Swami Kriyananda emphasizes the profound importance of communing with Aum as a means to spiritual awakening. He begins by reminding us that we are all divine beings, made in God’s image, and the only difference between an enlightened master and an ordinary person is the level of spiritual awakening. Once we awaken, we too will realize our divine nature.
Kriyananda shares stories from Paramhansa Yogananda’s life, highlighting his deep enthusiasm for meditation. Unlike most people who seek to avoid meditation, Yogananda sought every opportunity to engage in it, treating his spiritual journey as an adventure. This sense of divine quest is also evident in his Autobiography of a Yogi, where he describes his relentless search for God.
One of Yogananda’s experiences took place in Varanasi, where he found a hidden temple chamber. Squeezing through a narrow opening, he descended three stories into a dark, silent space where the sound of Aum resounded. He meditated there, experiencing breathless ecstasy. Kriyananda explains that Aum is the divine vibration, the primordial sound of creation, which can be heard in deep silence. It is not merely an auditory experience but a spiritual communion.
Kriyananda delves into the symbolism of divine figures, particularly Kali and Shiva. Kali’s dance represents the dynamic energy of creation, while Shiva’s stillness symbolizes the transcendent, unchanging spirit. The cessation of Kali’s dance upon touching Shiva’s breast signifies the merging of dynamic creation with divine stillness. Similarly, the sound of Aum ultimately leads to deep inner silence, where one communes with the Infinite.
He explains that Aum is the Divine Mother, the vibratory aspect of God, while God the Father is the silent, witnessing presence. The Divine Mother is intimately involved in creation and deeply compassionate. She loves unconditionally, unlike the Father, who represents the impartial law of the universe. Devotion to the Divine Mother is a particularly fulfilling path because she forgives, nurtures, and supports the devotee. Even when she appears wrathful, such as through natural disasters or personal struggles, her intention is not to destroy us but to free us from delusion. Like a surgeon removing a tumor, her actions may seem painful but are ultimately for our spiritual healing.
Kriyananda encourages seekers to listen for Aum in moments of silence. It begins as a subtle sound, like wind in trees, but gradually grows into an overwhelming presence, deeply soothing and spiritually uplifting. Unlike worldly music, which eventually tires the listener, Aum is ever-refreshing because it resonates with the very essence of our being. As one meditates on Aum, a profound sense of divine love emerges, enveloping the soul in bliss.
The spiritual path has two aspects: the need for divine mercy and the necessity of inner strength. In times of suffering, we cry out for comfort, much like a child seeking a mother’s embrace. But once we gain spiritual stability, we must cultivate discipline and courage, for spiritual growth requires perseverance. This is why the Bhagavad Gita is set on a battlefield—it symbolizes the inner war against delusion. Trials and tribulations are part of life, but instead of resenting them, we should embrace them as opportunities for growth.
Kriyananda likens life’s challenges to a thunderstorm viewed from indoors—while the storm rages outside, we remain safe and undisturbed within. Similarly, when we center ourselves in divine consciousness, external circumstances no longer affect us. He shares his personal experience of facing persecution but affirms that such difficulties are insignificant when one is anchored in God. Everything in life is a passing play, much like a movie, and we should not become overly attached to its fleeting events.
The practice of meditation, especially through Kriya Yoga, helps cultivate this inner calmness. By regularly communing with Aum, one gradually withdraws from worldly disturbances and finds deep spiritual fulfillment. In meditation, we call out to God, and in the silence, we feel God’s loving presence. Whether we see the divine as the Mother, Father, or an impersonal Spirit, the essence remains the same—God is always near, guiding and loving us.
The talk concludes with a song expressing the longing of all souls for the Divine Mother’s presence. Even when we forget her, she never abandons us. She gently guides us back, healing our wounds and offering unconditional love. In our spiritual journey, whether through trials or moments of grace, the Divine Mother is always with us, leading us toward ultimate liberation.
Light Being ॐ 
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