Spiritual Portal

Dear friends,

I hope you are all well. It feels like a lifetime since I was last here. I had the good fortune to be able to watch Awake on the anniversary of Paramhansaji's mahasamadhi, and felt as though I was home. I am beginning meditation again, and have decided this will be the year that I dive deep with Guruji's teachings.

In Divine Friendship,

Casey

Hello Casey it is wonderful to hear from you again. Hope you have learned much (..as the name you chose implies.) since we last talked--- i have--but there is yet much to learn and awaken to!

Jitendra/Steve

Welcome Casey! I salute your renewed earnestness.

Blessings and Peace

Well let us know where your at and what you are reading. Also: What you are learning about meditation and how is life?  etc.

Dear friends,

I'm currently immersed in Flawless Mirror, the writings of Kamala Silva on her time with Guruji. I would like to read either God Talks with Arjuna or The Second Coming of Christ this year, but I am undecided as to which. Perhaps you could help me decide? As I wanted to focus on attaining my Masters in Professional Writing, I never did get around to applying for the Lessons. I am still considering whether that is the next logical step.

My practice is going well, and I feel Guruji is present. It's bizarre to me that there are direct disciples who extol the virtues of having a living Guru, but their continued relationship with Paramhansaji amounts to this, no?

The weather here is improving, which provides an excellent opportunity for outdoor meditations. I am in the process of applying for a part time job, assisting in the office of a local heritage organisation. I feel that this would be a perfect role for me, which would allow me to continue my spiritual work and my writing also.

OM Guru,

Casey

Hello Casey,

i was somewhat hoping that someone else would respond to this entry.... not because i did not want to but i don't think i understand it all. Specifically this: "My practice is going well, and I feel Guruji is present. It's bizarre to me that there are direct disciples who extol the virtues of having a living Guru, but their continued relationship with Paramhansaji amounts to this, no?" Perhaps you will explain the meaning of your words.

Since i did not know about Silvia i have learned something new.
i found some information about her at:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kamala_Silva

In the article above i found this: 'Years before she helped to establish the Richmond temple, Kamala's guru had told her "the price of spiritual greatness is seclusion." With her retirement, Kamala was at last free of active public service and able to pursue her true destiny.'
It appears that the Ananda community gave her support when she had health challenges.  No doubt--Paramahansa Yogananda is happy for their support! Thanks for telling us about yourself and her.

In the next paragraph i have answers to your question: "I would like to read either God Talks with Arjuna or The Second Coming of Christ this year, but I am undecided as to which. Perhaps you could help me decide? As I wanted to focus on attaining my Masters in Professional Writing, I never did get around to applying for the Lessons. I am still considering whether that is the next logical step."

i personally have found the SRF lessons to be part of the 'Masters Professional Writings' and the most practical advice and spiritual teachings in writing available. But of course what to me is the most important thing that i have read in my life may not be to others. i also like the Gita over the Second Coming. This is because we in the west have never gotten a real ability to understand Eastern writings from India. Instead we have been inundated with the teachings of Christ. For once in my life i would like to have a deeper understanding of another culture and its spiritual teachings and religious scriptures without having to be told that there is only one way to God and that is thru Jesus Christ.

What ever you choose to read i am sure that there are those here who would like to share with you and take notice of your findings.

Sorry, Steve.

My point there - ''direct disciples extol the virtues of a living Guru..." etc. was that there are schools of thought which suggest it is necessary to have met the Guru whilst s/he was in the physical body in order to receive his/her blessing.

I didn't realise that the next paragraph might be confusing. The reason why I have been away from my practice for a while is that I have been pursuing a Master of Arts in Professional Writing, which we simply call a 'Masters' in the UK. So, I didn't apply for the Lessons whilst doing that, because it took a lot of time and attention, which I would not then have been able to devote to studying Guruji's teachings.

I will continue to ponder what my next step might be.

Glad to be back,

LTL

O.K. Usually i hear it as Masters Degree in the states. It will b interesting to hear what u intend to write about.

Thought this might b of interest;

"Brother Santoshananda said that once he went to see Turiyanandaji in his restaurant and he was sitting at a table reading the Autobiography of a Yogi. He told Bro. Santoshananda, “this book will change your life.” He told Brother Santoshananda he had found his Guru. Later, when Swami Ram Dass came to Switzerland, Brother T felt the spiritual vibrations of that soul and immediately went into a deep spiritual state - that’s when T asked the Swami to take him to India. The swami said, "but you have a Guru." T said: "my Guru's dead." The swami said firmly: "YOUR GURU IS ALIVE. YOU ARE DEAD. He later applied and was accepted to become a monk of the SRF order in 1954. Bro. Premamoy, Bro. Abhedananda, and Bro. T all entered the ashram within a fortnight. They were called the 3 musketeers."

Thank you!

Brother Turiyanandaji owned a restaurant? Wow. I love reading about monastics before they took vows. It's heartening to realise that such a life can call to anybody.

It sounds that way. i know he always used to mention his struggle with food. Somewhat like Paramahansaji accept Yogananda gave in to it. Maybe because his disciples always insisted on feeding him.  Once he told me he was going on a diet of eating one day and fasting the next alternately. i was slim and asked if i should do the same. He replied with a dead pan face; "No"  :D

Prayers for you and your job finding. i know that it is often a challenge to find a job that fits us and often we have to make compromises. It is so nice to have you with us again!

Thank you, Jitendraji!

By the grace of God and Gurus, I have found an opportunity to become an Administrative Assistant for a heritage organisation in my area. It would be work that I would relish, and just a few hours a week. The application deadline is the 15th of April, so I have a little time yet.

Prayers and blessings to you, my friend.

Casey

Thinking of you! Recently i found a name that is some what like yours but perhaps more appropriate to many other spiritual lessons: Live and Let Go

I've been learning that one, seemingly without end. Hence, my own username. :)

Sometimes we have no choice but to distance ourselves from others we have been close to. This is because of attachment. We must allow a space for others to come in. When we are engrossed in our relationships we have had with those we have been with in the past we can not allow the present to take place. The present holds the key to our happiness. It allows us the spontaneity to accept its gifts and not to dwell in the past. This requires surrender. Surrender to the present moment and often a realization that we actually have left the past behind. That is because it no longer suits who we are. What we observe before us and around us is what we need for our present unfoldment. This awareness comes thru the wisdom your post inspires.

LTL!!!! =)

Welcome back long time friend!!

Your presence here is greatly appreciated. I look forward to your continued contributions and wish you all the best in your endeavors!

Love & Blessings! =)

Thank you for your welcome, dear Eric. :)

It's a joy to be back in the fold here. Yesterday, I sent my application for a job which I feel would suit me very well.

Jai Guru.

In Divine Friendship,

Casey

We wish an pray that you have good fortune and a chance to serve others in a job you may be looking for.

Thank you!

I am so glad to be home...back here. It would be wonderful to be able to serve in that way. I watched a documentary on Amma this morning...I hope to be able to receive Her darshan at some point in the future. Meanwhile, I deepen my practice with Yoganandaji's teachings.

IDF,

Casey