2025.04.08

Understanding the Unreality of Matter: The Teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda and Its Contemporary Significance

vibration

Paramahansa Yogananda's passage from his book "The Eternal Quest of Man," "Peace Six: Understanding the Unreality of Matter," provides a very important suggestion for a deep reflection on how we perceive the material world.

This chapter emphasizes the importance of experientially understanding the concept of material unreality conveyed by the Indian scriptures not as mere philosophical speculation, but through scientific inner inquiry.

Article Contents

Man lives with spiritual energy
- 1. The need to break away from materialism and seek inner

Man lives with spiritual energy

In today's world, where materialistic values prevail and spiritual wealth tends to be neglected, Yogananda's teachings can be a guidepost for us to live a truly prosperous life.

1. The need to break away from materialism and seek inner

Modern society tends to place too much value on tangible material things. Success is measured by external factors such as income, status, and possessions, while inner growth and spiritual fulfillment tend to be neglected.

However, Yogananda suggests that material wealth alone does not lead to true happiness and emphasizes the need for inner exploration. The unreality of matter, which the Indian scriptures speak of, is the realization that matter is not an absolute entity, but only a manifestation of a more primordial energy.

In order to gain this awareness, it is important not to simply believe in the teachings, but to understand them experientially through scientific inner exploration such as meditation and self-observation.

2. Prana, the life energy that connects matter and spirit

Yogananda questions the common perception of the physical body as oneself and explains the importance of prana (life energy), which is the fundamental element that underpins the existence of the body.

It is often thought that the body is nourished by food, but in reality, prana is the lifeline that connects the body to the source of cosmic energy. Once prana is pulled out of the body, no food or medicine can revive the body. The sages of ancient India discovered the existence of prana and established the science of pranayama (breathing) as a way to control it.

Pranayama is more than just a breathing technique, it is an advanced technique for controlling life energy and balancing the mind and body. In today's world, where prana tends to be depleted by stress and overwork, pranayama can be an effective way to maintain physical and mental health and boost vitality.

3. The Importance of Cosmic Energy Illustrated by the Words of Jesus

Yogananda emphasizes the importance of cosmic energy by quoting Jesus' words during his 40-day fast in the wilderness: "Man does not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4).

The "Word" here is the vibration of cosmic energy, and the "mouth of God" is the medulla oblongata that is located at the back of the brain and continues to the spinal cord. The medulla oblongata is the most important part of the human body and functions as the "mouth of God" through which cosmic energy flows into the human body.

Fasting is a means of experientially understanding that by abstaining from physical food intake, the body becomes dependent on life energy. In today's society, for those of us who tend to suffer from physical ailments due to overeating and unbalanced eating habits, fasting can be an effective way to cleanse our bodies and restore our connection with the cosmic energy.

4. The source of willpower and infinite energy

Yogananda describes the power of human will as a great generator of energy, and explains that willpower and willpower can instantly draw energy from the infinite treasury of energy within.

Even in daily work, people who are not actively motivated will lack energy, but those who are motivated will be able to withstand demanding work both physically and mentally due to the influx of cosmic energy. By using the power of will to consciously take in this inexhaustible cosmic energy, a person who has learned how to live spiritually can overcome various physical bondages.

In today's society, for those of us who tend to lose sight of our goals and become lethargic, increasing willpower and having positive motivation will be the key to fulfilling our lives and achieving self-realization.

5. Proof of the possibility of materialization and dematerialization and the unreality of matter

Yogananda quotes Indian yogis and sages as saying that "matter is the embodiment of spiritual material," and that some, like Jesus, demonstrated this truth by actually materializing and dematerializing their bodies and various objects.

These phenomena, which are not yet fully elucidated by modern science, suggest that matter is not an absolute entity, but can be changed by consciousness or energy. Believing in the possibilities of materialization and dematerialization will lead to believing in our potential and increasing our willingness to transform ourselves.

6. The Significance of Yogananda's Teachings in Modern Society

Modern society is plagued by a variety of problems, including information overload, stress, and loneliness. With the prevalence of materialistic values and the neglect of spiritual wealth, many people have lost sight of the meaning of life and are unable to feel happy.

Yogananda's teachings can be a prescription for these pathologies of modern society. By understanding the unreality of matter, recognizing the importance of prana and cosmic energy, and increasing our willpower, we should be able to free ourselves from material bondage and find true happiness.

7. Practical Approach and Application of Yogananda's Teachings in Everyday Life

In order to incorporate Yogananda's teachings into your daily life, you can consider the following practical approaches:

Meditation is an effective way to experience inner tranquility and deepen self-awareness. Practicing meditation, even a little bit every day, can help stabilize your state of mind and reduce stress.
Pranayama Practice – Pranayama is an effective means of controlling life energy and balancing the mind and body. Correct breathing exercises can increase vitality and improve concentration.
By being positively motivated, setting goals, and actively working towards them, you can increase your willpower and attract cosmic energy. Even in the face of difficulties, it is important not to give up and maintain a positive attitude.
Having a sense of gratitude – Being grateful for the things we take for granted in our daily lives will help us maintain a positive state of mind and make it easier for us to feel a sense of well-being.
Having a spirit of service and acting for others overcomes self-centeredness and promotes spiritual growth. By helping others through volunteer activities and social contribution activities, you can feel the significance of your own existence.

In search of true abundance

The teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda serve as a guidepost for satisfying the deepest cravings of human hearts that cannot be satisfied by material wealth alone.

By understanding the unreality of matter, recognizing the importance of prana and cosmic energy, and increasing our willpower, we should be able to free ourselves from material bondage and find true happiness.

In today's world, Yogananda's teachings will be the key to helping us live richer and more fulfilling lives.

I want to read it together