Message #16491

[Jitendra Hydonus]

Environment is of supreme importance to spiritual progress. It is greater than will power. You must surround yourself with a good environment. If you keep a little plant without a protective hedge, animals can come and destroy it. So it is with your little plant of Self-realization. if you keep it exposed to the animals of selfishness and wrong environment; it will be destroyed.... and when the plant is watered and cared for, it will grow and blossom into beautiful flowers of wisdom and love.

~Paramahansa Yogananda


It has been shown to me more and more throughout the years that we can choose our own mental environment. We can put the gurus in our presence by thinking of them, serving them, asking them to help us with our meditations, putting them in our third eye and most importantly practicing the meditation techniques they have blessed us with. Eventually at certain times they will become very real to us and their presence undeniable.

I was meditating this morning at of all places the YMCA. Yet I had very peaceful meditation. I meditated in their chapel. As I was meditating I remember the countless times i meditated at Master's crypt and the beautiful soft music that played through the halls. I had my phone with me and played meditation music and it reminded me of the incredible times i had at Master's crypt. I also have gratitude for living in Michigan where there are many wonderful places you can go and get away from the traffic and city and listen to streams, rivers and feel the breeze on your face while you hear it blow through the leaves of trees. All of which contribute to serene meditations.