How often do you get to say it out loud?
“We are disciples of Paramhansa Yogananda.”
Recently, as Shellee, Julian, and I crisscrossed through Auckland, we found ourselves repeating that phrase again and again — to retreat hosts, hall caretakers, managers, and community leaders. And each time one of us spoke those words, we felt the deep sweetness of discipleship.
There is a childlike joy in claiming one’s place in Master’s fold.. His meditation techniques, his teachings, and his living presence have transformed our lives so completely that speaking his name feels less like an introduction and more like a prayer of gratitude.
The Power of the Householder
At one point, someone asked who would be sharing the teachings.
Julian looked at me.
I looked at Shellee and Julian.
It dawned on us that they may have been expecting orange-robed swamis or monastics. Instead, there we were — three ordinary people living ordinary householder lives.
That is the beauty of the path Babaji revived through Lahiri Mahasaya — a householder saint — showing that householders, too, can carry and share these teachings..
At Ananda, it’s not uncommon for householders share the teachings with other householders — soul to soul, in the midst of daily life, not apart from it.
Environment Is Stronger Than Willpower
We spent the day exploring spaces that might hold future programmes. Again and again, we felt drawn to natural settings — places surrounded by native forest, birdsong, and open sky. Nature has a way of doing half the work for you.
While speaking with one host, we shared one of Yogananda’s well-known axioms:
“Environment is stronger than willpower.”
They loved it so much they said they would create a sign for their outdoor space. It made us smile to think that by the time we return, Master’s words may already be waiting for us in the trees.
A Family Reunited
Everywhere we went, we found little breadcrumbs of the Guru.
We saw his books on shelves in multiple places — waiting, as if he had arrived before us. In one venue, the host shared that she had taken Kriya initiation through another lineage descending from Yogananda. It felt like meeting extended family.
In a city as large as Auckland, it is easy to feel like a small voice. But yesterday we sensed that we are not beginning from scratch. Master has already planted seeds — on their bookshelves, in their libraries, and in the hearts of those practicing in their own way.
Shellee, Julian, and I are curious to see how this unfolds. We look forward to bringing these teachings to Auckland. And after a day like yesterday, we know the way is already prepared.
Kavita is the Minister and Centre Leader for Ananda New Zealand. With 30+ years of experience, she is a dedicated student and teacher of Paramhansa Yogananda’s teachings. Kavita is devoted to making the path of Kriya Yoga accessible to all.