Newsletter Dec 27, 2006

Synopsis of Last Week Classes

Friday - Raja Yoga Class - Dec 22

Aphorisms 3:43-51
Because of the concentration and detachment, the Yogi can see the various parts in a combination (like body - which is a combination of various limbs, organs, nervous system etc.). Each of these parts has several capabilities but in a combination, only those which the combination allows get expressed. Like in an electric bulb, the combination of electricity, glass & so forth find use only to give light; all other potential of electricity and glass is hidden there. We know that both of them, when separately understood have several uses. So also the different parts/organs can be put to various other uses by the Yogi as he clearly knows them, in their all separate properties & potentials, in their gross and fine forms. He knows how the different elements can be combined/separated to produce anything you want. Nothing is hidden from a Yogi. This is the omniscience and omnipotence in the world that the Yogi can attain.
But this is NOT FREEDOM. One has to renounce this state too as bondage; substitution of the iron chain by the golden is not freedom.

Sunday - Sermon on the Mount - Swami Yogatmananda - Dec 24
'Sermon on the Mount' is a great spiritual message that Jesus imparted to his intimate disciples who cared for God-centered life rather than earthly miracles. It reflects the highest renunciation and Godly love of Jesus. Jesus asks to practice forgiveness instead of taking revenge. Do not turn your back if somebody wants to borrow. You must be all goodness as your heavenly Father is all good. This advice is to transcend human limitations and go towards the source where we are really One. Love everyone including enemies and hate none. Love should be unconditional without any bartering.
While practicing religion, don't be a hypocrite. God knows everything as He is within you. Pray for enlightenment and not for earthly things. Lay your treasure in heaven and not on earth; for your heart is there, where your wealth is. Earthly wealth is temporary which can be eaten up by moths or stolen by thieves. Wealth of spiritual knowledge is the greatest wealth. No one can serve two masters; God and money cannot be served at the same time. Learn what is permanent and hold onto it with great resolve and let other things go away.
You will enter the kingdom of heaven by practicing these principles and not by merely believing it. Let the message of Jesus transform our awareness and since our awareness ultimately becomes our life, the Message is reflected in the life too.
One who acts upon this advice builds his/her house on rock solid foundation which can never be shattered by rains, floods or winds. On the contrary, one who doesn't care for these things, is like building the house on sand, which will be washed away by the calamities.
Divinity is our eternal nature. The glory of human life is to transcend the animal nature and experience the kingdom of heaven which is eternal, pure and blissful. 'Sermon on the Mount' shows us the way towards this goal.