute, as well as the background of the Great Depression that would have made Guruji’s sojourn back quite difficult. Yogananda established the London Centre of Self-Realization Fellowship while in England as well as taking the route through the Middle East and other important places of pilgrimage, providing an excellent tour guide for future generations of disciples such as us! 1:09 Summary of minute; 2:12 An image of an austere Sri Yukteswar; 9:12 The timing of Sri Yukteswar calling Guruji back; 27:25 The route back to India; 43:40 Other images used in the minute.

Leo Cocks shares his beautiful life experiences with Paramahansa Yogananda. He talks about self-transformation and unconditional love in such a heartfelt way that it warrants an entire hour discussion on these important topics. Our friend Deeksha joins us during her lunch break to share her unique reflections.  0:00 Meet Deeksha; 7:56 Summary of Minute; 10:47 Memoires of Leo Cocks; 33:24 Psychiatry vs Guruchiatry; 1:05:22 Pictures from the minute and closing Prayer. References: Leo Cocks Book: I Became My Heart. Brother Ananadamoy's talk: https://yssofindia.org/blog/your-thoughts-can-change-your-life

The unique oratory skills of Brother Anandamoy, a direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda, beautifully expressed the main theme of this minute: rechannelling. Through George Harrison we discuss how this was achieved through sound and through Sister Parvati through outward sight and inner vision. We dissect these topics with sniper like precision!  0:00 William the Conqueror; 5:37 Summary of Minute; 7:02 George Harrison and gifting the AoY; 18:01 Brother Anandamoy; 39:00 Sister Parvati. Brother Anandamoy's book referenced by Priyank: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RYME4lvhvvsGP3aAogO6QajobuioLKu3/view?usp=sharing Brother Anandamoy's talk on Loyalty: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/loyalty/

Paramahansa Yogananda tells us about electrical pathways in the brain, but we ask the difficult question – why do we take the paths that we take in life? What grooves do our lives follow? How does Kriya help determine the path? The latter question is answered by Dr Andrew Newberg, confirming Yogananda was talking of neuroplasticity some 50 years before modern-day scientists. Fellow devotee Marguerite, who is great supporter of the podcast, joins us to share her insightful reflections.  0:00 Meet Marguarite; 14:55 Summary of the minute and Yogananda's advanced vocabulary; 21:20 Preparing for death; 29:13 Neuroplasticity; 59:47 Marguerite's feedback about our podcast. Hear more about Dr. Andrew Newberg and brain scans in Minute 42.  Book discussed in this minute: Death: An Inside Story by Sadhguru

We talk about Paramahansa Yogananda rebuilding his organization. The approach is quality over quantity, enabling the transformation of the Mt. Washington community into a full-fledged monastery. We discuss the relevance, to us, of the monastic vows of loyalty, celibacy, obedience and simplicity. Furthermore, actor and singer Herb Jeffries makes an appearance and talks Guruji's acceptance of his renegade lifestyle. We delve a little more into their relationship, musing over topics such as self-transformation, miracles and free will.  0:00 Minute Summary; 1:38 Re-organisation and renunciation; 9:03 Getting to know Herb Jeffries; 24:11 Miracles and whether to believe; 39:32 Vows - Simplicity, Celibacy, Obedience and Loyalty. Talk by Brother Anandamoy discussed in the episode: “Loyalty: The Highest Spiritual Law” - https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/loyalty/

“A picture tells a thousand words” does not apply for us in this minute, as there is far too much inspirational personage hastily included in this minute to do it justice. We explore the glorious lives and contributions of some of those souls shown in this minute including Ananda Mata, Sri Gyanamata and Durga Mata, and are lives are certainly richer after this devotional discussion.  0:00 Meet Juanito; 5:03 Summary of minute; 11:25 Important devotees from the minute; 14:15 Ananda Mata; 25:47 Sister Gyanamata; 58:46 Durga Mata; 1:02:37 How does a Monastic life apply to us?. For more on Sri Daya Mata, please see minute 52. For more on Rajarsi Janakanada, please see minute 30.  List of disciples of Paramahansa Yogananda: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_direct_disciples_of_Yogananda#cite_note-Self-Realization_Fellowship_1952-8

Sri Daya Mata’s sweet line “He began to draw disciples... One of them was me” is perhaps the most understated elements of the entire script. Daya Mata deserves a more detailed look, and this podcast is the perfect excuse to offer this to the world! Paramahansa Yogananda looks to rebuild the Self Realisation Fellowship, after facing severe trials and tribulations. Seeing God in all beings, even his enemies, he takes renewed strength in his mission to bring Yoga to the West. 0:00 Preamble on Fasting; 3:24 Summary of minute; 5:44 Journalism and the price of truth; 14:44 Guruji images and Mother Centre; 17:42 Sri Daya Mata; 25:13 Her first meeting with Guruji; 34:48 Her family life; 38:22 Faye Wright becomes Daya Mata; 53:24 Mahavatar Babaji and the Dark Cloud.

This episode really is an ode to detail. Priyank and Pablo rejoin us to discuss soil for food, and soil for grace, both no doubt sanctified by God and Gurus in nuanced ways. We also discuss incense, signs and fasting. Paramahansa Yogananda ponders over the age-old question: "is it really worth it"? As usual we break this down into some detail with our main discussion topics, attachment in the jungle of civilisation.  1:49 Where was Priyank for the last 8 weeks?; 8:50 Summary of Minute; 10:50 Taking the dust off of one's Guru; 19:42 Incense and reining in the senses; 28:47 Brother Vishwananda's altar; 35:39 Being taken by the ear; 41:56 Images of Guruji; 44:10 Non-attachment is the easy part... really?; 56:44 Busy street scene, order in chaos.

This minute discusses Paramahansa Yogananda's grief after discovering the news about Swami Dhirananda leaving the swami order. We* also discuss his visit to Mexico and meeting with the then President Dr. E. Portes Gil. The minute also shows Brother Vishwananda's pilgrimage to Babaji's cave (Dwarahat), which is unpacked and reflected upon with our friend Ben, from the London Centre. 0:00 Meet Ben; 13:00 Summary of minute; 14:10 Guruji grieves in Mexico; 22:22 Guruji wonders about his mission; 32:20 A meeting with the president of Mexico; 35:30 Pilgrimage to Babaji’s cave. * Priyank is not present during this episode due to being away for an extended period (mentioned by Chris in the intro, see savesoil.org. Rest assured he will be back for the next episode!

This episode focusses on the legal battle between Basu Kumar Bagchi and Swami Yogananda, and the subsequent sorrow felt by Guruji at having lost a long-time disciple (Swami Dhirananda). Some say their relationship spans nine centuries! Paramahansa Yogananda would have had to deal with so much remote litigation during his time in India in 1935, it is a wonder how he managed. Guruji also goes to Mexico, to recover from this troubling time in his life, so well captured by the film but never mentioned in the Autobiography of a Yogi.   0:00 Minute Summary; 7:44 Why did Mr Bagchi sue Guruji?; 14:30 Newspaper coverage; 17:16 Guruji battles on; 26:44 Did Guruji already know how it would end?; 30:18 Melancholy in Mexico.

This episode covers the next part of chapter 12: “During my early months with Master I experienced...” to “...his bounty pouring peacefully over my being.”  Summary:  The extrapolation of Sri Yukteswar’s critical attitude goes even further in this section with a special focus on how he would respond to devotees that resisted the dissection of their ego. The lighter side of taking this medicine is very encouraging, Paramahansa Yogananda describes beautifully why it is worth the pain! We also review the mathematical formula hinted at in this section: Kriya + devotion =?  0:00 Summary of previous episode; 2:40 Summary of this episode; 4:00 Rebukes not aimed at visitors; 20:40 Effortless harmony; 44:25 Jnana vs Bhakti; 1:06:30 Inarticulate yet with hidden eloquence; 1:16:40 Looking ahead to the next episode.  Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 12: “During my early months with Master I experienced...” to “...his bounty pouring peacefully over my being.”  #autobiographyofayogi  #autobiographylinebyline  #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi  awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS

Swami Dhirananda decides to part ways with Swami Yogananda and Self-Realization Fellowship. What could the reasons have been? Why would people follow him and not stay with an avatar such as Paramahansa Yogananda? Where do all the fantastic little videos of Guruji come from, why do we not have all the footage available free online? All superb topics of conversation from this minute. 0:00 Summary of minute; 2:18 Why did Dhirananda leave?; 9:00 Why is this rare footage unavailable; 25:50 The immediate impact of Dhirananda leaving.

The ramifications of the Swami Dhirananda ‘scandal’ had to be handled with poise, patience and pragmatism by Paramahansa Yogananda. There were legal, public relations and general management challenges for Guruji to navigate. They enabled a resilient SRF to develop into the strong organisation it is today. Anya joins us to discuss how Guruji fought the good fight and the legacy he left behind, so relevant for the troubled world today. We finish with a prayer for world peace and harmony.  0:00 Meet Anya; 6:00 SRF scene in Russia; 8:58 Summary of Minute; 10:48 Why give the controversy more screen time?; 15:33 Unorthodox views of the serpentine variety; 24:00 The Green Book movie; 32:32 Fighting the good fight; 50:22 Other scenes shown in the minute; 52:11 Final reflections on this minute; 58:37 Closing Prayer for a peace.

This episode contains messages that are relevant in today's world as they were in 1931, woman’s rights and freedom to marry who you wish.  

There is a beautiful, if elaborate, wedding ceremony conducted by Paramahansa Yogananda himself. Priyank discusses how this differed from the SRF vows he took during his own ceremony (conducted by an SRF monk). We also take a detailed look at the vows themselves, which are both pure and profound.  

The couple getting married in this minute were Nirad Ranjan Chowdhury (aka Brahmacharee Sri Nerode) and Agnes Spencer. In the end they betrayed their Guru and the fallout history is discussed in detail in this minute.  

0:56 Summary of minute;
2:52 Discrimination in law and culture;
8:36 Bowing to someone's feet;
12:18 Yogananda conducts a wedding ceremony;
15:36 SRF vows;
22:20 Extended wedding scene analysis;
32:19 Background on the the 'happy' couple;
37:44 Nerode breaks apart from Guruji.

The video of Guruji in this minute is perhaps the clearest video ever recorded, both for picture and audio, and reveals much of his great personality and management style. 

Markus joins us from Frankfurt to discuss the famous incident involving a bruised Swami Dhirananda and battling Swami Yogananda. We review the incident itself, the aftermath, misinformation in the printed press and why this became a mountain from a molehill.  0:00 Meet Marcus; 4:37 Summary of minute; 5:23 The incident and context; 24:20 Hypothesis on misunderstandings; 28:43 Damage limitation; 33:48 Newspaper reports and other scenes; 37:33 Why did Swami Dhirananda leave Guruji?.

Cosmic delusion would have been a difficult hurdle to overcome for Gandhi (in the Indian Independence) and equally so for Martin Luthar King Jr. (in the American Civil Rights movement). Although the latter had great admiration and took inspiration from the former, they both relied on Ahimsa, non-violence to achieve their glorious aims. We discuss all of this in the context of the Paramahansa Yogananda’s teaching and especially his famous commentary on Bhagavad Gita: God Talks with Arjuna. 0:00 Hatha Yoga Preamble; 8:24 Minute Summary; 11:25 Gandhi and the Indian Independence movement; 29:12 Martin Luthar King Jr.; 35:07 Ahimsa, vegetarianism and the path; 56:15 Guruji lecturing at Harvard on Gandhi and happiness; 01:07:51 Guruji at lunch.   There is also a sweet video of Guruji having lunch with some Indian dignitaries in LA in his last days before taking Mahasamadhi. We discuss Dr Lewis’s account as provided in the following link:     https://ocoy.org/yoganandas-last-days/    The video of Martin Luthar King Jr. can be found here:    https://youtu.be/vP4iY1TtS3s

We are joined by our friend, Daanish, who introduces himself with a heartfelt and divinely inspired poem. This episode discusses Paramahansa Yogananda’s meeting the President of USA, the civil rights and racial segregation issues he faced in Washington DC, and how he went on to establish the Afro-American Yogoda Centre.  0:00 Meet Daanish, ready with a poem; 10:29 Setting the scene and Summary of minute; 14:36 Racial segregation in USA; 20:34 Culture of decrimination; 29:00 Prerequisites for meeting a President of USA; 41:52 Founding a Yogoda Centre for Afro-Americans.   The article discussed in the minute can be found in the following ink of the EAST WEST magazine, issue May—June, 1927 VOL. 2—4.   http://www.mysticalportal.net/2-4.html

Jay joins us from California to discuss Anita Goel’s monopolisation of this whole minute. Thankfully she has some quite thought-provoking dialogue. We relish the discussion on the Vedas, unity in nature, consciousness and Paramahansa Yogananda’s life long goal of marrying the East and the West. The majority of the scenes are filmed in the Harvard Faculty Club, but thankfully we, as guests, will be allowed to enter through this exclusive minute.  0:00 Meet Jay; 5:37 Summary of minute; 6:49 Vedic philosophy; 17:26 Mining for knowledge without WiFi; 24:20 Anita Goel in the Harvard Faculty Club; 30:05 The discovery of unity in nature; 47:51 Anita's Lab and our meditation experiments.   If you wish to hear more about Anita Goel and her research interests, you can listen to our episode for Minute 18: The yogic rite to Write DNA: https://youtu.be/Z73TkhaKwDM

This minute starts with the narrator (Paramahansa Yogananda) asking you “to create a church within yourself”. We dig a little deeper into what this would mean, taking inspiration from Guruji’s famous book: Journey to Self-Realization. Dr. Andrew Newberg talks more about brain scans, and the impact of the meditation. Dr. Newberg suggests there is a decrease in a sense of yourself, orientation of space time and a general feeling of connectedness and oneness with the world.  0:00 Chris's guns; 1:20 Minute Summary; 2:44 The inner church; 11:36 Changing your brain; 31:00 Partaking in Christ Consciousness; 35:14 Be in this world, but not of it.

What is the purpose of the display of miracles and how are some souls able to perform abilities of the supernatural variety? Paramhansa Yogananda talks about this in detail in the Autobiography of a Yogi, chapter 30: The Law of Miracles. This minute also has Bikram talking about the topic, with old footage of him doing a stunt. We talk about Robert Love, an eloquent speaker that has a big part to play in the rest of the film.   0:00 Meet Carlos; 7:10 Summary of minute; 9:35 Robert Love; 12:28 Bikram's showboating l and the supernatural; 34:42 Developing intuition powers.   “We are not human beings having a spiritual experience. We are spiritual beings having a human experience” — French philosopher, Pierre Teilhard de Chardin

Brother Chidananda talks about willpower and energy, but how are the two connected? Brother Jayananda tells a story about Paramahansa Yogananda using both of those dimensions together to catapult six men across a stage! Did you know energization exercises were first titled: “Yogoda or Tissue Will System of Physical Perfection”? Mas Vidal tells us of another story of Guruji being able to control his pulse, indeed, this minute is packed with intriguing content and we do our best to unwrap it all.  0:55 Summary of minute;   1:52 Pictures of Guruji and his gaze; 10:10 Willpower and energization; 20:13 Volition on early infancy; 25:32 Hindu rites of passage and hair; 31:43 The materialising power of the Word; 33:40 Brother Jayananda; 41:22 Bikram Choudhury and concentration power; 47:02 Lazarus and the science of coming back from the precipice. The complete talk given by Brother Jayananda: Living Fearlessly: Overcoming the Causes of Stress and Worry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR_BAHZpvMs  Other information discussed in this podcast episode: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lazarus_syndrome

This episode covers the next part of chapter 12: 
“It was Master’s practice to point out...”  
to  
“... permitted the fitful sleep of ignorance.”   

Summary: 

This episode focusses on the themes of self-criticism, constructive feedback, and the challenges of ‘converting’ individuals toward the spiritual path. We also delved into the complexities of concepts such as criticism, detachment, and the role of a guru, emphasizing the importance of learning from feedback, humility, and personal growth. Finally, we review Mukunda’s methods of handling criticism of Sri Yukteswar and why devotees leave the path, reflecting on their experiences with volunteer recruitment, retention and the concept of 'ego bomb'. 

0:00 Meet Cian; 
5:00 Summary of previous episode; 
6:20 The love of a parent; 
17:45 Criticism; 
51:24 New students; 
1:11:00 Defensiveness; 
1:56:30 Looking ahead to the next episode. 

Links discussed in this episode: 
https://youtu.be/8Y49dcOC3-8?si=4TiiVp-OChbwt7yH 

Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 12: 
“During my early months with Master I experienced...” 
to 
“...his bounty pouring peacefully over my being.” 

#autobiographyofayogi  
#autobiographylinebyline  
#paramahansayogananda 
Autobiography of a Yogi  
awake.minute 
Self-Realization Fellowship 
Yogoda Satsanga Society of India 

We are delighted to be joined by Vivek Atray, one of India's most renowned Motivational Speakers, a Best Selling Author, a Columnist, a Visiting Professor and a devoted disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda. In this minute we focus on the formulation and importance of the Self-Realization Fellowship / Yogoda Satsanga Society of India study at home lessons (now also available on digital platforms). Some rare footage of Paramahansa Yogananda teaching us how to sleep is reviewed, along with the many newspaper clippings shown during this minute on varied topics such as material and spiritual success, harmony and attracting a soul mate. 0:00 Hear the Jñāna of Vivek Atray; 19:40 Summary of minute; 20:16 SRF / YSS lessons, why sign up?; 28:52 Images used in the minute; 29:42 Old lessons differ between the SRF and YSS editions; 32:50 Material, Mental and Spiritual success; 41:42 Newspaper articles and spectacular marketing: 46:18 Harmony with others; 53:26 What are you committing to by signing up for the lessons?; 54:35 “You people sleep incorrectly!“; 1:03:22 Final messages from Vivek.

Swami Yogananda travelled extensively in USA during the mid 1920s, speaking to large audiences in cities: breaking new ground; exposing minds and souls to yogic philosophy. In this minute we have contributions on this topic from Brother Chidananda, Varun Soni, Philip Goldberg and hear the voice of our guru Paramahansa Yogananda. One question he asks in this minute is as relevant now as it was back then: are we being distracted away from God by our many multifarious hobbies? 0:00 Jurassic Covid; 2:04 Summary of minute; 2:50 Why did Guruji travel across USA; 11:03 Where did he go and who did he meet?; 20:11 Swami Vivekananda; 32:30 Images used in the minute and Kodak; 38:51 Do you have time for Bliss?. Some lovely images and history of his tour can be found: http://www.srf-denver.org/History.html The voice of Swami Vivekananda discussed in this minute can be found: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdTy8e7XMxA

Basu Kumar Bagchi (Swami Dhirananda) and Mukunda Lal Ghosh (Paramahansa Yogananda) grew up together, serving together to establish spiritual sangas, libraries, and schools in their youth.  They worked very closely during the formative years for Ranchi School (Brahmacharya Vidyalaya). The early success of Boston and Los Angeles would have been difficult to attain without (Swami Dhirananda). This minute focusses on the positives, before things took a sour turn for the relationship of these two childhood friends. 0:00 Preamble; 1:53 How Yogananda met Dhirananda; 6:58 The first time they worked together; 10:34 Pictures of Yogananda, Dhirananda and Satyananda; 13:34 Yogananda becoming Dhirananda’s Guru; 18:33 Did Dhirananda work on the book The Science of Religion?; 23:10 Yogananda called upon Dhirananda or Satyananda to come to America; 25:59 Do you have a meditation spot at home?; 33:57 Why did Yogananda call Dhirananda to LA?; 41:12 SRF retreats in Brazil.

Amelita Galli-Curci was devoted to Paramahansa Yogananda and praises the impact his teachings had on her life and career. The teachings are our Guru in recent times and the new Self-Realization Fellowship lessons no doubt have a similar impact on devotees around the world. We discuss the famous opera, Aida, that forms part of this minute. Amelita also delightfully meditates with Guruji, albeit with a less than ideal posture, but if you were with Master, would it matter? We also discuss the other parts of this minute including why Swami Yogananda would call Swami Dhirananda to LA (using a telegram) from Boston. 0:00 Preamble; 2:44 Meditating with eyes half open; 9:28 Favourite meditation posture; 16:28 Amelita’s voice; 18:53 Amelita wrote the foreword for Whispers From Eternity; 23:03 A snippet of opera; 28:50 O terra, addio; 32:45 The invention of telegraphs; 38:23 A telegram to Dhirananda; 42:23 Planning a multi city lecture in the 1920s; 44:18 O God Beautiful; 48:20 Chanting at the meditation center; 50:15 Yogananda demonstrating full body control on stage; 53:55 Inter-religious dialogue. The opera, Aida, that forms part of the minute, has a unique and spiritual plot: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aida A modern rendition of the famous opera Aida is available: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8rsOzPzYr8

In this minute, we look at the nature of reality, dreams and mysticism, both through our own experience and as taught by Paramahansa Yogananda. When you wake up a from a dream you think, ah it was just a dream. Guruji tells in reality this whole life is a dream, we are not material beings having a spiritual dream, we are spiritual beings having a material dream. Tahiel, a Self-Realization Fellowship devotee and musician joins us from Buenos Aries, Argentina. Tahiel quotes Claude Debussy: "Works of art make rules; rules do not make works of art". 0:00 Meet Tahiel; 8:20 Summary of Minute; 9:30 What is reality; 18:04 A shared mind or oversoul; 29:45 The Astral body; 40:42 Using the Kundalini force; 52:20 Which technique works most for you?. “The coiled creative life force at the base of the astral spine, kundalini, has always been symbolized as a serpent. When this creative force is "asleep" in delusion, it flows down and outward and feeds all the senses; uncontrolled, its stinging venom causes insatiable lusts. But when the pure kundalini force is "awakened" by the yogi, it rises to the brain and is transformed into the bliss of Spirit. This uplifting serpentine current is Vasuki, the supreme force for human liberation.” —Paramahansa Yogananda

In this episode Paramahansa Yogananda talks about the science behind the energization exercises, Neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Newberg talks about the science of enlightenment and Bro. Chidananda creates context by describing the effects of Kriya Yoga. We go into detail of neuroscientific findings on meditation and ask the question, what is energy? 0:00 Botany; 1:39 Summary of minute; 2:40 Electrify, Recharge and Energise; 5:44 Andrew Newberg; 8:24 A brief history of Energization Exercises; 25:06 Andrew Newberg and his research on the Enlightened State; 59:50 Swami Smaranananda; 1:03:25 Can you meditate on pipes?; 1:07:27 Bro. Chidananda and the airplane route. Ted Talk: Finding our enlightened State, Dr A Newberg https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SJCDLHyeqk Deepening Our Practice of Meditation –  Swami Smaranananda, https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/deepening-our-practice-of-meditation-mp3-download-swami-smaranananda/

Reva joins us from London to discuss Yoga and Meditation in the context of this minute where Brahmachari Martin (of Self-Realization Fellowship), Varun Soni and Mas Vidal weigh in on their definitions. Why are people moving away from religion? What is meditation? Why is Hatha Yoga not taught in SRF (in as much depth as Kriya Yoga)? We offer some guidance, as given by Paramahansa Yogananda (and some Monastics), on these intriguing questions. 0:00 Meet Reva; 4:50 Summary of minute; 8:57 Brahmachari Martin, what is behind religion?; 16:45 What if you don't have any techniques for meditation?; 29:30 Meditation paraphernalia; 33:59 Yoga Stage 3 - Asanas; 47:07 Yoga Stage 4 and higher - Kriya Yoga; 58:51 Why we HAVE to do Hatha Yoga and impact of fasting.

What is meant by true or the original Christianity? We discuss Paramahansa Yogananda's extensive coverage of Jesus Christ's life, high inclusion in the Self-Realization Fellowship’s lineage of gurus and the controversies and interpretations of the Bible’s New Testament and Gospels. In 2021 we interviewed subject matter expert Professor Clooney of Harvard University about this subject (still available on the podcast) and now take the opportunity to review the content of that discussion in more detail including Christ’s missing years (excursion into India) and the Council of Nicaea. 0:00 Preamble; 1:30 Summary of minute; 3:09 What is true Christianity?; 7:52 Can we better our faith through inter-faith study?; 13:17 Does following Jesus have to be an exclusive path?;   20:31 Christianity in India; 30:44 Jesus Christ in the lineage of Yogananda; 47:52 Jesus in India; 51:52 Compilation of the Bible, Council of Nicaea and Jesus as God; 1:02:02 Reincarnation; 1:13:50 The Second Coming of Christ; 1:20:35 Why did Jesus perform miracles; 1:31:09 Jesus appearing to Yogananda. Professor Clooney Interview: https://youtu.be/ZDPO9QhZ39I

“We’ll have a big place on a mountain”, is what Swami Yogananda told one of his students in Boston, three months before moving to Los Angeles and miraculously establishing the Self Realization Fellowship headquarters on Mt. Washington. We conduct a deep dive on the background stories, the spiritual and the financial aspects of life in the early stages of the famous ashram. Our guest Christine (Mike’s sister) has been a devotee all her life shares her unique experiences at "Mother Center". 0:00 Meet Christine; 8:19 Summary of minute; 9:40 Mt. Washington, a brief history; 12:40 Making the trip to see Mother Center; 10:31 Divine guidance; 27:57 Fund raising and legal troubles; 39:29 The Arjuna of our times; 42:39 Easter Sunrise Service and the vibrations surrounding the premises; 55:50 Getting to Mt, Washington in 1925; 59:45 Letter from Sri Yukteswar. The Easter sunrise service conducted at the time the property was purchased was likely similar to those he delivered on subsequent occasions, such as this Easter Message published in Inner Culture magazine in April, 1940: As Christ resurrected His consciousness from beneath the sepulcher of bodily limitations, so must thou learn to resurrect thy mind from beneath the tomb of material desires. Resurrect thy thoughts by meditation from body confinement to the consciousness of omnipresence. Resurrect thy divine love from beneath the sod of mundane human attachment. Resurrect thy calmness from beneath the soil of restlessness. Resurrect thy wisdom from beneath the earthliness of ignorance. Resurrect thy love for all from the limited love for family, society and country. Resurrect thy soul from the imprisonment of body consciousness and unite it with omniscient Spirit through the developed consciousness of Christ.

Yuri Branco joins us from São Paolo, Brazil. In the past we have interviewed guests that have done tremendous work through guruji, outside of Self-Realization Fellowship. Yuri and Yogananda Brazil provides a tremendous example of how SRF publications can inspire people in the various branches of society: children, schools, libraries and even prisoner rehabilitation charities. In this interview Yuri tells us of his approach and the lessons he has learned along the way, all the while never relinquishing the humbleness of a regular devotee of guruji. Whether you are seeking inspiration, a feel-good story or simply a passing interest in the great traction Paramahansa Yogananda is gaining in Latin America (161k followers on Instagram @yoganandabrasil!), this episode has the material to satiate all of our souls through the divine Horn of Plenty. 0:00 Meet Yuri Branco; 10:58 @yoganandabrasil; 16:13 How is SRF supporting Brazilian groups ?; 18:00 How do you organise yourselves so well?; 19:44 What are you doing for Christmas; 21:05 Young Adults in Brazil; 24:10 How to Live schools I'm Brazil; 28:47 Egoless service; 33:17 Yogananda For All; 43:56 The art of translating Guruji's work; 49:25 Other projects and how the community can support.  Links discussed in the podcast: https://inee.org/eie-glossary/peace-education https://yoganandabrasil.com.br/#yogananda-para-todos https://www.omnisciencia.com.br/  https://artedeser.com.br/

This episode covers the next part of chapter 12: 
“My guru could not be bribed...”  
to  
“...win a farther dominion—in men’s souls.”   

Summary: 

How could bribery be used in the Guru-disciple relationship? We discuss this, along with the importance of discipline and loyalty through mundane tasks. The unique and fascinating leadership style of our paramguru Swami Sri Yukteswar offers some interesting dynamics between a Guru and disciple to review, including the metaphor of ‘dislodging the hard core of egotism’.  

0:00 Flattening the ego; 
22:15 Thoughts behind speech; 
32:07 Severe ways of Sri Yukteswar. 
49:35 Discipleship and Cultural Differences. 

Links discussed in this episode: 
https://yogananda.com.au/songs_of_the_soul/Gods_Boatman.html 

Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 12: 
“It was Master’s practice to point out...” 
to 
“... permitted the fitful sleep of ignorance.” 

#autobiographyofayogi  
#autobiographylinebyline  
#paramahansayogananda 
Autobiography of a Yogi  
awake.minute 
Self-Realization Fellowship 
Yogoda Satsanga Society of India 
#SRF #YSS 

This minute focusses on the inspirational life of James Lynn, who became Rajarsi Janakananda, the much-loved first president of Self-Realization Fellowship. We delve into the book published about him: A Western Yogi, which contains excerpts of his life and letters to our guru, Paramahansa Yogananda. In his youth he was an excellent student, as an adult a business extraordinaire and above all, spiritual exemplar. If you are looking for a life role model that is at once relatable, as well as remarkable, look no further. He must have been a great soul to have had the privilege of being such a close confidant of Guruji, and this film (and podcast) rightly dedicates a whole minute (for us, an hour) to him. 0:00 Fasting efforts; 1:40 Summary if minute; 5:20 A Western Yogi; 6:38 An exemplar student; 13:42 Succeeding in business while finding time for meditation; 19:17 Picture discrepancies; 22:07 Relationship with Swami Yogananda; 31:23 Rajarsi's melodious voice; 37:22 Guruji's prayer: Reveal Thyself; 48:24 As Joy, Wisdom and Spiritual Perception; 55:00 Rajarsi recounts his flight with the Gurus; 1:03:00 Rajarsi's last moment of magic before vacating his mortal frame.

We are joined by our friend Josh, from the Young Adult Sangha, to cover in detail Swami Yogananda’s momentous move to LA. His journey from the East to the West coast was intriguing; as will be seen from the fantastic stories from we discovered about the events along the way. In this minute we also have appearances from Varun Soni, Felicia Tomasco, Stefanie Syman and Mas Vidal all setting the scene and exploring the immediate impact Paramahansa Yogananda had in Los Angeles, the city of angels. 0:00 Meet Josh; 9:42 Summary of Minute; 12:00 Why LA?; 18:50 What is a seeker and what is he/she seeking?; 25:49 Prophesies and visions of LA; 32:51 Transcontinental road trip and plucking out devotees; 49:48 The most important picture in history; 52:10 Biltmore Hotel; 53:21 Power of initiative. SRF Denver website has a great history section for Guruji's travels: http://www.srf-denver.org/History.html

How did Swami Yogananda spend his first years in America and Boston. He had to live in humble circumstances but quickly adapted to the American lifestyle. To attract devotees, it was necessary to use a curious and innovative vocabulary that was decades ahead of its time, talking about concepts such as concentration power, everlasting youth, life energy and life force control. He had some help from Swami Dhirananda and conclude by discussing the movement’s state of affairs when the critical decision to move to Los Angeles was made. 0:00 Summary of minute and time jump analysis; 3:42 Landing and adapting in Boston; 13:02 Frugality accounts management 101; 18:05 Lecture tour on East Coast; 27:54 Images used in the minute and bear cubs; 29:28 Mohammad Rashid's role in Guruji's mission; 33:48 Hollywood herbal remedies; 39:24 Californian oil rigs and environmental problems; 42:33 Celebrity disciples. SRF centennial celebration of Paramahansa Yogananda and Kriya Yoga’s Arrival in the West: https://youtu.be/w5ZqCKUIvyA

Special interview with Neil Patel, founder of Chi Kri and fellow disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda. We discuss how Neil has used yoga for his own self-transformation as well as to raise the general consciousness in the troubled society we live in, with Yogananda's divine guidance. Neil has harnessed his creative spiritual flair to tackle knife-crime with rap and hip-hop music and reached prominent audiences such as the houses of parliament in London. We hope you will enjoy this unique and thought-provoking interview; it should not be missed. 0:00 Meet Neil Patel; 8:55 Why did Guruji not place Hatha Yoga in the lessons?; 12:55 Why did you blend Yoga and hip hop audiences?; 23:06 Does Yoga diminish your connection with your family?; 27:43 Can grace help you through Cancer?; 35:55 Spiritual Rapping, The Key; 40:30 What is Chi Kri; 44:25 Tackling knife crime with Yoga; 47:14 The future of music; 54:35 The 5000 year Indian aviation history, UFOs and Vimanas; 59:54 The three prophesies; 1:01:21 Why are there more women in Yoga classes than men?. What is Chi Kri: Home (chikri.com) Spiritual hip-hop (the future): https://youtu.be/PMUDQTcAFxM