STORY OF THE MONTH
(May 2025)


TRUE FRIENDSHIP

(Following are excerpts from letters written by Paramahansa Yogananda to his friend and close disciple, James J. Lynn)

"This is to bless you on behalf of Babaji, Lahiri Mahasaya, Sri Yukteswarji, and myself, for saving the work at a very critical period of its existence. The Great Ones choose able, willing devotees on earth to deliver other men from ignorance and suffering.

Yes, God and the Masters could employ miracles to create big temples, but that would not change souls. But when the Great Ones find a powerful human soul who makes an altar of his heart with goodness and good works, then they come there to dwell and to work goodness.

With my deepest love and covenant to be your friend forever - until, crossing the portals of finitude and incarnations, we reach the bosom of the Divine Friend and become one with Him.

In friendship alone is there no compulsion. In all other human relationships there is some form of compulsion, but friendship is the natural and spontaneous gift of the heart. St.Lynn and I live in the greatest joy and friendship. It is because of Mr.Lynn's great love for God that I have given him the title of "Saint".

You are the Hindu yogi of Himalayan hermitages of the past who was sent in this life as an American prince, a Western maharaja yogi, to light the lamp of Yogoda in many groping hearts. You are more fortunate than a million earthly kings, for God has given you self-control and a deep willingness to meditate.

The most destructive shaft of maya-delusion is unwillingness to meditate and thus to prevent oneself from tuning in with God and guru. The Lord has no favourites. To him who loves God, to him He surrenders. But He cannot be known except through communion.

No matter how many good works you do; no matter how much service you render to humanity; no matter how vast your philanthropies - they are not enough. To know God, direct communion through meditation is necessary. No outward gestures, however grand, convince the Divine Great Lady that the devotee will die of unrequited love unless he can meet Her. That conviction may be conveyed to Her only face to face.

Kriya Yoga is a sacred password that opens the door of the Palace and secures the longed-for audience.

After life on earth, life must be experienced in the astral world where all things are carried on by will and energy. After experiencing life and longevity in the astral world - which may extend from one to several hundred years - one learns by great methods from the guru to be ready for the lightless lightsome, darkless darksome, joyous joysome land of pure Spirit. This is a very secret truth I have told you and the divine group.

Some day I know God will free you from your business life. When you get a pension from the Divine Mother to retire from your business life, there will be no more work for you - only thinking, meditating, and talking with Her.

You are using Divine Mother's money - every bit She has given to you belongs to Her - and She is highly pleased with you that you are spending for Her cause even under severe strain. She will never leave you out. When all will seem dark and still you go on doing and working for Her, She will Herself come to your rescue.

Blessed one, all you have renounced for God is reserved for you manyfold in heaven, to be used in any incarnation you want. Those who sacrifice wealth for God are never left poor in any incarnation - this is the law!

For what you have already done, a million thanks. I broadcast your name to all saints; they are blessing you."  

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Book:

"Rajarsi Janakananda - A Great Western Yogi"
(visit yogananda.org / yssofindia.org to purchase)