A Touch of Light Podcast

It’s hard to describe the feeling of upliftment and joy: Many people have told us, “It feels like we’re in the astral world here!”

Throughout the years, I've come across many miraculous stories of protection, but there’s a subtler form of divine intervention that often goes unnoticed. An inspiring example comes from Babaji’s life as shared in Autobiography of a Yogi, where he lightly struck the shoulder of a disciple with a burning log, preventing a more severe fate caused by past karma. This act illustrated how sometimes a small pain can spare us from greater suffering, reminding us that even the challenges we face might be protective in disguise. In our turbulent world, we may not always escape suffering, but how we respond can reveal God’s presence in our lives. I hope that those who are struggling globally find strength and understanding.

I went to work for Swami Kriyananda in 1968, and my first day was an absolute disaster! But, like many disasters, it makes for a good lesson and a good story.

I had been helping Swami with small tasks at his evening classes as a volunteer for many months. Then he asked me to quit my job as a social worker and become his assistant, and after a couple of weeks of indecision, I agreed. This is what happened on the first morning of the first day.

I arrived at Swami’s small apartment in San Francisco to find that an old friend of his was visiting him. Adano Ley had been a center leader from the days when Swamiji was in charge of the center department for Self-Realization Fellowship, and they had grown close.

After greeting them and chatting for a few minutes, I was ready to get to work. Also present, sitting at a small table in the living room, was a woman who occasionally helped Swami with various projects. Our job that morning was to send out a mailing announcing a new class series.

After greeting her, I asked, “Do we have a mailing list?” I was somewhat surprised to get an angry retort back: “None of your business!”

Being relatively young and foolish, I persisted. “Do we at least have a list of names?” Again, an angry answer was flung back at me: “That’s my job.”

By this time Swami and his friend, Adano, could see where this was heading. Being men of wisdom and discrimination, they quietly repaired to the kitchen to have a cup of tea—the kitchen being the only place they could go and close a door.

The explosion wasn’t long in coming. After a couple more questions from me and a couple more angry retorts from her, she shouted, “I can’t take this anymore. I quit!” and stomped out, taking care to slam the door as she left.

Well, you can imagine my chagrin and embarrassment. It had taken me less than an hour to completely destroy Swami’s office scene. I was sitting there, red from embarrassment, and dreading having to tell Swamiji what had happened. It turned out there was no need for fear. As soon as the coast was clear, Swamiji and Adano emerged from the kitchen and, to my amazement, they were both laughing so hard they could barely stay standing. Swami looked at me and said, “Thank you. I didn’t know how I was ever going to get rid of her.”

My career as his assistant had been quick to hit bottom, and from that point there was no way to go but up. Over the next months we worked together on his many projects: printing and distributing books, advertising and giving classes, correspondence, finances, and, soon, the beginnings of what would become Ananda.

One lesson here is that things are often not what they seem. God sees through different eyes, and what appears like a disaster to us is, if not cause for amusement, at least a part of His lesson plan. He is much more interested in our growth than in our comfort. As Swami Kriyananda occasionally put it, “God's purpose is not to make our mud puddle of delusion more comfortable to play in. It is to get us out of the mud puddle altogether.”

Ultimately, whether we succeed gloriously or fail disastrously, we should feel that it is God playing His drama through us. The next time a minor humiliation occurs in your life, remember these wise words from Paramhansa Yogananda: “Father, teach me to perform all my work only to please Thee. Let me feel Thee as the electricity of life, moving the machinery of my bones, nerves, and muscles. In every heart-throb, every breath, every burst of vital activity, teach me to feel Thy power.”

In bemused surrender,

Nayaswami Jyotish

Paramhansa Yogananda would sometimes gaze lovingly at his disciples and say, “If you only knew how beautiful you are. I see you all as beings of light.”

During a recent trip to India, we had the pleasure of recording a podcast for Bombay Times, where the interviewer asked insightful questions that made us feel at ease. One question struck me: "On your lifelong spiritual journey, what has surprised you?" I answered, quite surprisingly to myself, that my journey has been one from knowing, to unknowing, and back to knowing. As a child, when asked about my future dreams, I simply wanted to be happy, understanding even then that true happiness is our ultimate goal. Over time, however, we often chase external achievements—like careers or relationships—only to find their satisfaction fleeting, which I described as the “unknowing.” This realization prompts us to search for lasting happiness within. A memorable moment during my first meditation experience transformed my perspective; sitting quietly, I felt joy that was independent of my surroundings. Though my companion at the time suggested that joy required study and answers, I knew that the key lay in the experience itself. As Yoganandaji said, we should strive to break free from limiting boundaries and immerse ourselves in the sea of joy, which is our true nature. Let's continue this quest for inner fulfillment together, as it is the essence of our existence. Wishing you joyful knowing!
Nayaswami Devi

As we wrap up our time in India and prepare to return home to Ananda Village, I reflect on the incredible experiences of the past few months in Italy and India. We've engaged in enriching classes and heartwarming conversations, but now we feel a deep desire for a shift in focus—moving from intense activity to a more profound search for God. Our time in the beautiful Himalayan foothills was truly magical, especially with the blessing of Nanda Devi guiding us. The serene retreat, said to be the "Abode of the Pandavas," surrounded us with grace, leading to deeper meditations and insights for Ananda's work. Though not everyone can reach the Himalayas, inspiration is always available to us. Like Yogananda's search for the sleepless saint, we all can find our way to God’s presence, no matter where we are. So, as we head back to our meditation room, we invite you to join us on this sacred journey within—together, let’s realize the omnipresence of the Divine. With love, Nayaswami Jyotish.

Last Saturday in Pune, India, during our final satsang, I was struck by the radiant faces of devoted seekers. After traveling for almost two and a half months across Italy and various cities in India, it felt like a poignant farewell. The topic was “Deepening Attunement with the Guru,” and it brought to mind the essence of Yogananda’s teachings: that we can all find God. This attunement means embodying the qualities of our Guru—wisdom, joy, and love—in our daily lives. By responding to the world with calmness and detachment, embracing joy in all circumstances, and sharing love, we can reflect the divine presence around us. Ultimately, meditation is key to feeling God’s presence within us, not as a duty but with joyful anticipation. Remember, God is behind everything, and that is what we are all truly seeking.

During a heartfelt gathering, a woman revealed the profound connection between her beautifully worn sari and a dream she had years ago, involving Devi and Jyotish. This dream symbolized a bond and reminded us of dreams' significance in our lives. Jyotish shares two transformative dreams that guided major life choices—one led to accepting a pivotal role with Swamiji; the other was a blessing from Master. Deep spiritual truths can be revealed through dreams. The power of imagination is that it can serve as a bridge to the astral realm, where genuine messages from a higher plane can shape our reality. In every effort, whether waking or dreaming, let us envision divinity with joy and gratitude.

In the seemingly mundane moments of life, we can discover profound expressions of divine presence. Reflecting on my own experiences, I recall a day spent at the hospital with a friend undergoing chemotherapy. After a long day, as dusk approached, our car encountered an unexpected flat tire. With no phone and my friend too weak to assist, I offered a quiet prayer for help. In that moment of vulnerability, two unexpected strangers arrived, offering assistance by swiftly changing the tire. This experience, seemingly dictated by chance, reveals a greater reality – that God and Guru are always guiding us if we remain open. We must cultivate awareness of their presence in our lives and seek to recognize the divine in every circumstance. As echoed in the words of Master, may we heal our sight to perceive that divinity exists all around us.

Devi and I recently had the privilege of speaking to a packed audience in Delhi about "How to Achieve Your Highest Potential," a topic that resonates with all seekers on their journey. We explored the idea that we are intricate beings with a body, energy, mind, emotions, and a soul, all seeking happiness while avoiding pain. True fulfillment comes from within, rather than from external sources like jobs or relationships. We emphasized the importance of nurturing our physical selves through healthy eating, exercise, and rest, as well as abstaining from harmful substances. Yet, it is also crucial to develop our energy body through practices like pranayama, building willpower, and maintaining a positive mindset. Our thoughts, as extensions of divine consciousness, hold immense power, and spiritual practices help transform negativity into support for one another. Ultimately, our soul—our true essence—transcends physical identity, and meditation serves as a profound tool for awakening this potential. By focusing on these layers of self, we can lead lives that are vibrant, joyful, and fulfilling, sharing our happiness with those around us. In joy, Nayaswami Jyotish

My life truly began on July 4, 1969, when I encountered Swami Kriyananda, my spiritual guide, at Ananda Village. A significant aspect of my personal journey has been observing Swamiji’s own evolution as a disciple to his guru, Paramhansa Yogananda. This year, we celebrated both his centennial birthday and the seventy-eighth anniversary of discipleship. From his profound teachings and unwavering devotion to his guru, to his deepening relationships with devotees, each moment was a testament to his journey toward God. Swamiji achieved his sacred desire for union with the Divine, reminding us that through many lifetimes, everything reaches its balance.

In Italy, we spoke with MayaDevi, who leads our Kriya ministry in Europe and teaches meditation to prisoners. Some members of her group are skeptical about the benefits, prompting her to seek advice on how to motivate them. We reached out to Joe Hunt, a long-term prisoner and Kriyaban, who wrote a powerful letter sharing his own experience. He reflected on how, during his decades in Los Angeles County Jail, he turned to Raja Yoga and meditation as a means to find joy and freedom within himself, despite his physical confinement. Joe's journey illustrates the profound truth that true liberation can be found through inner exploration, even in the most challenging circumstances. His letter serves as a beacon of hope, urging others to recognize the potential for happiness within themselves.

In Paramhansa Yogananda's poem "God! God! God!", a particular verse reveals profound insights about our dreams and memories. One evening, after experiencing an unsettling dream, I remembered the verse and realized that those negative feelings stemmed from past memories rather than current realities. By shifting my focus to God, I found peace. This illustrates that true meditation requires awareness without tension; it's about nurturing calm attention rather than suppressing thoughts. Meditation should empower us to maintain this focus, preventing distractions from past or future concerns. Let us practice using our attention like a needle, stitching the idea of God into the fabric of our minds. By doing so, we can embody a continuous state of devotion in all facets of life, embracing each moment with the joy of divine connection. May every step you take lead you closer to this union with God.

During our discussion on "The Essential Elements of Kriya" at the annual Kriya Renaissance week in Assisi, we delved into profound questions about the purpose of life and our connection with God. While many view the ultimate aim as finding God or dissolving the ego, understanding the essence of God—pure consciousness—can be challenging. Traditional representations fall short, but through the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, particularly in Autobiography of a Yogi, we gain clarity on the path to experiencing this divine state. The goal of our spiritual journey is to achieve samadhi, which brings a deeper understanding of our purpose. The techniques we practice, particularly the four main ones—Energization Exercises, Hong-Sau, Kriya, and AUM—are interconnected, serving to cultivate our life-force and focus our consciousness toward spiritual awakening. Each practice is a vital bead in the beautiful string of our spiritual quest.

We are joyfully visiting the Ananda community near Assisi, Italy, where we recently celebrated the launch of the Italian translations of our new books and the Centennial Celebration for Swami Kriyananda, with attendees from across Europe. This beautiful occasion has reminded me of our earlier dedication of the Temple of Light at Ananda Assisi, a place radiating divine joy. A powerful story from this community recounted a young devotee who, decades ago, asked Swami Kriyananda for a favor. Though he declined, he assured her of healing. Many years later, as she faced surgery for cancer, his words resurfaced, enveloping her in peace, and the surgery revealed she was cancer-free—an example of God's hidden power at work. As Paramhansa Yogananda teaches, strong faith in God brings about profound responses to our prayers. Our task is to meditate and seek God's presence, allowing His divine guidance to illuminate our lives. Saints exemplify unwavering faith in God, knowing Him in every facet of existence. Yogananda encourages us to apply these truths, promising that with unwavering belief, we can achieve greatness, with the ultimate goal of finding God.

We've all made choices we regret, and we could all benefit from a better decision-making process. While various traditions offer guidelines for right conduct, we often crave personalized advice. One effective method by Paramhansa Yogananda involves pausing to consider reasons against impulsive actions. I've tried this to curb my snacking habit, and it really strengthens willpower! For deeper decisions, we can develop what Yogananda calls soul-guided intuition. This requires spiritual growth and deeper concentration at the spiritual eye, allowing us to align our will with a higher purpose. Techniques like pranayama and focusing on inner light can help us bring issues before this light for guidance. When inspiration strikes, it’s essential to act on it while remaining open to ongoing direction. Remember, intuition is a natural talent we just need to refine! Keep a positive mindset, and trust in yourself. As Swamiji says, “Resolutely I quell my inclinations, that my mind be open to the wisdom-guidance of my soul.” With a little faith, we can navigate our paths with clarity and confidence!

To truly solve our problems and find God, we must step back from our egoic reactions and get a broader perspective. Swami Kriyananda suggested that longer, deeper meditations can help dissolve the ego and instead recognize God as the guiding force in our lives. By dedicating quality time to meditation and nurturing a calm, watchful presence within, we can start to quiet ego-driven thoughts. It's important to remember that our accomplishments come from God, not from our own efforts, just as we don’t control our own heartbeat. We should also be mindful of our reactive tendencies. If we notice negative reactions, we can shift our awareness to a more spiritual perspective through deep breathing and focusing on our spiritual eye. This practice helps us understand others better and take control of our responses. Ultimately, by starting from the calm center of our being, we can connect with God’s unconditional love and navigate through life more freely.

To recognize God as the doer empowers us to be channels of His divine energy, aligning with the ultimate goal of self-realization. In our journey, rather than pleading for Divine Mother’s presence, we should acknowledge that She is already here, guiding us. Every positive endeavor we pursue brings us closer to understanding our unity with God. By affirming that God acts through us, we strengthen our awareness of His presence. Essential to this are three practices: self-discipline to harness our minds, attentiveness to fully engage in each moment, and cultivating happiness independent of external circumstances. The choice is ours—will we remain open to Divine Mother’s power, or inadvertently limit ourselves by claiming the role of the doer? Embrace the possibility of infinite growth and connection with the divine.

Miracles are not relics of the past; they are unfolding around us every day, waiting for us to perceive them. A powerful example comes from Lourdes, France, where the Virgin Mary once appeared to St. Bernadette, revealing a life-giving spring that continues to encourage pilgrimages and healings. A friend visiting Lourdes sought a personal miracle but found instead a profound spiritual experience while praying for others. This moment illuminated the truth that God's love and presence are constant, offering peace and miracles in our lives. As we reflect on our own experiences, we can recognize the endless wonders of divine love that transcend time and space.

In reflecting on the story of the man near liberation, we can draw parallels between his journey and our own spiritual quests. This untold tale invites us to envision ourselves in his position, echoing a deep desire for God that resonates within many of us. As we strive for spiritual fulfillment, there’s a mutual understanding of the pull toward a life where earthly desires lose their grip. The idea of becoming jivan muktas—liberated while living—encourages us to keep pushing towards enlightenment. Our leap into the divine isn’t taken in isolation, as we have a supportive community accompanying us on this journey. Ultimately, we yearn for that moment when our desires dissipate, leaving only the divine light guiding our every action, much like the heartfelt prayers found in "Whispers from Eternity." It’s a shared aspiration, one that unites us in our quest for a divine connection and purpose.