From the SRF news of June 2010Paramahansa Yogananda on Simplicity
A Simpler Life Is a Happier Life
Happiness is not dependent on external circumstances; rather, it is to be found in the simpler joys of life, and most of all in the ever-new bliss of deep meditation....
Be happy by clinging to the simple, true, and lasting soul-joys. They come by deep thinking, introspection, spiritual inspiration, and meditation.
Modern life is becoming very unsatisfactory. It does not give you happiness. There are too many things, too many desires. More nice cars and dresses and entertainments − and more worries! Free yourself from these so-called "necessities" and spend more time with God. Make your life simple. Be happy in and by your Self.
Don't Be Manipulated by False Desires
Some people are habitual impulse buyers of things they don't need. They fritter away their funds. Get in the habit of shopping carefully and buying wisely. If you have some extra money, save it; don't "hark to the shark" who is always tempting you to hand over your earnings for some new "must-have" gadget or "guaranteed" investment.... Never be cajoled by anybody's attempt to manipulate you to desire something unnecessary to your real happiness and success.
Simple living and the acquirement of soul peace and joy bring an all-satisfying happiness undreamed-of by the materialist.
Simple Living Means Freedom, Not Deprivation
Simple living does not mean poverty or poverty consciousness. There are destitute people whose lives are miserable; that is not the ideal of simple living. Simplicity means to be free of desires and attachments, and supremely happy within.
When the spirit of man mentally renounces desire for objects of this world, knowing them to be illusory, perishable, misleading, and unbecoming to the soul, he begins to find true joy in acquiring permanently satisfying soul qualities. In humbly leading a life of outer simplicity and inner renunciation, steeped in the soul's heavenly bliss and wisdom, the devotee ultimately inherits the lost kingdom of immortal blessedness.
