Mysticism of Religious Symbols

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Paramahamsa Hariharananda, born in 1907 in West Bengal, India, was a great realized master in Kriya Yoga. He attained nirvikalpa samadhi, the breathless, pulseless state, the long cherished goal of all aspirants in the spiritual path in 1948. A direct disciple of Swami Shriyukteshwar and Paramahamsa Yogananda the author of Autobiography of a Yogi, Paramahamsa Hariharananda was a unique spiritual preceptor who spread the teachings of Kriya Yoga in the East and West and established ashrams in India, Europe, and the United States. Well versed in scriptures he was the author of many books. He was a truly great, yet extremely humble soul with a deep compassion for humanity. He was an incarnation of love, compassion, and service.

Foreword Life is in an evolutionary process of merging in God in perfection and beauty. There are many opportunities to bring this beauty into daily life. If we look at our life with a new perspective, we will find that there are always symbols that bear messages for how we are to live and grow. The use of symbols is seen in communication, as well as in teaching subjects such as science, mathematics, logic, and philosophy. The use of symbols is very common in spiritual life and mysticism as well as in religions and religious life. Every symbol is beautiful and provides inspiration in daily life to learn and to grow.

Often both children and adults ask questions related to all these practices. As parents or instructors we often have a problem giving a satisfactory answer to them in a logical and practical way. It requires insight and deep understanding.

Religious and cultural symbols especially have a long history and many feelings connected with them. They have deep spiritual connotations, Understanding our own symbols leads to insight into others' practices too. A child's "why" is, therefore, the door to all philosophical wisdom.

This small booklet is a compilation of the mystical messages of our beloved master Paramahamsa Hariharanandaji revealing the truth behind many symbols used in different religions and cultures. Although brief, it speaks much of different religions and their universal message for humanity.

The present world needs the opening of the hearts and minds of all; we need to respect and regard all, and to accept all as our own. We all are children of God. In spite of diversities in views, there is inherent unity. As a great master of Kriya Yoga, Baba Hariharanandaji always emphasized the need for harmony and unity among all, and he spoke of the common highway of all religions.

On the occasion of his birth centenary we place this small, beautiful publication into the hands of sincere seekers of Truth. Let this book open our minds in the path of love and understanding, and bring peace everywhere.

**Contents and Sample Pages**