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Finding
Joy Susan
Helene Kramer |
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In July, 1993, I took a road trip
from Santa Barbara down the coast to Encinitas, California, to the
Self-Realization Fellowship Center founded by Paramahansa
Yogananda. It is located on the top of a cliff
overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
I parked along the street and walked in through the side entrance. The main
building was to the left and to the right were beautiful lush terraced gardens
leading to an overlook. The gardens had a stream running through and the slopes
were planted in coleus and begonias, ferns and dichondra
grass. Benches were spaced at intervals for rest and reflection. I thoroughly
enjoyed my time walking through the garden, sitting down occasionally.
After taking in the view of the sea and winding my way down to the entrance
point I walked over to an open window that served as a place
visitors could ask questions. I told the nun I was visiting for the day.
She invited me to attend the kirtan and talk in the
chapel later in the day.
Next, I walked around the corner and entered Sri Yogananda's
former living room and study, and sat on a comfortable chair. Almost
immediately I dissolved into uncontrollable tears of joy. I felt like I was
inside the body of Sri Yogananda. It was such a
comforting and coming home feeling and at the same time uplifting.
A nun came over and asked if I was okay and I told her how I was experiencing
being inside the presence of the Sri Yogananda. She
seemed to understand, and proceeded to invite me to have lunch with the nuns
and a few other visitors.
There were about 12 of us sitting around the table. We enjoyed a delicious
vegetarian meal of potato pancakes and coleslaw. I felt cared about to be
invited to be with their spiritual family. It was a cheerful feeling at lunch.
Later I walked around the grassy grounds and did participate in the kirtan in the chapel.
In early evening I went back to my van and drove to a nearby campground, making
myself ready for the night. I just couldn't help crying in joy from the
spiritually uplifting experience in the master's study.
After waking in the morning I slowly wended my way home and to this day feel
safe and snug in the comfort Sri Yogananda's lasting
presence afforded me that day.
What I learned from this experience is that being spiritual is not separate
from the physical part of my existence. Rather, it gives an added dimension
of joyful feeling to living.
Finding Joy in the Spirit of a Master Copyright © 2011 Susan Helene
Kramer | photo credit of SRF Center,
Encinitas, CA by Susan Helene Kramer
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