“If you would be perfect, go, sell what you have, give to the poor, and come, follow me.” (Matthew 19:21) A young St. Anthony heard this Gospel verse in church and it changed his life—and the world. He left his wealth, family, and former life behind to spend many years in seclusion, prayer, and devotion in the Egyptian desert. Through … Read More
The Altar of the New Year
The sun has now set on 2025, and the horizons of 2026 are opening bright and broad before us. It is not for us to know what the coming year will bring—personally, spiritually, materially, or globally. Truly great blessings are coming, without any doubt, as are many difficult trials and challenges. Our part is to reflect thoughtfully on what has … Read More
Yogananda India Pilgrimage #2
A mild typhoon preceded our arrival in Puri via the Bhubaneshwar airport in the state of Odisha. The humidity and occasional downpour was a welcome change in weather for most pilgrims, and the seaside accommodations enjoyable for everyone.
Yogananda India Pilgrimage #1
A fiery floating lantern and popping fireworks adorn the cacophonous festival of thousands worshipping the goddess Ganga nearby. Smoky skies preside over the placid gray Ganges River this evening atop the River Rhythm Hotel—only footsteps from a stretch of holy-beyond-holy land. Few places on earth carry a spiritual power so ancient and immense. Rewind five days: the bulk of our … Read More
The War in Portland
Our humble and beautiful city of Portland, Oregon, is once again making national news with politics and controversy in the headlines. The state military has been federalized, and protestors are taking to the streets—yes, in chicken costumes, clown makeup, and more (after all, it is Portland)—to exercise their rights. This is not to make light of current events, the horrors … Read More
Ananda Politics
“Never the twain shall meet.” This well-known line from Rudyard Kipling’s 1889 poem The Ballad of East and West depicts incompatible differences. The poem tells a story of a British colonel’s daughter kidnapped by an Afghani bandit and rescued by a brave soldier. The two adversaries fight a fierce battle, and despite their opposition, develop a mutual respect for one … Read More
Inspiration, Meditation, Paramhansa Yogananda, Spiritual Teachings, Swami Kriyananda
