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RAMAKRISHNA ANANDA

The Most Crucial Factor — Your Habit Patterns

Are you willing to let go of negative habits?

Yogis have discovered that we are, in essence, souls living in a world of Spirit. The ego (false sense of self), however, often makes us feel separate from others and from God. Progress in yoga happens as we develop new habit patterns. You can live in oneness, wholeness, beauty and joy as you grow in your yoga practice.

First Steps

All Is God’s Grace

Sri Ramakrishna taught that everything is God’s grace. He advised that we think of the Lord and be receptive to His loving kindness. We often think we accomplish so much through yoga. Rather it is a matter of God giving and our having the grace to receive.

Ramakrishna also said that the way to God is to chant His name and glories. Chant the name of God based on your spiritual path (Buddha, Krishna or Jesus Christ, for example.) Glories refers to the attributes of God, such as:  God is love. God is light. God is strength. God is courage. God is Lord of all. God is one. Chanting God’s name and glories can help you progress your individual soul journey.

  • Baba Hari Dass wrote that success in yoga depends on transforming one’s samskaras (habit patterns)
  • Sri Aurobindo explained that samskaras are transformed through three phases: 1) releasing old habits; 2) centering on new goals; and 3) allowing Spirit to freely flow through mind, heart, words and actions
  • Patanjali (Yoga Sutras of Patanjali) wrote that success depends on how well you discard the old and assimilate the new
  • Sri Ramakrishna taught that it is all God’s grace, thinking of God and being receptive to His loving transformation
  • Ramakrishna also emphasized the importance of:  1) chanting God’s name and/or glories; 2) realizing the Divine Mother loves you and is calling you home; 3) not being sidetracked by diversions; and 4) yearning for God

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