It was the evening of January 5th—Yoganandaji’s birthday. We were driving home after a beautiful celebration in which many devotees had renewed their discipleship vows. Afterwards, a number of people said that they’d felt Master’s presence and blessings filling the temple.

From time to time after an evening program, Jyotish and I have had the joy of momentarily spotting a little fox running into the woods—usually we catch only a brief glimpse of it. That evening as we drove through the darkness, I thought to myself, “We haven’t seen a fox in a long time. Maybe Master will bless us and show us one tonight.”

“Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we spot a fox?” I said to Jyotish.

He replied, “I was just thinking the same thing!”

Filled with anticipation, we drove home, but, sadly, no fox appeared. Then, just as we were turning into our driveway—there he was. A magnificent silver-gray fox sat calmly by the side of the road, fixing his beautiful eyes on us. After a few moments, he stood up in a relaxed manner and trotted into the woods. We sat quietly in the car for a while, feeling Master’s loving answer to our little request.

first day of spring painting by jyotish of fox in winter

First Day of Spring, by Nayaswami Jyotish.

Later the thought came: Remember that moment! Not that the fox was important in itself, but the feeling that God knows our least thoughts is very important. How often have we all felt a divine response in subtle ways: some guiding words from a friend, or even a stranger, when wee needed them; a beautiful rainbow appearing when a loved one passes; or simply seeing the light of His presence in a radiant flower.

God is talking to us all the time, but we need to learn His language. Sometimes He speaks to us through words we perceive within, but often it’s in beautiful moments when time seems to stop. All too often we forget these moments, feeling only His absence in our life, but nevertheless His presence is there.

Master gives us a wonderful example of this in his chapter “Two Penniless Boys in Brindaban” in Autobiography of a Yogi. Yogananda’s skeptical older brother, Ananta, challenges him and his friend, Jitendra, to a test of their faith in God: They must go to Brindaban with no money; without begging, they must have their meals, see the sights of the city, and return to his house by midnight.

They are miraculously fed a sumptuous lunch. And yet, scarcely a moment later, Jitendra has already forgotten God’s hand in it, and says, “A fine mess you have got me into! Our luncheon was only accidental good fortune!”

Yogananda replies: “You forget God quickly, now that your stomach is filled.” Then he goes on to write: “How short is human memory for divine favors! No man lives who has not seen certain of his prayers granted.” Through God’s grace, Mukunda and Jitendra are able to fulfill every aspect of Ananta’s challenge.

So, friends, let’s cling to the memories of God’s loving intervention in our life, until memories transform into moment-by-moment realization of His Presence everywhere. Some years ago, I wrote a simple poem, which I’ve shared with some of you before. It seems appropriate now to close with it:

The Prize

I can’t promise that I’ll finish, But You know that I’ll begin, To take each step before me With the thought that I will win— The prize above all others, My heart’s most fervent prayer: To cast aside the ego, And to see You everywhere.

Build on each moment of grace, for as Patanjali says, divine awakening comes by a process of smriti, or memory.

With joy and blessings in God and Guru,

Nayaswami Devi

Listen to Devi as she first reads the blog, then expands on its meaning and messages for readers with behind-the-blog commentary. Subscribe to the podcast or download the audio recording by right-clicking here. Or listen to it here (9:36):

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Remember the Fox