Dear Ones,

During this time of much upheaval in the world, I want especially to convey the love and prayers of those of us in Paramahansa Yogananda's ashrams for the welfare of God's children around the globe. We share the concerns of all of you about the onset of war in the Middle East, and we are deeply praying that God's light and compassionate wisdom lead our world family quickly through this distressing period. Our hearts go out especially to those whose lives are directly affected by the conflict. In our meditations several times each day we ask God to comfort the many innocent ones who are suffering or living in fear, and to bless and protect all who are contributing to a just return to peace.

It is not easy to comprehend the complex currents of mass karma at work in this world as humanity struggles to awaken into a higher age. At times such as this we need most of all to hold with calm faith and courage to the hand of Him who keeps the universe in balance, and who cares with infinite tenderness for the ultimate well-being of every soul. He is our shelter and our refuge from the uncertainties of maya — the One in whom we can find the strength, understanding, and inner peace we need in order to build a better, more compassionate world.

Many years ago during one of my visits to India, I had a superconscious experience in which I saw a dark cloud that was trying to engulf this earth, but was repulsed by the brilliant light of God. I understood then that, as Gurudeva Paramahansa Yogananda had foreseen, the world would pass through great unrest and foreboding evils in its progress toward a more enlightened era; but that good would prevail. We are ultimately meant to realize that we have but one common enemy — ignorance of the Divine — and that His universal laws of love and truth, expressed in every religion, must be embraced by His children in all countries. God has not promised us that this awakening will come without struggle, for the self-created inharmonies that exist in individuals and nations everywhere must be overcome. But He has promised us His eternal love and guidance if we will but turn toward His light.

Each day you can choose your thoughts and actions, and where you put your attention. Try not to dwell upon fears that limit your consciousness and tie your well-being to the constant fluctuations of circumstances. Cultivate a temple of peace within yourself where you can go to be alone with the Divine, and join other God-seeking souls in prayer, that you may attune your life more deeply with Him. I urge each of you, our members and friends, to participate daily in our Worldwide Prayer Circle, for such united efforts to send thoughts of love and goodwill to all have far-reaching power to heal the ignorance and hurts of this world. Paramahansaji said: "Though we may seem divided by race, creed, color, class, and political prejudices, still, as children of the one God we are able in our souls to feel brotherhood and world unity….In our hearts we can all learn to be free from hate and selfishness. Let us pray for harmony among the nations, that they march hand in hand through the gate of a fair new civilization." We each have a role in creating that harmony, and we are meant to play it with courage and faith in Him whose love shelters us all.

My prayers and blessings ever reach out to you,

President and Sanghamata,
Self-Realization Fellowship/Yogoda Satsanga Society