Swami Kamalananda
Speaks on "Take My Yoke Upon You"
Sunday, January 3, 2016 at 11:00am
The feeling of self-renewal inspires our reflection, orientation and dedication as we once again "stand at the gate of the year.” Many wonderful subjects flood into our minds at this time: new beginnings, spiritual resolution and prayers for greater faith, to name only a few. A need to gather all our noble aspirations with comprehensive focus draws us to examine the enduring life and message of the great prophet-soul Jesus in the light of his realization of Yoga.
As a traditional part of our worship we will offer together the “Wisdom of Jesus” gathered from his positive teachings.
—S.K.
From the Gurus and Swamis: AUM
"One who knows the first vital thread binding all the things formed in shape, color and words
knows only the physical form of the universe, and knows very little.
"But the one who goes deeper and perceives the string inside the string, the thin web binding separate life-forces with cords of unity, knows the real Being.
"Only he knows truly the almighty, omnipotent and omnipresent God Who is within and beyond all the formulated entities of the vast universe. O Divine Seeker! Penetrate deeper to know the Ultimate Truth."
—Atharva Veda (10.8.38)
"Note of explanation: The “Holy Master” Swami Shankaracharya writes about (below)—is the venerable bestower of knowledge. Unlike the philosopher’s stone which turns iron into gold—the light, the true Holy Master—is a radiance of universal light from within himself, peerless and yet all-powerful to the true disciple." (S.K.)
"Just as, by virtue of the fragrance diffused by the sandal tree other trees around it are also full of fragrance at all times and afford shelter from heat to diverse beings, so they who have derived wisdom from the teacher, with hearts full of mercy, emancipate by their teachings all those who are fortunate enough to stand in their presence.
"When, through mercy of the venerable Holy Master, there arises in any person whatsoever the realization, “That very Brahman am I,” that person indeed loses all feelings of doubt. With mind free from illusion he attains liberation even while living in the body. The consciousness of limitation is completely dissolved. He is merged in the Highest, the sole abode of eternal bliss."
—Swami Shankaracharya
"When one, cultivating the Divine Spirit or Omniscient Love within his heart, is able to withdraw this JNANAMAYA KOSHA (the Body of Intelligence), then the innermost sheath, CHITTA, the Heart . . . becomes manifest. Man is then called DEVATA or Angel in creation.
"When the Heart or innermost sheath is also withdrawn, there is no longer anything to keep man in bondage to this creation of Darkness, MAYA. He then becomes free, SANNYASI, the Son of God, and enters into the creation of Light."
—Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri, "The Holy Science"
"One who has seen the light of God at the spiritual eye, Kutastha-jyoti, has become consciously aware that he is a son of God.
"Man is a potential god. Only when he is fully awakened to the divine nature of his soul is he capable of following the path of God with love and wisdom, purity and peace."
—Shyamacharan Lahiri, "Sayings of Shymacharan Lahiri," translation by Swami Premananda
"The joy of God is realized in all its perfection if the love of God is awakened in the heart. Nevertheless, I have discovered within me a state of serene happiness and sublime contentment independent of any and all objective conditions. It is the state of profound peace within me. It is always within the inmost depth of my consciousness. I never lose it. It is permanent and ever abiding. It is the peace of God in my soul, the bliss of my highest Self. It is my peace now and forever."
—Swami Premananda Giri, "Seven Gifts of God To Me"