Is the "Great Awakening" a Path to Enlightenment or Just a Marketing Term?

Recently, discussions about a 'Great Awakening' of humanity have gained traction in spiritual and philosophical circles. But, does the term accurately represent an actual shift towards enlightenment, or is it just a marketing ploy to promote spiritual books and meditation retreats?

Understanding "Truly Enlightened" Souls

Belief in the concept of enlightenment often leads to discussions about "truly enlightened" individuals. Envisioned as awakened beings who have transcended the veil of illusion, these souls are thought to reside in higher realms and return to Earth to guide humanity. Centuries-old traditions like Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and mystic sects like Transcendental Meditation emphasize the teachings of souls who have achieved enlightenment, such as Buddha, Jesus Christ, and Paramhansa Yogananda.

Paramhansa Yogananda, a pivotal figure in the modern era of spiritual awakening, articulated that the true path to realization is through meditation and self-discipline. He believed that the time had come to move beyond blind faith in dogmas and seek self-realization, revealing the unity of truth underlying all religions.

The Decline of Traditional Religions

In recent decades, traditional churches based on rigid dogma have seen a decline, and a shift towards more experiential and direct spiritual practices. According to Swami Sri Yukteswar, guru of Paramhansa Yogananda, civilizations rise and fall in a 24,000-year cycle. The low point between 500 A.D. to 1500 A.D. marks a period of spiritual decline. Since then, the world has been slowly improving, and we are now in a phase of progress and spiritual growth.

Paramhansa Yogananda's mission was to spread the teachings of Eastern mysticism to the Western world, initiating a movement towards greater spiritual awareness. As a renowned spiritual teacher in the 1920s, he brought yoga to America, making meditation accessible to a broader audience. This led to a proliferation of meditation classes and a rise in meditation practices in various religious and spiritual settings.

Paramhansa Yogananda's Teachings on Meditation and Enlightenment

One of Yogananda's most profound teachings is the importance of meditation as the gateway to spiritual realization. He taught that meditation is a disciplined and determined effort to control the mind and bring it under control. Yogananda also emphasized the power of self-discipline, devotion, and the step-by-step methods of self-realization. Through guru-guided meditation, seekers can attain an inner communion with Christ, Krishna, and other Masters, ultimately finding union with God.

He wrote extensively on the transformative power of meditation, stating: "Meditation is the one portal through which every seeker of every religion must pass in order to find, see, and know God." According to Yogananda, the true quickening of human evolution is through the development of the soul's faculty of intuition, achieved through concentration and meditation. Concentration, when practiced, drives away restless thoughts and leaves pure intuition, which is the instrument for receiving messages from the realm of truth or God.

For those interested in exploring these teachings and their profound effects on spiritual growth, Yogananda's writings and lessons, particularly those in Raja Yoga, provide valuable insights. By practicing the proper techniques of meditation and understanding the steps required for self-realization, one can embark on a path towards enlightenment.

Conclusion

While the term "Great Awakening" may be used to promote spiritual literature and retreats, its underlying essence is a powerful and transformative journey towards self-discovery and spiritual awakening. As Paramhansa Yogananda's teachings continue to resonate, the potential for widespread spiritual transformation remains a real and hopeful possibility.

Learn more about Paramhansa Yogananda and his teachings on enlightenment and meditation.

Explore more about Ananda Community, a spiritual community founded by Yogananda.