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At Paramahansa
Yogananda’s direction, classes and lectures he gave on
meditation and the art of balanced spiritual living were
compiled to form the Yogoda Satsanga Lessons. Through this
series of printed Lessons, which are to be studied at home,
Yogoda Satsanga students devote themselves to a period of
preliminary study and meditation in
order to prepare themselves physically,
mentally, and
spiritually for Kriya practice. During this time they learn
three important techniques of the Yogoda Satsanga teachings:
1. Technique of
Energization: enables one to draw energy consciously into the
body from the Cosmic Source. This technique of life-energy
control purifies and strengthens the body and prepares it for
meditation, making it easier to direct the energy inward in
order to reach higher states of consciousness. Regular
practice also promotes mental and physical relaxation and
develops dynamic will power.
2. Technique of
Concentration: helps to develop one’s latent powers of
concentration. Through practice of this technique one learns
to withdraw thought and energy from outward distractions so
that they may be focused on any goal to be achieved or problem
to be solved. Or one may direct that concentrated attention
toward realizing the Divine Consciousness within.
3. Technique of
Meditation: shows one how to use the power of concentration
in the highest way — to discover and develop the divine
qualities of one’s own true Self. The technique expands the
awareness beyond limitations of body and mind to the joyous
realization of one’s infinite potential.
Since Yoga is
based on practice and experience rather than on adherence to a
particular set of beliefs, followers of all religions can
benefit from these techniques. When practiced regularly, the
methods of Yoga lead unfailingly to deeper levels of spiritual
awareness and perception.
After the
preliminary period of study and practice, which takes about a
year and a half to complete, students may decide whether they
want to receive Kriya Yoga,* which signifies the establishment
of the disciple – guru† relationship. Before making such a
decision, however, all students— whether already versed in
metaphysics and meditation or just beginning — study the first
two steps of the Yogoda Satsanga Lessons and practice the
three techniques described above. These techniques prepare
body and mind to receive the liberating power of Kriya Yoga.
And such practice also gives students the opportunity to apply
the teachings and make them a part of their lives and
consciousness before deciding to go on to Kriya Yoga.
Should students
wish, they may continue to study the teachings and practice
the basic methods of meditation taught in the Lessons without
receiving Kriya Yoga. All those who are sincere and earnest in
their practice will realize for themselves the truth in
Paramahansa Yogananda’s assurance that one can reach the
highest states of Divine Consciousness through any of the
Yogoda Satsanga techniques of concentration and meditation.
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Jharkhand Alumni