{"id":979,"date":"2023-10-29T11:44:19","date_gmt":"2023-10-29T18:44:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/altruismprism.com\/home\/?p=979"},"modified":"2023-11-13T12:44:38","modified_gmt":"2023-11-13T20:44:38","slug":"meditation-techniques-by-paramahansa-yogananda","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/altruismprism.com\/home\/meditation-techniques-by-paramahansa-yogananda\/","title":{"rendered":"Meditation Techniques by Paramahansa Yogananda"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Today, we’re diving into the exploration of meditation techniques on God through the lens of Paramahansa Yogananda’s scientific approach. Strap in, because this isn’t your typical meditation guide \u2013 it’s a journey to understanding how science and spirituality can beautifully intertwine and converge.<\/em>

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Picture this:<\/strong> You’re sitting cross-legged, surrounded by a serene landscape. Your eyes are closed and the world around you seems to fade into a distant hum. You’re not just simply meditating; you’re meditating on God.<\/em><\/strong>



But wait, there’s more to it than meets the eye… Enter Paramahansa Yogananda, the yogi and spiritual guru who brought ancient wisdom from the East into the modern Western world – with a dash of scientific flair.<\/em>

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Who Was Paramahansa Yogananda?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

First things first, let’s get to know the man behind the method. Paramahansa Yogananda was born in 1893 in India and, at a young age, felt a deep calling to explore the realms of spirituality. He traveled to the West in the 1920s and quickly became a renowned figure in the field of yoga and meditation. His magnum opus, “Autobiography of a Yogi,”<\/strong> continues to inspire seekers worldwide today.

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Click here<\/a> <\/strong>to read more about Paramahansa Yogananda’s<\/em>, “Autobiography of a Yogi”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Yogananda believed in the unity of science and spirituality, bridging the gap between the two seemingly distinct realms. He approached meditation with the precision of a scientist, blending ancient wisdom with modern understanding. His method of meditation on God is a testament to this beautiful fusion.

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The Science Behind Yogananda’s Meditation<\/strong> Techniques<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Now, let’s get to the nitty-gritty of Yogananda’s scientific approach to transcendental meditation on God. It all starts with understanding the human mind and its connection to the Divine.

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1. The Power of Stillness<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Meditation, as Yogananda teaches, is about finding stillness within ourselves. It’s like tuning in to a radio station \u2013 to receive the Divine signal, you need to minimize the static. <\/strong>This stillness allows us to tap into our inner reservoir of peace and connect to the Divine within.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In scientific terms, this stillness corresponds to a state of focused attention much like the state achieved during deep concentration or “flow<\/em>.” During meditation, the brain’s prefrontal cortex \u2013 responsible for rational thinking<\/em> <\/strong>\u2013 quiets down, allowing us to access deeper layers of consciousness.


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2. The Role of Breath<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Yogananda placed significant emphasis on the breath as a bridge to the Divine. He believed that by controlling our breath, we could influence our state of consciousness and bring ourselves closer to union with God.

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The science here is crystal clear. Deep, controlled breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system<\/strong><\/em>, promoting relaxation and reducing stress. It’s not just a spiritual practice; it’s a physiological response that calms the body and mind, making it easier to transcend one’s consciousness to a higher realm.


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3. Visualization and Affirmation<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

In Yogananda’s method, visualization and affirmation play a pivotal role. By visualizing a Divine form while repeating scripture verses or prayer affirmations, we create a powerful anchor and focused direction for our mind. This anchor keeps our wandering thoughts in check and turns our attention inward to God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n



Science tells us that visualization and positive affirmations can reshape neural pathways and influence our perception of reality. <\/em><\/strong>When we repeatedly visualize and affirm our connection with God, we’re rewiring our brain to perceive and experience that connection more profoundly.


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The Practice of Yogananda’s Meditation<\/strong> Techniques<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Now that we’ve peeked behind the curtains of the science, let’s dive into the practical aspects of Yogananda’s meditation on God. It’s like preparing your favorite recipe \u2013 a dash of science, a pinch of spirituality, and a lot of heart.<\/em>

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1. Find Your Sacred Space<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Start by choosing a serene and quiet space for your meditation. It could be a corner of your room, a peaceful garden, or even your favorite park. Yogananda believed that your environment should reflect the tranquility you seek within.
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2. Assume a Comfortable Posture<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Begin by sitting comfortably with your back straight, either on a chair or on the floor. The key here is to be relaxed yet alert. Cross-legged or not, find a posture that works for you with your spine held upright, shoulders slightly back, and your chin parallel to the floor.


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3. Focus on the Breath<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Feel the sensation of the breath as it enters and exits your nose. Let go of any tension with each exhalation.


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4. Visualize and Affirm<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Here’s where Yogananda’s method truly shines. Visualize a form of the divine \u2013 Jesus Christ,<\/strong> God the Father, or Holy Mother,<\/strong> <\/em>or imagine another aspect of God such as <\/em>Joy, Love, Wisdom, Peace, Bliss,<\/strong> <\/strong><\/em>etc. As you visualize, repeat affirmations such as “I and My Father are one<\/em>“<\/strong> or “I am filled with divine love and light<\/em>.”<\/strong>


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5. Maintain Stillness<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

As you dive deeper into these meditation techniques, be sure to maintain stillness and focus. Do not be discouraged when the mind naturally begins to wander. This is a normal aspect of your meditation journey. The key here is to continuously redirect your focus back upon the place between your eyebrows; the seat of the spiritual eye and divine perception.<\/strong><\/em>


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6. Experience the Divine<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

With practice, you’ll start to experience a growing sense of connection with the Divine. It may be subtle at first, like a gentle breeze brushing over your soul. Over time, this connection will grow stronger and more profound, filling your entire being with His Unconditional Love, Ever-lasting Joy, and Infinite Peace.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Philippians 4:7 (NIV)<\/strong>
“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.<\/em>“<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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