It is wisest to be impartial. If you have health, but are attached to it, you will always be afraid of losing it. And if you fear that loss, but become ill, you will suffer. Why not remain forever joyful in the Self?

The quote by Paramahansa Yogananda, "It is wisest to be impartial. If you have health, but are attached to it, you will always be afraid of losing it. And if you fear that loss, but become ill, you will suffer. Why not remain forever joyful in the Self?" reflects a profound teaching on the importance of detachment and inner peace. Yogananda emphasizes the idea that being overly attached to health or any material condition can lead to fear and suffering, as one becomes anxious about the possibility of losing what they cherish. The key to true joy lies in finding stability and happiness in the Self, which is unchanging and unaffected by external circumstances.

Yogananda points out that attachment to external conditions, such as health, often leads to fear. When we are overly concerned with maintaining a particular state—whether it’s health, wealth, or status—we become vulnerable to anxiety and suffering. By contrast, if one remains centered in the Self, an inner state of peace and contentment that is independent of external factors, then joy can be sustained regardless of what happens in life, including changes in health or other circumstances.

The origin of this quote stems from Paramahansa Yogananda, a renowned Indian spiritual teacher and yogi who introduced the teachings of Kriya Yoga and the path of self-realization to the West. His teachings emphasize the importance of meditation, detachment, and inner peace as the keys to spiritual growth and contentment. Yogananda’s focus on the Self refers to the deeper, divine nature within each person that transcends physical and emotional fluctuations.

Yogananda’s message encourages a shift in perspective from external attachments to inner freedom and joy. By focusing on the Self, which is constant and beyond the realm of fear or attachment, one can achieve a state of equanimity and lasting happiness. This quote calls for individuals to cultivate an inner sense of peace, allowing them to navigate the ups and downs of life with wisdom and grace, free from the fear of losing what is transient.