Spirit vibrated into matter; hence, both Spirit and matter exist. Matter, however, does not exist in the way that it appears to us. It exists as we see it owing to the delusive force of maya, which makes the indivisible Spirit seem finite and divisible to all appearances. Matter has existence in the same delusive way as does a mirage in the desert.
Paramahansa YoganandaThe Spirit could not create matter as anything different from Itself, for it had only Itself as the tissue or material with which to build the cosmos.
Paramahansa YoganandaSuccess is not rightly measured by wealth, prestige and power. Success is measured by the yardstick of happiness.
Paramahansa YoganandaIn the spiritual life one becomes just like a little child, without resentment, without attachment, full of life and joy.
Paramahansa YoganandaHe who is persistent will realize God. So try your best to make meditation a regular experience in your life.
Paramahansa YoganandaIs a diamond less valuable because it is covered with mud? God sees the changeless beauty of our souls. He knows we are not our mistakes.
Paramahansa YoganandaWe fear death because of pain, and because of the thought that we may become obliterated. This idea is erroneous. Jesus showed himself in a physical form to his disciples after his death. Lahiri Mahasaya returned in the flesh the next day after he had entered mahasamadhi. They proved that they were not destroyed.
Paramahansa Yogananda