A query I often encounter when in a dialogue with an atheist is: "Why won't God heal amputees?" In other words, why don't people that believe in divine intervention test it in a situation where the results would be unambiguous?
Every single Christian apologist I have heard speak on this matter has failed to give a satisfying answer. Although I know and understand the answer, from most notably the works of Yogananda and Kriyananda, what is the best way of approaching this question to a sceptic?
In the Bhagavad Gita Krishna explains that each person has a unique dharma (duty) to fulfill. What is a right and admirable duty for one person, is not necessarily appropriate for another person. Each of us needs to tune in to what feels right for us, as opposed to what others tell us they are doing, or what seems generally to be a good idea for most people.
I have a horrible habit of procrastination. I have never been able to establish a regular meditation routine, for some thirty years. How can I disrupt this habit, if I can't even make time to meditate?
Meditation, by getting us in touch with greater joy, love and harmony, blesses everything we do because we are living more in the consciousna of God and our true nature. Think of having more quality in your life rather than quanity. Take time to get in touch with that which will beautify your whole life, and that is meditation and attunement with God.
I am puzzled by the explanations you promote of Biblical stories and teachings. Please understand that I am not assuming you are wrong. First of all, why is it that the Bible would not have just come out and said those things in the way you explain it? Why word things in such a way as to create confusion? Would it be better to not know at all than to get it wrong? Why do some historians not buy Jesus in India? Can you recommend some sources I might be unaware of? Thanks.
Thank you for your thoughtful questions. I will answer them in the order you have asked them.
1) "Why is it that the Bible would not have just come out and said those things in the way you explain it?"
The Bible was written in several languages, by many authors, many thousands of years ago. It has gone through hundreds of translations and interpretations. Some of its authors were people of great spiritual enlightenment. Some of less of such enlightenment. It's a mixed bag. Plus it is a well known fact that it has been tampered with greatly.
I’m not sure whether you’re asking about “Mukunda,” which was Yogananda’s first name given at birth, or “Paramhansa,” which is a title—not a name—given him much later by his guru. ("Paramhansa" means “supreme swan,” and is bestowed upon one who has reached the highest level of realization.)
I noticed many members of Ananda have spiritual names. What is the significance of this, is it important on the spiritual path and how should one attain one if it is needed? I know that members of the Sikh religion receive a new name, is this similar?
Swami Kriyananda gave me the name, Seva. Swami emphasized that Seva means divine service. You can see where this goes, and he was very perceptive to know I needed a goal to work toward in giving strength and energy to my spiritual search. There is no cave for me in the Himalayas this life, but continued thought of how to serve others, so I do not fall into closed-minded self-interested despair. The names Swami gives to each person fits that person well and helps them to go forward on the spiritual path.
Hi. I'm struggling with my love for God since I don't know how to love Him/Her. If I think about Him in an abstract way I don't know what to love. If I think about God in the form of, let's say, Yogananda, I don't know how to make this love impersonal. And I don't know how to love God in any of His eight aspects (light, sound, peace, ...).
Because of this, I also don't know how to love God in everyone (how to see beyond looks and personality).
Please forgive me for taking so long to answer your question. It is a very important question.
Swami Kriyananda writes that when he came on the spiritual path and heard about the importance of love for God as the Divine Mother, he found this difficult at first. But then he remembered his godmother. She was a very sweet and loving woman and yet more distant from him than his own mother. So, he began to focus on the Divine Mother by imagining Her in the form of his godmother. That helped to open his heart, and he was then able to direct that love to the Divine Mother, which is also AUM, the Creative Cosmic Vibration (a much more impersonal concept, yet one that is imbued with love.)
are there pets at ananda village? i ask because master had a pet deer at his ranchi school and i have always found my kitty to be a great meditation companion. i would like to come and live at ananda; would i have to leave my kitty behind?
Yes, there are pets at Ananda Village. A number of Village residents have cats just as you do.
We do however have a restriction against dogs. This is not because we don’t appreciate them, but rather because of the effect dogs have in our environment, especially in regards to the wildlife, such as the deer.
