Dear friends,
Yogananda spoke often about the true spirit of Christmas. Most tend to personalize the presence of Christ. He was born at such-and-such a time, he lived in Ancient Israel, etc. The birth we are really celebrating is the birth of what Yogananda called Christ Consciousness.
To be a liberated Master means to be entirely free from the pulls and pushes of this world. Perfectly and completely free from worry, anger, regret, and self-criticism. This is an attitude and consciousness we all desire and one that the Buddha, Moses, Krishna, and others known and unknown have attained. Absolute freedom is just that—absolute. There is no such thing as “more absolute.” Christ Consciousness is that state of total freedom.
The birth of Jesus alludes to the birth of that consciousness in our own hearts. Now that is something worth celebrating! But like everything else of value, it takes our own work to know ever more deeply that that is our birthright. Yogananda was encouraging a disciple in some way. The disciple responded, "Well, that’s easy for you. You're a Master!” Yogananda thundered his reply, “And how do you think I became a Master!”
But our inner work ought not to be all drudgery and sweat-of-the-brow effort. This Holiday Season is a time for joy and loving aspiration. The birth of Jesus reminds us that Spirit is always present and can be born in our own hearts whenever we are truly ready to let it in.
For those who like music, here is a wonderful rendition of one of my favorite Christmas Carols. May it touch your heart as it always has mine. And May the Christ Consciousness be born in your heart this Season, and remain forever.
Blessings,
David G., manager
For the Gang at East West