Saving the Planet

[Listen to Asha read this story]

Several people dedicated to ending war and banning nuclear weapons came to Ananda to try and enlist Swamiji’s support for their cause. Their presentation included a graphic description of what would happen if a nuclear bomb hit an American city. Using charts, graphs, and full-color illustrations, they explained how people would be vaporized, incinerated, burned, scorched, and, if that didn’t get them, poisoned by radiation.

Buying a Car

[Listen to Asha read this story]

The event was a “new age” ecumenical gathering called Meeting of the Ways. It was held in San Francisco and included leaders from the most prominent yoga and meditation groups in America. The day before the public program started, there was a reception for the spiritual leaders and a handful of their students so they could meet one another.

A Way of Life

[Listen to Asha read this story]

(Told by an Ananda devotee)

Swamiji was one of several guest teachers sitting on the raised dais at a large yoga center waiting his turn to speak. It was a casual event and the speakers were all in rocking chairs. 

The room was hot and stuffy and the talks were a little dull. Swamiji was gently rocking back and forth with an abstracted air. Still, watching him was more interesting to me than listening to the speakers, so I was astonished when suddenly he simply disappeared! 

I Need Time

[Listen to Asha read this story]

A man in the community was about to make a serious mistake. His judgment was clouded by desire and he could no longer tell what was spiritually right for him.

Analysis or Devotion

[Listen to Asha read this story]

“I’m not making the spiritual progress I hoped for,” an over-intellectual devotee said to Swamiji. “I think I need to improve my powers of analysis.”

Circles

[Listen to Asha read this story]

When the formal interview was done, Steven, the journalist, began to ask Swamiji some personal questions of his own. 

“I am a Gemini,” Steven said, “and am curious about everything. It’s hard for me to stick to just one spiritual path. I feel like I might be missing something, so I keep jumping from one to another.

Are You Saved?

[Listen to Asha read this story]

(Told by Gyandev)

I was one of fifty people from Ananda on a pilgrimage with Swamiji to Israel in 1985. One day we went to Nazareth and, after visiting the holy sites, we were moving through the lively street scene. Swamiji was enjoying the passing show when suddenly a young Arab man, apparently a Christian, accosted him with considerable fervor: “Do you believe Jesus Christ died for your sins?”