Self-realization may be and sometimes is attained even by people who are struggling with sick and otherwise imperfect bodies; but it cannot be attained unless one can concentrate and meditate uninterruptedly upon God.
Paramahansa YoganandaThe rains of Life's Blessings cannot gather on mountaintops of pride, but flow easily into valleys of humbleness.
Paramahansa YoganandaSpirit 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 YoganandaPeople are running, running, but there is no place in the world to which they can flee to escape themselves. Ultimately, each one must face himself.
Paramahansa YoganandaBy the practice of meditation, you will find that you are carrying within your heart a portable paradise.
Paramahansa YoganandaLet us meditate until we perceive the Infinite Christ reigning in our own hearts. Let us learn to love those who love us not; and to forgive those who do ill against us. Let us break all our mental boundaries of color, creed, and nationality, and receive all - even our inanimate and animal brothers - in the endless, all embracing arms of our Christ Consciousness. This will be a true and fitting celebration of the coming of Jesus Christ to this earth.
Paramahansa Yogananda