You are as the yellow leaf. 

What will you take with you? 

All things arise and pass away. 

But the awakened awake forever.   —sayings of the Buddha

The drama and beauty

 of the fall season captures my attention. One of the 

places I go for a walk is a small dirt pathway that winds through a tree-shaded 

path, an alameda. At the onset of fall, the maple leaves begin a vibrant dance of 

surrender to a rustling tune of letting go conducted by the wind. I enjoy watching 

the way some of the yellow leaves float so gracefully from the treetop to the earth. 

And, I appreciate the mystery of others that seem to hang on, if only  by a slim 

thread, as they dance their last flamenco moves in the wind. 

Our spiritual walk in life is a continual invitation to let go—let go of clinging to 

the past, let go of efforting to become someone, let go of the illusion that we are 

separate from the Source. The great yoga master, Lahiri Mahasaya, said, “Reflect 

that some day you will suddenly have to leave everything in this world—so 

make the acquaintance with God now.” Like the beautiful leaves, our stay in the 

physical world is glorious, but temporary. Unlike the leaves, we have the oppor-

tunity to awaken fully to our eternal, spiritual life while we are here and know 

who we are. 

In this issue, you’ll find a tribute to Lahiri Mahasaya in this season of the  

anniversaries of his birth and his mahasamadhi, or conscious departure from  

this plane of existence. As a family man who managed his worldly responsibilities 

yet maintained his spiritual priorities, his life continues to inspire seekers of  

truth today. 

Prepare to meditate. Sit down with ease. Use a simple mantra to turn your atten-

tion within. Let go and allow your awareness to expand into the Infinite. Be 

receptive to the awakening of your inner potential. Enjoy reading about all of 

these practices in this issue. And beyond that, enjoy your precious life as you live 

it with the joy of self-discipline and the grace of surrendered devotion. 

Ellen Grace O'Brian, Editor

EnlightenmentJournal@CSEcenter.org

FROM THE EDITOR'S CUSHION
Everyday, enlightenment.