A Life of Compassion

Email

Whatsapp

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Copy link

About the Author Paramahamsa Prajnanananda is the current spiritual leader of the Kriya Yoga international organizations. These organizations were founded by his master, Paramahamsa Hariharananda, who spread the teachings of Kriya Yoga all over the world. Paramahamsa Hariharananda was Swami Shriyukteshwar and Paramahamsa Yogananda's most outstanding direct disciple, one of the greatest realized Kriya Yoga masters in the lineage of Mahavatar Babaji Maharaj and Shri Lahiri Mahashaya.

Born in Odisha, Paramahamsa Prajnanananda was raised in a profound spiritual environment that inspired his search for Truth. He received his higher education in Cuttack and became a professor of economics there. In 1980, while still a student, he met Paramahamsa Hariharananda, who initiated him into Kriya Yoga, then fifteen years later, into the sacred path of sannyasa. After only three years, at the early age of 39, his master conferred upon him the highest title of Paramahamsa, a designation reserved for monks and saints who have attained the summit of realization.

Enriched by his own direct experience, fathomless wisdom, and deep love for humanity, Paramahamsa Prajnanananda guides and inspires spiritual seekers, a living example of how to fulfill one's infinite potential. In addition to running the main ashrams in Puri. Cuttack, Vienna, and Miami, Prajnananandaji spreads spiritual knowledge and the ancient science of Kriya Yoga by holding seminars and retreats all over the world. Prajnana Mission, founded by Paramahamsa Prajnanananda, provides service to humanity with free medical assistance units and centers, residential schools for the poor, and many other charitable and educational activities.

Author of many books on the science of yoga, practical guidelines to the application of the wisdom of Vedantic philosophy, and insightful metaphorical commentaries on the major holy scriptures and world religions, Paramahamsa Prajnanananda binds and bridges Eastern and Western cultures with a harmonious, fresh, and non-sectarian approach.

Introduction A young boy was sitting in the garden enjoying the beauty of nature: the lush green trees and bushes filled with flowers and fruits, the clear blue sky with the added colors of the afternoon sun, the buzzing and humming bees and butterflies, and the cool breeze creating a nice sensation on the body and mind. Suddenly, something fell down with a crashing sound and a cry of pain. The boy ran to where the sound came from and found a swan in great pain struggling to survive. The swan had been shot with an arrow. The young boy sat down and took the hurt swan onto his lap. Carefully, he removed the arrow and applied some herbal leaves to the wound for healing.

While he was serving out of love and with a feeling of oneness with the swan, a few teardrops fell from his eyes. His brother, who was almost the same age, came running towards him with a boastful gesture and said, "Hi Gautama, what are you doing? I brought this flying bird down with my skill in archery, therefore, this swan is mine."

Gautama contradicted his brother and said, "Devadutta, one who gives life to others has the right over life and living. One who kills others has no right over them. So I cannot give the swan to you; it belongs to me."

At an impasse, they went to their father Shuddhodana, who was also the king, to settle the matter. They lodged their complaints and asked for justice. Their father listened patiently to each one's argument. Then he looked at Gautama and said, "My child, the swan belongs to you." Then he told Devadutta, "Be not cruel to others. Be kind and loving."

This child who saved the injured swan is Prince Gautama, who later in his life became Gautama Buddha. He taught the world with an emphasis on compassion. He said every person should try to follow the maxim: bahujanahitaya bahujanasukhaya lokānukampaya, which means "live for the good of the maximum, for the happiness of the many, out of compassion for the world."

This world is a beautiful creation. A life on this planet is a divine gift and a rare opportunity. Every human being is endowed with a body, sense organs, a mind, intellect, memory, and ego. Other creatures are not blessed with this opportunity and with all of these developed organs. That is why human beings have the faculty to act with diligence, love, and compassion for all of creation.

**Contents and Sample Pages**