In this episode, SRF monk Brother Nikhilananda conveys wisdom from Paramahansa Yogananda on how a God-illumined guru can guide us toward divine realization through step-by-step methods for spiritual development, and the power of example and unconditional love.

On the spiritual path it is a great blessing to have the guidance of one who has traveled to its end and can help us based on personal experience of truth. A true guru is a tireless divine friend and advocate, uplifting the disciple during times of fear and doubt. With faith, perseverance in practicing meditation, and the support of the guru, we can realize our divine nature — and experience God’s infinite joy within.

This talk was given at the SRF temple in Glendale, California, in July 2021.

During this talk, Brother Nikhilananda mentions “Convocation” — referring to the SRF World Convocation, an annual weeklong program of immersion in the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda. You can view many of the classes, meditations, and kirtans from the 2025 Convocation at: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvjZ4rkvJ8VAAZdXnNCGQPx-&si=_9PhNTI92pkzQjq8

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You can receive Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal and comprehensive instruction in the science of meditation and art of balanced living through his Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, a home-study course available for a nominal fee. To learn more and about how to enroll: https://srflessons.org

During his talk, Brother Nikhilananda refers to “Destroying the Consciousness of Fear,” a talk by Paramahansa Yogananda that is now published in the recently released book “Solving the Mystery of Life,” Volume IV of Yogananda’s acclaimed anthology series “Collected Talks and Essays on Realizing God in Daily Life,” available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/solving-the-mystery-of-life-pb

Brother Nikhilananda also refers to the following books and a recording published by Self-Realization Fellowship:

“Autobiography of a Yogi,” Paramahansa Yogananda’s acclaimed life story, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/autobiography-of-a-yogi-ebook/

“In the Sanctuary of the Soul: A Guide to Effective Prayer,” available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/in-the-sanctuary-of-the-soul-ebook/

“Enter the Quiet Heart: Creating a Loving Relationship With God,” by Sri Daya Mata, third president of SRF/YSS, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/enter-the-quiet-heart-ebook/

“Removing All Sorrow and Suffering,” No. 9 in the Collector’s Series of rare archival talks by Paramahansa Yogananda, available at https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/removing-all-sorrow-and-suffering

To view more talks from this series: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCqADxk3PzvgapvuKmZMZzL8eloisokH6

If you would like to support the spiritual and humanitarian work of SRF, please click on this link: https://donatesrf.org