Sunday
service includes readings from the Bible and the Bhagavad-Gita,
an inspirational talk, music, affirmation, chanting and meditation,
and concluding with A Festival of Light*, a poetic description
of the spiritual path, written in 1986 by Swami Kriyananda.
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| Why
do we chant?
Music
affects us even if we are not consciously aware of it. For example,
have you ever noticed yourself walking in time with music playing
in a supermarket or department store, even though you hadn’t
really been paying attention to it? Music has power. If we recognize
it, and take the power in hand, we can use the power of music to
heal ourselves and uplift our state of consciousness.
Why
does music have an influence on us, this ability to affect our state
of mind? Science has ascertained that everything in manifestation
– every rock and tree, every animal, bird and human being—has
a vibration at the core of its being. Music, and sound in general,
is pure vibration uncluttered by matter, and as such, resonates
with us at the fundamental core of our being, affecting us for good
or ill.
Music
is a serious tool to aid in our spiritual evolution. Words and music
that come from a state of God-Consciousness are full of power. The
purpose of chanting is to quiet the mind and prepare it for meditation.
As a means of accomplishing this monumental task chanting stands
alone. As Yogananda put it, “Chanting is half the battle.”
The art of chanting correctly is, first, to practice it with full
awareness of its inner purpose. That purpose is not to awaken sentiments
or to stir up the emotions. It is to focus the heart’s feelings
and raise them toward superconsciousness, to inner communion with
God.
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God
Reminders
Would you like to receive inspirational quotes from Paramhansa Yogananda
and Swami Kriyananda every week or two? Email
us and
ask for God-Reminders |
"Your
religion is not the garb you wear outwardly, the thoughts and beliefs
in which you enclose yourself. Your religion is the
garment of Light you weave around your heart."
Paramhansa Yogananda |
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