Transcript
Speaker: Welcome to the Women of Kriya Yoga Living in Joy podcast, a gathering place for women walking the spiritual path. Here we share stories, teachings, and reflections rooted in the timeless practices of Kriya Yoga.
Speaker: These conversations are an offering from the Women's Ministry of Kriya Yoga International, inviting you to rest in stillness, awaken your inner light, and connect with a community of women to support one another in living in joy.
Speaker: Our host is Mary Dale Ma, a devoted disciple of Paramahamsa Yogananda, whose boundless love guided her to the feet of her beloved Guruji, Paramahamsa Pragyanananda, within the sacred lineage of the Kriya Yoga International Masters.
Speaker: A seasoned yoga teacher and mentor for more than 40 years, she's trained in the Krishnamacharya tradition and founded the Param Yoga Healing Arts Center in California. Through her teaching and mentorship, Marydale supports seekers in awakening their highest potential and cultivating love, compassion, and equanimity through consistent practice.
Speaker: Today we're speaking with Srimati Khandan. Srimati Ma was born into a traditional Tamil family in South India and raised with a rich foundation in culture, music, and spirituality. With degrees in and business accounting and marketing research, she built a diverse professional career before her lifelong pull toward Kriya Yoga came to the forefront.
Speaker: Initiated at 30, Srimathima has since served the global Kriya community through study groups, transcriptions, and center development in Kuwait, Muscat, Calgary, Edmonton, and Lethbridge. She now supports mountain region coordination and is a founding board member of the Kriya Sardhana Institute of Canada. A classical Bharatanatyam dancer, Karnatik vocalist, and Vena player, she brings devotion and discipline to everything she does. She remains deeply dedicated to translating Guruji's books into Tamil and credits all her service to the grace of God, the masters and beloved Guruji.
Speaker: Om Pranams and welcome to each and every one of you on this beautiful blessed day. We're so delighted that you've chosen to take time to tune in to our wonderful Living in Joy podcast. And just like all the rest of the podcasts that we have done so far, This one will prove to be a gem.
Speaker: and But before we get started and I introduce you to our beautiful guests, let's take a moment to come into our own center by first of all, making sure that you're comfortable. And if you haven't already, please silence your phone.
Speaker: And then if it's appropriate for you, hopefully you're not driving, but if you feel like it, go ahead and close your eyes. And just begin to tune into your breath.
Speaker: Notice that the breath is moving with ease in and out through your nose.
Speaker: And recognize on this day that you are being breathed.
Speaker: That God is breathing into you and through you.
Speaker: And feel that as your truth.
Speaker: As your breath brings the quiet rhythm of spirit.
Speaker: Settling, softening, and opening you.
Speaker: Father, Mother, Beloved Lord, our dera Divine Guru Dev, Hari Harananda Ji, our beloved Guruji Paramahansa Prajnanananda, to our Paramguru Paramahansa Yogananda, and to the entire lineage of Kriya Masters through all time, we bow to you humbly with gratitude for opening this moment to us to be in your presence
Speaker: and to share the beauty and the magnificence of life as spiritual beings traveling this path together.
Speaker: Thank you for your grace and we dedicate this time to you, beloved ones. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Shantihi, Om Shantihi, Om Shantihi, Amen.
Speaker: Beautiful. Thank you for that. And now it's my great pleasure to welcome Srimati. It is a ah real joy to have you with us today. Namaste.
Speaker: Thank you, Ma. It is so wonderful to be here with you today. Well, and i know I share with every single person listening today and in the delight that your biography has brought to us. You have been very busy since you stepped foot on this planet, doing things that are remarkable.
Speaker: And i know it would be my pleasure to be able to get a bird's eye view of what your life might have been like as a young girl Tamil Nadu.
Speaker: And perhaps even let us know the feeling that you had in your home with all the music and art and everything else going on. Yeah, I was, um as you said, I was born in Tamil Nadu in a place called Tirunalveli.
Speaker: So it is in South Tamil Nadu. And I was born in a traditional Brahmin family. And we had a lot of, you know, religious traditions and spiritual traditions, which I had to like, you know, which I imbibe right from the beginning.
Speaker: And my parents were ah great influence on me regarding that. And then um as I was, um I did my schooling at Chinmaya Vidyalaya. That is a school ah which teaches ah you a lot of Hindu spiritual traditions.
Speaker: um ah it is under the It was formed by Swami Chinmayananda and affiliated to Chinmaya Mission. So um it was wonderful um being in that setup.
Speaker: as a school going kid.
Speaker: Oh, that's great. Yeah. So, and, uh, as a child, like I had the opportunity to, uh, attend a lot of, uh, Bhagavad Gita sessions. And then, uh, you know, i learned Bhagavad Gita, the teachers taught us that, and then, um, had the opportunity to, ah um participate in lot of inter-school activities and stuff like that.
Speaker: And then later on, I got the opportunity to um ah participate in a lot of Hindu religious programs and then lot of spiritual personalities visited our place. So I had the opportunity to be in their presence.
Speaker: Well, that sounds like a ah fantastic place to grow up and the influence not only of your immediate family, but your community sounds like it was remarkably strong and certainly drenched in a lot of tradition, especially the Hindu tradition.
Speaker: And as you consider that, how did that shape your life going forward from ah being there to being ah called to Kriya Yoga?
Speaker: Okay, I should say um it taught me a lot of things because my parents and we ah lived as a joint family with my grandmother. So it was ah she was a very strong lady.
Speaker: um She had a great influence on my life. And so ah she um ah taught me so many things in life that going forward, it was like really easy for me.
Speaker: And then um I did my um undergraduate in Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. That is where I first read autobiography of a yogi.
Speaker: So as always, like it was a very great influence in my life.
Speaker: Well, before we go to that, let's just tell me, it sounds like your your grandmother was very influential. And since we are working through the women's ministry, I think all of us would like to know some of those gems that you attribute to your grandma teaching you. Yeah. And that would be an interesting ah ah story to say, because my grandmother, she was widowed at around 50 years of age. And then um my aunt, who was um who was ah ah deaf and then she couldn't speak, she lived with my grandmother. So ah she, ah both of them, um even when my father was transferred, it was, she they lived alone. And then ah they um she took care of so many things which was happening around, in and around them. And she was quite a presence, I would say. She was a very strong presence.
Speaker: And she took care of both her daughter and so many things in and around the house and then ah in the community as well. So everyone used to look up to her ah to be ah ah for any source of advice.
Speaker: And then it was a really she was a strong lady. So and that influenced me quite a bit. It sounds like she gave you confidence moving forward in your young life.
Speaker: What a treasure that is, a a real treasure. And you had built a successful career in business after graduating, not only business, but marketing as well. And all of that happened before you came into Kriya again.
Speaker: Can you share that moment when you first felt the unmistakable call of the divine within you? Yeah, I would say um it it happened gradually, I would say. So as a child, I was always attracted to Lord Krishna.
Speaker: So I used to have an altar in my room, separate altar. Apart from the family altar, I used to have a separate one in my room. So it was, um and I used to, ah in my summer holidays, i along with my friends, we used to portray Ramayana, Mahabharata, and all those stories to thought of ah to my family first, and then to our neighbors and stuff like that. So it was um
Speaker: quite an ah quite a thing. And then when I joined... um the Hindu, the newspaper as a marketing in my marketing career. So ah I was involved in a newspaper in education.
Speaker: So it was um I used to go to schools and then tell them how the newspaper could be used. in education. And then they had a lot of the value based and stuff like that. So ah the young world, which is affiliated to the Hindu. So I used to look at lot of those articles by the children and it quietly shaped a lot of things in my journey.
Speaker: So you think reading the autobiography of a yogi combined with the excellent influence of your grandma and then moving into being around others and seeing the spark of spirit in them. These are the things that kind of influenced your spiritual journey in the beginning.
Speaker: Yes, yes, of course it was. And and I should say a major part was ah my time in Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning, where um as an undergraduate student, when I joined that institute, it was the first, the very first course which was taught to us.
Speaker: It was the summer course on Indian culture and spirituality. So, it was it was a series of lectures by Sri Sathya Sai Baba. he used to It was attended only by us students.
Speaker: And then um he used to invite a lot of ah dignitaries to talk to us. And then he used to give us a series of lectures on Indian philosophies and then interspersed with lot of stories because we were young students. So we couldn't like really take a lot of Vedanta into our heads. But then, yeah, so that happened. So that was a great influence in my life. And then throughout the three years, which I studied in Sathya Sai Institute, our day started with yoga.
Speaker: And then ah with ah they call suprabhatam, the daily prayers in the morning. And then every day we used to have bhajans in the evening.
Speaker: And then, you know, it was a regimented or lifestyle, but then we had value-based education. So I'm sure like, you know, a lot of my classmates would attest to the fact that lot of, we learned a lot of things from there.
Speaker: What a rich opportunity. That's a huge blessing. Obviously, God and Guru had plans for you from the beginning. is Because they surrounded you with wisdom and grace. that's That's very beautiful. So then that led you ultimately when you were 30 to be initiated into Korea. And that's quite a significant milestone for all of us. What was that experience like for you?
Speaker: It was, um that was another story because like ah from 17, when I first read autobiography for Yogi, I was thinking, when will I get Kriya Yoga? Like I was like looking forward to it, but I didn't know whom to approach or where to get it. And then when we ah shifted to Sardinia, Canada, across the border from Port Huron, Michigan, um That was when my cousin brother, who was in Denver, he um called me to help with his moving. So i I went to Denver and then um he enrolled me he into an initiation program, CREA initiation program. So it was um it was quite a surprise for me, but he enrolled me in that and then... And Yogacharya Badrai Baba initiated me and it happened at Srinadi Baba's bay place. So it was a wonderful um entry, I would say.
Speaker: Oh, my gosh. So that was a big surprise to you and something that you as an individual weren't really called to You were kind of trapped. But how did the initiation feel to you?
Speaker: being there not by choice, but by kind of being snafu'd. Actually, like, you know, I had always wanted for that to happen. But then when it happened suddenly, it was ah it was quite a surprise for me, but it was so wonderful.
Speaker: And my cousin brother, he was right there with me. as ah As you would say, like when ah both ah two of you get initiated together, then you are called as Guru Bai and like, you know, the spiritual brother. So he became my spiritual brother too. So, ah and it was such a wonderful moment. And then I could feel the grace of God and gurus flowing through me and it kind of ah purified, I should say, it purified my entire system as and I could feel Guru's presence, Gurudev's presence.
Speaker: What a wonderful story. That is just ah a very heartwarming story that that would happen to you. And I'm wondering then from that day of initiation, how did it transform your understanding of yourself end your life up until then? Was there a shift?
Speaker: Yes. um I would say ah like um i got i was always spiritual, but this deepened my understanding. It made me um ah focused on surrender.
Speaker: Devotion was always a part of my life, but then Surrender came into that and then faith came into that. So um as you say, like in Patanjali Yoga Sutras, they say Ishwara Pranidhana, total surrender.
Speaker: That is what happened. That slowly came into my being. So my meditation deepened over the years. So it was it was a wonderful experience.
Speaker: surrender and faithfulness. You just can't go wrong with those two things as your shields in the world. Wow. Well, and you were always very well anchored in seva and service from the time you were a child, truly. And as you grew and matured, that even became more prevalent wherever you were on what continent, whether you were in Kuwait, Muscat or even in Canada.
Speaker: What have you learned about the universe out universality of love and Korea through serving in so many different cultures? Service, as we say, service and sadhana, I would say it is like the wings of a bird.
Speaker: So both go together. So without one, the other is not complete. That is what our Guruji says, right? So seva and sadhana.
Speaker: That was my um thing, even from my Sathya Sai Institute days, because we used to go for community service all the time. So that inculcated a sense sense of understanding and then a sense of interconnectedness with the people around you.
Speaker: And then it inculcated a lot of um I would say, ah root in ah in understanding the traditions and culture and then in um in progressing in my spiritual journey.
Speaker: That's great. I love that description of the two wings of seva and sadhana. That paints a beautiful image for all of us to follow. And The way you're expressing yourself shows a tremendous amount of devotion to God and the masters. How do you balance your worldly duties with your inner spiritual practice?
Speaker: I um kind of, um that is a very good question. I would say ah my spiritual journey, I give priority to that, but I always make a point to say that I i kind of do things in a way that it doesn't affect other people's, um you know, other people in a ah different way.
Speaker: i always I ask my family. I'm open-hearted with my family. And then my duties, at my other duties. So I always, but I always give a preference to spiritual path and my progue and my meditation.
Speaker: So I allot a certain time for meditation. i I do that, and then my scripture reading, and then um the other things associated with that, the translations, transcriptions, whatever I'm doing right now. And then um i also see that i I do my duties as a householder.
Speaker: So that is how I balance things. Well, once again, you have painted a very practical um picture and way of living, putting God first, which is something that all of us must do in order to create our highest good in the world and also fulfill our Dharma. And that's something that you're doing. And I really was tickled to hear that you have enjoyed performing since you've been a kid.
Speaker: and I know my my own children used to ah perform in our garage and sell tickets to the neighbor kids to come and watch them perform. And I can just see you doing the same thing in India. But you then really have become quite ah an experienced and professional singer, musician, dancer.
Speaker: And we were appreciating your beautiful Veena that's behind you, your instrument and, uh, I'd love to hear more about the discipline of grace and surrender involved in you doing that. And where do you perform? What, how does all that art artistry play out in your busy, busy life?
Speaker: Music as a ah thing, like I have learned music, Carnatic music, right from the age of, uh, I think eight, eight years old, I started learning Carnatic music. I'm still learning so with my teacher. Veena, I learned as a um after i when I was working um in India.
Speaker: And then dance, I started learning when I was in Kuwait. When I was 37 years old, I started learning Bharatanatyam. So that is a very disciplined form of art. So you need a lot of stamina for it and you need a lot of passion to take that into being. So my teacher, my guru, Simati Rangashree from Kinkini, she was really, really helpful in that. She was really passionate about
Speaker: And that music, dance and veena, it brings together a lot of practices that is involved in the spiritual traditions.
Speaker: it is it um It has a lot of connotation in bhakti, bhakti connotation. So it helps me when I sing I feel that the Lord is there right in front of me, in me.
Speaker: And so it brings me a lot of joy and peace. And it helps me surrender. So that is what um the art has brought in my life.
Speaker: Well, it sounds like it's become part of your sadhana, that it really is devotional for you. And I can appreciate that. I can feel it. just from here. And I can't wait to hear you and watch you because these are are just wonderful gifts. And I know that that same artistry, passion, interest, ah your thirst for understanding and knowledge must have a lot to do with you being open and receptive to begin to translate Guruji's sacred work into ah your ah language of Tamil.
Speaker: can Tell us what that's been like. How did it come to pass and what how has it grown? Where is it now? In 2019, I met Guruji in Baligai.
Speaker: So um at that point in time, i didn't i I didn't have an idea that I would be doing all this. But then um one of the brahmacharis in the ashram, she was about to become a sannyasi. So she told me, um why don't you, you are very well versed in Tamil and all that. So why don't you ask Guruji, like whether you can do something of his work in Tamil and all that.
Speaker: And then she said, i I wasn't really sure about that initially. So, and then and i was when I was talking to Guruji and all that, then one day I asked him, like, Guruji, can I translate your books in Tamil? And then he said, ah yes, you should do it.
Speaker: And then he gave me the permission. And then he asked me to contact a monastic there to ah you know to understand how that process goes.
Speaker: And then I started doing it. But then the actual process started only in 2022. So started translating so i started translating ah the I told him, I told Guruji, I think I would start with smaller books first, like the Living and Giving series that is smaller. So let me have a try at that and then progress bigger ones. And then he was like, yes, you should do that. And then he blessed because we cannot go to a bigger book at once. So And we started with, then we formed the team.
Speaker: And then my editorial team is from all over the world. A couple of them are from US. And then a couple of them are from India. So they've all been in my team.
Speaker: And then we have translated ah all the books which have come out till now in Living and Giving series. And then we have translated Kriya Yoga by Gurudev.
Speaker: And then we've translated Mahavatar Babaji and Lahiri Mahashaya. So on the next one are planning to do is River of Compassion of Gurudev.
Speaker: What a wonderful accomplishment. it It truly is. You must ah really feel blessed for having that opportunity and to be called to do this. It's it's not an easy task, I'm sure.
Speaker: And also what a blessing to have been a magnet to other men and women around the world to join you as a team. It's just God's and Guru's grace, isn't it?
Speaker: It is definitely God and Guru's grace because when we ah translate, it is like, um especially when I translated the Kriya Yoga book. So um we found that, you know, a lot of times,
Speaker: After doing the translation and when the book came into being, I didn't know that I was the one doing it. I think it was just God and gurus who did that.
Speaker: And then I was just an instrument. That is what I feel. So I i really didn't know that. I had done it. I had no concept of, oh, did I do this? That was my expression when I saw that book. So it was such a grace that it happened.
Speaker: You know, that is the pure definition of what seva is. When we move out of the way and let God and and the masters use us as an instrument.
Speaker: So you are just a living example of that. And I can't even imagine how powerful translating all of those books, particularly Hariharananda's book on Korea, how it must have impacted and changed you. that and you had to get so deeply into that that wisdom. it's it's To me, it's it's a phenomena, and I congratulate you. And I'm so happy for all the people that now will get to read that in your language. It's just bravo.
Speaker: And to be so humble about it. It's just, it's a ah beautiful, beautiful thing. And you mentioned a lot about Guruji and your conversations with him and being with him. How has his guidance and presence shaped your journey, especially in moments of challenge and and in uncertainty?
Speaker: I would say Guruji has been the most influenced in my life. um He has been, um he has been, he's such a one, I i should, I can go on adding adjectives about him. So um his teachings, whatever he says, each and every word means a lot to me.
Speaker: So um as they say, like, you know, gurur vakyam, mantra mulam gurur vakyam is what we say, right? I mean, the words of the guru is the mantra.
Speaker: So that is what it is, Guruji's words are to me. So every single thing, even a single, even a um little thing about, you know, I was, i let me tell you an experience about it. And then um I have, um i I was prescribed a medicine,
Speaker: um by a doctor. And then it had the capsule, it was in the capsule form. So, ah but it had gelatin in it. So I wasn't, I'm a vegetarian.
Speaker: So I was not, I'm not, I was not very comfortable having the medicine. So, and then when Guruji came here, I realized he, he pointed out to me in a different way that I could still have the medicine, but not the capsule.
Speaker: So it was such a beautiful thing that he showed. So that is such a small instance, but in so many different instances, it is like ah so many different experiences and so many different words, little, little things. He has been instrumental in paving my way forward in different ah ah in times of difficulties.
Speaker: i'm I just look at his picture or hear his words in my ears and then it just strikes me, oh, I should have done this instead of this. And so it kind of makes me more certain, more clearer about things. It has brought a certain clarity into my understanding.
Speaker: and more peace, I would say that. It sounds like his presence is with you all the time. Yes, of course.
Speaker: I really enjoy his presence. Yes.
Speaker: It's crazy how incredibly tangible the masters are, even when they're not with us physically, they're still, they're watching us. One of the senior yeah one of this indian monastics once shared with me that, you know, Guruji is always watching you. And I'm sure he's watching me right now when I'm talking to you, that kind of a thing. but I feel that all the time, all the time, every moment in my life. So I know ah when Guruji asked me a question, and he has showed that to me many ways, you know, in Baligai once when I was there, um he was like, I was thinking in my mind, I should tell Guruji that I'm leaving the next day.
Speaker: And I was, in my mind, it was, if I tell him in such and such a word, in such and such as sentences, then he would say, like, everybody has to leave one day. That is what the response would be. So I was like, I was trying to frame it in a different way. But when I saw Guruji,
Speaker: I blurted out saying like I'm leaving tomorrow. And then Guruji said, everybody has to leave one day. ah So it was like he read my mind.
Speaker: He was responding. Yeah. And was such a, such an amazing thing which happens all the time with him you know whenever I'm in his presence he seems to like read me like a book and then of course he likes reading books he likes to read me
Speaker: yes we can run but we can't hide yes of course and you know it's funny that you say that because I remember people have often asked me what my impression of Guruji was in the very beginning of my relationship with him. And the only thing I could say as a real definition is that he saw me. He's the first human that has ever really seen me, my whole person. And it's it's kind of ah overwhelming and intense and at the same time, so humbling and precious. it
Speaker: Yes. Don't you feel that way, that he truly sees you? Yes, of course. And at this point in time, I wanted to tell you something. My daughter, she was initiated into Korea in 2019 as well. So ah she was just 12 when she got initiated. And ah um she's been ah like, she's in the university right now. So when she came back home, me and my daughter,
Speaker: husband, we have Guruji's picture in our phone. So, and then um my ah my husband was bringing her back home and then Guruji's picture came, you know, and then she was looking at it. It's like he's looking through my soul.
Speaker: That is what she said. That is what, even from the picture. so She's a wise one, your daughter.
Speaker: yeah Yes. It's true. And that's what Lahiri Baba said. If you think the picture is a picture, it is, but it's not a picture. It's me. I'm there with you. And, oh, it's it's so wonderful. I just think it's fantastic.
Speaker: So as a woman now, just listening to you and how you have experienced so much in your short life, I know that, uh,
Speaker: you're just reaching into your middle life at this point, you've contributed so much. You have a very deep spiritual practice and you have proven that you've had a sense of surrender and also, ah longing.
Speaker: What kind of encouragement or wisdom would you offer other women who are seeking a particular spiritual path or um growing on the path that they've chosen?
Speaker: i would suggest that they should explore the paths and then they should keep an open heart, an open mind to explore the possibilities of how it will be. And then when you understand the guru, when you try and understand the teachings of then it opens, it paves the way for so much more in your life.
Speaker: And then be very patient with the ou yourself. Be curious, understanding. And then the patience is what? And everybody has got their own personal spiritual path.
Speaker: So that is what the women should understand when they are stepping inside that path. So no two paths are the same. So everyone has got their own spiritual path and they they should understand that. And as in, they have to understand themselves and be patient with themselves and not be judgmental.
Speaker: So moving forward, they can have a clarity in what they can do. That's great. Very, very true.
Speaker: And as you were speaking just now, it, From left field, um i am desirous of knowing.
Speaker: You studied the autobiography of a yogi, which obviously is Yogananda's word, his style, his wisdom, his presence.
Speaker: You've translated Hariharananda's words, his treasures, and now Pragyananda's as well. After all of that and being a astute linguist, if I may call you that, and a devotee of the masters and being a part of this lineage now for 20 years, how would you say they are alike and or different?
Speaker: I would say all of them, they teach the same thing in a different way, I would say. Guru Tej was more, um you know, the preciseness of the things. It was like ah the, you have to in Kriya Yoga, especially in the Kriya Yoga book, you have to really put in so that, put in your effort to understand what he's trying to say. But then when I hear Gurudev's talks, then I understand like whatever he's coming from. He says like even a single ah five minutes of meditation is good.
Speaker: And ah um And Guruji, he says, yes, Gurudev says that, but whatever you need to do, be more intense with it. He's more like, I would say, Guruji has elaborated the concept of meditation to us. And then I would say, Yoganandaji, of course, um from his book, it is such a treasure for most of us.
Speaker: And it is such a great pleasure to read that. And then when I i have done the um Gita, Bhagavad Gita, which he has done, which in his book. So I have taught from that. Sometimes when you read the verses, it is like you have to go back again to read it. Otherwise, it is like it becomes a bit more complex.
Speaker: a ah So you have to go back again and again to understand what he is coming from and all that. So I would say from Yoganandaji to Gurudev to Guruji, Guruji has simplified a lot of process and he has made things more relatable and understandable to all of us.
Speaker: He is has the ah talent and the ability and the unconditional love for humanity to make the information accessible and then feed us like baby birds.
Speaker: That's really how I feel. He's feeding us like little tiny little babies. Here, take this. And if you don't eat it, I'm going to keep giving it to you for the next 40 years until you can eat it and digest it.
Speaker: So, well, that was wonderful. Thank you for sharing your view about the literary genius of our masters, because they truly are just remarkable.
Speaker: And we know firsthand that Guruji, well, Yogananda wrote so much. I mean, a remarkable amount, volumes and volumes. But I think Guruji is going to surpass him as far.
Speaker: Yeah, of course. It's it's it's a phenomena. It truly is. So, well, thank you for sharing that. And then if you could leave our listeners with a blessing,
Speaker: um and maybe a little bit about your truth from your heart, what would it be? i would say I always um like to um like a particular quote which says, it is watch.
Speaker: ah It is watch your words, watch your action, watch your thoughts, watch your character, and watch your habits. And I think a lot of our Gurudev has spoken about it.
Speaker: Satya Sai Baba has spoken about it. A lot of spiritual masters for that matter. So they say, watch your words because it leads to action.
Speaker: Watch your thoughts because it leads to words. It becomes words. Watch your words because it leads to action. Action, watch your action because it leads to habits.
Speaker: Watch your habits because it becomes a character. So that is what, that has influenced me profoundly. So that is what I would like to tell our listeners too.
Speaker: That is beautiful. So tell us, watch one more time. So in case somebody didn't write it down, just go over it one more time. Watch your words.
Speaker: w for words a for action t for thoughts c for character h for habits our heart wonderful bravo thank you thank you thank you for doing that and now we're going to reflect back on your journey from the young girl who is ah immersed in music and faith to a devoted servant of the masters of create the creole lineage
Speaker: And what brings you your deepest joy? It is some it is talking about Kriya Yoga. It is telling every everyone and being with people to make them understand how our Guruji, how our Gurudev, how they have brought spirituality into our lives.
Speaker: and how meditation has deepened our experiences. I love talking about that to everyone here. So that is what I would say. So you are truly living in joy. You're the perfect example for our podcast.
Speaker: And we thank you so, so very much, Srimati, for your luminous presence and for sharing so openly from your heart. Your life reminds us that devotion takes many forms, prayer, service, art, and and every single small act that you do, which are so, so many. And to our listeners, may our beautiful guest's journey awaken something beautiful within you. Let her story remind you that when we follow the call of the soul, grace meets us at every step.
Speaker: If this conversation has inspired you, please join our growing circle of by subscribing to Living in Joy either on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts.
Speaker: And we'd love it if you could share your reflections because your voice and your presence, they help us to move into the light together.
Speaker: And before I leave you, I'd just like to share some words from Yogananda He wrote in his Whispers from Eternity, i sing a hymn unuttered by any other voice.
Speaker: To thee, o Spirit, I give no intellectual, premeditated, and disciplined aria, only the untutored strains of my heart.
Speaker: For thee, no hothouse flowers watered by careful emotions, only rare wild blossoms that grow spontaneously on the highest tracks of my soul.
Speaker: With humility and joy, we close in remembrance of you, beloved Lord, masters, and to each and every one of you, may your life continue to open in joy. And we look forward to seeing you again soon.
Speaker: God bless you. ohanti Om Om Shantihi, Om Shantihi, Amen.
Speaker: This podcast is brought to you by the Women's Ministry of Kriya Yoga International. You can learn more about the ministry at our website, womensministryofkriya.org. Kriya Yoga is a powerful meditation practice that awakens constant communion with the Divine through the science of the breath.
Speaker: Handed down from teacher to student in an unbroken lineage of enlightened masters, it transforms body, mind, and heart, helping us be calmly active and actively calm. Today, this living tradition welcomes seekers everywhere through the guidance of Paramahamsa Pragyanananda, the principal disciple of the great master Paramahamsa Hariharananda. To learn more about Kriya Yoga, please visit kriya.org.
