There’s a story about a young boy whose spirituality was so deep that he left his family to enter his guru’s ashram at the age of seven. After some months had passed, his guru told him to go back to his village for a short visit to see his family and friends.
After the boy returned, his guru asked him about his stay: “Did you see your father and mother?”
“No, Baba, I saw only you.”
Again the guru asked, “Well, did you see your brothers and sisters?”
“No, Baba, I saw only you.”
Finally, with a gentle sweetness, the guru asked, “Didn’t you see your playmates?”
“Don’t tease me anymore, Baba, I saw only you.”
Jyotish and I just returned from a three-month visit to Ananda communities and centers in Assisi, throughout India, and finally in New York City. It was an incredible experience, and here are some of the things we saw:
A true European Union of souls serving God together and creating a spiritual community in Assisi.
A beautiful new “Temple of Joy” being built there to serve the increasing number of devotees coming.
Hundreds of Kriyabans from all over the world gathering together to deepen their Kriya practice.
In India we saw shining faces of devotees sharing Master’s teachings and running centers.
Deep gratitude and peace shining forth from the hundreds of formerly homeless widows in Brindaban who are now being housed, fed, and loved by the Paramhansa Yogananda Public Charitable Trust.
Enthusiasm and joy in new devotees as they begin to experience God’s presence within.
Increased inner strength and purpose in longer-term devotees as they continue on the spiritual path.
Beautiful, deep friends who helped us in our travels along the way.
Stillness and power in the Himalayas, and especially in the serene beauty of Nandadevi.
Glorious flowers everywhere—in garlands, bouquets, hair adornments, floor decorations, and gardens.
Innate dignity and divinity in the people of India.
Hope for world peace and harmony expressed at the United Nations in New York City.
Global Ambassador Peace Award
And finally, the “Global Ambassador Peace Award” given to Ananda at the United Nations in recognition of being emissaries of Paramhansa Yogananda.
But what did we see behind it all? Just like the little boy in his guru’s ashram, what we saw was the glorious, loving presence of God smiling through all of these experiences.
Now as we celebrate Thanksgiving here at Ananda Village, we are grateful beyond words for what we saw. We’ll close with this gift to you: a note that Swami Kriyananda wrote during his last years while in India:
Dear Ones:
Happy Thanksgiving Day. Today is a big day in America, but what it stands for would be good for everyone on earth to celebrate: a day of thanks to God for His many gifts.
My undying love,
swami kriyananda
With gratitude,
Nayaswami Devi
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15 Comments
Thank you for this beautiful post and for the uplifting service that you and Jyotish so freely give to all. What a blessing to be a part of this growing Spiritual Family that is joining with others all over the world to bring Peace and Harmony to daily life.
In Gratitude, Prem-Shanti
Dear Nayaswami Devi Ji,
Thank you
Very beautiful blog :)
We feel humbled to be a part of this growing Spiritual family.
Its a wonderful moment for each one of us here on the award by UN
Thank you!
In Master’s Love
Prem
What I am most grateful for is that I have my guru in this life.
aum
pat wolff
Prananm Jis
Thank You , We are Grateful to you Great Souls, Our Gratitude and Thanks Giving on this special Day.
Please Continue to shower your Blessing on all of us at Ananda. AUM.
Congratulations Jyotish Ji and Devi Ji for the award. Masters and Lord showering their blessings on you and Ananda is very Heartning.
It was lovely meeting you at Gurgaon. We look forward to see you again.
AUM Guru ????????
Sweet experience.I wish I could see God and Gurudev Paramhans Yoganand ji smiling everywhere.
Thanks.
Joy to you
Jai Gurudev.
Mohini
Thank you so much for this beautiful message that touches my heart deeply. Every day I pray for blessings upon Ananda. Such beautiful work!
Dear Jyotish and Devi,
Thank you for your wonderful sharing of this sweet story, your trip and the presentation at the U.N.
I couldn’t help but think through this whole presentation how pleased Master and Swamiji must be with all you are doing to carry on this blessed work that they established. What a blessing to the world and to all of us who are able to participate in a small way to helping.
It is such a blessing to have you home again, even if we don’t see you there is the feeling of your vibration that can be felt and appreciated.
In Master’s love and blessings, Gloria
Thank you, Devi.
I had a dream last night, that I was given fistfuls of winning tickets (perhaps lotto, or racetrack or something, unspecified)…just waiting for me to cash them in. It took only a moment, in a sort of dream-like, but waking state, to realize it was not referring to money, but God’s gifts…there for the asking.
I’m trembling as I type this. Thank you, Lord, I’m Yours…and will be calling at Your redemption windows often today, and from now on.
(The first things that I asked for was help for some of my friends. Felt right. )
love,
Bill
Thank You Deviji,
For being an emissary for Master and God!!
Welcome Home!
Dear Nayaswamis Devi and Jyotish, Many congratulations for the honour of such an especially wondrous award so truly deserved by two of the most worthy instruments for God for for the unending service you render worldwide. How happy you must make the Masters for all that you do with the deepest love and joyful dedication and how Blessed we all are by your sharing everything with us – beautiful- awesome article – everything – Thank you over and again. Namaste
Pranam. My deepest gratitude for continuing the great work of Shree Paramahansa Yougananda and Swami Kriyananda of awakening and expanding individual consciousness to the Highest ONE. Also my heartiest congratulations for this award.
I feel fortunate and blessed to be a part of this lineage.
Thank You .
Hearty Congratulations! The Guru gives so wonderful experiences!! Your untiring effort and Guru Bhakti is seen so clearly visible. We also celebrate the great event.
In Love and Joy!
Beautiful story as always , thank you!
And congratulations for that Award it is very well diserved as you are spreading so much divine love and light through the world. I do not know what would be of me if was not for this great teachings. The world turns more and more uglier . And I feel that in God I am secured with my two children. God bless you and thanks again for all your dedications.
Dear Nayaswamis
Love and joy to you.
Thats a great loving and pleasing experience to know that efforts of Great Gurus and tireless spiritual works of yours are recognized by the world communities at large.
May the God ,Jesus Christ and Gurus always help us all for our spiritual evolution.
Amen ?
Rehds