Paramahansa Yogananda: "Autobiography of A Yogi" | Perspective Shift Podcast Episode 120
Sep 8, 2023
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Paramahansa Yogananda, an influential Indian monk and guru, transforms the understanding of meditation and yoga in the West. His teachings bridge Eastern and Western philosophies, with Kriya Yoga at the core. The discussion highlights the joy found in work over financial gain and redefines self-identity as a divine concept. Yogananda’s insights unveil life as a cosmic narrative, where suffering is an illusion. Listeners are urged to break free from guilt and explore their true essence beyond physicality.
Yogananda's introduction of Kriya Yoga emphasizes energy movement over physical postures, unlocking spiritual growth and transformation for practitioners.
His teachings urge a reevaluation of societal moral codes, suggesting personal transformation and understanding as vital for spiritual development.
Yogananda's perspective of life as a cosmic movie encourages detachment from fixed identities, fostering self-awareness and deeper connection with one's true essence.
Deep dives
Introduction to Paramansa Yogananda
Paramansa Yogananda, originally known as Makunda Lalgosh, made a significant impact on Western spirituality when he arrived in the United States in 1920. He was instrumental in introducing yoga and meditation to Western culture, emphasizing a balance between materialism and Eastern philosophy. His teachings often highlighted the connection between yoga and spiritual consciousness, particularly through Kriya Yoga, which focuses on moving energy within the body. Yogananda's ability to relate Eastern concepts with aspects of Christianity, such as references to Jesus, made his teachings more accessible and appealing to Western audiences.
The Essence of Kriya Yoga
Kriya Yoga is centered around the concept of energy movement through the body rather than the physical postures most commonly associated with yoga. This practice aims to harness and direct the body's energy through the spinal column and align with the chakras, promoting spiritual growth and transformation. Yogananda taught that embracing and understanding these energy movements could lead to profound personal change, encouraging individuals to detach from limiting beliefs while allowing them to transcend their current life experiences. The essence of Kriya Yoga lies in letting go of outdated patterns to freely elevate one's consciousness.
Redefining New Age Spirituality
Yogananda's teachings urge individuals to rethink the notion of sin and societal expectations regarding morality. He emphasized that life is about personal transformation and understanding, rather than adhering strictly to a set of moral codes imposed by society. Through his teachings, he conveyed that experiencing desires or cravings is natural and not inherently wrong, but rather a part of the spiritual growth process. By addressing desires openly and allowing oneself to grow, individuals can move past what they have been taught to view as sinful, leading to a more liberated existence.
View on Suffering and Individual Experience
Yogananda encouraged people to acknowledge suffering without defining it as their only reality, highlighting that pain exists alongside potential peace and happiness. This perspective fosters a recognition that multiple realities co-exist, allowing individuals to choose how they respond to their challenges. He argued that although many people feel trapped by their situations, they possess the capacity to transcend these limitations through awareness and self-reflection. By understanding suffering as part of a broader experience, individuals can navigate life’s complexities more effectively and align with a deeper sense of purpose.
The Cosmic Perspective of Life
Yogananda viewed life as a cosmic movie, where individuals play different roles ranging from hero to villain. He believed that detaching from one's character can lead to greater peace and understanding, allowing one to see life’s events as a series of temporary narratives rather than fixed identities. By encouraging people to perceive life as theatrical, he emphasized that one can enjoy the experiences without being overwhelmed by them. This perspective promotes self-awareness and the idea of intrinsic value beyond the roles we inhabit, fostering a deeper connection with one's true essence and purpose.
In this week's episode of Perspective Shift, Frank Daly and Mike Kitlas cover the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, an Indian monk, yogi, and guru who sought to teach others about meditation and yoga. His famous book, "Autobiography of A Yogi," has sold millions of copies all over the world.
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