Direct Connection With The Almighty

1. Nobody has seen Mahavatar Babaji in person, yet everybody knows he exists and interacts with his disciples in a special way. What can modern gurus learn from him?Gurus are transcended beings and they have a unique role to play. Babaji has been able to maintain his earthly existence for centuries-perhaps even millennia-because he remains in seclusion. But that's part of a higher design. If God, His avatars, or illumined masters were freely available to everyone, free will would be lost. People would feel compelled to follow them automatically, and that's not what God wants. He wants each individual to use their discrimination, reasoning, purity of heart, and intuition to seek the truth and understand the purpose of life. As for gurus, each has a different role to play. Some are active in social and humanitarian work, but that was not Paramhans Yogananda's specific mission. His work had a very distinct focus-to reintroduce the ancient science of Kriya Yog and the lifestyle that supports it, not just in India but globally. That doesn't diminish the importance of humanitarian work. Our organisation, Yogoda Satsang Society (YSS) of India, conducts and sponsors many charitable activities, especially during disasters, and also on an ongoing basis. But countless organisations already exist to alleviate suffering. What very few are doing is addressing the root cause of human misery, not just symptoms. That's the long-term work, Yogananda's mission, is about.

2. What is this long-term work?
It's about providing humanity with the definite, scientific yog techniques that were known in India during the Sat Yug but lost in the materialistic ages. These techniques have now been revived through Mahavatar Babaji, Lahiri Mahasaya, Sri Yukteswar, and Paramhans Yogananda. They allow each individual to have direct, personal experience and relationship with God. Once that relationship is established, the soul naturally awakens to compassion, service, kindness-both individually and collectively. But that awakening can only happen through real meditation, which brings awareness of the soul's unity with the Infinite Spirit.

3. How can direct personal experience be achieved?
It requires sincerity and a willingness to be receptive. But everything is available for anyone interested. Kriya yog meditation techniques include silent practice in the morning and evening, concentration, pranayam, devotion, and the specialised kriyas that awaken chakras and the brain. Through these practices, the soul awakens to its true divine nature and its unity with the Spirit. Spiritual environment is important for those who are serious about maintaining continuity and intensification of their sadhana. Yogananda said that the environment is stronger than will power. He said we must encourage establishment of centres and temples not only in cities but in individual homes to encourage the practise of Kriya Yog meditation.

4. Is it better to meditate at home than go to temples?
External worship has its value, but real spiritual progress comes from mastering the art of entering the interior temple - the sanctum sanctorum within the heart and soul. That's where the true connection happens. Guruji used to say, "By practising Kriya Yog, you carry a portable paradise within you." But when starting out, it's hard to stay connected amidst noise and distractions. That's why home sanctuaries and group meditations are essential to reinforce individual efforts.

5. What is the ultimate goal of spiritual practise?
The true goal of sadhana is to shed the ego and realise the soul. Guruji described the soul as "a radiating ray of the Infinite Spirit." You become one with the source of joy, love, wisdom, and abundance. You realise how loved and cherished you are by the Divine. But that realisation never comes through donations, or humanitarian service alone. Service helps in expansion of self. These things are good but can't substitute realisation.

Authored by: Sonal Sivastava