The kingdom of God is just behind the darkness of closed eyes, and the first gate that opens to it is your peace

The kingdom of God is just behind the darkness of closed eyes, and the first gate that opens to it is your peace

Paramahansa Yogananda, a renowned spiritual leader and guru, often spoke about the concept of the kingdom of God being just behind the darkness of closed eyes. He believed that the divine realm is not some distant, unreachable place, but rather a state of consciousness that can be accessed through inner peace and meditation.

Yogananda taught that the first gate that opens to the kingdom of God is one's own peace. In his teachings, he emphasized the importance of cultivating inner peace through practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and self-reflection. He believed that when the mind is calm and free from distractions, one can experience a deeper connection to the divine and access the spiritual realm that lies beyond the physical world.

For Yogananda, peace was not just the absence of conflict or turmoil, but a state of inner harmony and tranquility that transcends external circumstances. He believed that true peace comes from within and is not dependent on external factors such as wealth, success, or relationships. By cultivating inner peace, one can tap into the infinite source of love, wisdom, and power that is the kingdom of God.

Yogananda's teachings on peace and the kingdom of God are deeply rooted in the ancient spiritual traditions of India, particularly the teachings of yoga and Vedanta. He believed that by quieting the mind and turning inward, one can access the divine presence that resides within each of us. Through practices such as meditation, prayer, and selfless service, one can open the gates to the kingdom of God and experience the bliss and joy that come from connecting with the divine.