Awake Minute 61: Taking Darshan of Paramahansa Yogananda

Yogananda Podcast

#Priyank, Mike and Chris #Religion #Paramahansa Yogananda

51:57

On the Season 2 debut of Lost Cultures: Living Legacies , we travel to Bermuda, an Atlantic island whose history spans centuries and continents. Once uninhabited, Bermuda became a vital stop in transatlantic trade, a maritime stronghold, and a cultural crossroads shaped by African, European, Caribbean, and Native American influences. Guests Dr. Kristy Warren and Dr. Edward Harris trace its transformation from an uninhabited island to a strategic outpost shaped by shipwrecks, colonization, the transatlantic slave trade, and the rise and fall of empires. Plus, former Director of Tourism Gary Phillips shares the story of the Gombey tradition, a vibrant performance art rooted in resistance, migration, and cultural fusion. Together, they reveal how Bermuda’s layered past continues to shape its people, culture, and identity today. You can also find us online at ⁠travelandleisure.com/lostcultures Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices…

3 years ago 57:29

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This minute is filled with a beautiful collage of images and moving pictures of Paramahansa Yogananda and Sri Yukteswar. It gives us the opportunity to discuss the significance of taking Darshan of saints, temples and holy places. We also ask ourselves about the importance of physical proximity to a spiritual master. The narrator mentions the spiritual zeal and ardour of the devotees surrounding Guruji while he was in India and that they did not need coaxing, but why do we have so much inertia? There is a lovely video of Ramana Maharshi and we share our experiences of this famous spiritual master of South India. 1:35 Summary of minute; 3:20 Darshan, bringing in the presence of the Gurus; 21:00 Images of Guruji in minute; 27:10 Why do we need coaxing?; 40:25 Swami Gyanananda; 44:26 The great Ramana Maharshi; 53:10 Final reflections. Video extract from the minute - “Creating Your Spiritual Environment” by Brother Anandamoy: https://youtu.be/PaNngy76hK4

218 episodes

Awake Minute 61: Taking Darshan of Paramahansa Yogananda

Yogananda Podcast

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published 3 years ago

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218 episodes

#Priyank, Mike and Chris #Religion #Paramahansa Yogananda

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Yogananda Podcast

1
Autobiography Chapter 21, Part 2: The best sites for a Divine Gypsy 59:25

13 hours ago59:25

59:25

This episode covers the large footnote at the next part of chapter 21 from: "We continued on the labyrinthine way, delighting in views of rivers...” to “...mirrored in underground waters, present a glimpse of other worlds as fancied by man.” Summary: Paramahansa Yogananda's journey through Kashmir is described in glorious detail – the beautiful landscapes, equine pastimes and comparisons to famous spots around the world. We share our own experiences of awe-inspiring natural wonders and explore various scenic locations around the world, including Yellowstone National Park. All of this is intermingled with a divine vision of the SRF Headquarters in California! 0:00 Previous Episode; 2:30 Rustic Inns; 11:20 Beauty of Srinagar; 14:03 From Shankara temple to Mt. Washington; 26:45 Gardens of the Emperors; 28:50 Grape jokes; 31:20 Dal lake; 39:15 Scenic beauty contest contenders; 42:35 Places of awe; 57:45 Next episode. Link discussed in this episode: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shankaracharya_Temple https://open.spotify.com/track/49rflFxqjU9LFanvvhQOKO Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 21 from: "In Kashmir a large number of the people, world-famed for their beauty...” to “... receive the omnipresent consciousness or Holy Ghost that later descended upon them.” #autobiographyofayogi #autobiographylinebyline #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS…

Yogananda Podcast

1
Autobiography Chapter 21, Part 1: Don’t smoke and lie 54:20

8 days ago54:20

54:20

This episode covers the large footnote at the first part of chapter 21 to : "... Auddy had not carried any cigarettes from Calcutta.” Summary: We start by describing our expectations from chapter 21. Mukunda described in beautiful detail the beginning elements of the trip with Sri Yukteswar and 4 other disciples. As ever, there are multiple life lessons during the mundane aspects of their journey, such as focussing on the action and not the fruits, honesty, smoking and Paramahansa Yogananda’s reflections on events as he writes the book later in his life. 0:00 Chapter Outlook; 5:38 Journey Begins, Simla; 11:47 Strawberries Prediction; 23:53 Next leg of the journey; 29:00 The second prediction; 37:32 Once again; 50:33 Looking ahead; 53:38 Closing Prayer. Link discussed in this episode: https://yssanandshikhar.org/ https://maps.app.goo.gl/wo6hkV8umPq5Kq7y5 https://yoganandasite.wordpress.com/2016/05/20/sister-yogmata-i-never-forgot-you-sister-paramahansaji/ ; https://yssofindia.org/spiritual/intuition Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 21 from: "We continued on the labyrinthine way, delighting in views of rivers...” to “...mirrored in underground waters, present a glimpse of other worlds as fancied by man.” #autobiographyofayogi #autobiographylinebyline #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS…

Yogananda Podcast

1
Autobiography Chapter 20, Part 4: Parvati Shankari 1:13:05

14 days ago1:13:05

1:13:05

This episode covers the large footnote at the end of chapter 20. Summary: A footnote dedicated to the divine mother in the form Parvati, her consort Shiva and his numerous exalted devotees. Why does Paramahansa Yogananda hint at the significance of these being rather than stating it clearly for us? We share our personal experiences and insights on Kailash, the types of pilgrims it attracts and share our reflections on the chapter using Guruji’s affirmations. 1:20 Prior Episode; 2:42 The lure of the mountain-scape; 9:15 Kali and the divine mothers; 20:12 Shiva and Babaji; 37:20 Kalidas; 52:00 Lalla Yogiswari; 1:05:25 Reflections on Chapter; 1:12:00 Looking ahead to the next chapter. Link discussed in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1esChftEfuI https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Himavat https://maps.app.goo.gl/4sc8C5shMFjKcHoa9 https://maps.app.goo.gl/rdHsicjqogJKzfqj7 https://dn720004.ca.archive.org/0/items/in.ernet.dli.2015.461692/2015.461692.The-Legacy.pdf https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalidasa ; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lalleshwari https://isha.sadhguru.org/en/wisdom/article/im-married-to-shiva https://vachanamandara.in/lalleshwari-the-light-of-wisdom-in-kashmir-valleyand-akkamahadevi-treasure-of-asceticism-a-comparative-analysis/ Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the first part of chapter 21 to : "... Auddy had not carried any cigarettes from Calcutta.” #autobiographyofayogi #autobiographylinebyline #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS…

Yogananda Podcast

1
Autobiography Chapter 20, Part 3: Sri Yukteswar finally exposes his hand 47:23

22 days ago47:23

47:23

This episode covers the last part of chapter 20 from: “Getting up from my blanket seat, I staggered suddenly...” to the end of the chapter (excluding the footnote). Summary: The most pertinent themes of this section of the book is surrendering to the Guru (Sri Yukteswar) and the importance of faith and trust in God for divine protection and healing. We also research additional content from the Paramahansa Yogananda’s teachings on the concept of miracles and their impact on a devotee’s spiritual journey, and the cultural differences between the West and the East. 0:00 Previous episode; 1:30 Mukunda becomes ill; 9:25 Protected by the Guru; 17:10 Healed by the Guru; 40:20 Mukunda’s friends return; 44:30 Looking ahead; Link discussed in this episode: https://yogananda.org/blog/how-to-attune-with-the-guru Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the large footnote at the end of chapter 20. Thumbnail art: niveditajoy.art #autobiographyofayogi #autobiographylinebyline #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS…

Yogananda Podcast

1
Autobiography Chapter 20, Part 2: Sri Yukteswar’s subtle influencing hand 31:44

29 days ago31:44

31:44

This episode covers the next part of chapter 20 from: “I soon reached the schoolmaster’s house...” to “....please serve Mukunda’s food. His train leaves soon.” Summary: Mukunda (Paramahansa Yogananda) is determined to go to Kashmir despite no-cooperation from his everyone in his life! We ponder the reasons behind a sudden change in Behari's behaviour when Kashmir was mentioned, uncle Sarada Ghosh, Rajendra and friends. The one two people that follow the way set by God are Sri Yukteswar and Kanai, so we review the importance of following one's guru, the role of willpower in life, and the significance of intuition in making life decisions. 0:00 Previous episode; 2:45 Behari isn't coming; 8:00 Sri Yukteswar's reaction; 16:03 Lal Dhari can't join either; 20:55 Mukunda hears Sri Yukteswar; 30:45 Looking ahead. Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the last part of chapter 20 from: “Getting up from my blanket seat, I staggered suddenly...” to the end of the chapter (excluding the footnote). #autobiographyofayogi #autobiographylinebyline #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS…

Yogananda Podcast

1
Autobiography Chapter 20, Part 1: Sri Yukteswar’s art of diplomacy 42:44

5 weeks ago42:44

42:44

This episode covers the first part of chapter 20 to “...My guru silently resumed his walk;” Summary: As Mukunda uses his nous to make his trip to Kashmir happen, Sri Yukteswar does everything he can to politely postpone it – almost as if he knew what was about to happen! We explore the themes of aligning our plans with divine will, the hidden protection behind not getting what you want, and the importance of intuition in guiding us towards better outcomes. We also discuss the subtle ways he manages Mukunda’s expectations and the nuances in how a Paramahansa Yogananda reflects on these happenings as he recalls them decades on. 0:00 Expectations on chapter; 9:35 The request and refusal; 19:20 Mystic being mystical; 28:12 The plans unravelled; 34:45 Prediction; 41:28 Looking ahead. Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 20 from: “I soon reached the schoolmaster’s house...” to “....please serve Mukunda’s food. His train leaves soon.” #autobiographyofayogi #autobiographylinebyline #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS…

Yogananda Podcast

1
Autobiography Chapter 19, Part 3: Sri Yukteswar’s kindergarten for gifted boys and girls 43:49

6 weeks ago43:49

43:49

This episode covers the last part of chapter 19 from: “A crestfallen Dijen soon entered the room...” to the end of the chapter. Summary: The highlights of the end of the chapter is the subtle reference to the Bible passage where Jesus walks on water and Peter attempts to join him, as discussed in Paramahansa Yogananda’s epic work The Second Coming of Christ. Was Sri Yukteswar Jesus Christ in this reference? Why would Sri Yukteswar’s miracles create a wave of cold fear amongst his disciples? We discuss these important questions and also reflect on this wonderful chapter. 0:00 Prior episode; 2:19 An Apparition or Reality; 19:00 The Experience; 41:25 The Science of Disappearance; 51:38 Looking ahead Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the first part of chapter 20 to “...My guru silently resumed his walk;” #autobiographyofayogi #autobiographylinebyline #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS…

Yogananda Podcast

1
Autobiography Chapter 19, Part 2: The secrets of teleportation 55:41

7 weeks ago55:41

55:41

This episode covers the next part of chapter 19 from: “As the room was rather dark, I moved nearer to a window...” to “...I had not been the victim of a hallucination.” Summary: Reva joins us as we break down the dazzling appearance of Sri Yukteswar to an awe-stricken Mukunda (Paramahansa Yogananda). Guruji provides infinitesimal detail about this divine experience, and we hypothesise why Sri Yukteswar might have been commanded to provide it! 0:00 Prior episode; 2:19 An Apparition or Reality; 19:00 The Experience; 41:25 The Science of Disappearance; 51:38 Looking ahead Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the last part of chapter 19 from: “A crestfallen Dijen soon entered the room...” 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…

Yogananda Podcast

1
Autobiography Chapter 19, Part 1: The secret art of telepathy 47:26

8 weeks ago47:26

47:26

This episode covers the first part of chapter 19 from: “I am often beset by atheistic doubts. Yet a torturing surmise sometimes haunts me...” to “... Dijen made for the door and closed it noisily behind him.” Summary: As we gauge our expectations for this chapter, we ponder over the similarities between those that have come and those that are yet to come. We take another dive into the mindset of the different types of atheists and their relationship with God, the impact of trivial preoccupations in daily life, and the potential value of a postcard in today’s age! 0:00 Expectations from this chapter; 7:41 Untapped soul possibilities; 14:42 Dijen becomes a regular at the hermitage; 24:50 The telepathic message; 38:25 You and your intuition! 45:30 Looking ahead Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 19 from: “As the room was rather dark, I moved nearer to a window...” to “...I had not been the victim of a hallucination.” #autobiographyofayogi #autobiographylinebyline #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS…

Yogananda Podcast

1
Autobiography Chapter 18, Part 3: The life and times of Afzal Khan and Hazrat 1:06:06

9 weeks ago1:06:06

1:06:06

This episode covers the next part of chapter 18 from: “Guruji,” I interrupted, “if Afzal could easily secure such things as gold...” to “... Farewell, world! I go to seek the forgiveness of the Cosmic Beloved.” Summary: The confessional story of Afsal Khan is one of remorse and sorrow, accompanied with a drop of transformation. We explore the themes of supernatural powers, desires, and spiritual development further in this section, along with theoretical and practical implications of astral manifestation, willpower, and the differences between spiritual and material wealth, drawing writings of Paramahansa Yogananda. The conversation concluded with reflections on the chapter and our wild theories on the complex and nuanced themes of the magic, links to karma, personal growth, and the importance of proper spiritual guidance. 0:00 Prior Episode; 2:00 The Astral Being; 26:20 The Afterworld; 31:26 Confession and penance; 37:35 Afzal's Story; 59:15 Reflections on this chapter. Links discussed in this episode: https://yogananda.com.au/gurus/yoganandaquotes05a.html#desires https://yogananda.com.au/pyr/pyr_mind.html https://yogananda.com.au/gita/gita0248.html Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the first part of chapter 19 from: “I am often beset by atheistic doubts. Yet a torturing surmise sometimes haunts me...” to “... Dijen made for the door and closed it noisily behind him.” #autobiographyofayogi #autobiographylinebyline #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS…

Yogananda Podcast

1
Autobiography Chapter 18, Part 2: How not to follow your guru’s teachings 1:05:14

10 weeks ago1:05:14

1:05:14

This episode covers the next part of chapter 18 from: “Ignoring his master’s warning, Afzal began to misuse his powers...” to “...there was no sign of the glittering plates or the remnants of the meal.” Summary: The daunting task of analysing the character of Afzal and his supernatural abilities and their moral implications can only be done if you have some fun with it – which we did! We admit it was far beyond our intellectual grasp, even when referencing Paramahansa Yogananda’s teachings. We tried to explore the consequences of misusing our powers, drawing parallels to real-life situations and popular culture, as well as the potential karmic effects of Afzal’s behaviour. 0:00 Prior Episode; 3:35 Misusing his powers; 11:52 Misguided teacher; 30:31 Sri Yukteswar meets Afzal Khan; 40:41 Babu’s sorry encounter; 52:35 The feast; 1:02:50 Looking ahead. Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the last part of chapter 18 from: “Guruji,” I interrupted, “if Afzal could easily secure such things as gold...” to “... Farewell, world! I go to seek the forgiveness of the Cosmic Beloved.” #autobiographyofayogi #autobiographylinebyline #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS…

Yogananda Podcast

1
Autobiography Chapter 18, Part 1: Breaking past life limitations 1:07:21

11 weeks ago1:07:21

1:07:21

This episode covers the start of chapter 18 to: “This invisible entity was able to fulfil the fakir’s slightest wish...” Summary: Chapter 18 is perhaps one of the most intriguing of the book, and we take a moment to explore why we feel that could be, before delving in! Sri Yukteswar visits Mukunda’s halls of residence (subtly exposing a very sweet relationship between the pair) while he tells the unlikely story of another disciple-guru relationship, defying the social societal norms, scientific understanding and logical reasoning. 0:00 Expectations from the chapter; 8:14 Synchronicity; 16:12 Guru's promise; 33:39 Diksha; 1:01:15 Looking ahead. Links discussed in this episode: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jinn Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 18 from: “Ignoring his master’s warning, Afzal began to misuse his powers...” to “...there was no sign of the glittering plates or the remnants of the meal.” #autobiographyofayogi #autobiographylinebyline #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS…

Yogananda Podcast

1
Autobiography Chapter 17, Part 4: Yogananda’s how-to-live schools 55:00

12 weeks ago55:00

55:00

This episode covers the the last part of chapter 17: “On his return from Puri, Sri Yukteswar...” to end of the chapter (and the long footnote). Summary: How did Sri Yukteswar intervene to enhance the academic offering of Serampore College (solely for the benefit of his principal disciple Mukunda)? An intriguing question, one which we discuss in this section along with the long footnote provided by Paramahansa Yogananda on the importance of spirituality in education, and the limitations of materialistic and scientific understanding. We also explored the concept of a Gurukula, a type of spiritual boarding school, and reflected on the significance of a captivating picture of Mukunda meditating (at the age of 16). The conversation ended with a discussion on the key learnings from chapter 17. 0:00 Prior episode; 3:34 Moving Mukunda to Serampore; 10:41 The divine hand at work; 15:40 That only which we see within...; 28:37 Avidya - false knowledge; 31:40 Schools in ancient India; 39:10 Picture of Mukunda; 46:05 Reflections on chapter. Links discussed in this episode: https://yssofindia.org/spiritual?srsltid=AfmBOooTAbLHGGwH0X2AjBZsjX5P-Cps67QgSeXRUHrEoJprxeF9IclY https://yogananda.com.au/gurus/yogananda_quotes_habits40.html Book – on Indian Culture: https://archive.org/details/indianculturethr029329mbp/mode/2up https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gurukula https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandipani Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the start of chapter 18 to: “This invisible entity was able to fulfil the fakir’s slightest wish...” #autobiographyofayogi #autobiographylinebyline #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS…

Yogananda Podcast

1
Autobiography Chapter 17, Part 3: Academic excellence vs. spiritual ascent 59:49

13 weeks ago59:49

59:49

This episode covers the next part of chapter 17 from: “The first two years of my course at Scottish Church...” to “...mixed with ejaculations betraying their astonishment.” Summary: In this short and seemingly simple section of the chapter lies some gold dust, but you have to explore underlying meanings behind the narrative as experienced by Paramahansa Yogananda (and orchestrated by Swami Sri Yukteswar!). We weigh in by sharing our personal experiences and reflections on the importance of faith, perseverance, and balancing spiritual pursuits with academic responsibilities. We also felt it right to include some readings on concepts of success, hard work, and reincarnation, as well as the gleaning on some messages from the book Mejda. 0:00 Prior episode; 3:05 A controversial regularity; 17:15 A lifeline; 27:27 Art of Cramming; 44:15 Scraping through an exam; 59:00 Looking ahead. Links discussed in this episode: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottish_Church_College https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_alumni_of_Scottish_Church_College Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the last part of chapter 17: “On his return from Puri, Sri Yukteswar...” to end of the chapter (and the long footnote). #autobiographyofayogi #autobiographylinebyline #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS…

Yogananda Podcast

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Autobiography Chapter 17, Part 2: Sri Yukteswar and the butterfly effect 1:12:49

14 weeks ago1:12:49