Interestingly, whenever an enlightened spiritual teacher descends into life on planet earth, he or she always establishes some kind of spiritual community. Yogananda conveys the wisdom of the choice to live in a spiritual community in the words, “Environment trumps willpower.” Community works in this way: when people gather around the grace and wisdom of a God-realized person, their united devotion creates a force field of divine energy that elevates the consciousness of all of its members. Still further, this force field of divine energy has a positive effect on the world at large. We never go to God alone, but always with others. It was Yogananda’s vision that his followers would create brotherhood colonies, that is, communities of spiritually like-minded people who serve each other and the world. Take a moment to prayerfully consider some of Yogananda’s quotes on brotherhood colonies:
“Man is a soul, not an institution; his inner reforms alone can lend permanence to outer ones. By stress on spiritual values, self-realization, a colony exemplifying world brotherhood is empowered to send inspiring vibrations far beyond its locale.”
“Gather together, those of you who share high ideals, pool your resources. Buy land out in the country. A simple life will bring you inner freedom. Harmony with nature will bring you a happiness known to few city dwellers. In the company of other truth seekers it will be easier for you to meditate and think of God. What is the need for all the luxuries people surround themselves with? Most of what they have they are paying for on the installment plan. Their debts are a source of unending worry to them. Even people whose luxuries have been paid for are not free; attachment makes them slaves. They consider themselves freer for their possessions and don’t see how their possessions in turn possess them!”
“My spoken words are registered in the ether… and they shall move the West… Thousands of youths must go North, South, East and West to cover the earth with little colonies, demonstrating that simplicity of living and high thinking lead to the greatest happiness!”
