We all need inspiration

Why Paramhansa Yogananda’s teachings matter today 

When I saw the list of books to choose for my 200 hours Yoga Teacher Certification, some of them are very yoga specific, and some others did not spark any interest for me. I had already read Autobiography of a Yogi once, and the words lingered on me and kept mental notes. I learned of Steve Job’s audiobook —the only one on his phone, and then as an e-book (the only one permanently in mine too), about Ram Das comments and many others. But Steve’s is essential for me as he was always looking for a way to find a different view, something that for many years I was shy to express and share. Yogananda himself was a revolutionary: he aspired people to change and elevate the consciousness of the ones open to the infinite love. 
This book is about faith and spirituality, through the tools of mind control and meditation, in search of reconnecting with the oneness. Some of the practices may feel a little odd for Westerners; however, I was never surprised; even more, I found them quite familiar. Being aware of the perceptions that are not physical —visions, hearing, the concept of reincarnation as a continuum of the soul in different manifestations, levitation (that I would love to experience), and teleportation —being in two places at the same time. We come to a deep understanding of the benefits of living an examined life, as described by Aristotle and the value of the infinite love, which Yogananda identify as God. Taking a moment on the concept of God, I explain this difficult concept, full of preconceptions and cultural weight, as the Infinite Existence, before us, with us and after us, the Unchangeable, the Highest Expression of everything composite. Reconnecting with That and This is our goal, and we will do that though mundane experiences and spiritual and mental exploration. 
Yogananda does not expect for all of us to immerse in a monastic life; he inspires us to search of a development of many areas of our existence, among them being the connection with the Divine and the understanding the perceived separation and struggle is only in our minds, that we have the opportunity to overcome the battle.  

Exploration of Oneself

Yogananda embraced a willful search for God formed an early age and was determined to find his relationship with the Divine. He was confident of the path to pursue, against his father’s desires; in time, he understood that the destination he was yearning, was in the path itself. 
In his search, he discovered the powers of manifestation and healing, ability to control de environment and situations, emanating from the in-depth knowledge of oneself and faith in the Infinite Knowledge of the universe and God, beautifully expressed: 
“God is simple. Everything else is complex. Do not seek absolute values in the relative world of nature.”
Our task is to know God, and from the knowledge of God, we can understand the nature of everything composite. All based on the determination to master your mind, tame your emotions and let the flow run through oneself, to be fully immersed in the experience. Intellectual knowledge is essential, however, the experience and translation into words of those experiences, is only possible with a real understanding of the experience.  Paramhansa Yogananda insists that all the teachings and teachers will arrive at the right time, regardless of one insistence on the search. Along the road, you will find the necessary experiences and people that will guide your progression towards the knowledge of the Divine, and the small signals we receive. It requires awareness, observation, as one’s guru, teacher, may be much closer than we think and will reveal only when the right time right and individual readiness. 
Physical practices like pranayama, meditation and deep devotion are known to have created altered states that may appear as levitation. The focus is not in pranayama or meditation but on the Divine connection and oneness. This practice reflects on the body, as one that does not age or deteriorates; it is noticeable not only in India’s saints but in all religious and devotional practices around the world. 
During their first encounter with who become his guru, Sri Yukteswar, he received the gifts of these three universal teachings: “Look fear in the face and it will cease to trouble you”, “Attachment is blinding; it lends an imaginary halo of attractiveness to the object of desire”, “Good and positive suggestions should instruct the sensitive ears of children; their early ideas long remain sharply etched”. 
He initiates Yogananda on the practice of Kriya Yoga, stimulates his mind with long walks and conversations and advice vegetarian meals. He also learns that a true Guru sees through the veils of Maya, without judgment or external influences. Sri Yukteswar recommends to change yourself by changing your consciousness, focus, and thoughts, and by being observant and aware of the intent behind your thoughts and actions. This can be applied to every situation in life, from well-being or illness to fear. The human mind is an expression of the higher mind. 
“All creation is governed by law,” Sri Yukteswar concluded. “The principles that operate in the outer universe, discoverable by scientists, are called natural laws. But there are subtler laws that rule the hidden spiritual planes and the inner realm of consciousness; these principles are knowable through the science of yoga. It is not the physicist but the Self-realized master who comprehends the true nature of matter. By such knowledge, Christ was able to restore the servant’s ear after it had been severed by one of the disciples.”
The free will of all beings must be respected, and each can choose their focus of attention and evolution. Yogananda teaches us about the infinite possibilities to expand and evolve and be one with and an expression of the Divine Wisdom.
He makes emphasis on expressing his views regarding the physical world: mundane tasks are as important as spiritual tasks, as we chose to have a physical experience, to learn to tame our tendencies and learn about God, to be truthful and to not compromise. 
Yogananda vividly describes his experience of oneness, attained with the guidance of his Guru, Sri Yukteswar. He had time and dedication to explore and connect. But what should we do in our days and lives not entirely dedicated to the divine?

Yogananda’s legacy

Sri Yukteswar though Yogananda that we have to experience a balanced living, flowing between the macro-cosmos of the infinite and the micro-cosmos of our life. He helped Yogananda to experience for the first time, the vastness of the universe, but only when he had already strengthen his mind through meditation and expansion of his consciousness, and sincere intent, would be able to absorb the grandness of unity. 
Some desire the connection, but are not willing to do the work and change the focus of the quest in material goods. Some others, fully dedicate to the spiritual life, abandoning the daily duties. Some, have experienced the expansion of God when following rituals assisted by sacred plants, mushrooms, and some synthetic compounds. Once the universe opens and expands, our life will never be the same. 

Conclusion

Some ideas for you if you want to start your road to a more fulfilled life: 

• find time to examine your life and believes, 
• have regular physical activity, 
• go for walks in silence, 
• practice self-awareness, 
• find your devotion, 
• eat healthily, 
• observe your intent, mind, words and actions are in synchronicity.  

The more you reconnect with yourself —both physically, intellectually, emotionally and spiritual— the happier you will be!
The influence of Paramhansa Yogananda’s teachings were among the first to reach our Occidental life and opened the doors that have been followed by many, not only his instructions but the spiritual practices, the practice of yoga, which are now as prevalent as ever. 

Excerpts From: Paramahansa Yogananda, Autobiography of a Yogi (Complete Edition).