Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias. I came across the discarded book whose author had denied God precedence in the examination halls. The night was far gone when I departed. Of course! She smiled in swift understanding. It was well received; I sighed in relief. Nevertheless, I hardly expected to avail myself of the privilege. But I believe in the just law of retribution, as taught in the holy scriptures. Are we living in this material age, or are we dreaming? He vanished as mysteriously as he had come. The great guru taught his disciples to avoid theoretical discussion of the scriptures. I made a brew from the leaves, and gave it to your uncle. Her plea touched me, for she had exercised a profound spiritual influence over my early life, and had lovingly tried to fill the void left in the family circle by Mothers death. Must he, then, depart for higher duties at Thy behest?. Ananda Moyi Ma, I am delaying your journey! I protested. When it comes to so sensitive and pliable a thing as the nature of a child, the problem becomes vastly easier.. Intensely interesting stories have been minutely recorded by Greek historians and others who accompanied or followed after Alexander in his expedition to India. Not anger but divinest melancholy was responsible, I knew, for my unconventional behavior. A soft rumbling vibration formed itself into words: What has life or death to do with Light? Babaji instructed me in the ancient rigid rules which govern the transmission of the yogic art from guru to disciple. Straightforwardness without civility is like a surgeons knife, effective but unpleasant. The wonders of the motion picture, of radio, of television, of radar, of the photo-electric cellthe all-seeing electric eye, of atomic energies, are all based on the electromagnetic phenomenon of light. There was no fee; the rule made by the Church is simply to protect Therese from the onrush of casual tourists, who in previous years had flocked on Fridays by the thousands. My saintly tutor recounted the story one day, his eyes remote from the Sanskrit texts before us. A considerable poetic literature in Tamil has grown up around Agastya, a South Indian avatar. A blaze of illumination came over me with possession of the amulet; many dormant memories awakened. In thirty-five thought categories of the causal body, God elaborated all the complexities of mans nineteen astral and sixteen physical counterparts. . Super high amount watching. Your teacher will come later. His unusual life-document is certainly one of the most revealing of the depths of the Hindu mind and heart, and of the spiritual wealth of India, ever to be published in the West. The little saint seated herself cross-legged on the verandah. The swami was approaching the age of ninety, but his muscular body radiated strength and health. But the man of unattachment, he who loves others as expressions of the Lord, understands that at death the dear ones have only returned for a breathing-space of joy in Him. They confronted in Master either a frigid indifference or a formidable opposition: ice or iron! They shun it, as a rule, wishing to pursue in silence the profound soul research. The dwellers on Hiranyaloka are highly developed spiritually; all of them had acquired, in their last earth-incarnation, the meditation-given power of consciously leaving their physical bodies at death. That evening Dijen accompanied me to the hermitage. T. Rhondda Williams, Prof. S. Ushigasaki, Rev. To my astonishment, he indicated by a few words of praise that he was aware of the fact that I had written interpretations on various Gita chapters. Where has one ever heard of such deathless love? I gazed long and ecstatically on my eternal treasure, my guru in life and death. The most singular event in my life brought further confirmationan event which now impels my deathbed message. Alas! The prophecy of the saint seemed about to be fulfilled. (Matthew 5:38-39). Experiencing astral death in due time, a being thus passes from the consciousness of astral birth and death to that of physical birth and death. He has lived indoors for the past twenty years. My friend also invited about twenty neighbors, including myself. The lofty Shankara ashram before me was transformed into the structure where, years later, I established the Self-Realization Fellowship headquarters in America. After feasting for an hour, we started to leave the room. Kebalananda was a noted authority on the ancient shastras or sacred books: his erudition had earned him the title of Shastri Mahasaya, by which he was usually addressed. Yes, please come to Konnersreuth next Friday, she said graciously. How long will it take you to reach my place? Pranabanandaji suddenly halted to ask me this question. Inspired by these memories, I began to sing Tagores version of an old Bengali song, Light the Lamp of Thy Love. Bhola and I chanted joyously as we strolled over the Vidyalaya grounds. Nevertheless, I dont think Behari will be willing to go., I was exasperated. You do not know her birth day or hour., Sri Yukteswar smiled. Too bad I couldnt direct you to the vanished lamp; I am not a fortune teller! With twinkling eyes, he added, I am not even a satisfactory Sherlock Holmes!. . When one feels his unity with mankind, all minds become transmitting stations through which he can work at will. He added gently, Lahiri, surely this cave seems familiar to you?. An intuitive conviction prompted me to reply, Surely the Lord will bring us together once more., As I went about my preparations to leave Master and my native land for the unknown shores of America, I experienced not a little trepidation. He will pay you a visit on his return to India. He shall then forsake his former ways and become a monk., This tale did not impress me. From day to day he seldom knew what part of Bengal he would be discovering next. Rajendra, who had been promising himself a veritable feast on reaching Kashmir, was disappointed to find there no large vineyards. We continued on the labyrinthine way, adorned by views of rivers, valleys, precipitous crags, and multitudinous mountain tiers. Waving a reluctant farewell to a crowd of Madras students and friends, Mr. Wright and I set out for the north. I left you only for a little while; am I not with you again?, But is it you, Master, the same Lion of God? The occasion had been a public lecture; the time, April 18, 1926; the place, Carnegie Hall in New York. Master was curious about the strange little red fruits. Sanskrit root meaning of swami is he who is one with his Self (Swa). Applied to a member of the Indian order of monks, the title has the formal respect of the reverend., The Indian custom, whereby parents choose the life-partner for their child, has resisted the blunt assaults of time. Others were slain; others were massacred; but they were safe. Mysore boasts some of the largest pioneer industrial undertakings in India, including the Kolar Gold Mines, the Mysore Sugar Factory, the huge iron and steel works at Bhadravati, and the cheap and efficient Mysore State Railway which covers many of the states 30,000 square miles. As the iron wheels of our carriage creaked along the hot, stony roads, we were enraptured with changing vistas of mountainous grandeur. Mr. Wright parked the Ford some distance away, and accompanied me on foot toward the quiet assemblage. Some of these voluntary amanuenses were more discerning than others in correctly conveying the profound insight of the guru; yet, on the whole, their efforts were successful. I entered the ashram room where Masters body, unimaginably lifelike, was sitting in the lotus posturea picture of health and loveliness. Hence, figuratively, to improve (anything, as a process or institution) by selecting good features and rejecting bad, or by adding good features., Beloved Burbank, I cried after reading the definition, your very name is now a synonym for goodness!. The group around me followed my example of dipping buckets, but a few lads yielded to the temptation of the cool waters. As my silent devotional demand grew in intensity, he opened his eyes and beckoned me to approach. This flattening treatment was hard to endure, but my resolve was to allow Sri Yukteswar to iron out each of my psychological kinks. My friend Henry Ford and I both believe in the ancient theory of reincarnation, Luther told me. I translate here the words of Guru Nanaks song: W. Y. Evans-Wentz, M.A., D. What about your responsibilities for your wife and children? All your earthly thirsts are about to be quenched forever. He murmured some mystic words of blessing. I see this man doesnt please you. The saints whisper to me was unheard by the egotist, spellbound by his own monologue. Thus he removes himself from studied observance of natural laws, which can only take himby circuitous means as given by proper food, sunlight, and harmonious thoughtsto a million-year Goal. The sankirtan issuing from Sri Yukteswars second-story sitting room on the day of the festival was inspiring to the cooks amidst the steaming pots. A likeness of the venerable saint appeared as part of the frontispiece of my Tibetan Yoga and Secret Doctrines.1 It was at Puri, in Orissa, on the Bay of Bengal, that I encountered Sri Yukteswar. Indeed, there are plants, like certain of the palms, so persistent that no human power has yet been able to change them. Thus no one at the station will surmise that we are running away together.. It was 1893; the great World Parliament of Religions was in session. Charlatans have brought the stellar science to its present state of disrepute. We are the Himalayan yogis. The celestial response is difficult to describe; my heart was thrilled. Like an infant, the saint obediently swallowed the food after the chela had brought it to her lips. The silver cup! Struggling with emotion, he stared at the present, a tall drinking cup. The mere presence of a body signifies that its existence is made possible by unfulfilled desires.9, So long as the soul of man is encased in one, two, or three body-containers, sealed tightly with the corks of ignorance and desires, he cannot merge with the sea of Spirit. My prayers have been answered: you have not in your search for God been permanently removed from my sight.. In about a month your liver will cause you much trouble. The boys daily practice their spiritual exercises, engage in Gita chanting, and are taught by precept and example the virtues of simplicity, self-sacrifice, honor, and truth. ), Sri Yukteswar and I ordinarily conversed in Bengali., New Pilgrimages of the Spirit (Boston: Beacon Press, 1921)., Dr. and Mrs. Robinson visited India in 1939, and were honored guests at the Ranchi school., Mme. The thought of possible return of my weakness brought me a shudder of cold fear. The work already carried out in the Bose laboratory on the response of matter, and the unexpected revelations in plant life, have opened out very extended regions of inquiry in physics, in physiology, in medicine, in agriculture, and even in psychology. He can give the natural perfume of any flower to a scentless one, or revive a wilted blossom, or make a persons skin exude delightful fragrance.. Lord, I thought gratefully, Thou hast given this monk a large family!, A small town on Coast Highway 101, Encinitas is 100 miles south of Los Angeles, and 25 miles north of San Diego.. We pushed our way through the colorful medley of housewives, guides, priests, simply-clad widows, dignified Brahmins, and the ubiquitous holy bulls. Wondrously uplifted, I felt that some spiritual event was presaged. Although I cautioned the boys not to feed the fawn until my return, one of them was disobedient, and gave the baby deer a large quantity of milk. Washington headquarters. Abhoya, behold, the light is almost gone! He pointed to the lamp, which the nurse hastened to refill. Occasionally I hear college men remark that very little of their crammed knowledge remained with them after graduation. But beings in the causal world have a much greater freedom, and can effortlessly manifest their thoughts into instant objectivity, without any material or astral obstruction or karmic limitation. This explanation only increased my bewilderment. Approaching his back, I wielded my ax with tremendous force; the mans right arm was severed almost completely from his body. By the grace of God, as I have spoken truth always, I speak truly now.3 Through the divine blessings, your body shall verily change from today; in one month it shall have the same weight as mine.. As steps in mans awakening, the Lord inspires scientists to discover, at the right time and place, the secrets of His creation. My gurus ready wit and rollicking laugh enlivened every discussion. Gods limit is nowhere! Reentering the palace, fabulously glistening in the cold Himalayan sunlight, I sought the presence of my master. The vision continued; a vast multitude,1 gazing at me intently, swept actorlike across the stage of consciousness. Go downstairs to the garden; get a smooth stone and write your name on it with chalk; then throw the stone as far as possible into the Ganges.. God does not wish the secrets of His creation revealed promiscuously.12 Also, every individual in the world has inalienable right to his free will. He approached me yesterday as I sat on the veranda in my daily meditation. It needs twelve years of normal healthful living to effect even slight perceptible change in brain structure, and a million solar returns are exacted to sufficiently refine the cerebral tenement for manifestation of cosmic consciousness. Your sisters legs will be normal at the end of one month. He added, Let her wear, next to her skin, a band with an unperforated two-carat pearl, held on by a clasp.. The soothing drops descended during the two hours of the parade. Gandhis epoch has extended, with the beautiful precision of cosmic timing, into a century already desolated and devastated by two World Wars. Because every atom in creation is inextinguishably dowered with individuality,6 an astral friend will be recognized no matter what costume he may don, even as on earth an actors identity is discoverable by close observation despite any disguise. There was no causal connection between my two statements. He declined, remarking that even a rupee is important., How bitterly you recall the denial of that rupee! Mothers heart had an instant logic. Many disciples came down to Puri for the rites. Sir, you have told me of your friendship with a great disciple of Lahiri Mahasaya. My son, arise. Merciful Mother of the Universe, teach me Thyself through visions, or through a guru sent by Thee!. At his magnetic touch, a wondrous current swept through my brain, releasing the sweet seed-memories of my previous life. The guru Mukunda had to shoulder the responsibility of two unsought disciples in one day. I started to kneel at his feet in gratitude, but he quickly prevented me. My watch informed me that thirty minutes had elapsed. Each of the bread-envelopes proved to contain a peeled tangerine. It was indescribably subtle; the planetary pictures were formed of a grosser light. Sri Yukteswar directed the study of his own disciples by the same intensive method of one-pointedness. Yet he was invariably acquainted with the latest scientific discoveries and other advancements of knowledge. When I attempted to touch the feet of his luminous body, it would change and again become the picture. Before relating the story, I will refer to a few phases of her earlier life. Roma and I sat awhile in silent prayer for guidance. A few hours later, I was awakened from sleep by soft strains of melody. He gave a wonderful discourse on immortality after you had left for the Dasasamedh ghat, one of the chelas told me. Work done in 1938 at Columbia University was reported by The New York Times as follows: It has been determined within the past few years that when the nerves transmit messages between the brain and other parts of the body, tiny electrical impulses are being generated. The great guru now sat in silence most of the time, locked in the tranquil lotus posture. It approached nearer and nearer until, with a blinding flash, it appeared by the side of Mataji and condensed itself instantly into the human form of Lahiri Mahasaya. When the portrait was finished, the Hindu carried it in triumph to Calcutta., Return to India. A blissful wave engulfed me; I was conscious that the Lord, in the form of my guru, was expanding the small ardors of my heart into the incompressible reaches of cosmic love. Once in the jungle I encountered a tiger face-to-face. Getting up from my blanket seat, I staggered suddenly with nausea and a ghastly churning sensation in my stomach. You are to be transferred to Ranikhet, where an army post1 is now being established., With one servant, I set out on the 500-mile trip. Babaji has been chosen by God to remain in his body for the duration of this particular world cycle. With long hair and a snow-white beard, eyes twinkling with joy, he was a veritable patriarchal embodiment. A number asked for milk, others for fruit juices. Yes. Moral and spiritual values, without whose appreciation no man can approach happiness, were yet lacking in the formal curriculum. Given to Father by Lahiri Mahasaya himself, it carries a holy vibration. In India (nowhere else, alas!) Come then; I know he will arrive at ten oclock. I took Dijens hand and rushed him forcibly along with me, heedless of his protests. Rabindranath, however, laid considerable stress on the study of literature and poetry, and the self-expression through music and song which I had already noted in the case of Bhola. At dawn Ram Gopal gave me rock candies and said I must depart. Would importunate books pursue me down the years? At first his eyes sparkled, as if observing something of interest, then grew dull. I felt such reluctance to bid him farewell that tears coursed down my cheeks. Concentrate on your office work if you want to forge ahead., Sadly walking home along a woodland path that day, I met your father in a palanquin. Reaching my gurus home, I poured out the story of the wonderful saint at the Kumbha Mela. Both men were fair, tall, stalwart, and heavily bearded, with soft voices and an old-fashioned charm of manner. Sri Yukteswars impartial justice was notably demonstrated during the summer vacation of my first college year. It is more possible for the sun and moon to interchange their positions than for you to die of tuberculosis. He added abruptly, Go now, before I change my mind!. A frog is also at home in the water! Abu Said pointed out in gentle scorn. The shadows of approaching carnage were lengthening over the world; already the acute ear might hear the frightful drums of war. As one voice our party pledged loyalty to the Pride of Detroit. Welcome, Swamiji, he said affectionately. It was the painful hour of parting; a slow, tedious journey lay before our little party. Reflect that some day you will suddenly have to leave everything in this worldso make the acquaintanceship of God now, the great guru told his disciples. While studying at London and Cambridge she came in contact with Edmund Gosse and Arthur Symons who helped her to acquire the metrical accomplishment and advised her to compose on Indian themes and not to imitate the English poets. I learned later that Lahiri Mahasaya had often characterized Kebalananda as rishi or illumined sage. Will you not write a short book on the underlying basic unity between the Christian and Hindu scriptures? The human mind, free from the static of restlessness, can perform through its antenna of intuition all the functions of complicated radio mechanismssending and receiving thoughts, and tuning out undesirable ones. It is often forgotten that He who surrounded us with this ever-evolving mystery of creation has also implanted in us the desire to question and understand. My guru foretold that Romesh would help me, I explained. No, I said stubbornly, I will stay here until I find some clue leading to Therese., Two hours later we were still sitting in our car amidst the dismal rain. He arrived on the island, told the hermits that their heavenly petition was undignified, and taught them many of the customary prayers. Out of the air you came with your magic group, and into the thin air you vanished., I told you I would see you, but didnt say how long I would remain. Babaji laughed softly. Can that be the sunrise? I inquired. He received many promotions during the time of his service. Afzal was often surrounded by several hundred students, attracted by the hope of learning his secrets. the Hindus were far advanced in astronomy, which had a practical value in determining the auspicious times for astrological ceremonies. After we had reentered his study, Burbank gave me an article he had written on Science and Civilization.. But you will be much kinder to your disciples; that is your way. But unless you apply yourself in a more scholarly manner, I shall see to it that you dont pass this course.. As a young child, I lived in your parents home; your mother was a great and good woman; she trained me, taught me how to be a brave, courageous wife and how to keep the love and respect of her son, my future husband. This unity creates a psychological disposition which makes possible intuitions that transcend consciousness., The Western day is indeed nearing when the inner science of self-control will be found as necessary as the outer conquest of nature. His hair was long and somewhat curly, and his face bearded. An American traveler in Kashmir finds much to remind him of the rugged grandeur of Alaska and of Pikes Peak near Denver. Never assertive, he drew and captured the heart by an irresistible magnetism. This was the first of many pilgrimages to Dakshineswar with the holy teacher. He was about twelve years old, a brilliant student, and beloved by all. 0 sold, 1 available. I cannot pretend to diligence. As we grow hungry and hunt for wayside inns, she laughs merrily., The professor added some interesting physiological details: Because Therese takes no food, her stomach has shrunk. Your hearts desire shall be fulfilled.. Among the inward confusion of tongues, my ear gradually accustomed itself to the circumambient Bengali syllables of my people. I carried you then to the home of my guru in Benares. Dishwashings in India are reduced to a minimum! The next evening I attended, for the first time, one of your lectures here in Los Angeles, and knew then that my prayer had been granted., For eleven years now I have been your Kriya Yoga disciple, Mr. Dickinson continued. Complete immobility is usually ones sole hope of safety., Lahiri Mahasaya actually said Priya (first or given name), not Yukteswar (monastic name, not received by my guru during Lahiri Mahasayas lifetime). He was incapable of striking a pose, or of flaunting his inner withdrawal. Perhaps this time I shall be fortunate enough to see him.. The story concerns an inspired medieval saint, the cobbler Ravidas, who sang in the simple terms of his own trade of the spiritual glory hidden in all mankind: One turns aside to hide a smile on hearing the pedestrian interpretation given to Ravidas poem by a Western writer: He afterwards built a hut, set up in it an idol which he made from a hide, and applied himself to its worship.. My son, you may now comprehend more fully that I am resurrected by divine decree, Sri Yukteswar continued, as a savior of astrally reincarnating souls coming back from the causal sphere, in particular, rather than of those astral beings who are coming up from the earth. Our long wait there caused uncomfortable misgivings. The creature finally turns to his Creator, if for no other reason than to ask in anguish: Why, Lord, why? By ignoble whips of pain, man is driven at last into the Infinite Presence, whose beauty alone should lure him.. Not laziness but burning zeal for God has prevented you from seeking college honors, my guru said kindly. Our way now led east through sun-baked rice fields into the Burdwan section of Bengal. Inwardly I petitioned the Goddess Kali to devise a graceful means of escape. That is true, Doctor. One can hardly do justice in cold words to the life of a divine incarnation, Panchanon Bhattacharya had once remarked to me. Her non-eating state has been rigorously investigated by the Maharaja of Burdwan. There was a sudden flash; we witnessed the instantaneous dechemicalization of the electronic elements of Babajis body into a spreading vaporous light. The other disciples present stared apprehensively. Mr. Its circumference, beginningless and endless, makes it aptly significant of the Infinite. He has a rather large and homely nose, with which he amuses himself in idle moments, flipping and wiggling it with his fingers, like a child. We approached a large, two-storied building of brick and plaster, dominating the surrounding adobe huts; the house was under the process of repair, for around it was the characteristically tropical framework of bamboos. To my intense surprise, an instant answer came in the form of a vision of the actual European battlefields. I had not felt inclined to question Romesh about my course in philosophy. Who will look after me, if you take my servant on one of your pleasure jaunts?. You think you were clever in arranging to go before me. For the first time, perhaps, he understood that discerning placement of the comma does not atone for a spiritual coma. . Burbanks little adopted daughter came romping with her dog into the garden. Yogananda, I replied, after a moments thought. The frank realization that physical science is concerned with a world of shadows is one of the most significant advances, Sir Arthur Stanley Eddington writes in The Nature of the Physical World. I was not too much shocked when the unnerved Babu requested whisky! Though Swami Pranabananda smiled gently, his eyes were piercing the future. By the Mahatmas training of thousands of true satyagrahis (those who have taken the eleven rigorous vows mentioned in the first part of this chapter), who in turn spread the message; by patiently educating the Indian masses to understand the spiritual and eventually material benefits of nonviolence; by arming his people with nonviolent weaponsnon-cooperation with injustice, the willingness to endure indignities, prison, death itself rather than resort to arms; by enlisting world sympathy through countless examples of heroic martyrdom among satyagrahis, Gandhi has dramatically portrayed the practical nature of nonviolence, its solemn power to settle disputes without war. A second injunction for your discipline concerns food. Aversion to instant acceptancetypical of the French mind in the Westis really only honoring the principle of due reflection. I always found Father reasonable and evenly balanced in his judgments. Years later I understood by inner realization how Gandha Baba accomplished his materializations. Get up, Sasi; what a commotion you make in other peoples houses! The official then turned to Amar. Hello, Nantu! Lahiri Mahasayas words were mild and healing, even when he was forced to speak openly of a chelas faults, Sri Yukteswar once told me. We must add to the inheritance left by our ancestors. See More. Countless uses of Bose instruments will be made by future generations. So my gurudeva often said.. As God is unanticipatory Ever-Newness, we never tire of Him. A night-long philosophical discussion was not rare; any disciple could summon it by intensity of interest. Yogananda, he said with unusual gravity, you have been surrounded from birth by direct disciples of Lahiri Mahasaya. Just as Babaji is among the greatest of avatars, a Mahavatar, and Sri Yukteswar a Jnanavatar or Incarnation of Wisdom, so Lahiri Mahasaya may justly be called Yogavatar, or Incarnation of Yoga. The world is full of uneasy believers in an outward security. Two months later he died. Vaguely hoping that he would sanction my nonappearance at the finals, I related my embarrassing unpreparedness. When I fancied I was taking my last breath, the Gita was my solace. The four sacred mela cities are Allahabad, Hardwar, Nasik, and Ujjain. World War I was still being waged in the West; the newsreel recorded the carnage with such realism that I left the theater with a troubled heart.