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Welcome to the October edition of the Self-Realization Fellowship eNewsletter. This month we share thoughts from Paramahansa Yogananda on the Benefits of Meditation.
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Paramahansa Yogananda on the Benefits of Meditation
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 What is meditation? Becoming one with the soul.... When man communes with his soul within, the forgotten times and powers of the deathless Self will come back into his consciousness. Meditation means to remember that one is not a mortal body but an immortal soul, one with God.
The proximity of happiness is as close as one's own Self; it isn't even a matter of attaining, but only of lifting the soul-shrouding veil of ignorance. The very word "attaining" implies something one wants but does not have − a metaphysical error. Bliss is the irrevocable divine birthright of every soul.
Meditate. As soon as you take away the ripples of sensations from the lake of the mind, God's heavenly bliss bursts forth from the soul. His bliss is already there, but it is hidden within you. The more you meditate the more you will feel the endless joy of God....
Form the habit of meditation. It is the only way to find everlasting happiness of the soul; and when you have that, nothing else matters.
Even though you may be able to do everything else but meditate, you will never find joy to equal that which comes when the thoughts are silent and your mind is tuned to the peace of God.
If you ask, "How do I know there is such joy as you describe?" this is my testimony: if you practice meditation every day, deeply and consistently, you will find that ever-existing, ever-conscious, ever-new joy, ever increasingly manifest within you. And with practice it will stay with you in activity and in silence alike − even in sleep. It is a joy that will constantly guide you to right action in everything and will respond to your prayers.
You have to demonstrate that for yourself. And this is my further testimony: that, once God's joy has been found, all desires for other gain will dwindle in comparison. Your consciousness will expand. You will be able to stand unshaken amidst jarring trials. The whole world will not be able to lure you to forsake the bliss that you will find in meditation. You will enjoy all other things in that divine joy.
Watch an introductory meditation video
Learn about the benefits of Kriya Yoga
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SRF Paperless Communications − Now Available
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SRF "How-to-Live" Summer Youth Programs − 2011 Highlights
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This summer the SRF "How-to-Live" Youth Programs for boys and girls were held during successive weeks at Camp Arbolado in California's San Bernardino Mountains. The programs are based on Paramahansaji's ideals of all-round development of body, mind and soul.
Led by SRF monks, nuns, and lay members, the activities included twice-daily practice of the Energization Exercises and group meditations, devotional chanting (kirtan), classes on the "how-to-live" teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, periods of silence and personal introspection, water sports, crafts, Hatha Yoga, nature exploration, archery, biking, hiking, campfire nights, and group discussion.
Read more about the 2011 program.
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New Translations Now Available
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 In response to growing interest around the world for the soul-liberating teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, recent months have witnessed numerous translations of SRF books and recordings into other languages. New editions of the Autobiography of a Yogi are now available in Thai, Swedish, Greek and Russian as well as the audio-book format in German.  Commemorating the life of Sri Daya Mata (1914-2010), the Spring 2011 Self-Realization magazine is now available in French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, and Spanish. Also among the SRF books now available in additional languages are Paramahansa Yogananda's The Second Coming of Christ: The Resurrection of the Christ Within You, The Yoga of Jesus: Understanding the Hidden Teachings of the Gospels, Sayings of Paramahansa Yogananda, The Science of Religion and Two Frogs in Trouble. New translations of books by Sri Daya Mata include Intuition: Soul-Guidance for Life's Decisions, and Overcoming Character Liabilities. Read the full list of new translations now available.
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Upcoming Events
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Public Lecture Tours
Self-Realization Fellowship monks and nuns will be visiting the following cities this fall to conduct programs on the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda: |
October
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21 - 23
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Seattle, WA (public lecture with Kriya initiation)
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28 - 30
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New York City, NY (public lecture with Kriya initiation)
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November
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4 - 6
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San Juan, Puerto Rico (public lecture with Kriya initiation)
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11 - 13
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Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (public lecture with Kriya initiation)
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How-to-Live Retreat Programs
On many weekends this year, SRF monks and nuns will be conducting How-to-Live Retreat programs. Join us at one of the beautiful Self-Realization Fellowship Retreats to spend some time deepening your relationship with God, as well as recharging body, mind, and spirit.
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Retreats in California
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SRF Retreat, Encinitas
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SRF Lake Shrine, Pacific Palisades
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SRF Hidden Valley Retreat, Escondido
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(See retreat schedule for dates)
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Retreats Outside California
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November
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11 - 13
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Ft. Lauderdale, FL (regional retreat)
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(Learn more)
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We hope you enjoyed this edition of the Self-Realization Fellowship eNewsletter. Check your inbox each month for more inspiration and wisdom from the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda.
In divine friendship, Self-Realization Fellowship Copyright © 2011 Self-Realization Fellowship.
All rights reserved.
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By the definite science of meditation known for millenniums to the yogis and sages of India, and to Jesus, any seeker of God can enlarge the caliber of his consciousness to omniscience − to receive within himself the Universal Intelligence of God.
− Paramahansa Yogananda
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Self-Realization
Magazine
Fall 2011
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