The Creator, in taking infinite pains to shroud with mystery His presence in every atom of creation, could have had but one motive - a sensitive desire that men seek Him only through free will.
Interpretation
The Divine hides within creation, encouraging humanity to seek Him through their own free choice.
In this quote, Paramahansa Yogananda reflects on the nature of the Creator and the intention behind the mystery of existence. The idea is that God has chosen to make His presence obscure in the intricate details of the world, prompting individuals to engage in a genuine quest for understanding and connection through their own volition, rather than through coercion or obligation.
In practice
This quote could be used in a religious service to inspire individuals to pursue their spiritual paths.
Man is important in one sense only. He was made in the image of God: That is his importance. He is not important for his body, ego, or personality. His constant affirmation of ego-consciousness is the source of all his problems.
When, by meditation, we withdraw restless thoughts from the lake of the mind, we behold our soul, a perfect reflection of Spirit.
It is wisest to be impartial. If you have health, but are attached to it, you will always be afraid of losing it. And if you fear that loss, but become ill, you will suffer. Why not remain forever joyful in the Self?
From joy people are born; for joy they live; in joy they melt at death. Death is an ecstasy, for it removes the burden of the body and frees the soul of all pain springing from body identification. It is the cessation of pain and sorrow.
It is better to meditate a little bit with depth than to mediate long with the mind running here and there. If you do not make an effort to control the mind it will go on doing as it pleases, no matter how long you sit to meditate.
Millions of people never analyze themselves. Mentally they are mechanical products of the factory of their environment, preoccupied with breakfast, lunch, and dinner, working and sleeping, and going here and there to be entertained. They don't know what or why they are seeking, nor why they never realize complete happiness and lasting satisfaction. By evading self-analysis, people go on being robots, conditioned by their environment. True self-analysis is the greatest art of progress.
Discipleship is based solely on devotion to Jesus Christ, not on following after a particular belief or doctrine.
The foundation of individual rights is the assumption that people have wants and needs and are authorities on what those wants and needs are. If people's stated desires were just some kind of erasable inscription or reprogrammable brainwashing, any atrocity could be justified.
Man's existence precedes his essence
The path up is the path down. The way forward is the way back. The universe inside is outside but the universe outside is inside.
I wanted to invent myself as a fictional character. And I did, and it has caused a great deal of confusion.
Prejudice is a disease. So is fashion. But I will not wear prejudice.
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