Only Love- Living the Spiritual Life in a Changing World

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I have had the privilege of meeting several times with Sri Daya Mata.... Anyone who has been in her presence cannot fail to be affected by the aura of spiritual peace and serenity that she radiates. Sri Daya Mataji was moved at a very young age to follow the teachings of Parama- hansa Yogananda; obviously, the divine spark of illumination emanating from [him] had touched her even in youth. She became one of the first followers of Sri Yoganandaji during his lifetime, and...his worthy spiritual successor in carrying his message not only in this country and my own, but across the world.

"This message of peace and inner tranquillity, and of an integrated human personality, is most relevant to our times. We live in an age of turmoil.... We need, more than ever before, human beings who are integrated individuals.... The message of Sri Daya Mataji is therefore one of great importance and relevance in this age of doubt and scepticism. Her talks published in this book stand out as a beacon of hope and faith. They are a proclamation, not only of the oneness of the human race, but also of the oneness of man with God."

Sri Sri Daya Mata (1914-2010) was one of the earliest and closest disciples of Paramahansa Yogananda, and served as spiritual head of his society from 1955 until her passing in 2010. During the more than twenty years that she was privileged to receive his personal spiritual guidance and instruction, he personally prepared her to carry on his worldwide work in the future. From the beginning, it was evident that he had singled her out for a special role, and he encouraged the other disciples to pattern their lives after her example.

Shortly before his passing, Paramahansa Yogananda told Daya Mata that he would soon leave his body. Stunned, she asked how his work could continue without him. With quiet humility, he replied: "Remember this: When I am gone, only love can take my place. Be absorbed night and day in the love of God, and give that love to all." These words became the guiding inspiration of her life.

In 1952, Paramahansa Yogananda's life came to a close. Sri Daya Mata succeeded the late, saintly Rajarsi Janakananda as president of Yogoda Satsanga Society of India/Self-Realization Fellowship in 1955. Reporting on her many years of spiritual service and leadership, a Los Angeles newspaper wrote in 1990: "As one of the first women in recent times to be appointed spiritual head of a worldwide religious movement, she has been a forerunner of today's increasing trend toward accepting women in positions of spiritual authority that have traditionally been reserved for men in most denominations. In the thirty-five years she has held that position, many have become acquainted with her through her global speaking tours, her writings, and the films and recordings of her talks on the universal ideals espoused by the great religions of both East and West."

I came across Autobiography of a Yogi in 1967. It was my first introduction to Paramahansa Yogananda and to the Self-Realization Fellowship movement. I have since followed closely the work of this society. I have had the privilege of meeting several times with Sri Daya Mataji, and with some of her dedicated colleagues. I have also had the opportunity to visit the Self-Realization Center in Encinitas, California, where Paramahansa Yogananda lived for many years.

As I said earlier, it was my privilege to meet Sri Daya Mataji; for anyone who has been in her presence cannot fail to be affected by the aura of spiritual peace and serenity that she radiates. Sri Daya Mataji was moved at a very young age to follow the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda; obviously, the divine spark of illumination emanating from her Guru had touched her even in youth.

She became one of the first followers of Sri Yoganandaji during his lifetime, and is now his worthy spiritual successor in carrying his message not only in this country and my own, but across the world.

This message of peace and inner tranquillity, and of an integrated human personality, is most relevant to our times.

To read or hear the words of Sri Daya Mata is to become acquainted with one who is in love. Overcoming exclusiveness at every level, hers is a love that reaches out and embraces all. It is a sublime expression of the soul's yearning and of its joyous fulfilment in God. In this volume of informal talks, Mataji gives us a glimpse into the realm of expanded spiritual consciousness wherein the soul experiences the love divine.

Daya Mata was born in Salt Lake City, Utah. From her earliest years she felt deeply drawn to God. At the age of eight, when she first heard about India in school, she felt a mysterious inner awakening, and with it a conviction that India held the key to the fulfilment of her life. That day, when school was over, she ran home and exclaimed jubilantly to her mother, "When I grow up I will never marry; I will go to India." Prophetic words from a child.

When Daya Mataji was fifteen, she was given a copy of the Bhagavad Gita, "Song of the Lord." This scripture deeply moved her, for it revealed God's compassionate love for and understanding of His children. He was seen to be approachable, knowable; and His children were called divine beings, who through self-effort could realize their spiritual birthright, oneness with Him. Daya Mata resolved that somehow, in some way, she would devote her life to seeking God.