Paramahansa Yogananda

Real success, rather than being a contraction into self-interest, extends itself in serviceful expansion. The flower, though bound to a stem, by its fragrance and beauty expands its sphere of usefulness. Some blossoms waft their perfume a little distance; others lack fragrance, but still reach out with their beauty to bring us happiness. Trees give of their expansion by providing cool shade and luscious fruits, and converting the waste of carbon dioxide into oxygen for us to breathe. The faraway sun, seemingly small in the sky, radiates beyond its sphere to give us light and warmth. The stars share with us the joy of their jewel-like lustre.

All of God's expressions in nature send out a vibration that in some way serves the world. You are His highest creation; what are you doing to reach out beyond yourself? Your soul is a beacon of infinite power. You can expand that power from within and give light and health and understanding to others…. You have the capacity to throw flowering branches of power and success all around you, that the inspiration of your life may waft its influence over the entire cosmos.

*This excerpt is taken from the chapter “Expanding Your Consciousness for All-Round Success,” which appears in Solving the Mystery of Life, Volume IV of Paramahansa Yogananda’s Collected Talks and Essays book series, published by Self-Realization Fellowship.

For more information on achieving true success and the yoga meditation teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, visit the website: Yogananda.org