If we are honest with ourselves, we will readily acknowledge that we tend to be infatuated with desires, fantasies, and allurements having nothing to do with God or spirituality. As long as we remain under the influence of these infatuations, the super-consciousness, peace, silence, and bliss of the soul remains ever elusive, and we suffer. To help us loosen their grip, repentance and moral purification are essential aspects of the spiritual life. Otherwise, we live as ships at sea, tossed here and there by the stormy winds of desire and untamed emotions. For this reason, yoga demands the practice of the five yamas—the rules of moral conduct— and the five niyamas—the rules or observances for interior peace. I am not talking about earning God’s love, but about clearing a space so that God’s blissful presence can emerge within our day-to-day awareness. Through our spiritual practices, devotion, and surrender to the guru, the love of God empowers us to overcome debilitating habits and impurities. Contemplate Yogananda’s inspired words:
“Deeply meditating disciples should concentrate on their guru. Those who are spiritually advanced do in fact meditate with the guru by visualizing him in the spiritual eye and tuning in with him whether or not they are in his physical presence. During meditation the spiritual vibration of the great master silently works on lesser yogis who may be meditating with him or who are in tune with him, regardless of distance. It is sufficient for a disciple to think strongly of his guru before meditation. He will then find his meditation on God to be reinforced by the Lord‘s power flowing through the direct tangible channel of the guru.
Beloved Guru,
Show me
How to clear a space for you.
