The Ultimate Lesson in Fulfillment

Hey Everyone,

Today I want to share a powerful story from Paramahansa Yogananda that beautifully illustrates the journey towards true fulfillment in life.

This story has always resonated with me and holds profound insights into our own lives and desires. It’s also present in the first song on the 8AM Album, Seek God First…

Here it is…

There was once a great yogi who was also very wealthy, yet he suffered from terrible indigestion.

Despite his spiritual prowess, he struggled with this stomach ailment… but never prayed for relief.

As he lay dying, the Lord appeared and asked him what he wanted in his next incarnation. The yogi replied, "I want wonderful health and communion with you."

The Lord said “Ok, my son” and granted his wish, and in his next life, he was born with incredible health and deep devotion to God, BUT he had no money! No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't earn enough to feed himself. As he lay dying of hunger, he prayed, "Lord, what is health without money?"

The lord came down, hearing the cry. He prayed to the Lord that in his third incarnation, he would have health, wealth, and spiritual devotion. The Lord said “As you wish,” and so he was born healthy, wealthy, and spiritually gifted.

But alas in this life, he felt intensely lonely.

As he lay dying again, this time of loneliness, he prayed, "Lord… please… in my next life I want health, wealth, devotion, AND a companion."

The Lord, growing somewhat tiresome, granted his wish again. And in his fourth incarnation, he had everything he asked for- money, health, spirituality, and a wife.

But his wife was constantly nagging, complaining and jealous 🙃. She was an awful person to be around.

And as he lay dying of distress, he prayed, "Lord!”

“WHAT!?” said God.

“Please, I want health, wealth, devotion, and a wonderful, spiritually gifted, respectful and devoted wife."

“Your wish will be granted” said God.

And so in his fifth incarnation, he had a loving wife who was his perfect companion.

But… she died after just two years.

Heartbroken, he prayed AGAIN, "Lord!!!”

“WHAT WHAT WHAT!?” said God.

“I want health, wealth, spiritual bliss, and a long-living wonderful spiritually gifted wife."

And the Lord granted his wish once more. In his sixth incarnation, he had everything he asked for, but as his wife aged, he became tempted by his young secretary. He fell for her beauty. He looked at his old wife, who loved him dearly but he compared her to the young woman and her beauty.

“She is sooo pretty. My lord…”

And she fell in love with him… for his money. She wanted money badly. Her whole life was about money and she was willing to do anything to get it.

So they eloped.

In a short time, she left him and in the divorce took most of his money.

And he was left alone and destitute. No young pretty wife, and also no wife who loved him.

When the Lord appeared again, the yogi said, "I know all your tricks Lord. I don't want ANYTHING except your constant presence, whether in heaven or hell. If you are with me, I am content."

The takeaway: If you want anything from God, you must first be with Him. This echoes Christ's teaching, "Seek ye the kingdom of God first." Not just yogi monks—this calling is for everyone. We need to realize that this world isn't just about making babies or chasing money. Many have pursued these and missed the deeper purpose of life.

Nothing external can fulfill you. The kingdom is within.

It's only when we seek the divine presence within us, letting go of all conditions and desires, that we find true peace and happiness.

Best,

Arlin

P.S. If you’d like to delve deeper into these ideas, I encourage you to apply to The 8AM App. As a loyal member of the 8AM news letter, I am giving you the private code to skip the waitlist for the 8AM app.

The private code is ‘88’ and you can put it here in the application.