Paramahansa Yogananda
motivation

Yogananda's quiet, unassuming, rather modest facade (described in the previous chapter) is liable to mask certain far less modest goals and ambitions in life. Materially (or in other ways), he is much more aspiring than he may seem, and reaching the top academically or professionally is really important to him.

Serious, disciplined and quietly ambitious, he is driven to prove himself and to achieve material accomplishments and success. His work, his position in the world, and his contributions to society are very important to Yogananda. Paramahansa Yogananda will persevere through enormous hardship and frustration in order to reach a goal he has set for himself, and he often sacrifices much in the area of personal relationships and home life in order to do so.

Paramahansa Yogananda has a thoughtful, quiet and self-contained disposition and does not readily show his inner feelings and needs. Paramahansa Yogananda seems to always be in control, capable, efficient and strong. He is often the person in the family or group who is given more responsibility (and more work) than the others. He is highly conscientious and even as a child he possessed great maturity, soberness, and worldly wisdom.

He is basically a pragmatic realist, and though he may have all sorts of dreams, ideals and colorful theories, he feels that the ultimate test of a concept is its practical usefulness. Paramahansa has an innate shrewdness and business sense, and there is a bit of the cynic in him as well.

He is clear-headed, detached and objective, and is not swayed by emotional dramatics. He is often authoritarian - strictly fair, but without mercy. Paramahansa Yogananda has a great respect for tradition and even if he does not agree with certain laws, he will abide by them or strive to change them, but never flagrantly disregard them. Cautious and conservative, Paramahansa Yogananda plays by the rules.

He is subtle, understated, quiet, deep, not easy to get to know intimately, and never superficial. He is a modest person and sometimes overly self-critical. Giving himself (and others) permission to feel, play, be spontaneous and silly, and sometimes weak and vulnerable is not easy for Yogananda.

Yogananda's strong points are his depth and thoroughness, patience, tenacity and faithfulness. His faults are a tendency to be rigid and inflexible, and too serious.

Paramahansa Yogananda has a very dramatic, creative, expressive nature and he loves to perform. Paramahansa enjoys being the center of attention and he seeks to shine, to excel, and to be outstanding in some unique way. He is very involved in his own creativity and self-expression, and takes great pleasure in developing and using his special talents, whether these are artistic, athletic, or intellectual. Paramahansa Yogananda has a strong sense of pride.

Paramahansa has big aspirations and the desire to succeed in life in a grand way. Paramahansa Yogananda tends to exaggerate, promise more than is feasible and misjudge by being overly optimistic. However, he never gives up on his hopes for the future. Yogananda tends to be restless and discontent with the responsibilities and limitations of life.

However he also has a heavier side which keeps Yogananda's optimism from becoming ungrounded or overblown. Paramahansa Yogananda tends to seesaw between his faith, vision and high aspirations, and his caution and realism (or fear!). He cannot and does not rely on good luck or grace alone, and he accepts the need for hard work. His doubting or "heavy" side is described below.

He is often plagued by feelings of personal inadequacy, inhibitions and self-doubt. Paramahansa Yogananda has a cautious, realistic attitude toward life and is highly responsible and disciplined with regard to his obligations and duties. Paramahansa Yogananda tends to work and struggle more than necessary and to take himself too seriously.

His emotions are very intense and Paramahansa Yogananda is excited quite easily. Love is very important to him and he is constantly seeking emotional fulfillment, but he will not waste time with casual relationships.

He may lack direction and drive and tends to compare himself unfavorably to others. Yogananda alternates between caution and unrealistic expectations and lets others expect too much of him. But Paramahansa Yogananda plods forward steadily, reaching success later in life.

Paramahansa Yogananda has a good relationship between his body and soul. Paramahansa Yogananda tends to seek out the public and because of his strong personality, others will follow him. Paramahansa could do well in public relations.

Astrological factors in this Astro Profile section:

Ascendant in Virgo and Sun in Capricorn

Sun in Capricorn

Sun in 5th house

Sun Square Jupiter

Sun aspects Jupiter and Saturn

Sun Square Saturn

Sun Opposition Moon/Pluto

Sun Opposition Jupiter/Saturn

Sun Opposition Asc./MC