April 2010 Newsletter

Dear Friend, 

I have once again been reading from ”God Alone: The Life and Letters of a Saint”, by Sri Gyanamata. In it she shares the following from the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda.

“First of all, what do we mean when we say ‘God’? Who, what, is He? I will give you Swami Yogananda’s answer to this question, in his own words: ‘God is Universal Intelligence, Absolute Existence, Eternal Consciousness. He is Cosmic Vibration and ever-conscious, ever-new Bliss. In the beginning was the Word, or Cosmic Vibration; and the Word was God. Vibration is the cause of all things, therefore Vibration is God. God is manifested as Cosmic Vibration.’

“Is not this stupendous, awe-inspiring? And is it not obvious that such a God cannot be ‘found’ in the usual meaning of that word; nor can He be expressed through any assertion, but can only be directly experienced? ‘God and I are one in knowing.’ That is, He is experienced in the deep places of the soul.”

When I drive my car I often listen to the talks of Swami Kriyananda, Yogananda’s disciple, on the CDs I get from Treasures Along the Path. On the disk titled “Spiritual Communities: Living for a Higher Purpose,” Swamiji speaks about our being “lightbulbs for that Infinite Force.” As a lightbulb is to electricity, we are to the flow of God’s grace.

It is all too easy to get involved in that which we see going on around us in the little light spread by our lightbulb. It is too easy to forget where we came from. But we can find our own highest selves by turning back to the Source. We can reunite with Eternal Consciousness by going inside – and following that energy back into the Absolute.

How do we make that move toward Eternal Consciousness? That is the purpose of Yogananda’s teachings and the programs offered by Ananda.

Below please see the program that Premdas, the former chef at The Expanding Light is now involved in. You may be surprised to learn about the rich offerings available to you, no matter where you are.

It’s a gorgeous season here in the Sierra foothills. Come and visit!

Joy to you!

Timothy

Ananda Course in Self-Realization

Premdas Ghirla, who for years served as the Head Chef at The Expanding Light, is now the Course Director for the Ananda Course in Self-Realization. His primary work is to support students interested in the series of lessons, foundation course materials and practices of Paramhansa Yogananda and Swami Kriyananda’s teachings.

The program includes the books and steps that lead to Kriya Yoga. “Lessons in Meditation,” and “The Art and Science of Raja Yoga: Fourteen Steps to Higher Awareness” are two of the foundational books. Premdas is working with others within Ananda to coordinate and strengthen the support and encouragement offered to students and teachers worldwide.

Learn more at www.ananda.org/meditation/course.html or contact Premdas at course@ananda.org or 530-470-2340

Inspiration from Yogananda

During waking hours, the conscious state is predominant, the subconscious and superconscious states trailing behind. By the power of concentration, you can make the subconscious or superconscious predominant. The conscious state of restlessness can be changed into the dreamy state of subconsciousness or the supremely peaceful state of superconsciousness. In poets, the subconscious usually predominates;in businessmen, the conscious state, and in real Yogis and great swamis, the superconscious state. Change your centre from conscious to superconscious predominance.

Consciousness is manifested through gross sensation; subtle astral subconsciousness is manifested through dreams, quiet negative Sleep, and through memory which never sleeps.

This subconscious mind is always awake; it works through memory while consciousness predominates, runs the motion picture, theater of dreamland, and enjoys serenity during negative sleep.

Learn To Meditate
April 16 - 18

It’s time for you to do it. Whether you have been taught but haven’t been able to make it part of your regular routine – or you have never really learned. Now is the time!

“I have been involved in a variety of metaphysical / new thought groups, classes etc. for almost 40 years in search of that sustaining deeper connection to my Soul and God. They all have been wonderful blessings on my journey. However, I found what I have been seeking through the teachings at Ananda and The Expanding Light Retreats. I feel such a deep sense of Joy, Peace, Spirituality and connection to God within myself and I can feel it from everyone there.

My experience is truly beyond what words can describe. I sincerely recommend anyone seeking inner peace and inner connection to attend any retreat at The Expanding Light that their heart guides them to. I am eternally grateful.”

Love & Light,
Sandra Allison

How to Achieve Glowing Health and Vitality
A holistic health experience with personal
lifestyle coaching

May 23 - 29

Are you ready to make changes in your life?
Are you tired of being tired?
Do you want a more balanced life?
Do you want more happiness?
Then this is the course for you!

Hear from one graduate See more testimonials

Global Kitchen Available at The Expanding Light Boutique

Recipes for April

From Master's kitchen:

We've just concluded a big 'food' week here at The Expanding Light - Whew! From Yoga Teacher Training, Personal Retreat and Living Discipleship guests as well as Ananda Village residents, we have received many grateful smiles and messages of thanks. So many blessings for all of us...

Before I share with you some guest favorites from this month (from our book Global Kitchen), I thought to share with you a caveat: Make double! If there are any leftovers they will be divine - and - if not, you will see the Divine in the grateful smiles around your table!

May your kitchen, family and friends be uplifted through your joyful service!

Jyoti

Rice with Pasta
A tasty grain partnership with an appealing combination of colors–serve it with Pesto Vinaigrette.

Tahini Eggplant
Tastes like Stroganoff–and it's non-dairy. Very popular.

(Note: Serve with fresh green salad with grated carrots and toasted sunflower seeds.)