In "Why God Permits Evil and How to Rise Above It," Paramahansa Yogananda explores the complex and age-old question of why evil exists in the world. As a highly respected spiritual teacher, Yogananda provides profound insights and uplifting teachings that shed light on the universal struggle between good and evil.

Throughout the book, Yogananda takes both a philosophical and spiritual approach to understanding evil. He emphasizes that it is not simply a punishment inflicted by a vengeful God, but rather a consequence of humanity's misuse of free will. Yogananda stresses the importance of personal accountability and encourages individuals to cultivate love, kindness, and compassion, which serve as powerful tools in overcoming darkness within ourselves and society.

Yogananda's teachings offer practical techniques and spiritual practices to help individuals transcend the influence of evil in their lives. He introduces the transformative power of meditation, affirmations, and prayer, which allow us to connect with the divinity within and access inner strength and wisdom. By aligning ourselves with the divine source, Yogananda believes we can navigate life's challenges and create positive change.

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Exploring the age-old question of why evil exists and offering guidance on transcending it.

The book also delves into the profound concept of karma, explaining how our past actions and choices shape our present circumstances. Yogananda emphasizes the importance of actively choosing to live in harmony with higher virtues such as truth, non-violence, and selflessness. Through conscious effort, he suggests that we can gradually transcend the cycle of karmic reactions and experience spiritual growth and liberation.

In summary, "Why God Permits Evil and How to Rise Above It" is a thought-provoking and enlightening book that offers spiritual guidance and wisdom to those grappling with the existence of evil in the world. Yogananda's teachings inspire readers to cultivate inner transformation, overcome the influence of negativity, and embrace the power of love and goodness as a means to transcend the challenges of life.

What are readers saying?

Paramahansa Yogananda's book "Why God Permits Evil and How to Rise Above It" has elicited a range of responses from readers. Overall, the book delves into the existence of evil and suffering in the world, providing guidance on how to overcome them and find spiritual growth. Here is an overview of the reviews:

1. Positive Reviews: Some readers found the book to be enlightening and inspiring. They appreciated Yogananda's profound insights into the nature of evil and his practical advice on how to transcend it. The book's spiritual teachings resonated with them, serving as a helpful guide in navigating life's challenges.

2. Negative Reviews: Many readers found the book to be complex and challenging to comprehend. They felt that Yogananda's language was excessively intricate, making it difficult to grasp the main ideas. Some reviewers also criticized the book for focusing too heavily on philosophical concepts rather than offering practical solutions.

3. Spiritual Insights: Several readers believed that the book presented valuable insights into the nature of evil and suffering. They appreciated the author's exploration of karma and its implications for personal growth and spiritual evolution. Yogananda's explanations of divine justice and the role of evil in human existence stimulated deep thought among these readers.

4. Challenging Read: A common criticism of the book was its dense and occasionally repetitive nature. Some readers felt overwhelmed by the author's use of complex language and philosophical ideas. This led to frustration and disengagement from the material, as they struggled to follow the author's train of thought.

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