Customer Reviews

Journey to Self-Realization - Collected Talks and Essays. Volume 3

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There can never be an meaningful summary of such an expansive collection of spiritual talks. "Journey" has 44 chapters, but truly hundreds of topics are covered, elucidating the complex puzzles of spiritual and material realms as they interact. Practical guidance for beginners and advanced students alike intermingle with revelatory explanations of the working of the Cosmos and of its Creator. The ordering is not that of an encyclopedia because it is a collection of talks given for different reasons on different occasions - the ordering may well be called divine.

An intellectual may scoff at the idea of divine illumination of any speaker, but monastics who used to accompany Yogananda on his lecture circuits have described how the process expressed itself. Given a particular topic for the day's presentation, Yogananda's introduction would usually begin logically enough; but throughout the lecture seemingly unrelated issues would usually pop up, commence a digression, be tied back in with the main theme, and the main theme resume. Afterwards, the monastic would not infrequently hear from audience members how they thought that they came to hear about the title-subject of the talk but were astonished to hear needed comforting/guiding paragraphs inserted that addressed some unspoken distress or dilemma in their lives.

If you are open to seeing how the Divine can work in your life, just hold your question or need in mind for a few moments; then, in good faith, open the volume at seeming random and read a few pages. There is such wisdom and attunement with the Creator in these pages that it is scarcely possible not to benefit. If you try this experiment and can't see that there is a relation to what you think is your need... please be patient: meditate and still the mind from its anxieties; the relevance of the yoga master's inspiration will almost always become clear. If you come from a skeptical or scientific-linear background such as mine, it may take some time to ask with real, sincere surrender of the heart (not an attitude encouraged in our materialist/intellectualist culture). But with developing relaxation, concentration, and the gradual opening of the heart one can learn to... ASK. And will as a result... RECEIVE.

May I share a few samples of the wise comfort from this volume?
"I believe you can destroy any karma you want to. ... God as the master of this universe has no karma; if you KNOW that you are one with God, there can be no karma for you." (p. 232)
"In reacting to life, most people either say, 'Praise the Lord,' or urge us to be afraid of Him... I think this is very foolish. What can you say to God that will be praise? He is not moved by flattery ...it will not make any difference to Him. But it will make a difference in you. Praise Him - or better still, LOVE Him - and you will feel better." (p. 39)
"Even when you do not have the opportunity to meditate long or deeply, always think that you are working for God. When your mind can remain anchored in Him, you will not suffer any more; no amount of disease or illness will be able to touch you inwardly." (p. 37)

Perhaps it will be helpful for the new reader to be reassured that although Yogananda often talks about the immense benefits to be reaped once you have mastered spiritual pinnacles (e.g., from above examples: "if you know that you are one with God" or "love Him" or "When your mind can remain anchored in Him"), you don't have to wait until you reach mastership to get benefits. Although my experience does not allow me yet to confirm the blessings that come with full "knowing" or "loving" or "anchoring" -- I can testify that the more I practice and move toward these ideals, the greater the blessings I receive. From the methods that Yogananda offers in these talks and in his other publications I have RECEIVED far more than I dared ASK for. I wish the same for you.

This is the last book of Yogananda's trilogy. The first is "Man's Eternal Quest". The second is "The Divine Romance". And this is the third. The first is just wonderful. Buy it! And also "The Divine Romance". They are very user-friendly for everyone. I know the head of the Self-Realiaztion Fellowship's Publishing Department. Brahmachari Fred. He's a wonderful gent. But I hope he doesn't get angry at me. If you are new to Yogananda's teachings, go it slow with this book. Take it in "nibbles". The first book is the softest. It aims at LIVING. The second is a bet harder. It aims at DEATH. This one aims directly at YOU! No punches are pulled. It's like the preliminary book to becoming a Self-Realizationist. Yogananda socks it to you. There. I said it. He is telling you what to do in order to get to God. It is interesting reading. I think it just might scare off some people who have not read and studied the other two books. Even in dietetics, he gets rough here. Same thing really. Just more detailed and descriptive. Much more direct. Beyond direct. If you have never read Yogananda's works, start with "Man's Eternal Quest". This book, "Journey to Self- Realization" is my favorite. And I'm sorry Brahmachari Fred if I disrupted sales. But this is pretty "hard whiskey" for a beginner. I really love it though.

This is the third book in a trilogy of Yoganandas talks collected by Sri Daya Mata,
one of his closest disciples. The other two are - Mans Eternal Quest and Divine Romance.
These books changed the way I look at life, and my way of thinking, and are true gems for
people on the Spiritual path and seekers of truth.
Thank you Yogananda!

This is one of those books that you feel as though you are highlighting the whole book. I feel that the plant of my soul is being watered by the wisdom of Yogananda. This is a must get. This book gives insight and understanding to basic life issues that will impact the way you think about yourself, God and the world around you. Prepare to have your "socks blown off" and your mind challenged. Also, Autobiography of a Yogi is excellent.

One of the greatest spiritual books ever appeared so far; finally somebody that it's not talking about dogmas, or theoretical way to approach God,but who is giving to the reader the tangible science of God realization as it was taught in ancient India.Yogananda speaks from a state of consciousness that is clearly not that of a common man of religion;the most controversial aspect of the mysteries of the spirit,find a clear and simple answer in the words of the Author. Highly recommended for people who want to start a true search for truth, and not waste time with endless words of little usefulness.Here we have a firsthand insight of what God really is and how to reach Him. Do we need anything else??!!

It is one of the outstanding features of Paramahansa Yogananda's life and teachings that He did not believe in or create any cults.

When reading His talks and writings one is first of all struck

but the non-judgmental and compassionate heart of this great Yogi/saint/savior.

There is always an area of cooperation demanded in any teacher-pupil realationship or it will not function properly. And those who worked loyally and sincerely with this Master gained great spiritual growth, and every other good thing that the Master represented.

The training was such that one can see the great differences in all disciples trained by him, they are never copies of, but had their individual potentials beautifully enhanced.

The master's life shows us what Jesus Christ was really like and the means to become as they are.

In cults one must loose individuality, creativity, & personal possessions are all given to the evangelist cult founder.

In The tradition of yoga that Yogananda perpetuated, dealings with others were fair and reasonable, he taught not as an overlord but by example and compassion.

Which one experiences just reading his inspiring spiritual expressions of love and life and the way.

The results speak for themselves. One will gain a much better perspective of Yogananda by reading his work or history in many other books, rather than from the incomplete reviews of those who did not get to know him very well.

Reading JOURNEY TO SELF-REALIZATION - will make those "mysteries" of the 'Kingdom of Heaven', finally clear and meaningful. It is wonderfully taking us out of the "dark ages of religious and theological obscurity". Now, are the great prophets followers being given that lost esoteric wisdom in everyday language. For decades now, Yogananda's trendsetting concepts have been reshaping Western Religion as no other influence since Apostolic times. He created a new tradition (since over 60 years ago), to celebrate a spiritual Christmas a few days before the usual traditioal Christmas with many hours of deep meditation on Christ. This,only one eample of true religion, demonstrates that the leadership is finally available for those who really want to know. Read about the inner worship of Christ. A SPECIAL ADVENTURE IN SPIRITUAL LITERATURE!

HAVE YOU EVER LONGED FOR THE DIVINE PRESENCE TO CLEARLY EXPRESS IT'S FULL TRUTH - BEAUTY - AND INSPIRATION THROUGH THE WRITTEN WORD?

Journey to Self-Realization comes as close as possible to this ideal expression in this world. The living presence of God-love and Inner light vividly emanates from the pages of Yogananda's anthologies. The inspiration felt while reading these expressions of divine communion heave a far- reaching effect on the heart and soul of most sincere readers. This has resulted in many seekers lives being uplifted and redirected, resulting in a far greater awareness and sense of wellbeing. It gives one an inner strength to overcome your life's greatest challenges and tests.

While reading this gospel, one may literally share many of the author's spiritual experiences and awarenesses, to whatever degree one truly is open to the inner realities of the spirit. Begin your new spiritual adventure with Yogananda' wisdom way.

This is the third book of the great Yoga Masters talks, faithfully recorded verbatim by Sri Daya Mata. Who at a very young age was blessed to receive the spiritual training at the guru's ashram.

Also Recommended: Man's Eternal Quest..........The Divine Romance.............. Finding the Joy Within You ..........Autobiography of a Yogi(orange cover) ...........Wine of the Mystic........... Songs of the Soul.........Metaphysical Meditations

This is a must buy. It will not disappoint you if you are looking for answers in your quest for the Truth! It shines the light on the path to God and convinces one for undertaking the supreme journey. It is my favorite book.

This particular book, anybody of any religion and background can read it. I think that it unites everybody on Earth no matter who you are. After reading this book my viewpoints totally changed in a positive way. I take things in easier way. Up to this day i am still using the book, especially in difficult moments. I would strongly recommend it to everybody.