Monday April 19, 2021 NYC

Editor’s Note: Pranavadipa Volume 76
“Truth Exists Within Everyone”

Pranavadipa Volume 76 was published on March 8^th, 2021. We have already published Volume 77, but please let us introduce the content of Volume 76 and some key points below since it is full of great content!

“What must be learned in Yoga, is the Truth. What is the Truth? That is nothing but the Truth of yourself, or who the Self is—if you understand the answer to this, then you will understand the Essence….of all things. According to what Yoga teaches about it, the essence is Pure Existence. There is neither superior nor inferior there; there is no duality there. Everyone is the same, sacred Existence—that is what the Essence is.”

—Satguru Shri Mahayogi Paramahansa     February 2015, Kyoto

 

Truth Exists Within Everyone
The Satsangha of Pranavadipa (Vol. 76) contains questions that many of us may be able to easily relate to in the context of the very practical matters of our daily life situations, and they are posed to Shri Mahayogi in a manner that focuses on the way of working to transform oneself in the face of some very familiar common struggles. Though these questions are asked in a way that seeks to find out how we can concretely practice the teachings of Yoga in our daily lives, whether you practice Yoga or not, you will find Shri Mahayogi’s guidance very heartfelt, inspirational and helpful in a way that is practical and can be applied right away. No matter what the questions are, Shri Mahayogi directs us to see only the Truth, the Essence: Everyone is the same, sacred Existence. The Truth exists within everyone!

So now why can we not see this Truth for ourselves, and what should we do to be able to recognize it? Throughout the Satsangha in this issue (Vol. 76), Shri Mahayogi explains that it is due to our mind containing thoughts and ideas that are influenced by memories, as that is the nature of the mind, that we are not able to see it—in other words, that it is because the mind is not pure or transparent. That is where the importance of going through the practice of viveka (discernment) between the thoughts or ideas in the mind and the Truth comes in, so that we can firmly understand that the thoughts of the mind are imperfect, and so that we can remove the impurities from the mind—alternatively heightening the purity of our mind—and we can also heighten concentration in order to come to experience this Truth in meditation. And here too, he points out again that we should direct our mind to see only the Essence: Everyone is the same, sacred Existence. The Truth exists within everyone!

To begin, the Satsangha starts off with an inquiry into the differences between meditation and the process leading up to meditation, discernment. Shri Mahayogi, not only answers the questions, but also clearly elucidates this fine-tuned process using the example of the subject of meditation being “existence,”[1] and how the process that leads towards true Knowledge, the knowledge that lies beyond the mind itself, unfolds. We are amazed at the clarity and simplicity with which Shri Mahayogi teaches about the subtle realm of the mind, meditation and the source of knowledge!

[1] We would like to share one more time the discourse between a disciple and Shri Mahayogi regarding the actual practice of discriminating on the subject of “Existence,” previously published in Pranavadipa Vol. 3, either on the blog or in an upcoming issue of Pranavadipa, since it seems that many of us have found difficulty in moving forward with the practice of discernment.

The question and answer then turns from these very subtle layers of the mind to the practical matters of daily life situations, such as the struggle that arises from traumatic events or relationships from our past, comparing our own situations with that of another, getting hung up on what’s good or bad, what’s right or wrong—certainly these kinds of situations and the concerns that arise from them are common among all kinds of people, regardless of where we live or what our background is. And here again, Shri Mahayogi also points out and reminds us to see only the Essence—that everyone is the same, sacred Existence, that the Truth exists within everyone, and that the world, our minds and our situations are constantly fluctuating. He responds carefully to each question, and strongly lays the foundation of the teaching of Truth from a variety of angles, giving us an unwavering base upon which to bring ourselves to stand.

Then, the final Q & A of the Satsangha, titled “The Shift to the Path of Yoga,” captures a rather emotional and strong interaction, in which an attendee—after a long absence, after having hesitated to return due to her feeling of lacking readiness to dedicate herself—returns to seriously and sincerely seek Shri Mahayogi’s guidance, upon truly realizing the incomparable value of the teaching of Truth and the existence of Shri Mahayogi. She humbly asks the question hidden within her, “Please, I would like Shri Mahayogi to teach me what it means for me to choose to walk on the path of Yoga for myself.” Shri Mahayogi, with great compassion, speaks to her, what it means to study and learn Yoga—it is to correctly learn what this world is, and how to live in this world, and that all of the teachings, trainings, practices and disciplines of Yoga exist for the purpose of realizing the true Self. His presence and words surely must resonate within our hearts.

No matter what lens of struggle from our daily life circumstances we may be experiencing, it is as if Shri Mahayogi’s words, bring us to recall what is existing most fundamentally and absolutely at the core of our hearts, and the essentialness of working and practicing to establish that core, each of us within ourselves. In hearing Shri Mahayogi’s teachings, the vacillations that arise from our daily circumstances, seem to pale and weaken in front of the firmness of the Truth.

Testimony
The Testimony of Pranavadipa Volume 76 is a great example of what is being taught in one of the sections of this issue’s Satsangha, called “Approaching the Way in Which the Saints Live.” It is a translation of the second half of a 6-article series, “Guided by Another Teresa: The Little Way of Saint Thérèse,”[2] written by Yukti, Shri Mahayogi’s disciple in Japan.

[2] The first half of “Guided by Another Teresa: The Little Way of Saint Thérèse” was published in Pranavadipa Vol. 75 and its content is introduced in Echo From the Cave: 151, as well as a little bit about the journey of Yukti that we have been witness to so far through her articles. This series of articles was originally published in Paramahamsa (Mahayogi Mission’s monthly magazine in Japanese for members) over several issues spanning from 2014 to 2015. Her series of articles “Living on the Words of Mother” was previously published in Pranavadipa (Vol. 67, Vol. 68, Vol. 69).

Yukti’s journey continues as she dives into trying to understand the essence of Jesus, as a man of God, and the meaning of his final words on the cross: “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” (My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?)

What is remarkable about her, as you may have also recognized from her actions that have already been written about in her previous articles, is that she does not let herself be satisfied just in hearing the words, like those she received from the priests and sisters who offered their own thoughts and interpretations about Jesus’ last words, but rather, she herself tries to keenly delve into the meaning. But finally, being unable to find the answer herself, she asked Shri Mahayogi, who responded: “…. You must think of what Jesus tried to leave behind as a message.” “It is ignorance. In Christianity, it is called sin, but in Yoga, it is called ignorance. Jesus became a sacrifice through bearing the sin of humanity.”

Though her testimony in this issue begins by her trying to understand the meaning of these words, it is truly amazing and inspiring to see the devotion, perseverance and heartfelt yearning that seems to move Yukti into a continuous search for answers, trying again and again to come to her own understanding through her life experiences, and trying to apply the examples she is learning through Mother Teresa and Saint Thérèse into her own life. Even so, in her search, Shri Mahayogi’s words are always with her, she always bears in her heart the words that she has received from him, very carefully pondering upon them to understand their subtlety, trying to find the essence lying underneath, within the depth of his words, while constantly trying to see or think of the spirit of Mother Teresa, of Saint Thérèse and of Jesus through them. Through her process of pondering and through her journey, we can realize more and more how precise Shri Mahayogi’s guidance is to her, as if he knows what she will face next or, more correctly, as if he is laying down the road to follow before her. And through this she was led to realize that in order to know the spirit of Mother Teresa, of Thérèse, and of Jesus, all her ideas about the teachings of Yoga that she had understood intellectually had to be removed, and instead she needed to become One with Yoga and truly live in Yoga, as the universal essence of all religion, which is exactly what Shri Mahayogi teaches.

Currently Yukti is working at one of the public health centers in Osaka where aid for the pandemic situation is more critical than the area of the hospital where she had been working as a nurse up until February, living in her parents’ home, in Matsuyama. Without hesitation, she goes wherever the need for support is most crucial. We can see her determination and her actions as the very reflection of the life mission she has found, and that is written about at the end of this series of articles.

＊

To conclude this blog post, we would like to share two comments from disciples in Matsuyama, Japan, who had interactions with Yukti in February, before she moved to Osaka to continue her mission.

From Ms. Oomori:
I see that Yukti-san has lived in Kyoto, Fukushima, Ehime, and Osaka, making action quickly; and every time she does that, she also changes the place where she works. So I asked her if she experiences any reluctance in having to start over from the beginning each time, needing to learn anew and accommodate herself to a new situation and environment, for example. This is the summary of her response:

“When I start at a new workplace, I just do what I can at each moment, therefore, I have no reluctance. Worry, concern or reluctance are hindrances that only make yourself tired, after all. What is needed is to simply concentrate without getting involved with emotions.”

In conversation about interactions with people at her workplace, Yukti said:

“There are many different people, and that means different karma, so it is natural that there are people who may not have compatible ideas with yours. Therefore, it is a waste for you to even frustrate yourself thinking “why?” I tell people what I think will improve or help the situation or condition, but even if no change is reflected, I don’t hold any grudge against the person. Rather, I myself, in carrying out the right way of living, will bring many positive effects and influences to my surroundings.”

“While interacting with many people, there are people who criticize me and there are people who praise me, nonetheless, since the mind of people easily changes, I am not swayed by such things. If someone criticized you three days ago, the same person may praise you now—that is a common occurrence. As Shri Mahayogi says, it is important to understand correctly such truth of this world.”

My impression of Yukti-san is someone who is always light and steady; and upon hearing these things, I feel like I have a glimpse into the reason behind why she is light and steady. I was especially impressed by her saying, “myself carrying out the right way of living will bring many positive effects and influences to my surroundings.” It is about not seeing the external, but being firm with how you want to be and how you want to live.

Having an ideal, and making thoughts, words and actions as one—the conversations with her were not necessarily about Yoga, but they were full of the essence of Yoga. I remember that sometime ago, Anandamali-san said that Yukti-san is not necessarily using words from the teachings of Yoga, yet she goes directly to the essence of Yoga by herself jumping into the world and acting. I saw that.

I heard that Yukti-san would work in Osaka for some period of time, but she will eventually return to Ehime again. I thought that I should not just remain receiving this stimulus from her, but make it as food for my own walk, and grow, myself, until the next time I see her.

From Anandi:
One of the members is attracted to St. Thérèse; and Shri Mahayogi advised her to “think about God 24-hours a day.” Yet she kept saying for a few months that she was so interested in worldly matters that it was very difficult for her to do it. So, I mentioned about her to Yukti.

Then Yukti lent her the book called The Imitation of Christ. I heard that this book is considered to be almost like a second Bible, and Thérèse used to refer to this book often. I heard that Yukti told her, “Please live according to this book.” The reason why Yukti lent this book to her was because this book is written about the way devotees should be, and so she would be exposed to it. Yukti also told her to share with gurubai what is written there.

A few days after the conversation with Yukti, she shared with me that she realized that her reading of this book was so superficial and that her understanding was so shallow. The words of Yukti that Yukti had spoken very powerfully, deeply reminded her of something. Those words were:

“Since you have been practicing Yoga, I would like you to read this book, using Yoga as the base.”
“As each one of us deepens Yoga, we benefit others, just like how the article written by Karuna[3] has inspired us here in Japan!”
“We exist in order to praise God.”

[3] Echo from the Cave: 134

Wednesday April 7, 2021 NYC

Celebration:
Sanatana Dharma Avatara Mela
—The Grand Ceremony of the Divine Manifestations—
&
45th Anniversary of Mahayogi Yoga Mission

It is the time of year when beautiful buds and blossoms of fresh new life are beginning to herald the arrival of spring and also the arrival of Sanatana Dharma Avatara Mela, the Grand Ceremony of the Divine Manifestations. It is a joyous time of year that brings the celebration of hope and salvation to our hearts, as this is the time in which we honor all of the great Awakened Beings (Avatara) who have brought the teaching of Eternal Truth (Sanatana Dharma) to humanity.

Since it began in 2017, this celebratory gathering (Mela) has taken place in Kyoto, but this year, because of the world circumstances, the gathering was held online, allowing participants to join from New York and Taiwan in addition to different locations around Japan. For many, this was the first opportunity to see and be with (virtually) our Beloved Guru, Satguru Shri Mahayogi Paramahansa, in over one year; so, it was filled with heartfelt preciousness without a doubt.

In addition to that, this year, 2021, marks the 45^th anniversary of Mahayogi Yoga Mission in Japan and the 25^th anniversary of the Mission in New York. Truly it was a very special event, for us to go back, to learn and acknowledge, honor and offer our gratitude for the endless and immeasurable and unimaginable work that Shri Mahayogi has been fully throwing himself into for all these years, and for us to commit ourselves to make solid the base that he has established and work towards developing it even further into the future. Various speeches were offered for the occasion, each filled with palpable devotion, faith and inspiration, Sanatana Dharma (Eternal Truth) clearly becoming crystalized in the speakers. A historical slide show was also presented, featuring moments and artifacts compiled from 1976 onward, there are not many photos that exist of Shri Mahayogi from the early years, so all the photos and records that are capturing some unique aspect, moment or detail of Shri Mahayogi’s tireless work for Sanatana Dharma are invaluable.

Here we would like to share with you the message that Shri Mahayogi spoke at the end of the celebration:

“Today, as it’s the 45^th Anniversary, there were some good old photos that were shown. In the very beginning, in order to convey the true and authentic Yoga, which is Sanatana Dharma, I made a flag. [The motif] was the Sahasrara Chakra, which symbolizes Sanatana Dharma and the completion of Yoga. Above the chakra, there is a sacred passage taken from the ancient Upanishad. It says, “From Pure Joy, springs all creation. By It, it is sustained. Toward Pure Joy it proceeds. And to Pure Joy it returns.” This word “Joy” is Ananda—as in Sat Chit Ananda. This Sat Chit Ananda is the Existence that has, at times, been called Brahman, at times been called Atman, or it has been called God. All and everything, the whole of [existence] is Brahman. There are many scriptural passages that come to mind, but this one—“Whenever there is decay of righteousness [Sanatana Dharma], and there is exaltation of unrighteousness, then I Myself come forth; For the protection of the good, for the destruction of evil-doers, for the sake of firmly establishing righteousness, from age to age”—this is the reason for the manifestation of the Avatara. This world is always filled with struggle and pain. Various disasters, large or small, come always. Yet time and time again a savior appears—for, in actuality, everything is the sacred Existence, called Brahman.

Hearing the messages from various locations today, I am really overjoyed. Because, I feel everyone’s eyes are coming to be awakened. (laughs) I am truly pleased. Right now, difficult circumstances have been ongoing; however, as it is said that there is no night that does not have a dawn, eventually, the sun will rise again. Right now, this is the time for you to internally deepen Yoga within. And I am looking forward to the day I can see you again. Thank you very much for the many joyful words today.”

—Satguru  Shri Mahayogi  Paramahansa

Below are the messages offered on the occasion of Sanatana Dharma Avatara Mela & the 45th Anniversary of Mahayogi Yoga Mission, the 25th Anniversary of Mahayogi Yoga Mission in New York, on behalf of the New York Sangha:

“Yoga is a revelation of Shri Mahayogi  (Avatara), and to know its Truth, the Eternal Truth, ‘Sanatana Dharma‘—that ‘our true Self is Eternal Existence’—and to realize It, is a right given to all human beings; that is why I am convinced that It is the original religion, the essence of religion. Sanatana Dharma is often translated in English as “Eternal Religion,” and as I checked the origin of the word “Religion,” I found that it has been written that: “Religion” in Latin is “again” and “tie firmly or solidly together.” It is clear that the ultimate form of that is where Sanatana Dharma exists.

When I imagine the ancient Yogi, Shri Mahayogi is always there. We have been given grace—to witness how the ancient Yogi were, how Yoga, or Sanatana Dharma, was transmitted, right now in front of our eyes—we are truly in the Upanishad! I am awed by that. And the way Shri Mahaoygi does everything is TRULY FREE! Because he has a complete grasp of the Essence of the Essence, he is not bound by anything—everything Shri Mahayogi radiates, comes from that “Freedom of Being Free”! Anandamali lives in Sanatana Dharma within Shri Mahayogi, becoming One with Shri Mahayogi as that “Freedom of Being Free.”

Shri Mahayogi, today, through the slideshow, and through the expressions of the gurubai, we have been given an opportunity to retrace the steps of Shri Mahayogi, and for that, my heart is completely full.

For 25 years, Shri Mahayogi has visited New York every year, and with Your Entire Being, demonstrated to us “Satori,” and you have guided many souls. I cannot express words enough to express my gratitude…

But I hope to be able to communicate to You the heartfelt thoughts, feelings and emotions of we, the disciples in New York—through our recognitions, through our transformations and through our declarations.”

—Anandamali

“Twenty three years ago, I met Shri Mahayogi in Chicago. Two years later, my job led me to the land of New York. Since then, I have witnessed the most unbelievable story, a fantasy in real life, here in New York.

One day, in a Satsangha, I asked Shri Mahayogi: “Why would a father neglect his duties toward a son? Why?”  He answered that Love can be forgotten, and we have to remember It. These words summarize what I believe Shri Mahayogi is here to do: to lead us back to True Love.

 I witnessed people from different parts of the world come to meet Shri Mahayogi, and I observed how he communicated with them in a way that they could take in his teachings.

Shri Mahayogi spoke to an artist from Germany in the language of art. While describing the symbolism of forms in abstract painting, he was actually speaking of True Love. That was how the teachings entered directly into that man’s heart.

I heard from Anandamali about Shri Mahayogi’s interaction with a rug repairman from Iran, who was passionate about rugs. When he saw Shri Mahayogi enter the store, this man began to sweat profusely. As some know, Shri Mahayogi has an appreciation for rugs. It probably goes beyond the artistry. Perhaps behind the craft, the materials, patterns, colors, Shri Mahayogi sees the human story, with True Love as its foundation. Even without words this man must have understood and was overtaken by emotion.

I witnessed Shri Mahayogi break barriers of age, culture, race, ideology and religion, speaking gently yet boldly, but always touching upon something at the very core of a person’s being, the One Existence. What beautiful remembrance Shri Mahayogi brings!

I have seen Shri Mahayogi invite every heart to drink from the purest and most liberating Love, which is constantly there regardless of the topic of conversation and the person. I have seen the greatest expression of this Love in Shri Mahayogi—this, I could not have even dreamed of.

What we have seen with our own eyes is what caring for others truly means. In the way Shri Mahayogi moves, touches objects, walks, dresses, smiles, through all he does, we can learn how to love. These small things can make a big difference in understanding the refined and profound meaning of Shri Mahayogi’s teachings. Shri Mahayogi has constantly been teaching us the ways of True Love.

I realize now that Shri Mahayogi’s words “we must remember True Love,” was a message for all of us. Following His example, this is what we need to do: become True Love!”

—Karuna

“When I arrived at the feet of Shri Mahayogi, it felt like a new beginning, the start of a new path to walk forward. What I didn’t notice until recently though is my mind’s attitude of looking forward. Forward to the future, forward to what’s next, forward to what my role to play is in this Mission that is so close to my heart. But lately I’m starting to recognize that this forward looking, has been missing something that is absolutely essential. And that is—looking back.

When I think of how Buddha called the path of Sanantana Dharma, “the ancient straight road”, it is clear that a road is not only one way forward, but there are two ways, each extending as far as the eye can see. How can I walk straight forward without understanding where this road is coming from? If I only look forward, I can only follow the limits of my mind.

Over the course of the history of the Mission in Japan and in New York, so many moments of learning of Truth must have been born through Shri Mahayogi’s existence, each historical and precious, making a foundation that is filled with the wisdom and the spirit of Truth that are the reason behind even the smallest of things. And I would like to express my gratitude for each and every one of these moments as I feel they all have their role in making visible this ancient straight road that, without the Avatara, seems impossible to find. I feel that there is so much to learn about where Shri Mahayogi’s Mission is coming from and where it can go. But we need to look back and cultivate the eyes to see, the mind of learning and understanding the depth and richness of the how’s, the why’s that contain the spirit of Shri Mahayogi. Then, rather than proceed forward, let’s humble our minds, mold them to that spirit that is already coming from all these past moments, and allow ourselves to be swallowed up and carried forward by the strong current of Sanatana Dharma.

I have heard that each person encounters Shri Mahayogi in their own time and way. Surely every moment and every person must have their role at the feet of the Avatara.

May we all wholeheartedly and continuously reach to learn from the spirit of what has come before us, so that the Truth can be ablaze within us, and help point the way to this ancient straight path that is so graciously revealed.

And whether it is in the past, now or in the future era, please allow us to play these roles at the feet of the Avatara, again and again and again.”

—Sadhya

We look forward to sharing some additional speeches in the next Pranavadipa.