Spiritual Principles from Paramhansa Yogananda for Self-Care, Part 3

Paramhansa Yogananda, a renowned spiritual teacher and author of "Autobiography of a Yogi," emphasized various principles that can be applied to self-care.

Meditation and Inner Peace:

"Meditation is the science of reuniting the soul with the Infinite Spirit or God."

Yogananda stressed the importance of daily meditation as a way to connect with the divine, achieve inner peace, and rejuvenate the mind and spirit.

Balance and Harmony:

"Balance material and spiritual duties."

Yogananda taught that true self-care involves balancing our material responsibilities with spiritual practices, ensuring that neither aspect of life is neglected.

Divine Health:

"The more you depend upon the Spirit within, the less you depend upon material conditions outside."

Yogananda advocated for a holistic approach to health, recognizing the importance of physical well-being while emphasizing the greater power of spiritual health.

Positive Thinking and Affirmations:

"Change your thoughts if you wish to change your circumstances. Since you alone are responsible for your thoughts, only you can change them."

Yogananda believed in the power of positive thinking and affirmations to transform one’s life, promoting mental and emotional well-being.

Simplicity and Contentment:

"Live quietly in the moment and see the beauty of all before you. The future will take care of itself."

Embracing simplicity and contentment in the present moment is a form of self-care that reduces stress and enhances overall happiness.

Service to Others:

"The spiritual path is not an escape from life, but a preparation for a better living of life."

Yogananda emphasized that serving others with love and compassion is integral to self-care, as it nurtures the soul and creates a sense of purpose.

Attunement to Divine Will:

"Let my soul smile through my heart and my heart smile through my eyes, that I may scatter rich smiles in sad hearts."

Aligning one's will with the divine will and spreading joy and positivity is a profound form of self-care that uplifts both oneself and others.

Energy and Vitality:

"The greater the will, the greater the flow of energy."

Yogananda taught the importance of developing strong willpower and harnessing life energy (prana) through practices like energization exercises, which enhance physical vitality and mental clarity.

Self-Realization:

“Self-realization is the knowing – in body, mind, and soul – that we are one with the omnipresence of God; that we do not have to pray that it come to us, that we are not merely near it at all times, but that God’s omnipresence is our omnipresence; that we are just as much a part of Him now as we ever will be. All we have to do is improve our knowing."

The ultimate form of self-care, according to Yogananda, is the pursuit of self-realization, recognizing and experiencing our unity with the divine.