Step 8… Study
Blessings, Dear Friends,
Welcome to Step 8… Study.
Where our next step invites us to move beyond the heart and into the portals of healing, embracing the journey upward to the Medulla Oblongata, which is known as the 'mouth of God' and the ‘seat of the ego’. The medulla oblongata rests at the base of the brain, a vital centre linking body and spirit, connecting us to the infinite Christ Consciousness.
As we journey through this healing portal, we are called to surrender our limited selves and open ourselves to the transformative power of Christ's infinite healing love. In this sacred space, we transcend ego-consciousness and awaken to the healing of the infinite Christ, the eternal presence that bridges the divine soul and human experience, guiding the soul to awaken to its divine true origin and purpose.
As it is written, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God".
Matthew 4:4
God’s Word is a wellspring of guidance and wisdom that teaches us all. Studying the word strengthens our faith, fills us with God's confidence, and brings true joy, healing and freedom into our lives. When we choose to cherish and embrace the truth of His Word, we are empowered and promised transformation, healing, strength, and abundant blessings.
And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
Psalm 1:3
“Keeping yourself smiling from within, pulsating with joy, and ever ready to act, spiritually ambitious in helping others — all these are not only good exercises for the mind, but they keep the body constantly supplied with fresh cosmic energy, descending into the body through the door of the Medulla oblongata. Strong willpower pulls energy from the conscious cosmic rays surrounding the body, through the door of the Medulla oblongata.
“Man shall not live by bread (or food chemicals) alone, but by every word (vibratory life energy) which flows (into the body of man) through the ‘mouth of God’ (that is, the opening of the Medulla, through which the conscious cosmic life principle enters the body of man).” Hence, you must strengthen your willpower and determination in everything. Your body will then be internally vibrating with life current. A man with strong willpower, by his highly vibrating mind, can shake out disease, failure, and ignorance. But the will vibration must be stronger than the vibration of physical or inner disease. The more chronic the disease, the stronger, steadier, and more unflinching should be the determination, faith, and effort of will to get well”.
Paramhansa Yogananda
This month, I invite you all to study and reflect on Christ's healing power and consider what it personally means for you. Please take some time to find a Bible verse about healing that resonates with you.
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You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.
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My Offering to Thee
Thou unseen Charmer of Souls, Thou art the fountain flowing from the bosom of friendship. Thou art the rays of secret warmth that unfold buds of feeling into blossoms of endearing, soulful words of poetry and loyalty.
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Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.
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Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
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Affirmation: I love the study of your word. I lay it on my mind and heart.
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After spending some time in reading, reflection and journaling … Refer to the Visualisation & meditation and when you have finished, if you feel too… You can offer your gratitude and devotion to Jesus Christ by drawing art or writing poetry or finding your own meaningful hearts way.
Niyamas Svadhyaya (Self Study)
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When doubts haunt me, when disappointments stare me in the face, and I see not one ray of hope on the horizon, I turn to Bhagavad-gita and find a verse to comfort me; and I immediately begin to smile in the midst of overwhelming sorrow. Those who meditate on the Gita will derive fresh joy and new meanings from it every day.
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Right study of the scriptures (svadhyaya) leads to emancipation. A true devotee does not suffer with mental indigestion as does one who gorges himself on scriptural lore without understanding its meaning and without assimilating it into his life. Theoretical study is helpful when it inspires a devotee to practice the holy teachings. Wisdom thoughts are faithful guides and protectors when they become one’s constant companions.
In all ages there has been conflict between theoretical knowers of scriptures the professional priests—and men of true spiritual insight. Pedants who lack inner realization but who boast of their erudition are often jealous of and persecute the men of God who live truth. Thus Jesus met opposition from the hierarchy of the Pharisees, and many saints in India have been ill-treated by learned pundits, as was the divine Sri Chaitanya.
Redemption does not come from what one knows intellectually, but from what one becomes as a result of that knowledge. There must be a rational connection between one’s learning and oneself, so that a truth becomes such an integral part of the being that it cannot be dislodged by contrary temptations or doubts. This is intuitional learning, or realization.
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Self-study begins with the careful observation of one’s thoughts, feelings, and motives. As one advances in this practice, he discovers that central reality of his being which is beyond thought, form, and substance, which cannot be observed and analyzed, which cannot even be truly defined, though it is sometimes described by its essential quality: JOY.
Patanjali says that when one becomes perfect in his practice of swadhyaya, he attains the power to commune with beings on higher spheres of existence, and to receive their help. Radio and TV programs surround us in the atmosphere, but we cannot enjoy them until we attune our radios or TV sets to those frequencies. Higher beings, similarly, exist, as also do higher levels of consciousness. The worldly man, however, unable to attune his mind sensitively enough to perceive them, can scarcely imagine their existence. By self-study, and the resulting discovery of deep states of consciousness within oneself, one attains those frequency-levels on which it is possible to commune with great souls. If one would be helped by them, he must make himself a fit vessel to receive that help.
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Svadhyaya, which means self study, encourages us to engage with sacred texts in a deeply personal way, treating them as mirrors that reflect our own inner being. This practice is not limited to simply reading or reciting holy scriptures, rather, it calls for a gentle and honest inquiry into our own thoughts and feelings. Through this reflective process, we begin to recognise how the ego works, allowing us to internalise and contemplate the wisdom contained within these sacred texts.
By approaching spiritual writings with this mindful attitude, we open ourselves to insights that bring light to the nature of our inner life. The wisdom we discover is not external but intimately woven into our own experience. In this way, Svadhyaya becomes a transformative practice, revealing the subtle patterns of the ego and guiding us towards greater self awareness and spiritual growth.
Visualisation (Medulla Oblongata ) by Prashanti
As we consciously align our faith, trust, and speech with the eternal words of God, let us mindfully direct our awareness towards the Medulla Oblongata, which is known as the 'mouth of God' and the ‘seat of the ego’ which rests at the base of the brain. For a few seconds, focus your full attention on the image before you, focusing on the light that shines on the Medulla that rests at the base of the brain.
Begin to slowly close your eyes, focusing on the Medulla within you. Feel the medulla humming softly as it breathes with the pulse and the rhythm of the heart, body, mind and soul. Its magnetic vibration awakens the healing flow of energy within you, calming each breath deeply. Now, invite the infinite healing light of Christ to flow through this sacred centre. Picture this divine light weaving through the medulla, infusing every nerve and fibre of your being. Now, gently observe how this divine light turns into soft waves that flows up and down your spine, releasing that which no longer serves you. Let this healing presence dissolve tension, connecting you to the boundless love and infinite peace of Christ, whose healing power flows endlessly within you, renewing you in body, mind, and soul.
In this quiet moment, pause and allow yourself to rest fully in this sacred space, knowing you are held and healed by a love that transcends all. Breathe in this divine peace, and release divine peace. You are whole, you are well, you are healed, you are infinitely loved as Christ is within you.
Now, let us quietly and reverently affirm together the sacred words from the Psalms, St John and Paramhansa Yogananda.
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies.
You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.
Thou unseen Charmer of Souls, Thou art the fountain flowing from the bosom of friendship. Thou art the rays of secret warmth that unfold buds of feeling into blossoms of endearing, soulful words of poetry and loyalty.
Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies. The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want.
Aum Peace Amen
Sacred Music & Mantras
Book References
Ghandhi, M. (N.D) The Eleven Vows of Mahatma Gandhi-Their Observances and Relevance
https://www.gandhi-manibhavan.org/educational-resources/the-eleven-vows-of-gandhiji.html
Kretzmann, Mary. (2013) Divine Will Healing: From the Original Teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda". Crystal Clarity Publishers.
New International Version. (2025). BibleGateway.com. https://www.biblegateway.com/
Yogananda, P. (1952). Metaphysical Meditations. 1952 Edition. Crystal Clarity Publishers.
Yogananda, P. (2007). How to Love and Be Loved: Wisdom of Yogananda. Crystal Clarity Publishers.
Yogananda, P. (2021). God Talks With Arjuna: The Bhagavad Gita. Ebook Edition. International Publications Council of Self-Relization Fellowship.
Yogananda, P. (2021). Scientific Healing Affirmations: Theory and Practice of Concentration. Ebook Edition. International Publications Council of Self-Relization Fellowship.
Yogananda, P. (N.D) Whispers From Eternity. https://www.ananda.org/free-inspiration/books/whispers-from-eternity/
Yogananda, P. (2021).The Divine Romance: Collected Talks & Essays on Realizing God in Daily Life, Volume II. Ebook Edition. International Publications Council of Self-Relization Fellowship.