Real or Not?
We see, and we believe, isn’t that right? Look, there’s a chair. Yep, right over there, that’s a chair. We can sit in it too. But is that enough to say that it is real? Real or not, it would be extremely unwise to ignore the possibility that chairs and other perceived objects exist. An oncoming train will quickly dispatch … Read More
I’m Only Human
To be human is commonly associated with lack, mistakes and failure. Habitual expressions referring to the human condition include “I’m only human”, “to be human is to err” and excusing any manner of human foible or fault as “just human nature”. But what if the truth is that being human, in essence, is to be divine? Paramhansa Yogananda was a … Read More
Noble Is As Noble Does
In my years at our Ananda Pune ashram, we followed each day’s group meditation and breakfast with a morning circle. My wife and I, with our staff and guests, would discuss the day’s projects and assignments, and then we would all affirm together, loudly at first and then more inwardly, “I will do my work thinking of Thee, Lord. I … Read More
A Lesson In Swadhyaya
In the midst of today’s chaotic world, I find solace in the practice of introspection, a tool that not only grants self-awareness but also fosters a deeper understanding of others. Known in Sanskrit as swadhyaya, meaning “self-study”, introspection is one of the steps along the eightfold path of yoga taught by Patanjali. Introspection has saved me in the face of … Read More
The Angel in the Tree
Are you your body-mind? It would certainly seem so. Every sensation we experience – taste, touch, sight, smell and hearing – reinforces that perception. But is there more to the answer than a yes or no can provide? We are raised for good reason to believe in the physicality of the reality that surrounds us, and our senses confirm its … Read More
It’s Complicated. Or Maybe Not.
Our skills are many, which we acquire over time with dedicated study and practice. These are generally useful to us and others, but among the ones we are especially good at, unfortunately, is the setting of traps for ourselves in the judgments we make. The question of how much we like or dislike a person, object, feeling, experience or idea, … Read More
Meeting Saint Francis Through Swami Kriyananda: An Easter Story
On my first pilgrimage to Italy, Nakula and I were not yet married. We were traveling with Swami Kriyananda and other Ananda pilgrims. Many of us on that pilgrimage were directing our attention to Swamiji. We watched his every movement, looked at his eyes, and were fortunate to feel the bliss of his smile and consciousness. It was a happy … Read More
