“Thou Art With Me”

By Mary Kretzmann

Ananda Healing Prayer Ministry

The Jesus Prayer Meditation, Psalm 23 in the Chakras; Psalm 91 (Soldier’s Psalm)
Spiritual Interpretation of the Lord’s Prayer, by Paramhansa Yogananda;
The Beatitudes” by Swami Kriyananda
 Ananda Healing Prayer Ministry
Applying the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda for healing of Body, Mind and Soul

“Lord, Give us Thyself, that we may give Thee to all.”

Paramhansa Yogananda

This book is dedicated to Swami Kriyananda, who has blessed us with the
priceless treasure of living in spiritual community at Ananda Village in
California.

Dear Reader:

These offerings have been of help and comfort to many people over the years. I offer them
now to you. Read it through, and later go through and click through on the links. It contains a
wealth of spiritual resources.

May you be blessed, and may you feel the Divine Presence in body, mind and soul.

Mary Kretzmann

CONTENTS:

1. I was Made for Thee

2. Psalm 91 (Soldier’s Psalm)
3. Psalm 23 in the Chakras
4. The Jesus Prayer Meditation
5. Spiritual Interpretation of the Lord's Prayer, by Paramhansa Yogananda
6. The Beatitudes, by Swami Kriyananda
7. The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas à Kempis
I was Made for Thee
I was made for Thee alone. I was made for dropping flowers of devotion gently at Thy feet on
the altar of the morning.

My hands were made to serve Thee willingly, to remain folded in adoration, waiting for Thy
coming; and, when Thou comest, to bathe Thy feet with my tears.

My voice was made to sing Thy glory.

My feet were made to seek Thy temples everywhere.

My eyes were made a chalice to hold Thy burning love and the wisdom falling from Thy
nature’s hands.

My ears were made to catch the music of Thy footsteps echoing through the halls of space,
and to hear Thy divine melodies flowing through all heart-tracts of devotion.

My lips were made to breathe forth Thy praises and Thine intoxicating inspirations.

My love was made to throw incandescent search-light flames to find Thee hidden in the forest
of my desires.

My heart was made to respond to Thy call alone.

My soul was made to be the channel through which Thy love might flow uninterruptedly into
all thirsty souls.

By Paramhansa Yogananda

From: Whispers From Eternity, By Paramhansa Yogananda

• Devotion, Illumination and Bliss

• Wisdom, Prosperity and Health
• Calmness and Overcoming Fears
• Divine Love ...and much more.
Divine Protection: Psalm 91
“Soldier’s Psalm”

By Mary Kretzmann

Ananda Healing Prayer Ministry

Divine Protection: Psalm 91
Over the years, in the Ananda Healing Prayer Ministry, I have recommended Psalm 91 for
people who needed protection. One time it was a for a couple facing a very unfair lawsuit, in
which they stood to lose everything. Psalm 91, recited daily, was a source of strength and
comfort. (In the end the case was settled peacefully.)

I have wanted to write about it for some time, and make available a free recording of Psalm
91 (see below). I got the nudge I needed one morning when, after meditation, I opened the
Second Coming of Christ, by Paramhansa Yogananda, and found this brief reference to Psalm
91:

"One who finds within himself that "secret place of the most high" becomes suffused with
supreme happiness and divine security...God's Kingdom is within you..." (The Second Coming of Christ,
The Resurrection of the Christ Within You, p. 1187)

These words reminded me, once again, that the highest realm of divine protection is in God
union. “For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.”

When we use the psalms, and other spiritually charged prayers, we invoke the power and
understanding of those holy ones who have gone before us, and are already united with God's
Presence. This psalm, and all the psalms, are best understood from this perspective.

"Soldier's Psalm"
There are numerous miraculous stories attributed to Psalm 91, many of them from soldiers.
Where does this protective power come from? The highest level comes from God union,
Paramhansa Yogananda states above. In addition, Edgar Cayce, the renowned psychic, said
that Jesus Christ led his apostles through Psalm 91 at the end of the Last Supper, to protect his
apostles from harm on Good Friday. It was his time to go - but not yet their time. Christ's
blessing further imbued the psalm with divine power. You can call on His divine protection as
you recite Psalm 91, for you are His child.

A few years ago, Jeff B., from Wyoming, was due to return to Iraq for his 3rd tour of duty. He
was a big, strong, brave and capable young man, and the commander of a large group of
Special Forces. And he was the son of Jack B., a long-term member on the Ananda Healing
Prayer Council.

Jeff felt strangely vulnerable this time at the thought of returning to Iraq. His father, a deeply
intuitive and prayerful man, hadn't worried about him on his first two tours of duty. But when
he called me, I realized, even after he spoke only a few words, that he wasn't sure if he would
see his son alive again.
Sometimes we go through times of karmic vulnerability. It doesn't mean we must meet our
doom at that time, but it may mean we are much less likely to avoid catastrophe. Since Jeff
could not avoid going back to Iraq, we needed to strengthen his aura and faith with any tools
he would accept. His father was a devotee of Paramhansa Yogananda, but Jeff was a regular
Wyoming guy. He believed in Jesus, deep down, but nothing too fancy or metaphysical.

I put Jeff on the healing prayer list to the whole group - about 600 people. I also told his Dad
about Soldier's Psalm, and it's reputed protection. He gave it to Jeff, who was ready to leave
for Iraq. He received it gratefully. The biggest miracle may be that Jeff got most of his men to
recite it daily. (A few blew him off; remember - these are the tough guys: Special Forces.)

Several seeks later, Jeff called his Dad from Iraq, and said, "Dad, I need a new watch."

His Dad replied, "What? I just got you that watch! What happened?"

Jeff: "I can't tell you on the phone, but I'll explain later."

It turns out that Jeff led his group on a very dangerous mission that day, going door to door in
a dense, dangerous area, looking for terrorists. Suddenly there was an intense fire fight in a
tight alley, and from shooters above them. Such conditions normally create many fatalities.
Miraculously, only one soldier from the group was killed. It is always a deep tragedy, but it
was a battle, after all.

Jeff, as commander, was normally the one to be right out in front, leading his men. He's just
that kind of guy. They were taking cover behind one of their trucks, and in the excitement, the
driver reversed the truck - right on to Jeff's wrist! He was pinned there! So, in a moment when
Jeff would have normally thrown himself into intense battle, he simply had to lie there!

That was the karmic moment, I believe. It appears that much was mitigated through the
psalm, healing prayers, and his father's love and prayers. He lost the watch, but not the arm
(and not his life) - by God's grace. He was kept from harm.

Jeff showed great faith in God by doing the psalm, and also by getting his men to do it, too.
Life is a school, and sometimes we barely know which lessons we are being tested on. God
knows the full score, but I am guessing Jeff did very well.

Listen to Psalm 91: Click Here to listen to Psalm 91

Thou Art With Me CD; Voice: Tim Kretzmann; Music: "Brave Were The People" by Swami Kriyananda

“Thou Art With Me”

 Psalm 91 The Holy Bible: King James Version
1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High
shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the LORD,

He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

3 Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler,

and from the noisome pestilence.

4 He shall cover thee with his feathers,

and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

5 Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night;

nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

6 nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness;

nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

7 A thousand shall fall at thy side,

and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

8 Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold

and see the reward of the wicked.

9 Because thou hast made the LORD, which is my refuge,

even the Most High, thy habitation;

10 there shall no evil befall thee,

neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

11 For he shall give his angels charge over thee,

to keep thee in all thy ways.

12 They shall bear thee up in their hands,

lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

13 Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder:

the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

14 Because he hath set his love upon me,

therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

15 He shall call upon me, and I will answer him:

I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him,

and show him my salvation.
Psalm 23 in the Chakras

By Mary Kretzmann

Devotee of Paramhansa Yogananda

Excerpted from Divine Will Healing

Psalm 23 in the Chakras
by Mary Kretzmann, Ananda Healing Prayer Ministry

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art
with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head
with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the
house of the LORD forever.

Memorizing the 23rd Psalm and using it as both an affirmation and visualization offers great
inspiration. Years ago, I recall Swami Kriyananda explaining that this psalm is about the
astral spine, and the process of the divine energy awakening within us. He mentioned that the
"rod and staff" symbolize the spine itself, and the "cup runneth over" is about the kundalini,
once re-united with the crown chakra, spilling abundantly over one's whole being. When that
union is permanently established, we are liberated and "dwell in the house of the Lord
forever."

I have always found this psalm to be beautiful, and I sensed it held some hidden power.
Indeed, I have heard intriguing stories of divine protection it has given to people in times of
intense danger. I had a desire to understand it more deeply, for I sensed I would then be able
to draw from its well of strength, and this would help me in my service through the Healing
Prayer Ministry.

In March of 2000, Swami Kriyananda came back to Ananda Village for a visit, after having
lived at Ananda Europa in Assisi, Italy for the two previous years. He has a very expansive
aura and many of us felt immediate silent spiritual benefit upon his return. I wanted to ask
Swamiji to explain the psalm more deeply, but I felt that I must first try to understand it as
deeply as possible through meditation and intuition. The first night that he was back at
Ananda Village, I awoke in the middle of the night thinking of this psalm, and it struck me
that the psalmist starts off by addressing the Shepherd as "he" and then, midway through the
psalm, switches to the much more personal "thou". I knew I had stumbled upon a major clue,
yet I didn't know what to make of it.
I went to my altar and repeated the psalm with deep concentration for about 15 – 20 minutes.
Suddenly the veil lifted and I understood the psalm clearly. I realized that it addresses each of
the chakras. I found great inspiration silently repeating the psalm while thinking of each
energy center in the spine.

Previously, I had to concentrate fully to remember the correct sequence when saying this
psalm, because the pieces didn't seem to flow together in a sensible way. However, once I had
this insight into the inner meaning of the psalm, I found that suddenly it made perfect sense,
and one line flowed into the next in a natural way.

I believe the 23rd Psalm has served as a source of strength for many people for thousands of
years because it addresses the inner process of Self-realization. Below is a visualization
exercise using the psalm in a deep way, moving up the spine chakra by chakra. This 23rd
Psalm visualization has been immensely powerful in some private healing sessions. It helps
the "patient" to sense the astral spine as a tangible aspect of his or her personal soul journey.
Some may then choose to continue with this visualization at home.

The Lord is my shepherd.

See Him standing before you. Place your trust in Him. Feel His presence within you and
around you.

This first line opens us to the foundation of devotion in this psalm. The operative word here is
"Lord". This line becomes more deeply clarified when we consider that there are other
"shepherds" one might be tempted to stray toward in moments of confusion. This line is about
choosing God: to follow Him, and to unite with Him in your Soul.

I shall not want.

Feel Him in your spine. Realize that you want nothing that is outside of His will for you.

The aspiring saint casts aside all lesser desires to focus full attention and willingness on
finding God alone. We find this level of commitment expressed throughout this psalm.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures.

Feel Him keeping watch over you as you rest on the green, abundant earth. Absorb the
radiant life force. Feel the support of the solid earth. All is well.

• First chakra - at the tailbone; the earth element, and issues of survival; supplies energy
to the legs and eliminative organs.

This passage creates such a wonderful image of being cared for and sustained by the Lord.
The sheep is secure as the shepherd keeps watch over his needs, keeping him safe. "Except
that ye become as little children, ye cannot enter the kingdom of heaven."
He leadeth me beside the still waters.

See the clear water of a beautiful mountain lake, reflective, cool and still. Rest. Reflect.

• Second chakra; at the sacrum; the water element; creative impulse, sexual energy;
sexual organs.

This "still water" is fresh, clear water--not lifeless stagnation. This image is about transmuting
the sexual energy into something exalted, rare and beautiful.

Remembering that this psalm is about the inner spine, it is helpful to ask, "How can I keep
myself sensitively aware of this divine energy flowing in the center of my being?" and, "What
would give beautiful, refreshing beauty to the sexual and creative impulse?"

Everything is relative. Varying degrees of stillness can be experienced in how one handles the
sex force. When an individual becomes fixated on sensual desire there enters a great
restlessness and loss of soul quality. For the person who has tended toward shallow and
fleeting love affairs, it would be a huge step toward inner stillness to simply make a deep
commitment to "love, honor and cherish" one beloved in the name of God.

The physical expression of love is an important, tender connection for many couples. It is
often best, then, to focus on bringing in greater love, and lessening any sense of lust in the act,
rather than to become radical and "renounce" it all prematurely, in the name of spiritual zeal.
As a married couple learn the balance between sexual expression and inner stillness, great
love can deepen between them, if they are mindful also to find other ways to express their
purified love for each other, lest they become too austere. Be deeply kind to one another,
always. Seeing the Divine Beloved enshrined in one another's forms, the couple can both give
and receive deeper love. In this way, love can, over time, be transmuted from the second
chakra up to the heart center. This process must proceed with self-honesty and compassionate
consideration toward the need of the beloved and of oneself.

The soul is felt in deep inner quiet. "Be still and know that I am God." The most profound
example of this "still water" is seen in the saint who has transmuted the physical longing
altogether, inwardly merging his or her heart's love with the Divine.

At whatever point a person finds himself on this continuum, he can move toward that center
of stillness and divinity within, thus allowing the energy to rise to the higher centers and
restoring the soul nature.

He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Feel divine strength at the navel area, radiating all through the abdomen. Feel that as you use
your determination to follow divine will, it creates a pathway within you to reach the higher
realities.
 • Third chakra; at the navel; fire element; "fiery self control" giving the ability to follow
rules for spiritual living; self-discipline; feeds abdominal organs

The soul is "restored" as we live in alignment with spiritual truth. Spiritual guidelines help us
to avoid major pitfalls that might take us away from our soul nature.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:
for thou art with me.

Visualize a glowing ball of Light in your heart; with each breath increase its radiance, and try
to feel the warmth emanating from it. Invite the Divine Presence to dwell in your heart,
always. Visualize Divine Mother, or one of the Masters living in your heart, radiating divine
love, guidance and protection.

• Fourth chakra; at the heart; Air element; Human and Divine love; feeds the heart,
lungs, arms and hands

The psalmist has moved from addressing God in the third person to the more endearing,
personal relationship of "I and Thou." It is a crucial part of spiritual evolution to move beyond
merely following God's laws, to loving Him purely within one's heart. ("Thou shalt love the
Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy mind, with all thy soul, and with all thy strength
and thy neighbor as thyself.”) When we feel the indwelling Lord in our hearts, it gives us
true courage and we can face great difficulties with calmness. Indeed, there is nothing to fear,
for even if death comes, the devotee knows that nothing is lost, for the soul is united with God
through the heart's love. "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God."

One of the most important elements in spiritual healing is opening the heart to God. First a
person needs to feel he is a child of God and can receive His love, casting aside any issues of
unworthiness or fear. ("Perfect love casteth out all fear".) From there he or she can begin to
express gratitude to God for life's myriad blessings, and most profoundly, for the love of God
felt in the heart.

Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Feel the breath moving in the throat; begin to feel that this current of breath is related to the
current in the astral spine.

• Fifth chakra; at the throat, ether element: Calmness; feeds the throat and voice

The neck is the narrowest part of the body, consisting only of the spine and the throat, making
it is easier to tune into the spinal currents there. The breath and spine are pathways to feel
God's presence and calmness.

When we are living in alignment with higher truth, the flow of energy in the spine reminds us
of our divine nature and is a comfort to us, no matter if the outward drama is disturbing.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.

Focus deeply at the point between the eyebrows (even knit the eyebrows together if that helps
you). Feel your devotion rise to that point.

• Sixth chakra, at the spiritual eye (the point between the eyebrows); divine will and
intuition; pathway to enlightenment

In all of life, there exists a bountiful table set before us, the spiritual eye. If we focus there
deeply, we are invited to dine with the Lord, in his Light. "If thine eye be single, thy whole
body shall be full of Light." This light feeds the whole body, and it is there for us no matter if
the "enemies" we face are our own lower tendencies, or outer difficulties.

This line can be paraphrased, "Though my enemies of doubt and desire and delusion still
surround me, the light of the third eye instantly recharges my body when I offer myself there."

Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Visualize the Divine pouring grace upon you, and your being fills with light, spilling out over
the crown chakra.

• Seventh chakra; at the top of the head; the crown chakra; thousand petaled lotus; union
with the Divine.

The Lord touches us with His grace ("Thou anointest my head with oil") bringing the state of
samadhi ("my cup runneth over"). As the energy passes through the spiritual eye and unites
with the crown chakra, the energy spills out over one's head and being. It may stop at this
point (samadhi of the body) or it may expand into the full samadhi of cosmic consciousness.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the
house of the Lord forever.

Feel the grace of divine protection and goodness, and the willingness to live in that grace.

On the deepest level this stanza represents the ultimate goal of the spiritual path. If this union
is permanent, we are fully reunited with God and need "go no more out." We dwell in the
house of the Lord forever, never leaving His presence again. (This is Nirbikalpa samadhi.) It
is helpful to affirm and aspire toward this highest state, reminding us of our divine birthright;
for as we think, so we become. Excerpted from Divine Will Healing By Mary Kretzmann
 “Thou Art With Me”
CD – Guided Visualization: bring the inspiration into your own home

Regular Price $9.95; Member Price: $7.96

Psalm 23 is one of the most mystical passages in the bible, and it holds great power to help us
feel God's presence in all areas of our lives. This CD contains a 20 minute guided
visualization of Psalm 23 in the Chakras. Many people have reported feeling deep
inspiration and healing using this CD. Also included is the beautiful Song of David, sung
by Mary Kretzmann. Her husband, Tim, does a moving recitation of Psalm 91, the
Soldier's Psalm. This Psalm has been used for divine protection in battle and in any other
circumstances in which a person feels severely threatened.

Divine Will Healing By Mary Kretzmann

Psalm 23 excerpted from Divine Will Healing
Regular Price $14.95; Member Price: $11.96

“A treasure trove of the Divine Will Healing techniques of

Paramhansa Yogananda: the Yogic System For Supreme
Health of Body, Mind and Spirit from his original
teachings.”

This book was created as a resource to accompany my 5-day seminar Yogananda's

healing techniques and is now a useful resource for anyone who would apply these
teachings with sincerity and devotion both for their own healing, and for the healing
benefit of others.

“Healing With Divine Energy” Seminars, with Mary Kretzmann

The Jesus Prayer
Meditation

By Mary Kretzmann

Ananda Healing Prayer Ministry

 The “Jesus Prayer” Meditation
by Mary Kretzmann, Ananda Healing Prayer Ministry

Years ago, I was reading a small and humble magazine dedicated to

Therese of Liseux, “the Little Flower.” It recorded experiences of
answered prayers, especially after people had prayed a novena in her
name. Therese had promised to send “Roses from Heaven” to signify when
prayers had been heard. Some of the stories were remarkable. All were
touching.

One story, however, made an impression, and it was different from all of
the others. It was written by a widow who had been very lonely, until her priest taught her the
Jesus Prayer Meditation. After making this a part of her daily life, she said that while she was
still alone; she was no longer lonely, for she inwardly felt His presence with her always.

When I turned the page to read about the techniques, I expected to see something akin to what
I had learned from the book, “The Way of a Pilgrim,” the 19th century Russian spiritual
classic, which describes the author’s inner transformational journey using this Jesus Prayer:
“Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, the poor sinner.”

But to my surprise, what I found was a meditation technique that I knew from the tradition of
Paramhansa Yogananda, called Hong Sau. Everything was the same, such as sitting still, and
watching the breath, except instead of “hong sau,” one said the Jesus Prayer. I was thrilled,
thinking, “Oh my goodness! This must have been passed down intact from the time of Jesus,
and then through the Desert Fathers, then up to this time!”

I was young and very enthusiastic. I happened to see Swami Kriyananda a short time later and
told him about my discovery. He was just as thrilled, but in a different way. He exclaimed, “I
taught that to a Catholic priest years ago! He must be out there teaching it.”

“The kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:20-21)

The Jesus Prayer as written in her article was, “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.”

Please note that it does not include the traditional ending, “the poor sinner.” Paramhansa
Yogananda taught that, “It is a sin to all yourself ‘a sinner.’”

Our God nature is our true state; our errors and ignorance along the way are temporary. Our
past errors do not define who we truly are, for as Jesus said, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I
said, Ye are gods?’”

“…And Christians who imagine themselves inherently sinful, rather than sinning
under the influence of delusion, would do well to meditate on the parable of the
prodigal son, whose true home was in God. And, if those Christians aspire to heaven,
 they might ponder these words of Jesus, 'No man hath ascended up to heaven, but he
that came down from heaven.' (John 3:13)” The New Path, by Swami Kriyananda

It is also good to clarify the word, “mercy.” Think of it as asking for the loving mitigation of
our karma, or spiritual debts; some created long ago, but still getting in the way of our
spiritual understanding, and unfolding. So even though we are not to define ourselves as
“sinners,” we have indeed created errors over the course of this lifetime, and many lifetimes.
So, we are asking for help in dissolving our old karma, much in the same spirit as in the
Lord’s Prayer, “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” Matthew 6:12

Practicing the Presence

A beautiful benefit about doing the Jesus Prayer Meditation is that once you complete your
formal practice of the technique (instructions are at the end of this article) you will find that it
is now much easier to “practice the presence of God” using this prayer throughout the day.
The phrase, Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me, is now in your thoughts, and you can
encourage it along, like the turning of a prayer wheel. In your normal day, while “practicing
the presence,” you need not link the prayer to the breath; that is better for your meditation
time. But do try to let each prayer be sincere; you don’t want merely to “parrot” the prayer as
that serves little purpose. Feel that your spiritual heart is talking to Jesus as you say the prayer.
Try to feel His Light, or a warm Presence in your heart center. This sense of His Presence will
grow over time, with practice.

It is also very powerful to feel that you are sending this prayerful attention to Him from the
point between the eyebrows, which is called the Christ center, or spiritual eye. As a little girl,
I would see the spiritual eye every night after my Dad said bedtime prayers with me. I would
quietly lay in bed, feeling my love for Jesus, and Mary, his Mother, and
see a “donut” of blue light - surrounded by a ring of golden light. I did
not know what it was, but I saw it every night of my childhood, after
saying prayers, until finally drifting off to sleep.

This point of energy is in you, even if you do not yet see that light. It is a
point of inspiration in your body. Lift you prayers to that point. You can
also pray: “Reveal Thyself, Reveal Thyself, Reveal Thyself…” from that
point, and after a little while, relax to feel His answer in your heart.

Reverence for the Holy Name

There is a timeless and powerful principle in the reverence for the holy name. This is
referenced, of course, in The Third Commandment: Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord
thy God in vain. When we use the power of the Holy Name trivially, or “in vain,” and for no
purpose, we cheapen that potential spiritual power within us.

The Desert Fathers in the 4th century used segments of the psalms repetitively in order to
focus the mind spiritually. The first written record of the Jesus Prayer is in the 5th century in
Greece. In the western tradition, there is a practice of repeating the name of Jesus, in order to
practice the presence of God. A quick Internet search brought up this devotional gem from the
Catholic Catechism on praying unceasingly:

THE TRADITION OF PRAYER

“The invocation of the holy name of Jesus is the simplest way of praying always.
When the holy name is repeated often by a humbly attentive heart, the prayer is not
lost by heaping up empty phrases, but holds fast to the word and "brings forth fruit
with patience." This prayer is possible "at all times" because it is not one occupation
among others but the only occupation: that of loving God, which animates and
transfigures every action in Christ Jesus.”

Love is the source of prayer; whoever draws from it reaches the summit of prayer. In
the words of the Cure D’Ars: l love you, O my God, and my only desire is to love you
until the last breath of my life. I love you, O my infinitely lovable God, and I would
rather die loving you, than live without loving you. I love you, Lord, and the only
grace I ask is to love you eternally.... My God, if my tongue cannot say in every
moment that I love you, I want my heart to repeat it to you as often as I draw breath.

Paramhansa Yogananda used to like to remind people that the Cure D’Ars
also said, “If you only knew how much God loved you, you would die for
joy!”

Paramhansa Yogananda saw Jesus Christ in vision many times, and he said
this painting (left) by Heinrich Hoffman looked the most like the real life
Jesus.

Spiritual Power of Man’s Word

“…Man’s word is Spirit in man. Words are sounds occasioned by the vibrations of thoughts.
Thoughts are vibrations sent forth by the Ego or Soul. Every word that leaves your mouth
ought to be potent with your genuine soul vibration. Words in most people are lifeless because
they are automatically put forth into the ether, without being impregnated with soul force. Too
much talking, exaggeration or falsehood used in connection with words is just like shooting
bullets out of a toy gun, without the gun-powder. That is why the prayers or words of such
people do not produce any desired definite change in the order of things. Every word you utter
you must mean it, i.e., every word you put forth must represent not only Truth, but some of
your realized soul force. Words without soul force are husks without the corn…” (From
Scientific Healing Affirmations, 1924 Edition: By Paramhansa Yogananda)
 This tradition of reverential, devotional use of “the Holy Name” also exists
for the name of the great Indian Master, Babaji: "Whenever anyone utters
with reverence the name of Babaji," Lahiri Mahasaya said, "that devotee
attracts an instant spiritual blessing.” Autobiography of Yogi, by
Paramhansa Yogananda.

A little more history on The Jesus Prayer

St. Diadochos, lived in 5th century Greece, and is the first one known to write about repeating
the Jesus Prayer continually. He taught that it helped to purify the soul, and bring inner
peace. But the roots of this prayer can be traced back at least to the 4th century to the Desert
Fathers in Egypt, who were known to do the psalms repetitively for devotional purposes. The
Jesus Prayer in the Eastern Churches was sometimes simply the repetition of the name of
Jesus, or the longer prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, the sinner.”

The Jesus Prayer Meditation and Kriya Yoga

Kriya Yoga has been a central part of religious traditions throughout history. Christ
taught Kriya Yoga to his disciples, according to Yogananda. Mystical references to the inner
spine are also noted in the psalms, especially Psalm 23. When Swami Kriyananda was in
India in 1961, an Indian scholar named Dinanath Pundit told him of some interesting research
he had done into ancient Christian traditions.

Hesychast Christian tradition may involve specific body postures and be accompanied
by very deliberate breathing patterns. It involves acquiring an inner stillness, ignoring the
physical senses. The hesychasts interpreted Christ's injunction in the Gospel of Matthew to
"go into your closet to pray" to mean that they should ignore sensory input and withdraw
inwards to pray. One technique often taught in the Hesychast Christian tradition involves
many repetitions of the Jesus Prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me." Dinanath Pundit
discovered that it was sometimes taught in conjunction with the breath, and with watching the
energy in the inner spine, in exactly the same method as is taught in Kriya Yoga.

Swami Kriyananda also describes a long-held tradition in Spain regarding Christ's last
moments on the cross. It says that Christ's last breath included a specific motion of the head
that is exactly the same as one of the higher Kriya techniques taught by Paramhansa
Yogananda. The advanced Kriya Yogi uses the technique to leave the body consciously at
death.
Danny Kretzmann

This special movement of the head has also been observed in some very devout souls in their
last breath, even if they have not been taught this special technique. One such soul was my
brother-in-law, Danny Kretzmann, who died a fully conscious death many years ago, in our
home, of cancer. I describe the story in full detail in my book, Divine Will Healing. Suffice it
to say, the energy in the room was very energized and holy. A friend visited us moments after
Danny’s death, meditated in the room and said, “I will be forever changed for having spent
these moments meditating and praying here in this energy.”

I believe it to be a natural movement of the head for a fully conscious, saintly soul at death.
Danny, though young, put all of his effort into his spiritual life once he knew he had cancer.
He was blessed with a beautiful vision of Jesus three weeks before he died. This is also
described in the book, Divine Will Healing.

Paramhansa Yogananda and Jesus Christ

Swami Kriyananda, in chapter 19 of The Path, wrote of the special link

between Jesus and Yogananda:

Paramhansa Yogananda taught that “it was Jesus himself who appeared to
Babaji, and asked him to send this teaching to the West. ‘My followers,’ Jesus
asserted at that meeting, ‘have forgotten the art of divine, inner communion.
Outwardly they do good works, but they have lost sight of the most important
of my teachings, to “seek the kingdom of God first.”‘

“The work Jesus sent through Yogananda to the West is helping people to commune
inwardly…Jesus, through people’s practice of meditation, is becoming a living reality for
them–a being with whom they can commune, instead of one whom they merely read about in
the Bible. This was what Jesus meant when he said that he would come again. Paramhansa
Yogananda often spoke of this work as the Second Coming of Christ, for it taught people how
to fulfill the true promise of Jesus–not to return again outwardly, but in the souls of those who
loved him and communed with him….”

“The Kingdom of Heaven is within you.”

Jesus Prayer Meditation: Preparation
Adaptations by Mary Kretzmann: from “Watching the Breath Meditation” from the book,
How to Meditate, by John Novak

One of the best ways to relax the body is to tense it first. Then, with relaxation, you will find
tensions being released that you didn't even know existed. Begin your meditation experience
by practicing the following two relaxation techniques. The first exercise relaxes your body,
and the second calms your mind.

1. Inhale, tense the whole body, then throw the breath out and relax. Do this exercise
three times to help rid your body of unconscious tensions.

The breath reflects one's mental state. As the breath becomes calmer, so does the mind,
and vice versa. Relax your mind before meditation, by doing this simple breathing
exercise:

2. Inhale slowly counting one to eight, hold your breath for the same number of counts,
then exhale for the same count. This is one round of "even count breathing."

You may either lengthen or shorten the number of counts according to what is
comfortable, but keep the inhalation, retention, and exhalation equal. Practice the
"even count breathing" six times (six rotations).

For the Jesus Prayer Meditation, you can do the “even count breathing” with the
numbers above, or using the Jesus Prayer:

Inhale: “Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me.” (9 syllables= 9 counts)

Hold: “Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me.”
Exhale: “Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me.”

For longer counts, try this:

Inhale: “Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me, Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me.” (18
syllables= 18 counts)
Hold: “Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me, Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me.”
Exhale: “Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me, Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on me.”

Meditation: As the breath becomes calmer and more refined during meditation, there is a
joyous feeling of peace and exaltation. Practice the following meditation technique to help
calm your breath, your mind, and your whole being.
 Complete Instructions for Jesus Prayer Meditation
Adapted, by Mary Kretzmann, from the book, How to Meditate, by John Novak

Although simple to practice, this is one of the central and most important techniques of
meditation. Watching the breath is extremely powerful because it works scientifically to calm
our breath, mind, and life force. By concentrating intently on the breath and becoming a
simple observer of the breathing process, you quickly calm the breath, redirect the flow of
energy to the spiritual eye (or Christ center), and concentrate the mind.

1. The technique of watching the breath should be done immediately following the
preparatory techniques, (tensing and relaxing and even count breathing), when you are
already relaxed and focused.

Begin by exhaling completely. As the next breath flows in, mentally watch it as if you
were observing the flow of a tide. Be very aware of the breath, but make no attempt to
control it in any way. Simply observe its natural flow. Try to feel the breath as it passes
in and out of the nostrils. If you are unable to feel the breath in the nostrils, focus for a
short time on the breathing process itself, the movement of the chest and lungs, and
then transfer your awareness back to the breath in the nostrils.

2. To help deepen your concentration, mentally repeat a simple word formula such as
“Amen” in tandem with the breath. As you inhale silently say “A,” and as you exhale
silently repeat “men.” Or you could say “I am” while inhaling and “He” while
exhaling. Or, say “Jesus” for the incoming breath, and “Christ” for the outgoing. Or
even more simply, “Je-sus.”

And, one can also do it like this:

Inhalation: “Lord Jesus Christ”

Exhalation: “Have mercy on me”

All of these help contribute to training the mind to “pray unceasingly.”

In India they silently repeat “hong” with the incoming breath and “sau” with the
exhalation. This is a special “mantra” or word formula that is especially effective in
calming the flow of energy in the spine

It is also helpful to move the index finger of the right hand slightly toward the palm on
the inhalation and slightly away on the exhalation.

If the mind wanders, immediately bring it back to concentrating on the technique.

 3. As the breath becomes calmer, gradually become aware of it as it passes higher and
higher in the nostrils until you are feeling it high up in the nasal cavity. Now you can
transfer your point of concentration from the breath to the point between the
eyebrows. Continue to mentally observe the breath, and to silently chant your word
formula, still making no effort to control either the rhythm or depth of your breathing.

4. The key to success with this technique is to deepen your concentration at the spiritual
eye until you no longer think of anything except the rhythmic flow of the breath. As
the mind becomes very focused and calm you will find your need for breath
diminishing. Enjoy the spaces between breaths, keeping your mind very still and
allowing the pauses to lengthen naturally.

A cycle of increasing interiorization is set into motion through this technique. As the breath
(and the flow of life-force) begins to calm down, the mind is naturally able to concentrate
more deeply. Deeper concentration brings about an even greater calming of the breath,
allowing yet deeper focusing of the mind, and so on. The final stage of this cycle is the
complete withdrawal of life current from the body and senses and the total concentration of
the mind. “I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.” 1
Corinthians 15:31

As the energy becomes completely focused at the spiritual eye, the body’s need for oxygen
ceases and the breath stops. At first this may be a somewhat odd, and even frightening
experience, but it is the doorway to the deepest states of meditation.

5. End your practice of this technique by taking a deep breath and exhaling three times.
Then concentrate very deeply at the spiritual eye, trying to hold your mind completely
still. With the mind deeply concentrated and interiorized you can go on to the others
parts of your meditation, such as concentrating on the light of the spiritual eye,
listening to the inner sounds, or feeling the deep love, peace, and joy brought by
meditation.

How long should you practice this meditation? Be guided by your own feeling of
enjoyment and your ability to maintain your concentration. Be sure to allow time for silent
communion and devotion after your practice of the Jesus Prayer Meditation
technique. “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10)
Spiritual Interpretation of the Lord's Prayer
By Paramhansa Yogananda
Spiritual Interpretation of the Lord's Prayer
By Paramhansa Yogananda

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom
come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who
trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us
from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever
and ever. Amen

O Heavenly Father, Mother, Friend, Beloved God, may the halo of Thy
presence spread over all minds.

May the kingdom of matter-worship be changed into worship of Thee. Because we cannot
truly love anything without Thee, may we learn to love Thee first and above all. May the
heavenly kingdom of bliss which is in Thy Spirit, manifest itself in all its divine qualities on
earth, and may all lands be made free from limitations, imperfections, and miseries. Let Thy
kingdom, which is within, manifest itself without.

Father, leave us not in the pit of temptations, wherein we fell through our misuse of Thy gift
of reason. When we are freer and stronger-if it be Thy wish to test us, to see if we love Thee
more than temptation - then, Father, make Thyself more tempting than temptation. Father, if it
be Thy desire to test us, help us that our wills grow strong to meet Thy tests.

Give us our daily bread: food, health, and prosperity for the body, efficiency for the mind, and
above all, Thy wisdom and Thy love for our souls. Teach us to deliver ourselves, with Thy
help, from the meshes of ignorance woven by our own carelessness. Paramhansa Yogananda

Whispers From Eternity, By Paramhansa Yogananda

Yogananda was not only a spiritual master, but a master poet, whose
poems revealed the hidden divine presence behind even everyday things.
The Beatitudes
By J. Donald Walters (Swami Kriyananda)

Introduction: Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount begins with the Beatitudes. Tradition depicts
him as delivering this sermon to the multitudes. It is more likely that he was addressing his
disciples. His statement, for example, “Ye are the light of the world” (Matt. 5:14), would
hardly have been directed at everybody.

The Beatitudes are an “inner” teaching, given to the few who deeply longed to know God.
Worldly people, enmeshed in selfish desires, would have considered the teaching irrelevant to
their needs. What would they have understood, for instance, from the words, “Blessed are ye,
when men shall revile you”? A more pertinent counsel for them might have been, “Don’t
participate in the reviling.”

That Jesus was speaking to a more intimate group is implied at the very outset of the
Beatitudes:

And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples
came unto him:

And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying:

Stanza 1: “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Blessed are they who rejoice in their own unimportance in the great scheme of things. By
their non-attachment to ego, they live even now in a state of heavenly bliss.

Stanza 2: “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.”

Blessed are they who mourn the seeming absence of God: Them will He comfort with His
love.

Stanza 3: “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.”

Blessed are they who live, not aggressively or self-assertively, but in harmony with nature and
divine law: for they shall be supported in return.

Stanza 4: “Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be
filled.”

Blessed are they who seek attunement with Truth. They alone, of all human beings, shall find
lasting fulfillment.
Stanza 5: “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”

Blessed are they who, recognizing the bond they share with all living creatures, are more
concerned for others than for themselves. Blessed are they who serve consciously as
instruments of divine grace: for in their very giving they shall receive.

Stanza 6: “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”

Blessed are they whose self-offering to God is effortless and complete, secure in the
knowledge that all other desires are foreign to the soul. In the purity of their knowing, they
shall see God.

Stanza 7: “Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.”

Blessed are they who live unshakably in the consciousness of inner peace; who emanate peace
to everyone whose lives they touch. They shall be hailed as instruments of the Lord.

Stanza 8: “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the
kingdom of heaven.”

Blessed are they who, when persecuted, dare to stand firmly by the truths they know. Through
steadfastness to high principles they shall be deemed worthy, after death, to enter the higher
heavens.

Stanza 9: “Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all
manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

“Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they
the prophets which were before you.”

Blessed are you when your awareness of the truth is tested by the misunderstandings of
others, born of their spiritual ignorance. For only by placing truth above human opinions shall
you attain wisdom. Great though your tests appear to you today, they are the price of
admission into the company of the saints.

Conclusion: The Sermon on the Mount has been described as a revolutionary teaching.
And indeed so it was: Its summons to live for God alone was uncompromising. The orthodox
rabbis were accustomed to the spiritual compromises demanded by worldly people. Jesus’
Sermon on the Mount was a challenge to their lukewarm devotion. “Seek ye first the kingdom
of God,” he declared, “and His righteousness; and all these things [the requirements, in other
words, for human fulfillment] shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33)
Revelations of Christ
Proclaimed by Paramhansa Yogananda
Presented by His Disciple, Swami Kriyananda

“…My fervent prayer is that this book, and its proclamation of

Paramhansa Yogananda's renewed revelation of Christ's revelation,
will initiate a renewal of dynamic, original faith in Jesus Christ…”

“Jesus Christ was sent to earth to proclaim the Heavenly Father’s love
for us all, and to awaken love in our hearts for Him. Science has shown
us a universe, however, too vast to have been created by any man-like
Father figure. Science’s view, however, is also limited. Whatever, or
Whoever, brought everything into existence created also human beings with human feelings,
and with individual appreciation for parental love, filial love, romantic and friendly love. If
that Infinite One is omniscient, then He certainly knows our innermost feelings, no matter
how often science with its dry, factual outlook on reality scoffs at the idea of a Being infinitely
superior to the scientists themselves, far beyond their intellectual games, lambent with
tenderest feelings of love for us all, unceasingly forgiving, and awaiting only our love in
return to bring us back to Himself.”

TESTIMONIAL: This book is a great gift to humanity. It is a spiritual treasure to cherish deep in the
heart, and to pass on to children for generations. This remarkable and magnificent book brings us to
the doorway of a deeper, richer embracing of Eternal Truth. At once crystal clear and wonderfully
insightful, we are invited to move through that doorway into a place of gloriously larger views of Jesus
and God and of Life Itself than many of us have ever been blessed to behold.” –Neale Donald
Walsch, author of Conversations with God.

Meditation Supplies, from our family to you:

 Ananda Healing Prayer Ministry
“Lord, Give us Thyself, that we may give Thee to all.” Paramhansa Yogananda

Would you like to feel God's healing presence flowing through your hands and heart? When
you send this sacred healing energy, you yourself will also feel uplifted by God’s grace. As
Christ said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive," and Paramhansa Yogananda stated
that, "The instrument is blessed by what flows through it."

We have seen many instances of healing occur through these prayers, and we are happy to
instruct those who wish to serve in this way. Over time, as you practice these techniques, and
as this the healing grace flows through you, your experience will deepen and your ability will
grow. This blesses you with joyful empathy to know that someone's suffering has been
relieved, or illness healed, through that grace. Peace and calm strength enter to soothe the
person’s soul.

Please join us in this sacred service. We are all God's children and can serve as divine healing
instruments. God bless you.

Mary Kretzmann
Ananda Healing Prayer Ministry

The Imitation of Christ, by Thomas à Kempis is a renowned spiritual classic,

recommended by Paramhansa Yogananda. I pass along this gem from Conversations with
Yogananda, as related by Swami Kriyananda: ~ 83 ~

Master had given me and others for Christmas a copy of The

Imitation of Christ, by Thomas à Kempis. When I thanked
him, he said, “That is a wonderful book. It is no mere
imitation of Christ: It is Christ. I don’t often encourage
people to read other books, but this one I recommend
unreservedly.”

“Thomas à Kempis,” I remarked, “must have been a great

saint. Is that so?”

“A very great saint,” he replied.

From Conversations with Yogananda: Recorded, with Reflections, by his disciple Swami
Kriyananda (J. Donald Walters)
 Stories of Christ: Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter Morning
By Timothy Kretzmann

Suitable for older children

Three Hermits, by Leo Tolstoy

A short story

Prayer-Demands for Children, By Paramhansa Yogananda

“Healing With Divine Energy” Seminars, with Mary Kretzmann

Finding God…in the Heart of Your Family, By Mary Kretzmann

These articles are also available separately in case you want to send one to a friend:

Psalm 91 (Soldier’s Psalm) Psalm 23 in the Chakras

The Jesus Prayer Meditation The Beatitudes, by Swami Kriyananda

Spiritual Interpretation of the Lord’s Prayer, by Paramhansa Yogananda