It has been a blessed month indeed! Here are a few excerpts worth a listen:
First, from our Living Wisdom High School Concert on Friday, Dec 11th, a piece by John Rutter titled Mary’s Lullaby.
On Saturday, Dec 12th, I led an astounding performance of Swami Kriyananda’s Oratorio, Christ Lives! at Mills College in Oakland, in a beautiful chapel with marvelous acoustics! Here are a few choir pieces: Christ Has Come
Sing Out With Joy
When Human Hopes Toward Thee Aspire
Thy Light Within Us Shining
Then back at the village, on Sunday, Dec 13th, we had our World Brotherhood Day celebration, which included performances of: The Christ Child’s Asleep (studio recording)
And The Christmas Mystery (studio recording)
Here is a link to the video of many of the pieces performed that afternoon (Three Wise Men at the beginning, The Christ Child’s Asleep and Mother of Wisdom at 24:23).
On Sunday morning Dec 20th, we had our Christmas Sunday Service, led by Jyotish and Devi, which can be viewed by visiting our video page. It includes our children’s choir joining us at the beginning of the video for Christ Has Come and The Christmas Mystery. You’ll easily find my daughter - the only one not standing still!
That same evening we had our annual Christmas concert on Sunday, Dec 20th, which included performances of The Blue Danube, For Unto Us a Child Is Born, the Halleluiah Chorus, a visit by the Victorian Singers, and many of Swami Kriyananda’s Christmas pieces.
It truly has been a blessed month, and our wish is for you to carry with you these vibrations of Light, Love, Peace, and Joy with you throughout this coming year! May God Bless you all.
Swami Kriyananda has often said that music has the power to change consciousness, and I have always believed that to be true. But there are always new levels of understanding to discover.
I have been singing in the Ananda Portland choir now for many years and find that my consciousness is always uplifted when I concentrate on the music written by Swami Kriyananda; whether singing in choir practice, a performance, or singing to myself in the car. I know I feel more expansive and joyful at those times. But it is difficult to convey in words the power that is within each song.
This week we had two opportunities to sing in concert and celebrate the Christmas season. The first time was a Catholic sanctuary here in Portland. There is an annual festival of lights and a beautiful stone chapel with amazing acoustics. Choral groups sing every night in the chapel and we were honored to be one of them. The day of the concert, when I should have been meditating, practicing, and happily preparing for the evening performance, I was home feeling irritated and moody.
It was my one day off during the week and I felt pressured to get a lot done in very little time. The house was in chaos because of several unfinished projects. The Christmas decorating had just begun and boxes were everywhere. My daughter had a piano lesson and there was no place for the piano teacher to even sit. My oldest son was coming home for the holiday and there was no place for him to sleep or put all the stuff he was bringing with him. There were several stressful issues that came to a head on the one day I didn’t want to deal with them, and the idea of singing in a challenging concert became more of a burden than a joy.
When we arrived I was still feeling impatient and irritable while we waited our turn. After warming up and reviewing details, we all sat to meditate a bit before we were called upstairs to the stage. After meditating just a few moments, I felt calmer, but not exactly inspired. We stood in the lights to sing the first song and I could see friends in the audience. I prayed it wouldn’t be a disaster. The first song was Children of God:
Children of God, your time of trial has ended!
See where the dawn irradiates the night.
Soon all your tears will rise like dew to the sun,
Sorrow will turn to joy, your griefs to delight.
Children rejoice for lo, the kingdom of God,
Comes in full splendor,
It needs but your sight.
Listen to an earlier version (some of the words have changed, but the melody is the same) of the song:
My mood was gone and in its place was joy and gratitude.
When you sing a song with that message, there is no room for anything but joy. We sang for forty more minutes and the joy grew. As the story of Christmas unfolded through each piece, the little me disappeared and I felt a kinship with everyone in the audience and those beyond the gray stone walls. We were all blessed by Christ, and we could all experience the consciousness he manifested, if we turned our sight within.
A few days later was another concert. This time the setting was more intimate – just a small gathering of the Portland Ananda sangha. But the vibration of the music is the same, regardless of the setting. I felt blessed beyond measure.
I’ve reached a new level of awe for what Swami Kriyananda has given us. There is something about these two experiences that reach deep into my consciousness. I know the vibration of this music is changing much more than my emotions. It is not just an easy answer to mood swings (although that is a good place to start!). If I can feel it changing my consciousness, and my perception is extremely limited – I know there are subtle changes happening beyond my awareness.
I urge you to listen, sing, play, hum, and memorize the music of Ananda. I don’t know if it is the greatest gift Swami Kriyananda has given the world, he has given so many. But I am convinced it is the most accessible and powerful transformational tool available on the planet today.
Use the music of Ananda to experience the truth of Christmas. Open your heart to the message of light and love that Christ brought and that can be experienced by every soul. Children rejoice for lo, the kingdom of God,
Comes in full splendor,
It needs but your sight.
Free samples of music by Swami Kriyananda can be found at Crystal Clarity and at Ananda.
My name is Medardo Vargas Muñoz. I am an architect in Lazaro Cardenas, Michoacan, Mexico. I am a Bramachari (1) at heart.
“Truth simply is, it cannot be created. Everyone has to perceive it in the Self within.” These are the words by my Guruji Yogananda, which stir my mind, a mind that is avid and likes to question everything.
Gardens outside Ananda Center in Lazaro Cardenas
Since my early childhood I had always wanted to be an architect. In my mind I had built a big white structure. It was divided into seven parts: a beautiful home for my mother, and one for each of my five brothers and myself. It was situated on a farm, and had beautiful gardens. In the center there was a big living room to celebrate Christmas.
That is how I grew up: thinking about giving to others, and how to change everything from darkness into light. In this way God prepared me to receive my Guru, whose soul is all-inclusive, and who achieves everything he has set out to do.
My soul rejoices with the mere mention of His name. I’m committed to his service, in the same way I serve Jesus, God, and you all.
And what can I do with that joy? Serve, love unconditionally, and share with others. The Ananda Center in my young city (Lazaro Cardenas is only 60 years old) was born from these principles.
Lazaro Cardenas is located in the Rio Balsas delta, and is bathed by the Pacific Ocean. Our busy city is not just any city anymore. Now it is blessed by God, our Guru, and the Yoga Masters.
Ananda Center
I have very vivid memories of the day I found the Center building. It was a dusty, forgotten, “full of nothing” yet joyful, day. That was the day God gave us a place to dedicate to Him and His service. Nothing was easy, but it was very inspiring.
Now it is a beautiful place where you can breathe calmness, hope, and peace. Many devotees have come here. I know Guruji will bring many more. Children have also arrived (2). They are my hope, my promise, and inspiration.
The luminescent inner star follows its course, always leading ahead. Right behind it, I follow its steps. I hear its voice and feel its warmth and love. Now it has taken me to another beautiful place, forgotten and marked by the imprint of time.
Ananda Ashram
The area, at its peak, was one of the most desired places to live in the city. The building had been abandoned, but it looked like it was waiting for a better future. We have rescued it and brought back its splendor. We are creating a better destiny for it: the path of prayer, chanting, and meditation.
Meditation room
Now you can visualize a beautiful Ashram (3). It’s like a diamond in the mud that is reclaiming its shining light. It won’t be easy. It’s going to be a challenge, but at the same time, it will be a place for inspiration.
I can see it full of joy, with flowers and wonderful magic, crowned with a high blue dome. Not just any dome — it will be a large beacon for peace, harmony, and divine union. I can hear a deep bell: it’s the sound of Ananda, uniting people and countries, sowing magic and love.
I always dream of a world without borders: riding on our camels of love, bringing gifts in our hearts to the Christ-child within. There is nothing better we can offer Him than following the star of our inner heart. One day we will arrive at the city of Bethlehem of Self-realization. I too, will see my King!
Medardo
Footnotes
1. Bramachari: Sanskrit for a dedicated spiritual seeker who practices celibacy
2. Medardo teaches yoga to children whose parents attend Ananda Center.
3. Ashram: Sanskrit for a place where devotees live and worship together.
Editor’s note:
Medardo organized a Kriya Yoga retreat in Lazaro Cardenas this fall with Anaashini Alzate and Dave Warner from Ananda Village.
I want to tell you about my friend, Sanandi Reardon, and her miracle plant.
Sanandi and I have known each other for many years. She is a deeply devoted disciple and Kriyaban who lives in Carson City, Nevada. She is unable to visit Ananda that often, though she tries to come at least once a year. She’s always a bit strapped for income, but she always gives what she can to the Ananda Annual Appeal.
Sanandi recently was laid off (again) from her job at a health food store which is having to close its doors because of the economic downturn. She has raised children of her own and also three step-sons, and now has grandchildren. All in all, she is a truly great soul and a good friend.
Through all her life challenges and for as long as I have known her, Sanandi has continued to send me dozens of letters, cards, notes, photos, and gifts every year–always upbeat, always brimming with God and Guru’s love. Recently, in one of her letters she related a truly remarkable story about a house plant she owns, including a photo to prove it.
Sanandi has always maintained a beautiful meditation room where she practices Energization, yoga, and meditation daily. She decorates it beautifully and loves to spend time there.
Part of the décor of her room are many beautiful house plants. A few months ago she noticed that her hoya plant had produced a unusually long flower stem. The stem proceeded to grow out of its pot, turn a sharp corner and nestle itself right up against her framed color photo of Yogananda, just below his chin. If she turned the plant in any other direction, the flower on it’s long stem would return to it’s position touching the photograph.
A hoya flower is really a lot of smaller flowers all clustered together, hanging off a single bare stem–looking a bit like a lot of little pink trumpets grouped together.
So if this event was not miraculous enough, one day, one of the individual pink trumpet flowerets turned itself in the opposite direction from the way all the rest of the flowerets were facing, so that it could reach up and actually “kiss” Yogananda, right on the chin.
Here are the contents of the note she wrote me to accompany the photo:
“July 24, 2009, Dear Savitri, I thought it was special when the Hoya plant produced a flower for Master (Paramhansa Yogananda), but when the little flowerets separated from the whole to offer itself to Master, I was stunned. I couldn’t wait to share this picture with you. I call it ‘Master’s Latest Devotee.’ Love and Blessings, Sanandi”
I was stunned too and asked her if it would be OK to share this story as a blog on our website. She was happy to say yes. So thank you to my dear friend, Sanandi and to her special devotee plant, also.
This story reminded me very much of the story told in The New Path, Swami Kriyananda’s autobiography: “[Paramhansa Yogananda’s] sensitivity to all living things inspired sensitivity from them in return. Not only people and animals, but even plants seemed to respond to his feeling for them. His gardens flourished. Tropical mangoes and bananas grew at Mt. Washington, where the climate is not conducive to their survival.
Shraddha Mata (Miss Sahly) told of watching one day what she called a ‘rose devotee,’ which kept turning in its vase to face Master as he moved about the room. When he was sitting in his chair, she noted that the rose was facing him. Twice, however, when he was called to the door, she noted the rose facing in that direction. Several repetitions of change of directions finally caused this event to surface in her mind.
‘Sir,’ she said finally, ‘you have a new devotee.’ She indicated the rose which, now that he was seated again, had turned back toward him.
He looked at it for a moment, then smiled.”
‘Plants,’ Master explained, ‘have a degree of consciousness.’ Above all, like every sentient being, they respond to love.
As many of you know, I went to Medjugorie recently. This little village is in Bosnia-Herzegovina. It is where the Madonna appeared to six children in 1981, and has been appearing to most of them ever since. I have always wanted to go to places where the Divine Mother aspect of God is especially manifested.
I went with Nandini, who had been there before and “knew the ropes,” and with Miriam, who for some years has been my nurse. I can’t imagine better companions for such a trip.
In going, was not interested in the intellectual or dogmatic aspects of the scene there. I know that Catholics think of Mary as having been only the mother of Jesus Christ.
At Medjugorie, however, the Madonna has repeatedly told the visionaries that all humanity are her children, and that She is above all sectarian differences, even between religion and religion. I ask, Before the birth of either Mary or Jesus, was there no Mother? Of course there was! And at Medjugorie She makes it very clear that that is who She really is.
I wore my Nayaswami robe throughout my stay there, and felt completely comfortable with it. Everywhere I went, people respected it without questions. It also helped me to get inside places from which others were excluded.
Nayaswami Kriyananda and Vicka
Vicka (pronounced Vitska) is perhaps the main visionary, though I’m not quite sure of the distinctions. She hasn’t been seeing people for many months — perhaps for three years — owing to great pains she is suffering in her spine.
Much of her time seems to be spent in Zagreb (where, incidentally, my father was being transferred from Bucharest when World War II broke out). We were fortunate to see her at her home on one day when she came back there. I think we were the only ones who got to see her in, maybe, months. And, as far as I know, millions go to Medjugorie every year.
We were fortunate to arrive during a very quiet time, for most of the pilgrims would be arriving for December 8th, the Festival of the Madonna, and, later, for Christmas.
Left to right: Mario, Miriam, Vicka, Nayaswami Kriyananda, Nandini
I have to say that this visit to Vicka was the highlight of our visit. She spent quite a bit of time with us, was extremely loving. Her husband, Mario, asked me privately for a blessing, and both of them were an inspiration to be with.
I asked Vicka if she would ask the Divine Mother for me whether there was anything more I could do for Her in this life. I told her I’ve been serving Her for over sixty-one years, and have done nearly everything I can think of in this service. She promised to ask that question.
So far, I’ve had no outward answer from her, but I returned from Medjugorie with what I feel is Divine Mother’s answer: “Love me ever more deeply, in your heart.”
And sometimes, even more so since my visit there, I feel so much bliss in my heart that I find it difficult to bear!
Meditating at the Blue Cross
Marjana (pronounced Maryana) had a “visitation” in her home on the second. I was allowed inside, despite the crowd, and sat hardly two yards from her. I had my eyes closed throughout, however, feeling great bliss. It wouldn’t really have mattered where they put me.
The next day (I think) she had a public meeting outside her home. Again, I was allowed in the courtyard, though almost everyone else had to stand outside. When she came out, she came straight over to me and shook my hand.
I found her extremely clear minded and intelligent — really, a joy to listen to. There was quite a bit of emphasis on everyone going to confession, to mass, fasting, and reciting the rosary every day.
Catholic stuff, beautiful in its own way, but things we translate into other terms. Confession, to us, means opening our hearts with complete honesty to God, and to one who we really feel can help us.
Mass, to us, means inner communion. The rosary was beautiful in its way, but all that outwardness I found a little distracting. When people recited, “Pray for us sinners,” I substituted the words, “Pray for us, who love You.” Why keep on affirming our sinfulness?!
When Marjana spoke of listening to the priests, she used the word pastors, which seemed to me deliberate, and more suitable.
I was extremely well impressed with her.
We also went to the home of a lady called Nancy, who has built what she calls an outward replica of St. Teresa of Avila’s “Interior Castle.” This lady also spoke beautifully, with deep inspiration, but sounded the note much too heavily (for my tastes) of submission to the priests. I couldn’t help remembering the words of St. Odo of Cluny, “The floors of hell are paved with the bald pates of clergymen”!
Nayaswami Kriyananda and the men from Cenacolo
We went to an institution, called the Cenacolo, which rescues drug addicts and the like. A very noble enterprise. And we also went to a place where music is composed and sung, some of it beautiful and inspiring.
I was taken up Apparition Hill in a chair by a group of young men from the Cenacolo. A wonderful experience. The way was so very rocky that even Miriam had a hard time coming down it.
The weather was mostly very rainy, windy, and cold. But even so, the trip was very inspiring.
Have I covered everything? Probably not, but I hope I’be given you at least a flavor of what was, really, a high point in my life.
Greetings all.
In my last posting, I revealed Ananda’s blessed treasure, as given to me…. Attunement!
Ananda Isle of Man Meditation Group Altar
Attunement to such a wonderful, sacred and healing vibration, that I must share it with all.
Well this is one of the ways I have begun doing just that…
For some time I had been asked by friends to start a meditation group. They saw positive changes in me, since my launch into Raja yoga meditation, and naturally wanted to learn themselves. Yet I wasn’t ready to lead a group. I didn’t feel capable of the daunting prospect. It wasn’t until after my initiation into Kriya yoga that I truly knew I could do it. Living in the dynamic vibration of the Guru gives licence to the manifestation of just about anything one puts a mind to, knowing the power of the Divine is working through us; that it is God Who is the doer.
I put out a call in meditation for souls who were ripe for these teachings and they started coming. In July of this year Ananda Raja Yoga Meditation Group, Isle of Man was born. The numbers swelled quickly, but some come and some go. I know my mettle is being tested, so early on in this venture. Will I stay the course no matter what? One week I was meditating on my own, yet it doesn’t matter. The service is there for any who want it, and it is not up to me to be concerned how many, or how sincere are the members. God alone knows the whys and wherefores.
Helped by daily sadhana (spiritual disciplines) and my ever increasing attunement to the Gurus, I am also supported by Ananda Assisi, Italy which oversees the Ananda meditation groups in Europe. I am supported too, of course, by my dear friends within the group. I can serve with the confidence that internal and external help is at hand when needed. The Isle of Man group meetings are held in the chapel of our island hospital where I work.
The vibration of the Gurus is spreading ‘like wildfire’ just as Yoganandaji predicted of future spiritual communities. Although very new and very small, the group may not be a residential community but the Ananda community spirit manifests through it. The divine connection that comes with regular meditation is increasingly evident in those who are sincere in their meditation practice.
Ananda communities and meditation groups are far more than isolated islands of calm amidst the hub-bub and chaos of general society.
The Ananda/Guru vibration is expansive and integrates into any location and culture if one is receptive to it.
As a devotee and disciple, it is my joy to help spread this ray of Golden Sunshine; to draw and increase the momentum of this holy vibration; this sacred dispensation.
Ananda’s essence knows no bounds. It permeates near and far, which I can far better express in another way I have recently learned to share my heart’s joy…
Isle of Man
Ananda Sangha *
From hither and thither
Come friends bathed in light,
Brought here together,
In One to unite.
Drawn by the ray of our Gurus divine
From four winds afar
To this point here in time.
Soul upon soul,
Who are known of past lives,
Recognized at once
By the Light in their eyes.
This place of upliftment,
Of family true,
Born of right living,
Is open to you.
All faiths are welcome,
From all walks of life,
For all are our brothers
And sisters in light.
We sing with one heart
Our devotional chants
Infused with the joy
Of our Gurus presence.
Together we practice our Kriyas
In God’s grace,
Cremating the seeds
Of past karma, to date.
The Masters’ vibration
Infused in this land
Spreads far and wide
‘Cross the seas and o’er sands,
They permeate within us
To a place beyond time,
We glide on their grace
To our summit sublime.
O Gurus, we thank you
For showing the way,
For gifting Ananda
To soul weary strays,
For shining the beacon
That reflects in our hearts
And spurs us to service
And love all as ours,
For hands ever holding,
For kindness to all,
For joy on this journey
Through Spring and through Fall,
For gracing the lives
Of the ardent sincere
With keys to the freedom
Our hearts hold so dear,
For invoking God’s ray
Of blessings and love,
This vibration, Ananda;
Bliss understood!
*Ananda Sangha – Ananda Worldwide, founded by Swami Kriyananda.
Ananda - Sanskrit for bliss
As devotees we always strive constantly to think of the Divine.
Swami Kriyananda says in his book, Affirmations for Self-Healing, “One should not strain, nor reach outward mentally, to think of God. Think not merely about Him: Think to Him. Share with Him your passing feelings, your idlest fancy. Talk with Him. Practice His presence – at first, perhaps, for minutes a day, then for hours, and then all the time.”
So how do we do this as the pull of the world of maya is immensely strong?
It helps to have little reminders in our daily life wherever you are. Here are a few simple suggestions which I have found helpful in daily life.
Find artwork that inspires you and helps you remember God.
Place little reminders around your world everywhere you can.
Make a screen saver for your computer comprised of your favorite divine photos.
Photos or prints of the Master’s or other inspirational aspects of God can be found in all rooms of our home and offices.
Put an outdoor statue in your garden.
It is the Christmas season in the western world and many of us put up home decorations. Try to find some inspiring decorations such as angels or other similar ornaments for your hearth or tree.
Get a small photo of Yogananda and place it on your dashboard in your vehicle. If you don’t have any this size, The Crystal Hermitage Shrine of the Masters Boutique at Ananda Village has wallet sized photos of all the Master’s of our line along with garden statues. You can contact them at 530-478-7586.
You don’t need blue-tooth to “think” to God.
What other ways do you use to help remember. Please leave a comment.
