The love and friendship of the guru are something that is hard for us to understand, much less accept. We, who are limited in time and space, naturally relate to the guru in the same way. How often I’ve thought and heard others say, “If only I had been with Master.*” This thought, sweet though it is, actually ends up distancing us from him.
To those who think me near, I will be near.
He is with us now as we read this. He said, “To those who think me near, I will be near.” If we open ourselves to him, if we invite him into our life, he will become a dynamic presence in our lives.
We recently received this beautiful letter by Paramhansa Yogananda. It is deeply touching and reassuring. We shared it with our friends here at Ananda Village and now, dear friend, we offer it to you.
Nayaswami Jyotish
A Letter from Paramhansa Yogananda, November 1933
To my friends, in all lands and in all worlds, greetings and good will! Wherever you are, whoever you are, of whatever color, race, or creed, I send you my love and the pledge of my loyalty. You, who for thousands of years, or for only a day, have worked and fought for justice, freedom, and Truth, receive my gratitude and devotion.
You who dwell in palaces or hovels, in cities or jungles, in mansions or dungeons—if in your hearts there is the urge toward higher, better living and loftier ideals, believe me when I say I am your friend and that I count you blessed friends of mine.
Many of you I have known in the past, and some of you I have never seen, but I think that in God’s appointed time I shall meet each one of you face to face and give you proof of my affection. However, it matters little that we are not together now, nor does it matter that time and space may separate us by almost infinite distances. The only thing that counts is that we are friends, working together in a common cause, the cause of righteousness and the expansion of the consciousness of the children of the Most High.
Although I see you not, I often feel your presence near, or thrill with the noble thoughts which you send out to find their home in minds attuned to yours. Although you may never read the words which I am penning now, I declare to you that you shall feel the vibrations of tenderness and kindliness which emanate from me to all of you.
Our work, our love, our purposes are One. March on, dear friends, to higher, brighter goals! Continue in your dreams of happier days and in your deeds of service to your kind. Protect the torch of faith from winds of doubt, and let no storm disturb your peace of mind. Farewell, dear friends of mine, until we meet.
—Paramhansa Yogananda, East-West magazine, November 1933
*Master, is another name for Paramhansa Yogananda, given to him by his loving disciples.
24 Comments
Dear Nayaswami Jyotish Ji,
Sincere thanks for sharing this letter from Master
How comforting and soothing it is to read the letter from Master. We are blessed to be part of his family.
Thank you Dear GuruDeva !
Aum,
Prem
THANK YOU for refreshing me…the spirit of truth is an amazing bath of hope.
BEAUTIFUL. THANK YOU SO.
Thank you for this evidence of our guru’s infinitely loving heart.
Pat
Love Guruj Paramahansa Yogananda
Perfect, Jyotish! I’ve been reading “Treasures Against Time”, and it’s amazing how often Master says in his letters, over and over again, essentially the same thing: “Doubt not… I am with you…” Joy!
Dear Jyotishji,
Thank you for sharing Master’s letter. Its nice and comforting to know that He is always there.To read everything written by Master is a great joy.
In Joy,
Neela
I am a psychiatric patient,and am greatly helpt by Master to be as sane as possible and Yet have a spiritual life.
I love all the websites of Ananda,especialy the Youtube vidio’s of Sunday Services and other broadcasting news, of all the Centers. Thanks to internet I have a spiritual family. I am greatfull for all of you,and for Swamiji and Master.
Please remember me in your prayers and I will remember you in my prayers.
Love,Peace..
Thank you for remind me of this truth.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful and reassuring letter from the Master. I smile when I see your posts on my screen greeting me Friday mornings as i anticipate opening and readying the treasure within. Today was perfect and timely. Thank you.
Thank you SO very much for bringing Master’s loving reassurance and inspiration for us to continue to walk our path in love and kindness. Aummmm…
Blessings Jyotish,
Thank you for sharing Masterji’s letter. Masterji’s words resonated deep within my heart. I am having surgery Monday and reading this letter has helped me to feel Guruji’s presence even more deeply.
In joy and peace,
Linda Hagen
Thank you so much for sharing. Master’s words are so beautiful and touch my heart deeply…
Thank you again dear Jyotish and Devi for sharing this most heartwarming and ever encouraging letter from beloved Master. You and Devi yourselves are such inspirers and more with all you remind and refresh us with. Joy to you always
I hope this is ok for me to comment but with all my heart I wish love and all the best for wonderful health to our two friends here who mentioned re their health. We all know that Divine help is with you and so are we all. Blessed Be
Thank you very much.It reminded me
as our great Masters words “Beloved Remembered”The moment we remember His presence we feel;That is how to develop constant Remembrance.
Wow, I’ve had the same exact thoughts, wishing I could be in his presence.
Thanks, Joytish!
Thank you! I really needed to hear that today.
ATMA namaste, thank you for sharing PARAMAHAMSA YOGANANDAS letter.
So glad to be told that My TEACHER will be near me.
Thank you.
With respect for your service to humanity.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful letter and reminder, Jyotish.
Pranam Ji’s
Thanks for Inspiring us , through such Reassurance , of Guru’s Presence .
Past Week Ananda Chennai had Kryia Renewal Programme which I attended,
During the Course of the Proceedings Nayaswamy Dharmarajan Ji, Encouraged
to Meditate as if we were Guru ji Meditating, the Blessing was Wonderful.
With Gratitude
R Sundararajan
thanks a lot for the inspring and so full of assurance … letter…
Let your noble efforts bear fruits by the blessings of the Masters!!