Thanksgiving, Kriya Yoga & Ananda Music: A Transformative Process
I was umming and arring if I should write a blog about my journey on the path to Kriya Yoga. As it has been a sacred journey that means a lot to me, but in the same breath I would like to share with you all my achievements and celebrate with you virtually.
It was during my meditation practice that I decided that I needed a refresher in learning how to meditate. I have been meditating now on and of for over eighteen years and I felt like something was quite not right, plus there was no harm in learning again. When I came across Ananda and saw that they offered a course in meditation, it appealed to me straight away. The 10 week course was everything you could dream of having in a course. The sacred teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda were new to me but I was able to adapt to the techniques instantly and felt a connection to them.
After I had finished the 10 week course I instantaneously applied to do the next course "Living the Principles of Self Realisation" and before I knew it, I was on a journey of trust towards the path of Kriya Yoga. I have been on the path for over a year now, and the benefits and transformation have been immense. It has been challenging at times as I am not really a person who likes reaching out for support but making that decision to start living an authentic path, that promotes right living and health and wellbeing, I eventually started to realise that Ananda is where I want to be. The courses have helped me to develop my relationship and understanding about God through the art of meditation and Paramhansa Yogananda teachings and techniques. Which has been really important to me. I personally thought to connect with God you have to read the bible, or sacred texts but learning that I can also connect with God through just being and meditating in silence has been profound.
As a sacred way of honouring my Kriya Initiation Ceremony, I sewed myself a dress. In special moments of my life sewing has been an intuitive call that I have listened to. I recall the last time I sewed something was a stole for my mother to wear, to take with her, in her journey to her royal highness when she passed away. Maybe that was her secret offering as a gift to me, I guess I will never know.
The Kriya Initiation Ceremony took place online, however, I wished I was able to have a ceremony face to face with the like minded souls who I have journeyed with. Nevertheless, online it was just as reverent, powerful, magical, special and I felt like we were all together in one sacred holy temple. The Ananda teachers put a lot of energy into making the day an unforgettable memory that will always live in my heart. Ananda has given me hope and shown me how working online can be intimate, sacred and successful.
I was introduced to studying online around 2012 where I took part in numerous courses such as using astrology to heal, developing inner peace for my health and wellbeing by Noble Anpu based in America. I would like to offer my gratitude to both Noble Anpu and Minister Ju, because Noble Anpu introduced me to Paramhansa Yogananda's book the Autobiography of a Yogi and gave me a link where I could download the eBook for free. Minster Ju taught me the power of affirmations and visualisations, where I have a living testimony and a reminder through my youngest son that the power of affirmations does actually work. I actually believe it was their vibration, care and energy that led me to be a minister today.
Participating in both Noble Anpu and Minister Ju courses online inspired me to look for academic spiritual courses online where I came across an MSc in Consciousness, Spirituality & Transpersonal Psychology, which benefited my needs, being a single parent. When the world was faced with the Covid 19 and witnessing everyone having to shift to working, studying online as the only option, it had opened and expanded my horizons to how fortunate I was to already be attuned to working in this way.
Also, on my journey to the path of Kriya Yoga I have been learning how to play and sing Paramhansa Yogananda and Swami Kriyananda chants (Ananda Music). When I first came across Ananda Music, I never really had any judgments, apart from its not my style of music. It has taken me a while and still is, to really listen and hear what Swami Kriyananda was sharing through his music.
Becoming a part of Ananda Online Virtual Community and attending Satsang’s has helped me to develop a relationship with Ananda Music. I will share some of the Ananda music that has really touched me so far "Keep Calling Him" and the chant "Desire My Great Enemy". I have included the video link below for you to listen to.
When I hear Swami Kriyananda sing, I feel his love for Paramhansa Yogananda and his love for all of humanity. Listening to some of his music has penetrated deep within the very core of my being, where I will listen to his music repeatedly for hours until I feel a deep connection with God and tears will naturally come streaming. Am not sure words could describe his passion for music and the journey that Ananda music has taken me on in a short space of time.
It was during Discipleship which is the third path to Kriya Yoga that I brought my harmonium. I was checking my bank statement online, I saw that I have received some money from out of nowhere. I waited for over a week and felt guided to buy a harmonium, it felt like it was a gift from Divine Mother. I later found out that the mysterious money came from AA Altrincham. I would not have had a harmonium today if I had never received the unexpected money in my account, which I will always be extremely grateful for.
During Covid 19 I had to give up my business, I had an operation, studying, abstaining from alcohol, struggles as a single parent, and became a nana for the first time, my confidence in myself had hit a low. Playing and building a relationship with the harmonium and chanting has been a transforming process for me, in helping me to form positive habits, becoming disciplined, practising detachment, increasing my sense of wellbeing, self-confidence and raising my vibration to a higher level of consciousness, in loving myself, believing in myself and my abilities.
One of the first Ananda songs I learned to play was "Door Of My Heart", and this wonderful chant took me on a journey of opening my heart to God, and opened the pathway of me wanting to learn and play more of Ananda’s Music. I have included a Youtube video below of me playing the harmonium and singing "Sri Yogananda” as this chant has called to me in an unknowingly way. On the day of the ceremony, I remembered that my first musical instrument was a small keyboard given to me by my mother. The first song I learned was Step By Step by New Kids On The Block.
Before I conclude, I also want to give thanks to my children as this path would have not been possible without them. I give thanks for their patience, love, sacrifices, support and for reflecting to me that my ministry starts at home first with them. Turning my attention to allow healing to be a priority in my family home has been important to me, which has not been easy for us all, but we will reap the benefits in the end.
I am looking forward to seeing how my life unfolds on the path of Kriya Yoga and what God has in store for me.
If you would like more information about the Path to Kriya Yoga click the link below.
Blessings
Rev Dinah Pemberton
