Today we celebrate Master’s (Paramhansa Yogananda’s) birthday. What an absolute difference this great spiritual Master has made in my life, and in the lives of so many, many people. Certainly the Autobiography of a Yogi continues to be a best seller and is a spiritual classic that has moved new generations to spiritual depths of feeling and perception that would have otherwise remained hidden.
It is difficult to measure the attainment of another, however we can contrast Master’s life and work to many who write books and more books and give public talks and never come close to being qualified to tying the latches of Master’s shoes. Truly Master stands heads above so many others, with very few peers.
When Master drew Mother to him he set into motion a spiritually uplifting current that is transmitted to all of us. A disciple of Master’s once told me that for any other person to be a guru after Master would “block his light.” I had never heard such a load of ignorance in all my life (this would only be true if that one claiming to be a guru was filled with ego). I can tell you, and you do not need me to say it for you know it yourself, Mother’s Light only added to Master’s Light, making for tremendous illumination for all.
There are many who are currently re-reading the Autobiography of A Yogi, and others who are studying his lessons, and still others who are reading the books published in his name (although many of his books have been heavily edited and in some cases the “voice” of the author nearly disappears, still many of these sayings and writings are our only access to them and the Master’s Spirit will still inspire us in spite of the filters of heavy handed editing). Master sought to make yoga and religion well-reasoned and understandable, demonstrable and experiential by every man, woman and child. Since seeking out happiness is a universal need, he showed that only by realizing God will you know lasting bliss and happiness. Therefore the path to Self-realization is needed by everyone walking the globe.
My prayer is that with the marking of Master’s birthday you will be inspired to delve deeper into his writings, and as the Master said, for every hour of reading, meditate two hours. Your going deeper into God-consciousness is the greatest way to please the Master, then broadcast that Light of God you discover within yourself to the entire world. Just think of a world in which all people, everywhere, are striving to know the truth of God and express His loving will in this world. This spiritual transformation is what the Master came to bring about, and each of us can do our part by following in his footsteps.
Master—Happy Birthday—and thank you for being born and bringing this universal message of liberation and freedom to one and to all!