March 2022 Newsletter
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Dear Divine Atman, Last week our president, Swami Chidananda Giri, composed this message for followers and friends of Paramahansa Yogananda: |
“At
this time of grave worldwide concern over the war in Ukraine, I urge
all members and friends of Self-Realization Fellowship and Yogoda
Satsanga Society of India to continue praying deeply for all whose
lives, families, and well-being are endangered — and for harmony and
peace worldwide. Humankind is one family, and acts of aggressive war
against one nation ultimately affect us all. Please join me and the
monastics in Paramahansa Yogananda’s ashrams in special prayers that
God’s light — working through the souls, conscience, and goodwill of all
members of our world family — may generate a powerful shield of
security around the innocent, and a healing counterforce to the ignorant
indulgence of the darker impulses of human nature that have erupted in
this violence and destruction.
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“Concentrated
prayers, love, and God-attuned thoughts and energies born of divine
communion in meditation can help to bring protection, courage, and inner
strength to those in harm’s way — and wisdom and right understanding to
the leaders of nations. Let us join together in using this powerful
intervention at the present dangerous time in world affairs — for all
who are suffering in the current conflict, and for the continued
awakening of the global family to universal spiritual principles and
godly ways of living, which are the only permanent way of bringing
lasting peace and harmony.”
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Paramahansa
Yogananda taught a healing technique, to be practised at the end of
personal and group meditations. We invite you to participate in this
practice with YSS/SRF President Swami Chidanandaji by viewing a short
video, where he also speaks to the incredible power of prayer for
bringing healing and peace to the world. |
| Watch video |
Paramahansaji’s Far-Seeing Wisdom for Humanity’s Evolution
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In
this month’s newsletter, we want to share far-seeing wisdom from
Paramahansa Yogananda on spiritual steps we all can take to help build a
foundation for world unity, as humanity continues to evolve toward
greater understanding, cooperation, and security. |
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From talks and writings of Paramahansa Yogananda given around the time of World War II:
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People
will learn from this war the devastating consequences of the misuse of
technology….After it is over, there will be so much fear of world
devastation that if anybody tries to start a war, the rest of the world
will fall upon that nation. I am telling you things far ahead of my
time. |
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The
world must become more and more spiritual for wars to diminish….Love,
international brotherhood, peace, joy, sharing — these alone can bring
peace to the world. |
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I
believe that if every citizen in the world is taught to commune with
God (not merely to know Him intellectually), then peace can reign; not
before. When by persistence in meditation you realize God through
communion with Him, your heart is prepared to embrace all humanity. |
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Resolve
that you will love the world as your own nation, and that you will love
your nation as you love your family. Through this understanding you
will help to establish a world family on the indestructible foundation
of wisdom. |
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Set
a time apart each day to meditate on Him. When you commune with God,
you shall feel toward everyone as toward your own. No one can ever make
me feel he is not mine. All human beings are God’s children, and He is
my Father.
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The
great ones are the models. Though their bodies were finite, they
realized within that they were a part of the Infinite Ocean; that all
individualized forms are the waves of the Cosmic Sea. In this world we
circumscribe ourselves within a little family. When we love our
neighbours, we become bigger. When we love our country, we become bigger
still. When we love all nations, we become even bigger. And when we are
one with God in the hereafter, or by deep meditation while we are still
here in the body, we realize truly that the Ocean is the wave, and the
wave is the Ocean. |
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Just
beneath the shadows of this life is God’s wondrous Light. The universe
is a vast temple of His presence. When you meditate, you will find doors
opening to Him everywhere. When you have communion with Him, not all
the ravages of the world can take away that Joy and Peace. |
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Affirmation to practise: “In
life and death, in disease, famine, pestilence, or poverty may I ever
cling to Thee. Help me to realize I am immortal Spirit, untouched by the
changes of childhood, youth, age, and world upheavals.” |
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Spiritual Light for These Challenging Times
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On
this webpage you will find practical resources from Paramahansa
Yogananda, Swami Chidananda Giri, and past YSS/SRF presidents for
overcoming fear and negativity, and how to establish for yourself a
hopeful perspective on the world situation. |
| Learn more |
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Worldwide Prayer Circle: Dedicated to Uplifting Humanity Through Prayer
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Please
consider participating in the YSS/SRF Worldwide Prayer Circle. You can
learn more about this collective spiritual effort begun by Paramahansa
Yogananda on our website, and start today to join in with thousands
around the world. |
| Learn more |
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We
hope that during this time — and at all times — that you are able to
draw from the wisdom-legacy of Paramahansa Yogananda a deep awareness of
the solace and protection of the Divine.
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In divine friendship,
Yogoda Satsanga Society of India
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