As our anniversary nears, I've been thinking about what has made our marriage so fulfilling. A shared purpose is vital; Devi and I feel destined to work together on a divine mission, notably in creating Ananda, where we've led and built a community from scratch. Having a clear roadmap has kept us focused on our dreams, thanks to the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda and Swami Kriyananda, allowing us to push through challenges. Meditating together has strengthened our bond, rooted in a mutual love for God, and our shared service, both in traveling the world to teach and helping others, has kept our relationship vibrant. Finally, enjoying life's journey together—through laughter, walks, and time with friends—has been essential to not just survive but thrive in our partnership.

Master offers several techniques to heal and strengthen our body, mind, and soul. For the body, his energization exercises are key, emphasizing that willpower and energy flow enhance physical magnetism. He also highlights the importance of a nutritious diet, recommending fresh whole foods, fruits, and intermittent fasting—advice that resonates with modern nutritionists. Furthermore, he encourages positive thinking to overcome illness, suggesting we distinguish between our identity and our physical state.

When it comes to the mind, introspection and honest self-reflection are crucial. He promoted the idea that recognizing our faults is a step toward improvement, and self-analysis can be aided by his Psychological Chart. For soul, regular meditation and Kriya Yoga practice are essential for uplifting our consciousness, and cultivating devotion to the guru can deepen our practice. Ultimately, when love for God becomes our priority, we not only become vessels of light ourselves but also inspire others to do the same.

Sister Gyana Mata, a devoted disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, faced years of health struggles but found strength in a profound prayer: “Lord, change no circumstances in my life, change me.” This idea challenges the tendency to focus on altering external situations rather than seeking personal transformation. Our lives are like classrooms designed for our growth, and trying to escape our lessons is futile. Instead of asking how to change our surroundings, we should reflect on how we need to change within. Recognizing and breaking self-destructive patterns requires determination. It's important to replace negative habits with positive ones, like turning smoking into exercising or judgment into acceptance. The key takeaway is to embrace challenges by seeking inner change, just as Gyana Mata did, and work on reshaping our old habits into something beneficial.

Imagine a sunny November Sunday where you find yourself at an informal gathering with Paramhansa Yogananda at his Encinitas Hermitage. He speaks profoundly about transcending the limitations of our physical reality, emphasizing that everything is essentially consciousness. As you listen, he conveys the importance of awakening to the divine, reminding us that our true focus should be on God, above all else. Recently, during a satsang at Ananda Village, an important theme emerged: prioritizing our spiritual goals. Life can be demanding, but embracing a higher state of consciousness can enhance our ability to fulfill our responsibilities. Attunement with God and Gurus is central to this spiritual journey, and even in everyday challenges, seeking divine guidance can lead to reassuring outcomes, as experienced during a business errand involving a small but significant moment of divine intervention. The quiet nudges of this guidance remind us that we are always being watched over, inviting us to ask for help whenever we need it.

The story reminds us that the spiritual journey has no shortcuts; sincerity is essential. Jesus’ experience at twelve years old exemplifies this lesson. After a Passover celebration, his parents realized he was missing and found him in the temple, sharing profound insights with the elders. When Mary expressed her worry, Jesus replied that he must focus on his mission from God. This moment highlighted the need to prioritize divine purpose over worldly ties. As seekers, we often face temptations that challenge our commitment. However, these distractions can be seen as tests from God, helping us grow stronger in our dedication. Ultimately, our purpose is to find inner peace and joy and to share it with others. Let’s unite in love and service, embracing our shared journey as one family.

Last year, the staff at the Ananda Center in Gurgaon gifted me a book featuring my paintings, and we're now revising it for wider availability. I’ve been writing short descriptions for nearly two hundred pieces, sharing their spiritual significance and stories. My painting journey began around 1998 after a friend introduced me to a unique “color therapy” session. I discovered I needed vibrant colors, which sparked my passion for painting. Initially, I painted about ten pieces a year, combining responsibilities and creativity, much to the encouragement of Swami Kriyananda, who believed it would enhance my spiritual development. One of my early works, which depicted rocks in Ananda Village, was warmly received by Swamiji and still graces his dining room in Assisi, Italy. Painting has brought immense joy to my life, and following Paramhansa Yogananda's advice, I encourage everyone to explore their creativity, as it nurtures a deep connection with Divine Mother and personal happiness.

On January 5, the anniversary of Paramhansa Yogananda’s birth, I reflected on the profound journey of discipleship. As we explore Yogananda’s life in "Autobiography of a Yogi," we find guidance for our own spiritual paths. There comes a moment when we realize that the material world isn’t our true essence, sparking the quest for deeper meaning. Initially, we receive guidance through books, then teachers appear to support us, and ultimately, we are led to our true guru, which is part of a divine plan. The relationship with a guru is both eternal and personal; they await us until we’re ready. The next step involves surrender and deep attunement, much like Yogananda's experience with Sri Yukteswar, who offered rigorous guidance that transformed his understanding. Embracing challenges as opportunities for growth allows us to receive the guru’s blessings. True surrender leads us to recognize God as the ultimate reality, merging our will and thoughts with those of our guru, culminating in a shared realization. Swami Kriyananda’s vows encapsulate these sentiments, resonating deeply with those who follow Yogananda as their guru.

In the journey of self-improvement, especially around New Year’s, many people focus on physical habits, but spiritual resolutions are equally important. A key theme in spiritual teachings emphasizes being present and attentive. One powerful resolution that can enhance all others is to truly focus on what you're doing. This involves four principles: concentration, commitment, repetition, and enjoyment. By deeply engaging with your resolutions, you can transform them into rewarding experiences rather than burdens. So, take a moment to reflect on your goals for the coming year, choose a couple that resonate with you, and approach them with focus and enthusiasm. After all, it's about making those changes fun and meaningful!

As 2025 approaches, set new goals for yourself—consider focusing on a few rather than overwhelming yourself with a long list. Remember, you have the power to shape your future. Paramhansa Yogananda reminds us that each new year is like a garden; nurture it with good habits and eliminate negativity to cultivate true happiness and success. Here’s to a fulfilling new year filled with your highest aspirations!

In an earlier essay titled “I Am the Christ Within” I shared the inspiration of Christ consciousness as a constant presence. While writing a new book, "The Heart of Service," I received a visualization in meditation for sharing in the first chapter. In this visualization, a vast stadium represents the past lives of the individual, with each tier of seats symbolizing different incarnations. The souls in the stadium reflect the journey of their essence through various experiences, accumulating lessons and karma over time. Each person carries memories from their prior lives, ultimately seeking liberation and the realization of Christ consciousness.

It is important to recognize the souls in others and approach our interactions with respect and love, accordingly. This Christmas season is a perfect opportunity to expand our hearts, and to discover the inner Christ, sharing love and goodwill to all who would receive it.