Paramahansa Yogananda was an influential spiritual guide of the 20th century, and his role in popularizing Indian spiritual philosophy and meditation techniques in the West is noteworthy. He was born in 1893 in the Indian city of Gorakhpur. He had dedicated his life to popularizing the philosophy of yoga, meditation, and spiritual self-realization. The spiritual philosophy of Yogananda focused on the idea that spiritual growth, peace, and divine connection are possible through spiritual practices and a kind lifestyle.
Yogananda achieved international acclaim for his spiritual autobiography, Autobiography of a Yogi, which has inspired millions of readers around the world and is considered one of the best spiritual books on the philosophy of yoga and spirituality. The spiritual philosophy of Yogananda, as presented in his lectures, writings, and through his organization, the Self-Realization Fellowship, focused on the idea that people should lead a kind, responsible, and conscious lifestyle.
The quote,
“Making others happy, through kindness of speech and sincerity of right advice, is a sign of true greatness. To hurt another soul by sarcastic words, looks, or suggestions, is despicable,” is widely attributed to Paramahansa Yogananda.
What the quote conveys
The first part of the quote stresses the idea that true greatness is achieved by lifting up others. According to Yogananda, being great is not being powerful, rich, or popular. It is being great in terms of the happiness and encouragement that a person can give to those around them. Positive words, constructive advice, and genuine concern for others are small things that can have a great effect on another person’s emotional state. When people speak words that uplift and encourage, they are doing something positive for the world in a big way.
The quote also emphasises the power of communication. Words have the power to heal, uplift, and strengthen a relationship, but they also have the power to destroy another person’s spirit. According to Yogananda, sarcasm, negative comments, and harmful suggestions can destroy another person’s spirit. Even small things such as gestures or facial expressions can have a great effect on another person. By pointing out these small things, Yogananda is encouraging people to become aware of the effect of their words on another person.
The other important message conveyed by this quote is the importance of sincerity. Yogananda clearly conveys the message that kind advice should always come from the heart and should not be forced by circumstances. Kindness and advice given with good intentions are always important and useful, as opposed to judgmental and critical. True compassion involves understanding the feelings of the other person and providing them with kind and supportive advice. In this way, kind behaviour reflects the spiritual maturity of a person.
This quote by Paramahansa Yogananda teaches us that the way we communicate with other people reflects the true nature of a person. Greatness does not lie in achievements, but in the ability to uplift other people with kind behaviour. Yogananda’s message to all the people of the world is to always speak wisely and refrain from negative behaviour such as sarcasm. This message by Yogananda clearly reflects the impact of kind behaviour on the lives of other people, encouraging a more compassionate and mindful way of living.