Today, the world appears increasingly turbulent—marked by conflict, division, and uncertainty across regions. Swami Sri Yukteswar, the guru of Paramhansa Yogananda, described our current era as the ascending Dwapara Yuga—an age of energy. Being only in its early phase, it is natural that we witness tension between the remnants of Kali Yuga consciousness and the emerging higher awareness of Dwapara.The consciousness of Kali Yuga is rooted in separation—“I, me, mine”— driven by attachment to land, power, and possession. In contrast, Dwapara reveals the deeper interconnectedness of life, especially through energy. Warfare itself has evolved: from swords and physical invasions to long-range missiles and drones, where massive destruction can occur without direct contact. Unlike earlier ages where societies functioned in isolation, today’s world is deeply interconnected. Events in one part of the globe ripple across economies, supply chains, and the collective human psyche.
Paramhansa Yogananda spoke of challenging times that humanity would face before it learns its lessons. The recent global pandemic was one such moment of pause and reflection—yet it seems humanity is still in the process of awakening. In such times, it is natural to feel helpless. This is where the path of Kriya Yoga offers profound hope and direction. Mahavatar Babaji, the deathless saint, revived this ancient science and initiated Lahiri Mahasaya, allowing sincere seekers—even householders—to walk the spiritual path without renouncing the world. This democratization of spirituality marked a powerful shift for this age.
A story shared by Nayaswami Jyotish illustrates this beautifully. Indu Bhan, a close friend of Swami Kriyananda, once had a vivid dream of his departed mother. In the dream, she shared with him that she met Babaji and asked Him : “The world is in so much darkness—why are you not doing anything?” Babaji replied: “In this creation of duality, light and darkness both have their place. My role is not to remove darkness, but to bring in light.” Yogananda echoed this truth: darkness cannot be driven away by “beating it with a stick”. Instead, he advised that the only way to remove darkness is to bring in the light of God. This is our call to action. As followers of this sacred lineage—Babaji, Lahiri Mahasaya, Sri Yukteswar, and Paramhansa Yogananda—we are not helpless observers. Each of us can become a source of light. Every meditation, every practice of Kriya, every sincere effort to live a higher life adds to this light. When individuals transform, collective consciousness transforms. When seekers come together—to meditate, serve, and uplift—their combined spiritual force becomes magnetic, drawing others toward truth and light.
Babaji declared that Kriya Yoga is the technique of salvation for this age. As its light spreads, the space for darkness naturally diminishes.
In a world marked by conflict and division, lasting peace will not emerge solely from governments or negotiations. It begins within each individual—through awareness, discipline, and inner transformation.
Let us not wait for the world to change. Let us be the light that transforms it.
– Jayanti Natarajan
