Blog

There are two kinds of people one often comes across. The first kind are those who believe they can shape their destinies and achieve any goal they set their minds to pursue. Then there’s the second kind—those who believe life is predestined, and no matter how hard they try, they cannot escape their fate. Which one is right? Neither is … Read More

In today’s chaotic world, it’s easy to feel like you are riding an emotional roller coaster. Just a few minutes of watching the news can leave us feeling overwhelmed with sadness, anxiety, and confusion. These emotions make it hard to concentrate on our work or stay connected with those around us. Over time, this constant undercurrent of distress can take … Read More

As a young accounting student in college, I saw classes as a total waste of time. I used my time and energy instead to launch a software business. I was one of the thousands who were inspired by the stories of Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg. I dreamed about building a software empire straight from my dorm room. There was … Read More

Spirituality in the 21st century vastly differs from what we saw even 100 years ago. Back then, those with a spiritual calling had limited options: One could join a monastery or go to the Himalayas in search of a guru or an ashram. Today, spirituality has permeated daily life. Practices like meditation, pranayama (breath or energy control), yoga, and more have found … Read More

Rajarshi Janakananda (James J. Lynn) was one of the foremost disciples of Paramhansa Yogananda. Remarkably, he was also a self-made millionaire, and by today’s standards, he would have been a billionaire from his ownership of multiple corporations. Rajarshi did not, however, inherit his wealth. It was quite the opposite. He came from a very humble background. As a child, he … Read More

Nervousness which is the opposite of calmness, appears to be a simple ailment. But in reality, it has far-reaching consequences. Today, nervousness seems to be the world’s disease.Paramhansa Yogananda Paramhansa Yogananda wrote these words almost a hundred years ago and they still ring true, perhaps even louder today. In the United States employee burnout costs companies $300 billion in lost productivity and … Read More

“How’s your meditation practice going?” I was asked this question by a devotee one morning after Sunday service at Ananda Sangha Delhi. I was 19 years old. I had only recently read the Autobiography of a Yogi and found Ananda Sangha to learn Kriya Yoga as taught by Paramhansa Yogananda. My Struggles with Habits & Self-Control I replied to the question with a pinch … Read More

One of my constant sources of inspiration is Living Wisely, Living Well, a wonderful compilation of insights for each day of the year by Swami Kriyananda. A few months ago, on the morning of my birthday, I enthusiastically opened the book to see what message Swamiji might have for me. I was determined to apply that thought in my life. … Read More

Ever since I started teaching meditation, I have heard constant and consistent complaints from students – no matter who I was teaching: “My mind is so restless!” “I’m not very good at concentrating!”  Frankly, I find it quite ironic – because these lamentations come from successful businessmen, motivated students, and skilled workers. In other words, people who have also used … Read More

I was an average student at best throughout most of my early school life. I did just the bare minimum. I only needed to avoid scolding and chastisement from my parents and teachers. Sadly, this mediocre attitude toward my studies defined most areas of my life. I ate junk food, watched TV, and did not (exert or apply myself) to … Read More