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In all your seeking among different things, directly or indirectly, you are in reality seeking happiness through the fulfillment of your desires….Then why not seek joy directly?

Paramahansa Yogananda

In his very first lecture in America, and in his book The Science of Religion, Paramahansa Yogananda introduced Westerners to the ancient Vedic concept of God as Sat-Chit-Ananda—ever-existing, ever-conscious, ever-new Bliss.

Beneath our efforts to fulfill all our various desires, is there not a more basic yearning for happiness itself and the corresponding wish to be rid of suffering? Paramahansaji invited those attending his public talks and those who later became students of his Kriya Yoga teachings to find that happiness directly—by using the scientific method of yoga meditation to seek within themselves the bliss of Spirit.

In speaking of the opportunity to know God as Bliss in meditation, Paramahansaji said: “He comes within the calm experience of all. It is in Bliss-consciousness that we realize Him. There can be no other direct proof of His existence. It is in Him as Bliss that our spiritual hopes and aspirations find fulfillment, our devotion and love find an object.”

Joy that rhythmically changes all the time and yet in itself remains unchangeable, like an actor who entertains with different roles and poses, is what all of us are seeking. Such joy can be found only through regular, deep meditation. The inner fountain of unchangeable ever new joy alone can quench our thirst. By its very nature, this divine bliss is the only enchantment that can never tire the mind or make us want to exchange it for something else.

Paramahansa Yogananda