Yogananda Podcast

This episode covers the next part of chapter 12: “Master always had young chelas (disciples)...” to “...change the orientation of human thought.” Summary: This episode focuses on spiritual education of young disciples, the importance of devotion, discipline, and discipleship in the context of Sri Yukteswar’s ashram. They also explored the linguistic skills and ochre robes of the Master and discuss the concept of balance in approach to the body, spiritual healing, and the integration of spirituality and medicine, drawing inspiration from the writings of Paramahansa Yogananda. But we get stuck on that complex footnote... on the contributions of scientists and the idea that intelligence can be acquired through means beyond the five senses, what do you think? 1:40 Sri Yukteshwar's ashram residents; 20:01 The mastery of the Master; 32:36 Spiritual Healing; 55:28 New Science. Links referenced in the chapter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2G9i65RmG50 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XCVnOb6VXmg https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/1913/richet/biographical/ Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 12: “Sri Yukteswar counselled his students to be...” to “...when you have attained the final perfection.” #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: “The silence habitual to Sri Yukteswar was caused by...” to “... improve if you are making a spiritual effort now.” Summary: Paramahansa Yogananda uses every opportunity to focus on the key themes of silence and stillness, we explore their spiritual significance and draw on personal experiences using noise in the workplace and environment. Sri Yukteswar teaches us some cultural differences in communication styles, the importance of concise and impactful communication, and the role of a spiritual master. The transmission of knowledge through a guru medium is often so subtle it goes unnoticed in the moment, but hindsight and due reflection always reveal the significant teachings that life has given us over the years. 0:00 Silent Self-Realization Fellowship; 40:00 A Master's touch; 52:40 Transmission; 1:04:28 Doubt. Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 12: “Master always had young chelas (disciples)...” to “...change the orientation of human thought.” #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: “My guru was a peerless interpreter of the scriptures...” to “... A saint will not encroach on that independence.” Summary: This part deals with the challenges and benefits of spiritual practices, with a focus on the importance of concentration and self-awareness as taught by Sri Yukteswar and Paramahansa Yogananda. We delve into the future architectural visions of Mukunda and share our experiences with the Mother Center and Encinitas. We also review the importance of developing wisdom (e.g. through Sanskrit/Cosmic Chants), whether God and Guru’s know our thoughts and the role of free will. 0:00 Slightly restless Mukunda; 36:10 Foreknowledge; 49:10 Sri Yukteswar’s Wisdom. Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 12: “The silence habitual to Sri Yukteswar was caused by...” to “... improve if you are making a spiritual effort now.” #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: “One afternoon during my early months...” to “... severed by one of the disciples.” Summary: Masters like Lahiri Mahasaya and Sri Yukteswar employ intriguing techniques to impart wisdom, in this episode we focus on the impact of alternative healing methods on medical diagnosis, the importance of personal responsibility in health, and the potential benefits of a combination of scientific and spiritual healing techniques. We also explore our personal experiences with spiritual healing, the significance of a guru in spiritual growth, and the potential impacts of miraculous healing stories on faith and doubt. 00:33 A miraculous healing; 14:12 Sri Yukteswar's experience of being healed; 46:12 A miracle to show the power of God; 53:06 Lahiri Mahasaya awake in God. Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 12: “My guru was a peerless interpreter of the scriptures...” to “... A saint will not encroach on that independence.” #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: “My early months with Sri Yukteswar culminated in...” to “...guru is beyond fear of hurt from any creature.” Summary: We reflect on personal experiences with mosquito control methods, associated spiritual practices on self-control, and the philosophy of Ahimsa non-violence. We also review how this relates to a similar passage in Chapter 44 with Mahatma Gandhi, as well as Sri Yukteswar and Paramahansa Yogananda’s yogic powers that prevent mosquito and cobra bites and how this is linked to the mastery of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. 1:15 Recap; 2:10 Outwit a mosquito with a Yogic Trance; 45:17 Overcoming desire for destruction; 1:16:10 Master and the cobra. Links referenced in this episode: http://yogananda.com.au/gurus/yogananda_quotes33concentration.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aranyaka#Taittiriya_Aranyaka https://www.yoganiketan.net/reader/books/srimad-bhagavad-gita-Yukteshvar.html Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 12: “One afternoon during my early months...” to “... severed by one of the disciples.” #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: “Daily life at the ashram flowed smoothly...” to “... ended many of my periods of nocturnal edification.” Summary: In this section the emphasis Paramahansa Yogananda and Swami Sri Yukteswar placed on the importance of routine and meditation, and the challenges of maintaining them. Mukunda notices the minute mannerisms and qualities of Swami Sri Yukteswar just four our careful analysis. The significance of meditation was likened to life being a dream, and the teachings of a guru that emphasized joyful food preparation were also discussed. The group also touched upon the spiritual practices of a guru and the importance of balancing inner spiritual life with interactions with guests. 01:48 From Sleep to Samadhi; 18:00 Food for the soul; 45:30 Visitors; ~55:00 The art satsang 1:11:00 Nighttime. Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 12: “My early months with Sri Yukteswar culminated in...” to “...guru is beyond fear of hurt from any creature.” #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: “Sri Yukteswar chose the following morning...” to “...minimum passing grades from time to time.” Summary: Mukunda received a transforming Kriya Yoga initiation, which is different this time because of the authority of the initiator: Swami Sri Yukteswar. We talk about how this applies to modern Kriya initiates and importance of the role of SRF/YSS to sincere devotees around the world. When he returns home, he is warmly welcomes by his family, and we draw on stories from Mejda that relate how Kriya transformed Mukunda into Paramahansa Yogananda. 0:00 SRF in Lima, Peru; 3:40 Transforming touch of your Guru; 18:05 Guruji returns home; 42:40 Happy months; 53:20 Mukunda’s transformation after Kriya. Links from episode: https://yogananda.com.au/c/Atmananda_deeper_yearning.html Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 12: “Daily life at the ashram flowed smoothly...” to “... ended many of my periods of nocturnal edification.” #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: “Led by my guru, I strolled about the house...” to “...sweet the first night under my guru’s roof.” Summary: As Mukunda takes his first steps inside Swami Sri Yukteswar’s ashram in Serempore he takes the opportunity to get to know him better. He got lessons that would stay with till he became Paramahansa Yogananda. We delight in bolstering the intricacies of the narrative be taking excerpts from Swami Satyananda’s biography of Swami Sri Yukteswar. 0:00 Chris' Travels; 2:45 Master's Hermitage; 19:01 The briefest of bio’s; 39:19 Look fear in the face; 54:18 Attachment is blinding; 59:43 Positive suggestions only for children. Links from episode: https://www.yoganiketan.net/reader/books/swami-sriyukteshvar-giri-maharaj.html Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 12: “Sri Yukteswar chose the following morning...” to “...minimum passing grades from time to time.” #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 12 to: “...blessing my infancy, had guided my steps to this hour.” Summary: A profound start to one of the longest chapters of the book, ranking amongst the most influential and memorable written. We discuss our expectations as well as the detailed breakdown of Mukunda’s pleas and Sri Yukteswar’s eventual acquiescence. There are many hypotheticals discussed here, listeners are encouraged to comment to add some richness to our discussion. 0:00 New Chapter! 8:56 The Guru is the Law; 41:22 Eternal Shelter; 1:08:22 SRF lineage link confirmed. Links from episode: https://yssofindia.org/blog/loyalty-highest-law-for-spiritual-success-by-swami-ishtananda-giri https://yogananda.com.au/pyr/foundation.html#top https://yssofindia.org/blog/the-guru-guide-to-eternal-freedom https://yssofindia.org/about/guru-disciple-relationship Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 12: “Led by my guru, I strolled about the house...” to “...sweet the first night under my guru’s roof.” #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 11 from: “Joy was within me as I boarded...” to the end of the chapter. Summary: A beautiful end to a lively chapter – and yet so much to unpack! The variegated ways in which three devotees look to Mukunda – Paramahansa Yogananda is very revealing: Jitendra’s changeable spiritual enthusiasm contrasted well with Pratap’s strong convictions and Ananta’s willingness to change the course of his life in an instant. 2:00 To Err is Human; 23:30 A Prince’s tale; 41:45 The Guru’s Taj Mahal promise; 52:45 Returning Home; 1:13:45 Reflections on the chapter and looking ahead; Links from episode: The Guru’s promise: https://www.phoenixtemple.org/quotes/quotes.php?option=2012-02-05.txt https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cinderella https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uddhava Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the start of chapter 12 to: “...blessing my infancy, had guided my steps to this hour.” #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 11 from: “The heat outdoors was merciless...” to “...then walked slowly to the station.” Summary: Jitendra resumes his yo-yo traits of tentative faith – with moments of extreme elation followed by extreme doubt, perhaps representing qualities of many devotees. Mukunda meanwhile becomes a Guru for the first time in this life, with an eager new devotee comparatively far advanced in years, but as we know it is a relationship that transcends conventional rules of age, sex and creed. We get a glimpse of what Kriya Yoga is and how Paramahansa Yogananda will use it to transform the world. 0:00 Forgetful, doubting Jitendra; 19:50 A Guru, found; 33:30 Brindaban Tour with answered prayers; 58:20 Kriya Yoga Initiation. Links from episode: https://www.indianetzone.com/12/kadamba_tree.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radha_Madan_Mohan_Temple,_Vrindavan https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banke_Bihari_Temple https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaligram https://youtu.be/Wj-STxwil2U?si=nYpyLyU8kbE948xk Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the last part of chapter 11 from: “Joy was within me as I boarded...” 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 11 from:: “A half hour later Jitendra and I were...” to “...an attractive invitation to revisit the hermitage.” Summary: Mukunda and Jitendra embark on their journey with an unlikely promise from Ananta regarding becoming a disciple! Jitendra starts his doubting straight away (a theme for this chapter) and quickly regrets it when the divine hand caters for the pair “in a hurry”. Is Indian cuisine unmatched? Gauri Ma gives Paramahansa Yogananda a meal to remember! 1:07 No final security; 10:40 Ananta to be Mukunda's disciple; 19:34 Sceptical Jitendra; 27:25 The first miracle; 42:27 The Lord works-in a hurry, too! 50:03 A sumptuous repast. Links from episode: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atithi_Devo_Bhava Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 11 from: “The heat outdoors was merciless...” to “...then walked slowly to the station.” #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 11 from: “It would serve you right if Father disinherited you...” to “...and, very likely, a fellow victim!” Summary: Ananta attempts to use all the tools at his disposal to bring Mukunda back to the conventional family ways and challenges him to an epic dare. Paramahansa Yogananda agrees without a second thought and remembers the rewards of faith from previous trials – what lessons can we learn from this to apply to our own lives? 1.30 Title and expectations; 10.30 The reluctant reunion; 44.00 A privileged life?; 56.40 The Proposition. Links from episode: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bhiksha https://yogananda.com.au/gurus/yoganandaquotes07b.html Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on next part of chapter 11 from: “A half hour later Jitendra and I were...” to “...an attractive invitation to revisit the hermitage.” #autobiographyofayogi #autobiographylinebyline #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS

This episode covers the long footnote at the end of chapter 10. Summary: The footnote has so much depth that it is easy to gloss over in our eagerness to start the fun next chapter. However, hidden in-between the lines of this page Paramahansa Yogananda has planted some ancient truths that have shaped our path, cosmic chants and overall lineage over millennia. Although on first reading it is seems quite heavy, we do our best to make it digestible enough for our study. 0:00 Guru Invocation; 7:20 Philosophy of Advaita (Non-dual, Monistic) spirit; 21:40 Delving into the Mandukya Karika; 36:35 Shankaracharya Biography; 56:45 Stories from the lineage; 1:05:00 Shankara’s prayer. Links from episode: Guru Puja (complete): https://youtu.be/xNF64389ugw?si=PcKZsCudP2qAB5FF Lineage: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advaita_Guru_Parampara Century of Verses: https://sacred-texts.com/hin/wos/wos07.htm Philosopher’s stone: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cintamani Mandukya Karika: https://estudantedavedanta.net/MandukyaUpanishadKarikaWithBhashya-SwamiNikhilananda.pdf https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advaita_Vedanta https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dvaita_Vedanta https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vishishtadvaita Krishna Das Bhaja Govindam: • Krishna Das - My Foolish Heart/Bhaja ... https://sathyasaiwithstudents.blogspot.com/2013/01/shri-adi-shankaracharya-his-life-part-2.html https://youtu.be/I6f20Fob44A?si=fDsngcZLaYNC_XR8 Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the start of chapter 11 from: “It would serve you right if Father disinherited you...” to “...and, very likely, a fellow victim!” #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 10 from: “We had had to travel for our meeting to...” to “...“swoop” perilously close to Calcutta!” Summary: This beautiful encounter between Sri Yukteswar and Mukunda ends with a hint of bitter-sweet. Is it possible that 12 hours had passed during their meeting that is covered in two pages? Mukunda suffers some heart-ache from his ashram housemates that pushed him over the brink. 0:00 Holy Places; 9:10 Tense talk; 34:00 Hostility in the hermitage. Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the long footnote at the end of chapter 10. #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 10 from: “ As we made our way to the stone balcony...” to “...had never caught a glimpse of my guru.” Summary: So few words are exchanged between Mukunda and Sri Yukteswar in their six hour re-union (of this lifetime), but so much depth exists in between the lines. We try to break it down and fill in then blanks using readings from God Talks with Arjuna and Man’s Eternal Quest. 0:00 Preamble; 1:15 I give you all I possess; 16.10 Precious words; 34:41 Unconditional Love; 54:32 Sri Yukteswar's clairvoyance; 1:01:54 Going back to Calcutta. Links discussed used in this episode: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/loyalty/ Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 10 from: “We had had to travel for our meeting to...” to “...“swoop” perilously close to Calcutta!” #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 10 to: “”Gurudeva!” The divine face was the one...” to “...Strength mingled subtly with gentleness.” Summary: Finally! Mukunda finds his Guru Swami Sri Yukteswar – we consider this to the the most important part of the book yet, but why? What is it about this relationship that gets our spiritual juices racing? We try to answer this question amongst the backdrop of this awesome episode, where Paramahansa Yogananda’s elation is matched by Sri Yukteswar’s – who has once again found “His Own”. We highly recommend listening to Brother Anandamoy’s pertinent talk on Loyalty before consuming this episode – a link can be found below. 0:00 Preamble; 2:00 Setting some Guru context; 13:05 Mukunda finds gold; 30:00 A Guru's highest joy; 45:45 What is the Guru's purpose? 50:47 Sri Yukteswar’s outer appearance. Links discussed used in this episode: https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/loyalty/ Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 10 from: “As we made our way to the stone balcony...” to “...had never caught a glimpse of 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 10 to: “The sole treasure which had accompanied me...” to “...A few eager steps and I was at his feet.” Sumamary: Mukunda continues struggle with Dayananda’s followers, leading him to the special moment when he is finally reunited with the great Swami Sri Yukteswar, his guru, of whom he has waited a lifetime for! During this prelude our guru is blessed with two special spiritual moments which we discuss the significance and lessons contained therein. 0:00 Amulet, no more! 11:30 Frictions and a supernatural confirmation; 32:35 The Prelude to the famed re-union. Links discussed used in this episode: https://yogananda.com.au/para/p_prayer.html#top https://yogananda.com.au/podcast/p_yogananda_prayer.html https://yogananda.com.au/para/p_destiny1.html https://yogananda.com.au/para/p_fate.html#top Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 10 from: “”Gurudeva!” The divine face was the one...” to “...Strength mingled subtly with gentleness.” #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 10 to: “With doubled zest I awaited...” to “...this lesson in a Banaras hermitage!” Mukunda is shaken up by the austerity of Swami Dayananda attitude toward food, life and God. Fasting must be an important part of spirituality for Paramahansa Yogananda to use his own example and expound the timeless eastern philosophy by covering so many pages on the topic. Swami Dayananda uses a small flaw in young Mukunda’s temperament to churn out more essential training for him, and by extension: us. 0:00 Fasting; 30:59 The Tao; 45:34 Footnote; 49:40 The Te of Dayananda Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 10 from: “The sole treasure which had accompanied me...” to “... A few eager steps and I was at his feet.” #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 10 to: “I was pleased that my new home...” to “... I completed a twenty-four-hour fast.” This short part of the autobiography that covers life in Bharat Dharma Mahamandal ashram holds many lessons for young Mukunda. He has good reason to request clarifications from the ashram’s head Dayananda, who takes the opportunity to iron out a few wrinkles to ensure Mukunda is ready for his long sought after meeting with Sri Yukteswar. 0:00 Lauren’s surprise; 3:30 A new life in an ashram; 11:50 Mukunda's divine complaint; 22:30 Renounce your father's wealth; 31:40 Curb your hunger. Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 10 from: “With doubled zest I awaited...” to “...this lesson in a Banaras hermitage!” Link from the episode: https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/5-famous-breakfast-dishes-from-bengal-1806410 #autobiographyofayogi #autobiographylinebyline #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship #SRF