Welcome to our Question and Answer or (Q & A) page. This page is the very latest addition to our web site. Due to overwhelming and varied keyword phrases on meditation, spirituality, affirmations and a host of other related topics that people are typing into search engines to find us. It is evident that people have more questions than we have published pages to answer them. So we have created this page, to publish your questions and our answers to them. All answers to questions published here are based on the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda one of the worlds great Meditation Masters and Self Realised souls. As well as other Realised Masters past and present. To submit your question simply click the following link Submit Your Question Now! and type your question. Whilst this is not a live service we of course will attempt to answer and publish all questions as quickly as possible. Usally with 48 hrs. Submit Your Question Now! -------------------------------------------------------------- Q: From Madrid in Spain: Has meditation been taught initially as a way for humankind to escape daily problems of life?
Is yoga considered a form of meditation? if it is, in which century has it been introduced?
Thank you!?
A1: In which century has it been introduced? Although it is difficult to put an exact date as to when meditation was first taught or used. Archaeological sites in the Indus Valley in India, and datable to 3000 BC, reveal figures in a meditation posture used in the system of Yoga. So it seems evident that Yogic knowledge and meditation have been used for at least 5000 years. (Source: Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda) A2: Is yoga considered a form of meditation? In the west Yoga has mainly been thought of as a physical exercise. However Yoga itself is a school of thought/philosophy/religion which includes "Hatha Yoga" the physical exercises that have become so popular in the west, whose primary purpose is to prepare the mind and body for meditation. A3: Has meditation been taught initially as a way for humankind to escape daily problems of life? In part Yes, this is correct. However meditation was originally taught by the ancient Rishis, (illumined sages of India) whom divinely received the teachings that make up the school of Yoga. Applied correctly it is a means of self salvation, allowing man a path back to union again with his divine creator, God. The school of Yoga asks for no-one to just believe in anything including a "God" but to test and see for one-self. After direct personnel contact with the divine, one is is by degrees freed from delusion that co-exists within this world gradually freeing one from the effects of the daily problems of life. However that does not mean problems cease to exist, as long as are alive on this earth problems will always exist. However the truest freedom from the problems of life comes from with in. This Freedom has been witnessed in the lives of such Saviours as Jesus by such freedom he was able to say whilst hanging on the cross "Father forgive them for they no not what they do". Also in the lives of such saints Teresa of Avila whom prayed "Please never take these trials away from me". Hope this helps you! For more detailed help on meditation click following link http://www.yogananda-srf.org/ -------- Q: Can you please tell me if there is a Best time to practice Affirmations?
A: Great Question, Whilst it is true that we are affirming all the time, both in thought and speech. It is true that there is a best time and place to make the best of Affirmations; That is during meditation. Why? Because affirmations work best when they can penetrate into the subconscious mind when there is the least amount of mental noise or negativity counteracting the positive suggestion. In meditation your mind is more quite than it is normally and thus when an affirmation is made during this time especially when made with super concentration it is more readily accepted as true. -------- Q: Why is it important to be a vegetarian to meditate effectively? Can I eat meat and still be enlightened?
A: Good question! Let me start by answering the last question first by using Jesus words from the Bible "not what goes into the mouth defiles a man, but what comes out..." (Matthew 15:11) There are some meat eaters that live a more holier life than some vegetarians. For those on the spiritual path, the key thing is to watch the heart (mind, thoughts, feelings) because it is these things that God watches. However, for those who are serious in making progress on the spiritual path, enlightened souls down the ages have spoken of the importance of a vegetarian diet. Paramahansa Yogananda writes "All...who are serious about improving health and advancing on the spiritual path are urged to stop eating beef and pork products in any form. Do not make a habit of eating any kind of meat...". (Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons) The ancient Rishi (illumined sage) Patanjali make reference to vegetarianism in his first rule of the Yoga Sutras (please see my web page stages of meditation for more information) 1) Yama – Called the Don’ts, they include avoidance of injury to others (including animals) for the same reasons that Yogananda does. 1) To stop the accumulation of bad Karma - the road to enlightenment or self realization eventually leads one to the understanding that we are connected to all life, anywhere it may be. So you cannot injure in thought, speech or action anybody or anything without injuring yourself also 2) In Hindu philosophy there are three qualities of life called "The Three Gunas" they are Sattvic or spiritual quality, Rajasic or active quality and Tamasic or material quality. These qualites can be applied to mans mental and spiritual state and even to the foods he eats and has a definite influence upon the mind. Meat eating for example, hampers concentration and so is best avoided by the meditating yogi. Therefore to be able to meditate effectively it is advisable to follow a Healthy Sattvic Vegetarian Diet. Note: A Vegetarian Diet is also the most eco friendly. I hope this helps you! | 
