First, there must be a deep, lifelong yearning for union with God. Even as a young boy, Yogananda sought out saints and spiritual experiences.

Next, there must be the intense practice of meditation and other spiritual techniques. As Yogananda has explained, this prepares our nervous system for the tremendous flow of energy that comes with Self-realization. If we aren’t prepared, that power would burn our nerves and brain.

Then, most importantly, our hearts need to expand to hold at least a tiny cup of the infinite vastness of Divine Love.

It is amusing and confusing to see how the actual experience came to Mukunda (Yogananda’s boyhood name). One assumes that such a state comes as the culmination of a long, ever-deepening meditation, as it did for the Buddha. But not for Yogananda:

“A few mornings later I made my way to Master’s empty sitting room. I planned to meditate, but my laudable purpose was unshared by disobedient thoughts. They scattered like birds before the hunter.

“‘Mukunda!’ Sri Yukteswar’s voice sounded from a distant inner balcony.

“I felt as rebellious as my thoughts. ‘Master always urges me to meditate,’ I muttered to myself. ‘He should not disturb me when he knows why I came to his room.’ He summoned me again; I remained obstinately silent. The third time his tone held rebuke.

“‘I know how you are meditating,’ my guru called out, ‘with your mind distributed like leaves in a storm! Come here to me.’

“[Yogananda made his way, again shamefacedly, to his guru.] ‘Poor boy, the mountains couldn’t give what you wanted. . . . Your heart’s desire shall be fulfilled.’ . . .

“He struck gently on my chest above the heart.”

And then there followed the experience in cosmic consciousness that fulfilled his life’s longing, changed mine, and started a worldwide spiritual revolution.

This chapter is very comforting. Like Yogananda returning shamefacedly to his guru, many struggle with the feeling that they have disappointed God—that our meditations are not deep enough, or that we have not done adequate service. But the Lord, as Sri Yukteswar demonstrated, has nothing but unconditional love for us. When we can accept that, the small ardors of our heart will begin to expand into the incompressible reaches of cosmic love.

With love and joy,

Nayaswami Jyotish

P.S. You can watch my longer talk on this chapter here.

You might also enjoy this PDF printout of the Steps Needed to Experience Samadhi.