Yogananda Podcast

This episode covers the next section of chapter 15 from: “Intuition is soul guidance, appearing naturally in man...” to “...indignant that anyone should dare to experiment further.” Summary: Our friend Shiraz joins us as we explore the concepts of intuition, willpower, the role of the heart in receiving and transmitting information, and the importance of self-responsibility and working on oneself to attract positive thoughts. The profound implications of radio and television technology is not often discussed today but we take some time to review it, as described by Sri Yukteswar and Paramahansa Yogananda. We also bring in Guruji’s amusing anecdote of the British parliamentary system, King Ego and the influence of Prime Minister ignorance on the body's functions, and the importance of understanding and appreciating the simple things in life. 0:00 Welcome Shiraz; 6:20 Prior episode; 6:55 Soul guidance; 21:22 All thoughts vibrate eternally in the cosmos; 36:15 Man is all pervading spirit; 50:15 Understood vs familiar feat. Charles Robert Richet; 59:25 Framework of accepted knowledge; 1:09:33 Looking ahead Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 15: “A humorous occurrence took place a few days after...” to “...faith in the loving-kindness of their Omnipresent Father.” #autobiographyofayogi #autobiographylinebyline #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS

This episode covers the next section of chapter 15 from: “I asked Sri Yukteswar that evening to explain...” to “...and go to a certain room for a single cauliflower.” Summary: Sri Yukteswar and Paramahansa Yogananda discuss the intricacies of the cauliflower robbery and the concept of radio and its impact on society. We explore the idea of thoughts as subtle vibrations moving through the ether, the concept of telepathy, and the importance of positive thinking and the power of thoughts. Guruji gives us some practical methods to put the techniques used by Sri Yukteswar into use – especially in reference to concept of receptivity and willpower, drawing the importance of discipline in the mind. 1:01 Prior episode; 2:55 Advent of Science; 12:50 Radio Signals of the Mind; 26:08 The Omniscient Teacher; 37:20 Broadcast Station; 46:40 Looking ahead. Links discussed in this episode: https://books.google.com/ngrams/graph?content=telepathy&year_start=1800&year_end=2022&corpus=en&smoothing=3; https://books.google.com/ngrams/graph?content=autosuggestion&year_start=1800&year_end=2022&corpus=en&smoothing=3 https://yssofindia.org/newsletter/oct19/index.html https://yssofindia.org/newsletter/Mar15/index.html#:~:text=If%20you%20don Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 15: “Intuition is soul guidance, appearing naturally in man...” to “...indignant that anyone should dare to experiment further.” #autobiographyofayogi #autobiographylinebyline #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS

This episode covers the start of chapter 15 from: “Master, a gift for you! These six huge cauliflowers...” to “... had yielded the object of his singlehearted desire?” Summary: We start chapter 15 be exploring the our expectations for the chapter and how Paramahansa Yogananda has surprised us with the content in this intriguing section of the book! We discuss the nuanced ways in which Sri Yukteswar influenced the circumstances and the ‘crazy man’ to do his bidding while at the same time showering him with simple grace! We also look into the history surrounding the Karar (of Sri Yukteswar’s) Ashram in Puri. 0:00 Expectations for the chapter; 5:00 Gift; 19:10 Marching orders; 30:34 Movie picture of entertainment; 38:38 Being available to being grace; 53:40 Looking ahead to the next chapter. Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 15: “I asked Sri Yukteswar that evening to explain...” to “...and go to a certain room for a single cauliflower.” #autobiographyofayogi #autobiographylinebyline #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS

This episode covers the last part of chapter 14: “Sri Yukteswar taught me how to summon...” to “...who but He bears the burden of the cosmos?” Summary: As Paramahansa Yogananda adjusts to life after attaining to Samadhi, he still introspects and asks Sri Yukteswar the pertinent questions to make sure sure that he has made it! How does intuition help us in our lives and is this a precursor to Samadhi? We explore these important topics along with the perfect definition of God as infinite, ever-new bliss consciousness! 0:00 Summary of prior episode; 1:20 When shall I find God?; 13:40 Expectation of God; 24:30 Seductive beyond thought of competition; 32:00 Ever-new joy and instant guidance; 40:45 Favourite sections of chapter 14; 46:30 Sri Yukteswar’s Puri Ashram; 48:20 Looking ahead to the next chapter. Link discussed in episode: https://youtube.com/shorts/EJCPlL2G4k0?si=HHVRvW70UwCJJtJ0 Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the start of chapter 15: “Master, a gift for you! These six huge cauliflowers...” to “... had yielded the object of his singlehearted desire?” #autobiographyofayogi #autobiographylinebyline #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS

This episode covers the heart of chapter 14: The Samadhi Poem Summary: The most profound poem in all of English literature is Samadhi, by Paramahansa Yogananda. We dedicate an entire episode to the poem, sharing our experiences and joy gleaned from its detailed study, with Chris describing this as our best episode yet! 1:11 Introduction; 5:44 Maya; 19:00 Becoming One; 48:00 Cosmic Joy; 1:05:27 Aum; 1:13:15 Union; 1:26:00 Reflections; 1:34:30 London Centre Narration. Links discussed in this episode: https://yogananda.com.au/c/Atmananda_deeper_yearning.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samudra_Manthana https://youtu.be/yXN2Jw7b0nI?si=AhZFACWju42d0RJ8 Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the last part of chapter 14: “Sri Yukteswar taught me how to summon...” to “...who but He bears the burden of the cosmos?” #autobiographyofayogi #autobiographylinebyline #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS

This episode covers the next part of chapter 14: “Suddenly the breath returned to my lungs...” to “...endeavoring to convey a glimpse of its glory.” Summary: What does it mean that breath is mentioned in this section, how does Paramahansa Yogananda relate it to cosmic consciousness and what does it mean? We also have a delightful discussion on the role of a spiritual master in achieving divine experiences, the importance of yoga practice and devotional bhakti when working in the world, and the concept of an "irresistible force" that would make the spiritual journey easier once reached. 0:00 Summary of previous episode and chapter; 2:29 Back to "reality"; 06:32 Balanced living; 25:33 Essence of sheer light; 36:30 Calming the storms; 41:20 A master bestows; 52:56 Looking head to the next episode. Links discussed in this episode: https://yogananda.com.au/g/g_breath.html https://yogananda.com.au/pyr/pyr_devotion1.html#top https://yogananda.org/blog/yoga-teaches-to-seek-the-divine-first-and-find-balance-in-everything-by-paramahansa-yogananda https://yogananda.com.au/gurus/yogananda_quotes_best_tips_44-9.html Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 14: The Samadhi Poem #autobiographyofayogi #autobiographylinebyline #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS

This episode covers the next part of the start part of chapter 14: “Poor boy, mountains cannot give you what you want...” to “...Aum, the vibration of the Cosmic Motor.” Summary: Sri Yukteswar grants Paramahansa Yogananda the pinnacle of human experience: Samadhi. But is it Savikalpa or Nirvikalpa? Has he experienced glimpses of this before? Guruji splits the experience in subtle but distinct steps, which are explained in more detail in other writings, so we take readings from God Talks with Arjuna (Bhagavad Gita) and the Second Coming of Christ to supplement this episode. This is one of the most significant sections of the book. 0:00 Summary of previous episode and chapter; 1:52 Instant gratification; 12:05 Reconnecting...; 24:15 Expansion; 39:53 The source; 1:05:30 Looking head to the next episode. Links discussed in this episode: https://youtu.be/IGdWdIE5aDk?si=PU45Ux1Wh4z4KMfp Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 14 from: “Suddenly the breath returned to my lungs...” to “...endeavoring to convey a glimpse of its glory.” #autobiographyofayogi #autobiographylinebyline #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS

This episode covers the start part of chapter 14: to “...Thwarted and exposed, I made my way sadly to his side.” Summary: Paramahansa Yogananda writes the most comprehensive description of the Samadhi experience in all literature, we endeavour to give this the devotion and careful attention that it deserves. Before this experience Mukunda describes the beautiful re-union with Sri Yukteswar, one which includes forgiveness and a beautiful expansion of divine love. We also explored the other importance themes of this section: the role of an ashram head vs that of a guru, the need to reduce our expectations and the common problem of scattered thoughts during meditation. 0:00 Summary of previous episode and chapter; 3:20 Expectations from Chapter 14; 7:10 The Return and the Apology 22:00 Expanding my heart; 31:30 Disobedient thoughts; 49:00 Looking forward to the next episode. Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 14 from: “Poor boy, mountains cannot give you what you want...” to “...Aum, the vibration of the Cosmic Motor.” #autobiographyofayogi #autobiographylinebyline #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS

This episode covers the last part of chapter 13: “If you work hard, you will get there...” to the end of the chapter. Summary: As Ram Gopal Mazumdar narrates an inspirational story (one that is particularly useful for us) we wonder if it is ‘enlightening’ simply to hear it with devotion. Soon afterward, Paramahansa Yogananda receives the grace and blessings of seeing flashes of light, we find readings from Sister Gyanamata’s diary that also cover this topic - what if we don’t (yet) see them? Guruji also offers us some suggested visualisations to experience the omnipresence of a Linga. 00:43 Summary of prior episode; 23:53 No goodbyes; 33:50 Undo; 42:15 Takeaways from the Chapter 13; 48:06 Looking ahead to the next episode/chapter 14. Links discussed in this episode: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jyotirlinga https://youtube.com/shorts/-cJHCJ5boI0?si=TFQlGTobVy9cIwi5 This episode covers the start of chapter 14: to “...Thwarted and exposed, I made my way sadly to his side.” #autobiographyofayogi #autobiographylinebyline #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS

This episode covers the next part of chapter 13: “You are asking illumination from me...” to “...to the star of unqualified divine attainment.” Summary: Mukunda assesses the spiritual impact of Ram Gopal Mazumdar’s austere sadhana and is surprised that the latter considers it of little consequence when contrasted with the eternal existence of God. We share our experiences of the difficulty/ease of long meditations while evolving on this spiritual path with our guru Paramahansa Yogananda. 01:00 Summary of prior episode 02:02 Humility - Never enough meditation; 25:35 The Sleepless Saint; 38:32 Insight; 48:45 Looking ahead to the next episode; 48:55 Priyank's background picture. Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the last part of chapter 13: “If you work hard, you will get there...” to the end of the chapter. #autobiographyofayogi #autobiographylinebyline #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS

This episode covers the next part of chapter 13: “Ram Gopal took my hand and led...” to “...burn as though every cell were on fire.” Summary: Mukunda’s interactions with the "Sleepless Saint" allow us to explore a range of interesting topics such as cultural differences in hand-holding, food consumption, and the concept of 'guest is God'. We share our own experiences with adobe houses, the benefits of twice-daily meditation and the intricate distinction between being ready for Samadhi and not. 0:00 Summary of prior episode; 3:00 Arrival at the hamlet; 11:30 But first ... meditation; 21:22 The guest is God; 30:40 Divine consciousness; 44:30 Looking ahead to the next episode. Links discussed in this episode: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atithi_Devo_Bhava Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 13: “You are asking illumination from me...” to “...to the star of unqualified divine attainment.” #autobiographyofayogi #autobiographylinebyline #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS

This episode covers the next part of chapter 13: “The saint’s censorious attitude vanished...” to “...I feel great love for you.” Summary: Young Mukunda (Paramahansa Yogananda) receives some gentle words of wisdom from Ram Gopal Mazumdar on following your guru, having a space to meditate and love. We dig a little deeper into the significance of these lessons in terms of the Guru-disciple relationship, the law of attraction and the the importance of taking the inner pilgrimage. 0:00 Summary of prior episode; 2:51 The windows to the soul; 10:35 Devotion - to the ends of the earth; 25:50 Inner vs. Outer Pilgrimage; 41:55 Looking ahead to the next episode. Links discussed in this episode: https://yogananda.org/the-role-of-a-guru-in-ones-spiritual-search https://yogananda.com.au/pyr/pyr_devotion1.html https://yssofindia.org/product/mans-eternal-quest https://yogananda.com.au/sc/new_testament_kingdom_of_God_l17-20.html Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 13: “Ram Gopal took my hand and led...” to “...burn as though every cell were on fire.” #autobiographyofayogi #autobiographylinebyline #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS

This episode covers the next part of chapter 13: “The stranger halted beside me...” to “...venerated as nuclear centres of spiritual power.” Summary: As Mukunda finally finds Ram Gopal Muzumdar, we explore the intriguing facets of their intriguing preliminary exchanges – where is God and what is your purpose? Why did you not bow? Is there a Univeral path? Paramahansa Yogananda also includes a fascinating quote in the footnote attributed to Dostoyevsky which we explore a little further! 0:00 Summary of prior episode; 2:00 Portrait of RGM; 24:45 Omnipresence of God; 41:25 Cause and effect; 57:18 Ishtadevata - what is yours? 1:12:50 Looking ahead to the next episode. Links discussed in this episode: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Demons_(Dostoevsky_novel) https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/8117 Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 13: “The saint’s censorious attitude vanished...” to “...I feel great love for you.” #autobiographyofayogi #autobiographylinebyline #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS

This episode covers the next part of chapter 13: “I was not sure of the way...” to “...Such faith in the directions given.” Summary: Makunda's long and tiresome journey has a deeper meaning associated with his growth – as with all good and worthwhile journies in our life. We share our personal experiences of hospitality and its biblical spiritual significance, and the role of prayer and affirmations in achieving our worthy outcomes (learning from the nuns of Self-Realization Fellowship from 2024 convocation).‌ 0:00 Summary of prior episode; 01:27 Lost Mukunda; 9:40 Welcome savior; 34:24 Mukunda begins his journey 40:25 Looking ahead to the next episode. Links discussed in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mm6cWagLet0 Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 13: “The stranger halted beside me...” to “...venerated as nuclear centres of spiritual power.” #autobiographyofayogi #autobiographylinebyline #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS

This episode covers the next part of chapter 13: “The following morning I sought out Behari Pundit...” to “...walked briskly toward the outlying village of Ranbajpur.” Summary: Mukunda is ecstatic to have a starting point for his much sought-after sojourn to the Himalayas via the sleepless saint: Ram Gopal Mazumdar. Along his route he visits the blessed Tarakeswar Linga shrine, that is compared with Lourdes in France, but does not bow down as is the custom. What do these pilgrimages mean for us on our path? Why does Paramahansa Yogananada emphasise some customs such as this in the book? 0:00 Summary of prior episode; 02:00 Ram Gopal Muzumdar; 10:51 The journey starts; 18:46 Famous Tarakeswar Shrine; 34:47 Not bowing; 47:34 Looking ahead to the next episode. Links discussed in this episode: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taraknath_Temple Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 13: “I was not sure of the way...” to “...Such faith in the directions given.” #autobiographyofayogi #autobiographylinebyline #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS

This episode covers the first part of chapter 13: “Please permit me to go to the Himalayas...” to “...my conscience smote me at the thought of leaving my guru.” Summary: Mukunda's desire of samadhi bliss through the Himalayan solitudes is the main topic of this section. As Paramahansa Yogananda carefully reflects on this episode of his life with hindsight we unwrap the balance between intuition and doubt, and the concept of karma. The discussion also touched on the role of a guru (Sri Yukteswar) in spiritual progress, the challenges faced by young yogis, and the importance of meditation in our daily routines. 0:28 Summary of prior episode; 1:29 Expectations from this new chapter; 5:51 The plea; 27:25 The hint; 41:45 The betrayal; 51:40 How to fail Chris' pop quiz; 59:30 Looking ahead to the next episode. Links discussed in this episode: https://yssofindia.org/spiritual/beyond-thought-and-intellect-the-unlimited-insight-of-soul-intuition Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 13: “The following morning I sought out Behari Pundit...” to “...walked briskly toward the outlying village of Ranbajpur.” #autobiographyofayogi #autobiographylinebyline #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS

This episode covers the last part of chapter 12: “My guru personally attended to the details...” to “...and egotism whose fall is the height of a man.” Summary: In this section Sri Yukteswar shows us the way to outwit unscrupulous souls seeking to take advantage of us. We reflect on more of Sri Yukteswar’s traits and qualities, precisely as Paramahansa Yogananda wanted us to do for this long part of the book. As we draw the chapter to a close, we reflect on its variegated teachings and life lessons and look ahead to chapter 13. 1:00 Summary of previous episode; 1:47 Managing your own affairs; 32:17 Soft yet firm; 47:15 Our paramguru; 54:40 Serampore Ashram; 1:03:30 Reflections on chapter 12; 1:14:45 Looking ahead to next chapter. Links discussed in this episode: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhiksha https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Browning Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the first part of chapter 13: “Please permit me to go to the Himalayas...” to “...my conscience smote me at the thought of leaving my guru.” #autobiographyofayogi #autobiographylinebyline #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS

This episode covers the next part of chapter 12:“Men who were pridefully conscious of their wealth...”to“...ignorant men who are not seeking God, and wise men who are.” Summary: Sri Yukteswar’s influence on those around him was not limited to dedicated devotees, but also to visiting magistrates! We focus on the importance of humility, respect, and composure in the various situations we may find ourselves in – learning from the Master himself. 0:00 The unlikely disciple; 34:04 Criterion before joining the Swami Order; 49:00 Extra insight on Sri Yukteswar; 51:15 Looking ahead to the next episode. Links discussed in this episode: https://yssofindia.org/spiritual/overcoming-anger Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the last part of chapter 12:“My guru personally attended to the details...”to“...and egotism whose fall is the height of a man.” #autobiographyofayogi #autobiographylinebyline #paramahansayoganandaAutobiography of a Yogi awake.minuteSelf-Realization FellowshipYogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS

This episode covers the next part of chapter 12: “Master stressed on other occasions the futility...” to “...His ego is pleased, that he can grasp such erudition.” Summary: We discuss the importance of understanding sacred writings through careful and deliberate reading, rather than focusing on quote memorisation and dinner conversation topic building. The importance of truly imbibing Paramahansa Yogananda’s writings (“when I am gone, the teachings will be the Guru) is emphasised in this section along with integrating the knowledge into daily life. 2:55 Summary of previous episode; 4:35 The futility of mere book learning; 24:05 The ancient method of learning; 39:33 The essence of wisdom and simplicity; 1:01:08 Looking ahead to the next episode. Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 12: “Men who were pridefully conscious of their wealth...” to “... ignorant men who are not seeking God, and wise men who are.” #autobiographyofayogi #autobiographylinebyline #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS

This episode covers the next part of chapter 12: “Among the philosophers, professors, lawyers...” to “...to any scourging inner discipline!” Summary: The guests that came to visit Sri Yukteswar’s hermitage did not always leave with their pre-conceptions intact, indeed they were jarred and dissected to the point of no return. What lessons should we learn from this challenge to our method of accumulating scriptural knowledge and how openly we discus it with others? We welcome listeners answers to these tough questions on our YouTube page. 0:00 Summary of previous episode; 1:52 The Tire Kickers; 18:33 The Chemist; 34:13 The Scholar; 52:35 Spiritual Comas; 59:05 Looking ahead to the next episode. Links discussed in this episode: https://yogananda.com.au/gurus/yogananda_quotes_steps_to_God-46.html https://yogananda.org/blog/concepts-of-god https://youtu.be/tYjYL448-yY?si=SZjFt8pyX6Nlw36S Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 12: “Master stressed on other occasions the futility...” to “...His ego is pleased, that he can grasp such erudition.” #autobiographyofayogi #autobiographylinebyline #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS