From the Publisher
I am often asked
what it was like to be with Paramahansa Yogananda.
He was clam,
attentive, kind, patient, often humorous, and
sometimes jovial. His sincere interest in the
spiritual well-bring of others was obvious. When
concentrating on his many projects for the benefit
of others he was practical and innovative, yet
somewhat detached as though playing a role. He was
very wise.
When I was with
him, and at all other times when I attuned my mind
and consciousness with his, which he frequently
advised me to do, my mind was calm; I felt secure
and peaceful; my awareness was tranquil and clear;
I was more Self and God conscious.
Now, fifty-six
years after meeting my guru, memories of that
occasion and of all my other times with him are as
vivid as though they occurred a few moments ago.
In the following pages I have shared what he said
to me and to others, described a few of my
experiences, and provided information that I hope
will be of value to readers who are devoted to
their spiritual path.
Some of my
perceptions and observations of my guru, what he
was like, who he was, and what he taught, are
different from those that have been described by a
few of his other disciples because our experiences
were not the same. In this book, I portray
Paramahansa Yogananda as I knew him.
My guru's outlook
was universal. Regarding the varied philosophical
opinions of others, he often remarked, "The
world is a big place; there is room in it for
everyone."
Our world is much
different than it was in the middle of the last
century. Scientific discoveries have enabled us to
better understand our relationship with the
universe, and many techno logical inventions now
directly influence our lives. More than four
billion people have been added to the global
population, an increasing number of whom are
sincerely interested in conserving our planet's
resources, being involved in cooperative endeavors
that can benefit everyone, and nurturing authentic
spiritual growth.
Back
<<<
