The light was brighter than any light I’ve ever seen before, and yet not blindingly so, like looking into the sun. Perhaps it was the “purity” of the light that made it possible to stare into it. And then within that light appeared Sri Yukteswar and Yogananda, both as clear as day, radiating so much love, so much joy, that it’s hard to describe. As I embraced and moved closer and closer into that light, the love and joy increased until I felt like I couldn’t possible “hold” anymore, that I would burst in ecstasy with more love than I could have ever imagined existed. And then all of a sudden I found myself smack dab right back in my body, lying on my bed, the place that makes it easier for me to meditate with the breathing problems I have.

I was absolutely appalled to find I was still in my body! I thought I was going to get to join my beloved gurus right then an there, so it was a complete and devastating shock to find that it hadn’t happened yet, that I still had more “time” to serve in this dilapidated cage. And yet, there are reasons for everything.

I had been meditating to the best of my current ability using one of the techniques taught by Yogananda, one that can and did take me to this divine experience of God’s overwhelming joy and love. It was, from everything I’ve learned from my spiritual teachers and guru, and now personal experience, a taste of what’s to come when I finally do leave this body behind once and for all. It was a glimpse – an actual experience / proof – of the continuity of the soul, of its immortality, as I move ever closer to joining my gurus on the astral plane.