Divinity in Daily Life (Meditation & Service on the Path) with Nayaswami Jyotish and Nayaswami Devi

In this conversation with Nayaswami Jyotish and Nayaswami Devi, spiritual directors of Ananda Sangha Worldwide, we had a friendly yet profound conversation, touching upon their personal journeys, the growth of the spiritual community of Ananda around the world, and the transformative power of joy and friendship throughout both. They discussed the principles of meditation and its role in personal growth, highlighting the importance of dedication and service in a devotee's life.
Nayaswami Jyotish and Nayaswami Devi also left us with encouragement for the Ananda community in Australia to find ways to contribute to the growth of the community, sharing with us how even small efforts can make a difference for the sangha but also provide gains for our personal spiritual growth.
As lifelong meditators, Jyotish and Devi discussed the challenges and joys of their daily routines, including how sometimes we are hardest on ourselves and wish we could be meditators more and better, but that this is the devotee everyman's journey -- even since ancient times as within the Bhagavad Gita we see Arjuna ask Krishna about the wandering mind.
Weekly Blog, Meditation, and Community Experiences
Nayaswamis explained that their weekly Touch of Light blog aims to increase awareness of the teachings already present in daily life, and the importance of integrating meditation into daily routines to connect with higher realities.
Ananda Community Growth and Evolution
Nayaswami Jyotish and Nayaswami Devi also explained that the Ananda community's growth was driven by the teachings of their spiritual master, Paramhansa Yogananda, and the desire to share these teachings with others. He emphasized that Ananda is more of a mindscape than a physical landscape, and the community's main role is to serve as channels for God's flow to willing individuals.
Meditation, Personal Growth, and Service
Meditation is not about achieving a state of emptiness but about calming the mind and overcoming reactive processes. He emphasized the importance of perseverance and viewing meditation as a tool for well-being, despite common thoughts that might arise during the practice. Jyotish and Devi also touched on the concept of service as active meditation, reflecting on his own spiritual journey and the importance of self-evaluation, despite its paradoxical nature. He concluded by encouraging the group to continue their meditation practice, even if it feels difficult.
The Power of Magnetism in Group Settings
Enthusiasm and joy are key to creating a strong magnetic field. Devi explained that when individuals approach tasks with enthusiasm, it attracts others and creates a group energy. Jyotish and Devi also touched on the importance of doing activities with love and friendship, and highlighted the positive impact Swami's "Joy Tours" had in rebuilding their community after a devastating fire.
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ABOUT JYOTISH AND DEVI
Nayaswami Jyotish and Nayaswami Devi are dynamic emissaries of Paramhansa Yogananda and Global Peace Ambassadors.
As Spiritual Directors of Ananda and living examples of spiritual values in action, Jyotish and Devi travel the world, sharing Yogananda’s teachings and blessing people with the practical and heart-opening path of Kriya Yoga.
Swami Kriyananda, Ananda’s founder, designated Jyotish as his spiritual successor.
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ABOUT ANANDA SANGHA AUSTRALIA
Ananda is a global spiritual organization dedicated to sharing the practical science of yoga applied to daily life. We are committed to providing an inclusive, welcoming environment for people everywhere to experience the true nature of joy within, welcoming all truth seekers. Ananda Australia focuses on offering guided meditations, support, and inspiration. This form of meditation is based on universal spiritual principles and practice from Paramhansa Yogananda, author of the best-selling spiritual classic, Autobiography of a Yogi.
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