At Ananda New Zealand, we recently spent time exploring a theme that sits at the very heart of the spiritual path – Friendship. Paramhansa Yogananda taught that friendship is the purest form of love. In almost every other human relationship, there is some element of compulsion or duty, but in true friendship, there is only the free choice of the soul.
In my early days with Ananda, when I was full of enthusiasm about acquiring land and building a physical space for our community, Nayaswami Jyotish offered me a simple piece of guidance “Build friendships first.”
With the passing years, I’ve come to understand the depth and power of that counsel. Communities are not truly held together by structures, land, or strategic plans; they are held together by the invisible bonds of the heart.
The following excerpts from Paramhansa Yogananda’s teachings on friendship have touched me deeply. I hope they speak to you too.
“Friendship is noble, fruitful, holy — When two separate souls march in difference Yet in harmony, agreeing and disagreeing, Glowingly improving diversely, With one common longing to find solace in true pleasure.” — From the poem “Friendship”
“For friendship is a hybrid, born of two souls, The blended fragrance of two unlike flowers Blown together in love’s caressing breeze.” — From the poem “Friendship”
You can read the full poem on friendship here
“Friendship is a manifestation of God’s love for you, expressed through your friends, who constitute the most valuable possessions a human being can have.” — How to Love and Be Loved
“When perfect friendship exists, either between two hearts or within a group of hearts in a spiritual organisation, such friendship perfects each individual.” — How to Love and Be Loved
Next time you’re with a friend, try and feel God’s love for you through that friendship.
It is a joy to walk this path together, building these bonds of the heart one soul at a time. Thank you for being a part of our spiritual family.
About the Author
Kavita is the Centre Leader for Ananda New Zealand. She is dedicated to sharing the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda and Swami Kriyananda. She focuses on helping others find the “joy within” through meditation, community, and the practice of selfless service.