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In his book, Autobiography of a Yogi, Paramhansa Yogananda describes how many great saints are almost totally unknown to the world, instead focusing their lives on deep, inner communion with God. He described a few of these saints in his book, like the “Sleepless Saint” Ram Gopal Muzumdar, and Giri Bala, the woman who never ate. But did you also … Read More

A strong spiritual life is not the product of inspiration alone, but of daily practice and discipline. Inspiration may reveal the pathway, but our daily habits move us onwards day after day, year after year. Paramhansa Yogananda taught that spiritual progress is not some vague, grand revelation, but a patient, steady and devotional practice of meditation techniques that awaken the … Read More

“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

“Seek ye first the kingdom of God.” In these few words, Jesus was offering his single most important instruction, promising that “all things” would accrue to such a seeker, things not of this world but better than anything in it. That seeker might well ask, “What is the way? Is there only one?” In truth, the ways are many. We … Read More

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

“From today until Christmas pray deep and long until every day becomes a true Christmas day of Christ-communion.” – Paramhansa Yogananda Christmas is many people’s “favorite time of the year,” and disciples of Yogananda are no exception. Even as we string lights and garlands in celebration, nature itself calls us inward. The leaves fall, the air grows still and cold, … Read More

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.

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

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