A World in Transition: Finding Spiritual Security in Times of Change

What this book postulates is a new world view. The book is wriiten by recorded talks of Paramahansa Yogananda and the sisters and brothers of Self-Realization Fellowship. The whole book really represents an idea. I will be honest and state that I have trouble with it. Maybe you will not. One chapter is entitled, "Change Yourself, Transform the World." The other ideas stress this idea over and over again. This is an election year. I think that we all want a better world. The idea goes like this. Take 10 people. 3 Democrats, 3 Republicans, 3 Libertarians, and 1 of the Reform Party. The world world be a better place if one of these parties was dominent. Let's take the Republican Party. We have 3 "good guys" among the 10. Now let us swith to the new "transition" that this book proposes. Among the 10, there are two people who inflict pain on others(1 Republican and 1 Democrat), three people who constantly cheat on their spouse (2 Libertarians and 1Democrat), and two more who cheat in business practices (1 Libertarian and 1 Republican). The 3 remaining people do no harm to others. Now the premise of this book is stating that the 3 remaining people are doing the most good for mankind. No matter what party they belond to - as long as they transform their "own" behavior. Politically, in other words, we are just a drop in the bucket. But Paramahansa Yogananda has stated, "Reform Yourself and You Will Reform Thousands." I have trouble grasping this, but perhaps the reader will understand. They even reply it to religion! A well-behaved Muslim or Buddhist can do more to help the world than even a Self-Realizationist. Or a Catholic priest! An athiest can be more spiritual than one who is a Self-Realizationist or Unitarian if he behaves him or herself and does good to others. AN ATHIEST! Yogananda does not seem against any political party or religious belief. On page 151, Yoganda states, "I believe that there will always be wars, until perchance we all become so spiritual that by the evolution of our individual natures, we will make war unnecessary." Okay. I love this book. Even though I don't quite "get it" yet. Oh! Yoganada was for voting. But for who, I can't imagine. It seems the best way to change the world is to change oneself. Well, maybe... Buy the book and decide for yourself.

A WORLD IN TRANSITION, is an excellent compilation of Parmahansa Yogananda's insight, prophecy and balaced wisdom, and positive suggestions.This book expresses the purposes and ideals of the Self-Realization Fellowships own directions, expressing a profound respect for all religions and the need for ecuminicity and world brotherhood. If one would have a better understanding of this organization, this is a good place to start.It also contains noteworthy samplings of the enlightened awareness of many SRF monastics who are also contributors to this inspiring spiritual overview. also recommended; Autobiography of a Yogi..... Man's Eternal Quest........Inner Peace...........Finding the Joy Within You.......... Journey to Self-realization............. the Science or Religion............ God talks With Arjuna(Bhagavad Gita) ......... etc

"A World in Transition" offers the reader, the at-once practical wisdom of the timeless science of Yoga, clothed in a language for the modern times. Through the writings of one of the most revered spiritual leaders of the 20th century, Paramahansa Yogananda and, of his direct disciples, this book draws any seeker who has been contemplating the pursuit of the Yoga system of approaching spiritual life. Having known, closely followed, and interacted with some of the authors of the talks contained herein, I am offered with a compelling proof of the efficacy of the Kriya Yoga method in hastening our material and spiritual lives.