Paramahansa Yogananda Quotes & Sayings

Sing songs that none have sung — Paramahansa Yogananda

When your mind is fully withdrawn in superconsciousness, it becomes centered in the bliss of the spine. You are then in your ideational, or causal, body. That is the level of the soul. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Let my soul smile through my heart and my heart smile through my eyes, that I may scatter rich smiles in sad hearts. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Remain quiet. Don't feel you have to talk all the time. Go within and you will see the Loveliness behind all beauty. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Brotherhood is an ideal better understood by example than precept! — Paramahansa Yogananda

Your trials did not come to punish you, but to awaken you - to make you realise that you are a part of Spirit and that just behind the sparks of your life is the Flame of Infinity. — Paramahansa Yogananda

The physical ego serves as its own worst enemy when, by delusive material behavior, it eclipses its true nature as the ever blessed soul. — Paramahansa Yogananda

The ocean of Spirit has become the little bubble of my soul. Whether floating in birth, or disappearing in death, in the ocean of cosmic awareness the bubble of my life cannot die. I am indestructible consciousness, protected in the bosom of Spirit's immortality. — Paramahansa Yogananda

God is the life behind your life, the sight behind your eyes, the taste behind your tongue, and the love behind your love. To realize this to the fullest extent is Self-realization. Without God's power you can do nothing. If you always hold this thought, you cannot go wrong, because you will have purified the temple of your mind and your soul with the vibrations of God. — Paramahansa Yogananda

To love those that love you is easy. To love those that love you not is not so simple. If you want to change anyone, set a better example. Show more kindness, more understanding, more love. That has a
sure effect. To those who are not kind, show kindness. To those who are mean, show bigness of heart. — Paramahansa Yogananda

The ignorant man sees only the unsurmountable wall of death, hiding, seemingly forever, his cherished friends. But the man of unattachment, he who loves others as expressions of the Lord, understands that at death the dear ones have only returned for a breathing-space of joy in Him. The — Paramahansa Yogananda

Self-realization is the knowing in all parts of body, mind, and soul that you are now in possession of the kingdom of God; that you do not have to pray that it come to you; that God's omnipresence is your omnipresence; and that all that you need to do is improve your knowing. — Paramahansa Yogananda

When, by meditation, we withdraw restless thoughts from the lake of the mind, we behold our soul, a perfect reflection of Spirit. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Read a little. Meditate more. Think of God all the time. — Paramahansa Yogananda

From joy people are born; for joy they live; in joy they melt at death. Death is an ecstasy, for it removes the burden of the body and frees the soul of all pain springing from body identification. It is the cessation of pain and sorrow. — Paramahansa Yogananda

The human mind is a spark of the almighty consciousness of God. I could show you that whatever your powerful mind believes very intensely would instantly come to pass. — Paramahansa Yogananda

When you worry, there is static coming through your mind radio. God's song is the song of calmness. Nervousness is the static; calmness is the voice of God speaking to you through the radio of your soul. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Roam in the world as a lion of self-control; see that the frogs of weakness don't kick you around. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Good manners without sincerity are like a beautiful dead lady," he remarked on suitable occasion. "Straightforwardness without civility is like a surgeon's knife, effective but unpleasant. Candor with courtesy is helpful and admirable. — Paramahansa Yogananda

God-realization is attained only by great effort on the part of the yogi and by divine grace. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Just as oil is present in every part of the olive, so love permeates every part of creation. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Those who are socially inclined will find a new power to help humanity through the lessons of books written by noble and gifted people. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Freedom means the power to act by soul guidance, not by the compulsions of desires and habits. Obeying the ego leads to bondage; obeying the soul brings liberation. — Paramahansa Yogananda

human being falsely identifies himself with his physical form because the life currents from the soul are breath-conveyed into the flesh with such intense power that man mistakes the effect for a cause, and idolatrously imagines the body to have life of its own. Man's — Paramahansa Yogananda

Harmony with nature will bring you a happiness known to few city dwellers. In the company of other truth seekers it will be easier for you to meditate and think of God. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Just behind the darkness of closed eyes shines the light of God. When you behold that light in meditation, hold onto it with devotional zeal. Feel yourself inside it: That is where God dwells. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Calmness is the living breath of God's immortality in you. — Paramahansa Yogananda

To lay aside what you have in your head (selfish desires and ambitions); to freely bestow what you have in your hand; and never to flinch from the blows of adversity! — Paramahansa Yogananda

To me there is no difference between one person and another; I behold all as soul-reflection s of the one God. I can't think of anyone as a stranger, for I know that we are all part of the One Spirit. — Paramahansa Yogananda

To commune daily with God in deep meditation, and to carry His love and guidance with you into all your dutiful activities, is the way that leads to permanent peace and happiness. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Remember, people suffer only because they think things ought to be different from what they are. A — Paramahansa Yogananda

God is simple. Everything else is complex. Do not seek absolute values in the relative world of nature. — Paramahansa Yogananda

It is wisest to be impartial. If you have health, but are attached to it, you will always be afraid of losing it. And if you fear that loss, but become ill, you will suffer. Why not remain forever joyful in the Self? — Paramahansa Yogananda

The Spirit of God, I realized, is exhaustless Bliss; His body is countless tissues of light. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Most of the world is like a mental hospital. Some persons are sick with jealousy, others with anger, hatred, passion. They are victims of their habits and emotions. But you can make your home a place of peace. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Discerning placement of a comma does not atone for a spiritual coma. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Why be elated by material profit?" Father replied. "The one who pursues a goal of evenmindedness is neither jubilant with gain nor depressed by loss. He knows that man arrives penniless in this world, and departs without a single rupee. — Paramahansa Yogananda

The body is literally manufactured and sustained by mind. — Paramahansa Yogananda

What you are is much greater than anything or anyone else you have ever yearned for. God is manifest in you in a way that He is not manifest in any other human being. Your face is unlike anyone else's, your soul is unlike anyone else's, you are sufficient unto yourself; for within your soul lies the greatest treasure of all - God. — Paramahansa Yogananda

We are all part of the One Spirit. When you experience the true meaning of religion, which is to know God, you will realize that He is your Self, and that He exists equally and impartially in all beings. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Xochimilco in Mexico, where skies, mountains, and poplars are reflected, — Paramahansa Yogananda

Cosmic energy enters the body through the medulla and then passes to the cerebrum, in which it is stored or concentrated. — Paramahansa Yogananda

I want to know, sir-when shall I find God?" "You have found Him." "O no, sir, I don't think so!" My guru was smiling. "I am sure you aren't expecting a venerable Personage, adorning a throne in some antiseptic corner of the cosmos! I see, however, that you are imagining that the possession of miraculous powers is knowledge of God. One might have the whole universe, and find the Lord elusive still! Spiritual advancement is not measured by one's outward powers, but only by the depth of his bliss in meditation. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Minor-are the only ones which Occidental music employs, — Paramahansa Yogananda

People are running, running, but there is no place in the world to which they can flee to escape themselves. Ultimately, each one must face himself. — Paramahansa Yogananda

The Western day is indeed nearing when the inner science of self-control will be found as necessary as the outer conquest of nature. This new Atomic Age will see men's minds sobered and broadened by the now scientifically indisputable truth that matter is in reality a concentrate of energy. — Paramahansa Yogananda

The balanced rhythm of the universe is rooted in reciprocity, — Paramahansa Yogananda

The man of Self-realization knows a bliss that cannot be compared to anything in this world. His joy is independent of any object or sensory experience. It is an incomparable happiness that cannot be described in words. Such joy is known as sattvik-ananda. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Introspection, or 'sitting in the silence,' is an unscientific way of trying to force apart the mind and senses, tied together by the life force. The contemplative mind, attempting its return to divinity, is constantly dragged back toward the senses by the life currents. — Paramahansa Yogananda

The wave is the same as the ocean, though it is not the whole ocean. So each wave of creation is a part of the eternal Ocean of Spirit. The Ocean can exist without the waves, but the waves cannot exist without the Ocean. — Paramahansa Yogananda

An adept of Kriya Yoga conquers death by taking the soul beyond identification with the physical body, consciously and at will; and then returning to the consciousness of the mortal form again. By this process, he experiences the body as merely the material dwelling place of the soul. He can remain therein as long as he wants; and after that body has fulfilled its usefulness, he can quit it at will without suffering physical pain or mental pain due to attachment, and enter his omnipresent home in God. — Paramahansa Yogananda

When the yogi starts to meditate, he must leave behind all sensory thoughts and all longings for possessions by quieting the waves of feeling (chitta), and the mental restlessness that arises therefrom, through the application of techniques that reinstate the controlling power of the untrammeled superconsciousness of the soul. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Protection of the cow means protection of the whole dumb creation of God. The appeal of the lower order of creation is all the more forceful because it is speechless." 6 — Paramahansa Yogananda

Self-realization means to know truth through yourself, and not through others. By seeking God first, through Self-realization, all things-strength, power, prosperity, wisdom, health, and immortality-will be added unto you. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Some people try to be tall by cutting off the heads of others. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Practice loving those who do not love you. Feel for those who do not feel for you. Be generous to those who are generous only to themselves. If you heap hatred on your enemy, neither he nor you are able to perceive the inherent beauty of your soul. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Be afraid of nothing. Hating none, giving love to all, feeling the love of God, seeing His presence in everyone, and having but one desire - for His constant presence in the temple of your consciousness - that is the way to live in this world. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Success should be measured by the yardstick of happiness; by your ability to remain in peaceful harmony with cosmic laws. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Trust in God and destroy fear, which paralyzes all efforts to succeed and attracts the very thing you fear. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Realize that enough hidden strength lies within you to overcome all obstacles and temptations. Bring forth that indomitable power and energy. — Paramahansa Yogananda

In your heart must well that sympathy which soothes away all pains from the hearts of others. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Today I forgive all those who have ever offended me. I give my love to all thirsty hearts, both to those who love me and to those who do not love me. — Paramahansa Yogananda

If man be solely a body, its loss indeed ends his identity. But if prophets down the millenniums spake with truth, man is essentially a soul, incorporeal and omnipresent. — Paramahansa Yogananda

If you retain the joyous aftereffects of meditation throughout the day, or part of the day, you will see that this joy will correctly guide you in everything. Saints are guided by this joy, in the consciousness of which no erroneous actions are possible. Retain the acquired joy of meditation throughout the day. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Release for constructive purposes the power you already have, and more will come. Move on your path with unflinching determination, using all the attributes of success. Tune yourself with the creative power of spirit. — Paramahansa Yogananda

By the practice of meditation, you will find that you are carrying within your heart a portable paradise. — Paramahansa Yogananda

The material and the spiritual are but two parts of one universe and one truth. By overstressing one part or the other, man fails to achieve the balance necessary for harmonious development ... Practice the art of living in this world without losing your inner peace of mind. Follow the path of balance to reach the inner wondrous garden of Self-Realization. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Spirit is the vast stillness which is behind all created things. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Ignoring all prejudices of caste, creed, class, color, sex, or race, a swami follows the precepts of human brotherhood. His goal is absolute unity with Spirit. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Live each moment completely and the future will take care of itself. Fully enjoy the wonder and beauty of each moment. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Weaken a bad habit by avoiding everything that occasioned it or stimulated it, without concentrating upon it in your zeal to avoid it. Then divert your mind to some good habit and steadily cultivate it until it becomes a dependable part of you. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Whoever comes to me finds me a mirror to whatever is in his heart. Thus, I try to help him to see qualities in himself that he needs to overcome. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Not by the hairsplitting distinctions of scholars but by the sure logic of faith, the childlike saint has solved the only problem in human life - establishment of unity with God. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Forget the past, for it is gone from your domain! forget the future, for it is beyond your reach! control the present! Live supremely well now! This is the way of the wise ... — Paramahansa Yogananda

What are you afraid of? You are an immortal being. You are neither a man nor a woman, as you may think, but a soul - joyous, eternal. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Sing songs that none have sung, think thoughts that ne'er in the brain have rung,
Walk in paths that none have trod, weep tears as none have shed for God,
Give peace to all to whom none other gave,
Claim him your own who's everywhere disclaimed.
Love all with love that none have felt and
Brave the battle of life with strength unchained. — Paramahansa Yogananda

One may have many teachers, but only one guru, who remains as one's guru even in many different lives, until the disciple reaches the final goal of emancipation in God. You must remember this, once that relationship is formed. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Subtle astral colors ... are hidden in everything around you. Could you but see, you would be amazed at their beauty. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Hypnotism is trespass into the territory of another's consciousness. Its temporary phenomena have nothing in common with the miracles performed by men of divine realization. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Faithfulness in the performance of small duties gives us strength to adhere to difficult determinations that life will someday force us to make. — Paramahansa Yogananda

The man who has perceived God looks upon all types of men as dream motion-picture images, made of the relativities of the light of Cosmic Consciousness and the shadows of delusion. — Paramahansa Yogananda

All Nature will commune with you when you are in tune with God. Realization of this truth will make you a master of your destiny. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Self-realization is, in fact, the only religion. For it is the true purpose of religion, no matter how people define their beliefs. — Paramahansa Yogananda

The reflection, the verisimilitude, of life that shines in the fleshly cells from the soul source is the only cause of man's attachment to his body; obviously he would not pay solicitous homage to a clod of clay. A human being falsely identifies himself with his physical form because the life currents from the soul are breath-conveyed into the flesh with such intense power that man mistakes the effect for a cause, and idolatrously imagines the body to have life of its own. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Through love and sincerity continuously beautify your inner life in every way, by daily looking into the mirror of introspection. — Paramahansa Yogananda

As God is omnipresent in the cosmos but is undisturbed by its variety, so man, who as a soul is individualized Spirit, must learn to participate in this cosmic drama with a perfectly poised and equilibrated mind. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Take life as it comes and death as it comes. Death is really beautiful; if it were a bad thing, God would not let it happen to us. It is really freedom, an entry into another, higher life. We must utilize this life in order to realize the life beyond this one. Beyond this earth garden is the infinite land wherein we meet those whom we have thought lost. Although we must not seek death, when it comes we should know that it is the final examination for a great reward. — Paramahansa Yogananda

An artist doesn't really create anything - he just rearranges what is already there. — Paramahansa Yogananda

A saint is a sinner who never gave up. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Every day try to help uplift physically, mentally, or spiritually suffering people, as you would help yourself
or your family. If, instead of living in the misery-making selfish way, you live according to the laws of God, then, no matter what small part you may be playing on the stage of life, you will know that you have been playing your part correctly, as directed by the Stage Manager of all our destinies. Your part, however small, is just as important as the biggest parts in contributing to the success of the Drama of Souls on the Stage of Life. Make a little money and be satisfied with it by living a simple life and expressing your ideals, rather than make lots of money and have worries without end. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Everything, at first, is an idea, a special creation. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Absolute, unquestioning faith in God is the greatest method of instantaneous healing. An unceasing effort to arouse that faith is man's highest and most rewarding duty. — Paramahansa Yogananda

If you are in a dark room, don't beat at the darkness with a stick, but rather try to turn on the light — Paramahansa Yogananda

There is in India a story of a dying youth who, hearing the sobs of grief around him, cried: Insult me not with your cries of sympathy. When I soar to the land of eternal light and love; it is I who should feel for you. For me, disease, shattering of bones, sorrow, excruciating heartaches no more. I dream joy, I glide in joy, I breathe in joy evermore. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Little stones that are pelted into the lake of consciousness should not throw the whole lake into commotion. — Paramahansa Yogananda

The sun shines equally on diamond and charcoal, but the former has developed qualities that enable it to reflect the sunlight brilliantly, while the latter is unable to reflect the sunlight. Emulate the diamond in your dealings with people. Brightly reflect the light of God's love. — Paramahansa Yogananda

It is spiritual poverty, not material lack, that lies at the core of all human suffering. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Truth is exact correspondence with reality. — Paramahansa Yogananda

Stillness is the altar of spirit. — Paramahansa Yogananda

If religion means primarily God-consciousness, or the realization of God both within and without, and secondarily a body of beliefs, tenets and dogmas, then, strictly speaking, there is but one religion in the world, for there is but one God. — Paramahansa Yogananda