- Home
- Yogananda
- Kriya Science
- SRF Gurus
- The Scriptures
- Sri Daya Mata
- Podcasts
- Satsanga
- SRF Lessons
- About Us
| Wisdom is a chisel, love is the sandpaper. |
The Voice of Paramahansa Yogananda |
|
|
|
Paramahansa Yogananda Quotes
Happiness |
Freedom |
WISDOM
The truth is embodied in the wisdom of the great ones that reveals to us the world as it really is. Had it not been for the training I received in this wisdom, I would not have liked to remain in this world.
Knowledge is light; it illuminates and reveals the nature of reality.
As often as we have come on earth we have developed new imperfections and new desires. So we come back here again and again until we fulfill all desires; or until, through increase of wisdom, we banish those desires. We must satisfy our desires, or, by cultivating wisdom, do away with them altogether.
It is not necessary to go through every kind of human experience in order to attain this ultimate wisdom. You should be able to learn by studying the lives of others. Why become helplessly involved in an endless panorama of events in order to discover that nothing in this world can ever make you happy?
He is the wisest who seeks God. He is the most successful who has found God.
It is not a pumping-in from outside that gives wisdom; it is the power and extent of your inner receptivity that determines how much you can attain of true knowledge, and how rapidly.
Wisdom is a chisel, love is the sandpaper.
The wise do not indulge in grief for things that are inevitably changeable and evanescent. Those who always weep and complain that life is filled with bitter things reveal the narrowness of their minds. In God's consciousness, all worldly things are trifles, because they are not eternal.
Forget the past, for it is gone from your domain! Forget the future, for it is beyond your reach! Control the present! Live supremely well now! It will whitewash the dark past, and compel the future to be bright! This is the way of the wise.
The wise do not expect to reap everlasting happiness from friends, beloved family, or dear possessions! The forms of loved ones are snatched away by death. Material objects turn out to be meaningless when one becomes used to them; or when, in old age, the senses grow unappreciative, powerless. Concentrate on the immortal Spirit through meditation and find there a harvest of eternal, ever new peace!
Knowledge of the scriptures is beneficial only when it stimulates a desire for practical realization; otherwise, theoretical knowledge gives one false conviction of wisdom.
HABITS
Man is like a puppet. The strings of his habits, emotions, passions, and senses make him dance to their bidding. They bind his soul.
Even if you were to flee to the jungle, your old habits would be with you still. You can't run away from them, so you may as well strive to overcome them. Clear out the jungle of your wrong habits. Then you will be free.
Success is hastened or delayed by one’s habits. It is not your passing inspirations or brilliant ideas so much as your everyday mental habits that control your life.
You are in a cocoon of your own bad habits, and you must be freed to spread its wings of beautiful divine qualities.
Don’t keep feeding your bad habits with fresh actions that strengthen them.
Through the senses we learn to like things that are pleasing to see, hear, smell, taste, and touch. The desire for particular sensation becomes a habit.
Never abuse the sensory powers by overindulgence, if you would be really happy. ‘Ever fed, never satisfied; never fed, ever satisfied’ is a true axiom about unwholesome sense experiences.
WORRY
Worrying wastes time and energy. Use your mind instead to try to make some positive effort. ... Nothing is impossible, unless you think it is. ... Give your troubles to God. When you worry, it is your funeral, all arranged by yourself.
Why worry? Do your best and then relax. Let things go on in a natural way, rather than force them. Then everyone around you will be relaxed, too.
God First, Last, and Always.
Happiness |
Freedom |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |