Increasing The Power of Initiative and Other Lectures: From Man's Eternal Quest

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A world teacher whose presence among us illumined the path for countless souls, Paramahansa Yogananda (1893-1952) lived and taught the highest truths of life. He instructed hundreds of thousands of men and women in the yoga science of meditation and balanced spiritual living. The life and teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda are described in his widely acclaimed Autobiography of a Yogi. His spiritual and humanitarian work is carried on today by Yogoda Satsanga Society of India/Self-Realization Fellowship, the society he founded to disseminate his teachings.

From the embryonic period of man's reason he has sought to understand the mysteries of his existence and the nature of his Creator. Enlightenment on these matters has been the special mission of wise men in every age. Realizing this, the ideal of satsanga (company with the good and the wise) has rooted itself in the very core of India's spiritual tradition. From satsanga the sadhak gathers inspiration and advances his spiritual understanding. The more divine the good company is, the more the sadhak can absorb from the experience. But only a fortunate few have the rare and blessed opportunity to be actually in the personal company of a truly great soul. The seeking masses are denied this privilege if we take literally the concept of satsanga as the necessity to be in the physical presence of the saint. If, however, we realize that the intrinsic value of satsanga is in the ability of the devotee to be receptive to the teachings and guidance of the saint, whether or not the sadhak be in the physical company of that divine soul, the modern medium of the printed word brings the upliftment of satsanga to the sadhana of every seeker.

It is in this spirit that Increasing the Power of Initiative is offered to the reader.

His Holiness Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda, who speaks to you in the pages of this booklet, entered mahasamadhi on March 7, 1952. The remarkable incorruptibility of his body after death was a continued reflection of his unique, spiritually transcendent life. He is the revered Guru-founder of the now worldwide institution of Yogoda Satsanga Society of India/Self-Realization Fellowship. The basis of his teaching is Raja Yoga, the ancient, universal science of soul- realization. The Society carries on its activities and spreads the teachings of Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda through publication of his books and writings, including confidential spiritual lessons; and through the medium of branch centres, and educational and charitable institutions. If this booklet is the reader's first introduction to Paramahansa Yoganandaji and the Society he founded, the experience of satsanga with the blessed Guru in these pages may well be the beginning of a deeper acquaintance and continuing relationship.