Paramahansa Yogananda: How You Can Approach God—A Practical Guide

Paramahansa Yogananda, in his powerful lecture "How You Can Approach God," delivered during a special Convocation on December 26–27, 1937, at the Self-Realization Fellowship Second Temple in Los Angeles, California, shares timeless wisdom on the right way to seek and experience God. He explains that many people misunderstand how to establish a personal connection with the Divine, relying on rituals, blind faith, or waiting for the afterlife rather than taking conscious steps toward realization. Yogananda teaches that knowing God is not a passive process but an active pursuit—just as material success requires effort and discipline, so too does spiritual success. Through the practice of meditation, devotion, right living, and self-discipline, we can bring God’s presence into our daily lives and experience Him as ever-new joy and unconditional love. Highlights include: - Why most people fail to connect with God and how to correct it. - The difference between superficial prayer and deep divine communion. - How meditation and Kriya Yoga provide a scientific way to experience God. - The importance of sincerity, self-discipline, and right action in seeking God. - Why love and devotion are the fastest ways to approach God. Yogananda reminds us that God is always near and that our longing for Him must be deep, persistent, and filled with love. By sincerely practicing meditation, leading a virtuous life, and calling on God with true devotion, we can tear away the veil of illusion and experience His divine presence at all times. 00:00 Approaching God – Yogananda’s convocation introduction 03:00 Divine Presence – Making others feel God’s nearness 06:00 Perseverance – Learning from mistakes, seeking God 09:00 Union with God – Expanding consciousness to omnipresence 12:00 Pranayama Path – Life-force control for God-consciousness 15:00 Ever-New Joy – Discovering the silent river within 18:00 Universal Love – Beyond narrow patriotism & race 21:00 Divine Nearness – Remembering God is always at hand #ParamahansaYogananda #ApproachingGod #FindGod #SpiritualDiscipline #SelfRealization #MeditationForGod #DivinePresence #YoganandaTeachings #PathToGod #GodConsciousness Paramahansa Yogananda is a revered spiritual teacher whose teachings have touched millions around the world. Known for his book "Autobiography of a Yogi," he introduced the West to the timeless wisdom of yoga and the science of Kriya Yoga. As the founder of the Self-Realization Fellowship, Yogananda Paramahansa dedicated his life to helping people realize their highest potential and connect with the divine through meditation and inner reflection. For those seeking a deeper understanding of his teachings, the Paramahansa Yogananda audiobook collection provides a valuable resource, allowing followers to access his wisdom in a convenient format. His meditation techniques, such as Kriya Yoga Meditation and the Kriya Yoga technique, are designed to lead practitioners to a state of inner peace and spiritual awakening. Yogananda's connection with other great masters, such as Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri and Mahavatar Babaji, highlights the rich lineage of teachers that form the backbone of the Kriya Yoga tradition. His approach to spirituality, which includes elements of Advaita Vedanta and Vedanta, integrates the best of Eastern and Western philosophies, guiding seekers on a path of personal growth and self-realization. The Self-Realization Fellowship continues to preserve and share Yogananda's teachings, offering resources such as healing scriptures and guidance on how to practice the art of prayer and meditation. His book, "How to Talk to God," explores the intimate relationship one can have with the divine, bringing a personal and heartfelt approach to spirituality. Yogananda's reverence for Jesus Christ and his insights into the deeper meanings of Christ’s teachings further bridge the connection between Eastern and Western spiritual traditions. Whether through his books, meditations, or the works of The Bird's Way channel, Paramahansa Yogananda's legacy continues to inspire those on the path of spiritual awakening, guiding them to awaken the heart and realize their oneness with the divine presence. For concerns, suggestions, or copyright issues regarding our content, please email us at contact@thebirdsway.com. Aum, Peace, Amen.