As soon as all impurities have been removed by the practice of spiritual disciplines the limbs of yoga our spiritual vision opens to the light-giving knowledge of the Divine. From How to Know God: The Yoga Aphorisms of Patanjali.

The sole purpose of spiritual disciplines is to remove the obstacles to divine sight that keep us from seeing God. The practices include non-injury of others, truthfulness, control of the prana, or vital energy, and control of the mind. 

Swami Prabhavananda felt that religion is easy and simple. God is like a fruit in the hand, easy to approach. It is we who make it difficult. One long time member remarked after viewing the video, “I was amazed how after all these years the swami’s spiritual presence shined through. This lecture is a perfect introduction for new people to the spiritual practice of Yoga, yet has a wealth of material for long-time practitioners. The talks make Vedanta seem new and fresh all over again.” 

About this historic video: Originally filmed in 1971 in black and white on a 1" video format, these two lectures by Swami Prabhavananda have not been available to the public until now. As part of a comprehensive plan to preserve our valuable historic materials, Vedanta Archives has transferred this archival film footage to digital media to halt the gradual deterioration of picture and sound quality. Noticeable fading of the image has occurred, but we hope viewers will appreciate the opportunity to see this rare video footage. Also see the companion video, "Mysticism and Mystic Experiences"