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.
The time will come when mankind will begin to get away from the consciousness of needing so many material things. More security and peace will be found in the simple life.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote emphasizes the value of simplicity over materialism, suggesting that true peace and security come from a less complicated lifestyle.
Paramahansa Yogananda's quote highlights a transformative moment in human consciousness where individuals recognize the detriment of excessive material desires. It implies that by embracing a simpler way of life, free from the constant pursuit of possessions, people can attain genuine security and peace. This reflects a fundamental shift in values, advocating for a deeper understanding of what constitutes fulfillment and happiness.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about minimalism, one might quote this to emphasize the importance of living simply.
More from Paramahansa Yogananda
All quotes →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.
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