Great Souls,
Some of us Austinites went up to Dallas last weekend for a Kriyaban Retreat with Pranaba from Ananda Village. Kriya is described in Autobiography of a Yogi as the “plane route to God” (versus the bullock cart route of theology — much faster and direct). Yogananda’s meditation, energization, and devotional practices, like chanting, all are essential first steps on the path of Kriya Yoga. Paramhansa Yogananda famously said, “Kriya Yoga plus devotion works like mathematics — it cannot fail!” He wanted to encourage us that, although learning Kriya doesn’t make one instantly enlightened (usually!), with practice, you will get there someday, and faster.
In his parting words to us, Nayaswami Pranaba advised not to think of “how to to incorporate Kriya (or meditation, or devotion, or soul-awareness) into our daily lives”, but rather, reverse it and think of ourselves first and foremost as Kriyabans/Meditators/Divine Souls. Standing firm in that identity, then ask, “How does my daily life fit into my life as a Kriyaban/Meditator/Divine Soul?” In other words, I might ask myself, how does being a teacher, mother, friend, wife, random citizen, etc., find expression in my being as a Kriyaban? Let me first fully acknowledge myself as a divine soul, and inside this framework, accept and engage with all of life’s play.
Walking into a math teacher’s classroom today, I saw this graphic:
and thought, that’s a good visual! “Greater” is Who You Really Are (a divine soul) and “Less” are the roles you play. Standing at Greater, focus on the Less.
Wishing you all health, joy, and divine remembrance. And visualize Peace and Harmony enveloping our world!
Come meditate with us:
Where: Be Well Yoga Studio
1906 W. Koenig Lane
Austin, TX 78756
When: Sundays 10:00 – 11:15 a.m.
What: Energization, prayer, chanting, meditation, affirmations, healing prayers
Details: Park behind the house. Look for the driveway between Be Well Yoga and Bare Body Day Spa to park in back. It’s OK to park behind 1908 as well and walk through the gate. Take the outside staircase up to the deck to enter the yoga studio. Bathrooms can be accessed through the downstairs back door. Suggested love offering $10 for rent. Venmo: @Kim-Pradhan
Afterwards: Optional brunch at Brentwood Social House, walking distance down Koenig Lane.
Joy is within us,
for Ananda Austin,
kimberly