Timeless wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda
We all strive for balance in our lives, but how do we actually achieve it? Our days are filled with activities, challenges and to-do lists, leaving us exhausted and wondering what living a balanced life really means. We seek a break from the distraction of smartphones and busy schedules, but don’t know how to unplug. This starts to wear on our bodies, our work, our families and our relationships.
Whole Life Times consulted the wisdom of a renowned spiritual master, Paramahansa Yogananda. Our conduit was Sister Bhakti, a senior monastic of Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF), founded in 1920 by Yogananda.
How does one live a balanced life, especially in a demanding world that pushes us every day to accomplish “it all”?
Paramahansa Yogananda explained that balanced living “consists in seeking the comfort of meditation first and then making material life very simple.” He went on to say, “Why spend all your valuable time in seeking perishable things? Why not spend your time seeking God first through deep meditation until you actually contact Him? When you persevere in communing with Him you will receive the imperishable treasures of heaven.” In other words, you will draw to yourself the inner gifts of happiness and well-being, as well as what you need of the material benefits of life, by increased attunement with the Divine Source. Through scientific techniques of meditation, such as those taught by Yogananda, we begin to feel an interior peace that, as we practice more regularly, remains with us throughout the day and provides us with a clearer perspective for handling life’s challenges and many activities.
Challenges are not meant to make us feel discouraged or defeated. On the contrary, they are meant to bring out strength and inner understanding that we may not have even known we had. One way to keep ourselves from getting overwhelmed is to take one step at a time, not dwelling on the past or worry about the future, but doing what needs to be done right now.
What do you say to those who insist they have no time to meditate?
Many of us have full schedules and multiple responsibilities. We might ask: are there ways I can simplify my life? Do I watch too much TV, or get too engrossed in the Internet, or do I take on more than I can possibly do? If you make a list, you’ll find things that you can cut down on.
Another point to keep in mind—it is quality time that counts. Worry less about the time you don’t have and think more about how to best use the time you do have. If you have only 10 minutes, meditate. Those short but regular meditations can help you keep the spiritual momentum going.
How does meditation help us deal with stresses such as difficult people or situations?
Meditation develops even-mindedness and great inner strength. We should not think that if life were less difficult it would be easier to know God. Our trials have a hidden purpose, meant to bring out our strength and help us be free. Paramahansaji said, “You are immortal. Your trials are mortal. You can unleash infinite powers and shatter your finite trials.” Sometimes we forget our infinite nature and we need to discover it again. That is what meditation helps us to do. By stilling the body and the mind, and focusing our attention on Spirit, we are able to perceive the divinity that resides within each one of us.
From time to time, my mind gets restless when I meditate. What can I do to focus?
Everyone who tries to meditate has periods of struggle with the restless mind. Scientific methods of concentration and meditation, including the sacred technique of Kriya Yoga, automatically quiet both body and mind, and make it possible to withdraw energy and attention from the restlessness of thoughts, emotions and sensory perceptions, so that one can begin to experience a deepening inner peace and attunement with God and one’s own soul.
Everyone goes through periods when it is more difficult to meditate. The important thing is to make the effort, to be consistent in daily meditation, and to practice the presence of God throughout the day. Remember that no matter what happens, if you keep doing the best you can, you are using the soul-quality of dynamic will and ultimately you will succeed.
Sister Bhakti, whose name means “devotion toward the Divine,” has been a nun of the Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) monastic community since 1982. Yogananda photo courtesy Self-Realization Fellowship, L.A.
