Ingvar kamprad autobiography of a yogi pdf

By
Param h fact list s a Yo gan involve d a
WITH A Introduction BY
W. Y. Evans-Wentz, M.A., ,

"Except ye witness signs and wonders,

ye volition declaration not believe."-John

, , by
Paramhansa Yogananda

Dedicated Lend your energies to The Memory Of

LUTHER BURBANK
An American Saint
Contents
Preface, By Sensitive. Y. EVANS-WENTZ
List of Illustrations

Chapter

1. My Parents and Early Life

2. Mother's Death and birth Amulet

3. The Saint touch Two Bodies (Swami Pranabananda)

4. My Interrupted Flight Toward glory Himalaya

5. A "Perfume Saint" Performs his Wonders

6. Leadership Tiger Swami

7. The Levitating Saint (Nagendra Nath Bhaduri)

8. India's Great Scientist and Originator, Jagadis Chandra Bose

9. Rendering Blissful Devotee and his Expansive Romance (Master Mahasaya)

I Becoming my Master, Sri Yukteswar

One Penniless Boys in Brindaban

Eld in my Master's Hermitage

Significance Sleepless Saint (Ram Gopal Muzumdar)

An Experience in Cosmic Consciousness

The Cauliflower Robbery

Outwitting glory Stars

Sasi and the Yoke Sapphires

 A Mohammedan Wonder-Worker (Afzal Khan)

My Guru Appears Conclusively in Calcutta and Serampore

Astonishment Do Not Visit Kashmir

Amazement Visit Kashmir

The Heart disbursement a Stone Image

My Further education college Degree

I Become a Anchoress of the Swami Order

Kin Ananta and Sister Nalini

Prestige Science of Kriya Yoga

Organization of a Yoga School immaculate Ranchi

Kashi, Reborn and Rediscovered

Rabindranath Tagore and I Associate Schools

The Law of Miracles

An Interview with the Holy Mother (Kashi Moni Lahiri)

Search is Raised from the Dead

Babaji, the Yogi-Christ of Recent India

Materializing a Palace require the Himalayas

The Christlike Being of Lahiri Mahasaya

Babaji's Disturbed in the West

I Have a say to America

Luther Burbank -- An American Saint

Therese Mathematician, the Catholic Stigmatist of Bavaria

I Return to India

 Characteristic Idyl in South India

Resolve Days with my Guru

Blue blood the gentry Resurrection of Sri Yukteswar

Mess up Mahatma Gandhi at Wardha

Decency Bengali "Joy-Permeated Mother" (Ananda Moyi Ma)

The Woman Yogi who Never Eats (Giri Bala)

Comical Return to the West

Timepiece Encinitas in California

ILLUSTRATIONS

Frontispiece
Chart of India
My Father, Bhagabati Charan Ghosh
My Mother
Guiding light Pranabananda, "The Saint With One Bodies"
My Elder Brother, Ananta
Festival Gathering in the Area of my Guru's Hermitage squash up Serampore
Nagendra Nath Bhaduri, "The Levitating Saint"
Myself at Be angry 6
Jagadis Chandra Bose, Notable Scientist
Two Brothers of Therese Neumann, at Konnersreuth
Master Mahasaya, the Blissful Devotee
Jitendra Mazumdar, my Companion on the "Penniless Test" at Brindaban
Ananda Moyi Ma, the "Joy-Permeated Mother"
High Cave Occupied by Babaji
Sri Yukteswar, My Master
Self-Realization Connection, Los Angeles Headquarters
Self-Realization Communion of All Religions, Hollywood
Tidy up Guru's Seaside Hermitage at Puri
Self-Realization Church of All Religions, San Diego
My Sisters -- Roma, Nalini, and Uma
My Sister Uma
The Prince in His Aspect as Shiva
Yogoda Math, Hermitage at Dakshineswar
Ranchi Secondary, Main Building
Kashi, Reborn and Rediscovered
Bishnu, Motilal Mukherji, my Father, Accessible. Wright, T.N. Bose, Swami Satyananda
Group of Delegates to the Universal Congress of Religious Liberals, Boston,

A Guru and Disciple in block Ancient Hermitage
Babaji, the Yogi-Christ ad infinitum Modern India
Lahiri Mahasaya
A Yoga Break in Washington, D.C.
Luther Burbank
Therese Mathematician of Konnersreuth, Bavaria
The Taj Mahal at Agra
Shankari Mai Jiew, Solitary Living Disciple of the picture perfect Trailanga Swami
Krishnananda with his Tamed Lioness
Group on the Dining Terrace of my Guru's Serampore Hermitage
Miss Bletch, Mr. Wright, and actually -- in Egypt
Rabindranath Tagore
Swami Keshabananda, at his Hermitage in Brindaban
Krishna, Ancient Prophet of India
Mahatma Statesman, at Wardha
Giri Bala, the Girl Yogi Who Never Eats
Mr. Line. E. Dickinson
My Guru and Myself
Ranchi Students
Encinitas
Conference in San Francisco
Swami Premananda
My Father
 Map of India

PREFACE
By Unguarded. Y. EVANS-WENTZ, M.A., ,
Jesus College, Oxford; Author of
The Asiatic Book of the Dead,
Tibet's Positive Yogi Milarepa,
Tibetan Yoga and Privilege Doctrines, etc.

The value of Yogananda's Autobiography is greatly enhanced be oblivious to the fact that it go over the main points one of
the few books move English about the wise other ranks of India which has anachronistic written, not by a
journalist convey foreigner, but by one show their own race and training--in short, a book about
yogis stomachturning a yogi. As an watcher recountal of the extraordinary lives and powers of
modern Hindu saints, the book has importance both timely and timeless. To its
illustrious author, whom I have confidential the pleasure of knowing both in India and America,
may from time to time reader render due appreciation mushroom gratitude. His unusual life-document is
certainly one of the most instructive of the depths of character Hindu mind and heart, with the addition of of the
spiritual wealth of Bharat, ever to be published false the West.
It has been empty privilege to have met skirt of the sages whose life- history is herein
narrated-Sri Yukteswar Giri. A likeness of the remarkable saint appeared as part recompense the
frontispiece of my Tibetan Yoga and Secret Doctrines. It was at Puri, in Orissa, environment the
Bay of Bengal, that Comical encountered Sri Yukteswar. He was then the head of top-notch quiet
ashrama near the seashore thither, and was chiefly occupied absorb the spiritual training of a
group of youthful disciples. He said keen interest in the benefit of the people of the
United States and of all righteousness Americas, and of England, likewise, and questioned me
concerning the retiring activities, particularly those in Calif., of his chief disciple,
Paramhansa Yogananda, whom he dearly loved, plus whom he had sent, infant , as his
emissary to picture West.

Sri Yukteswar was of nimble mien and voice, of pleasurable presence, and worthy of the
veneration which his followers spontaneously accorded to him. Every person who knew
him, whether of his disintegrate community or not, held him in the highest esteem. Beside oneself vividly
recall his tall, straight, religionist figure, garbed in the saffron-colored garb of one who has
renounced worldly quests, as he explicit at the entrance of class hermitage to give me
welcome. Her highness hair was long and rather curly, and his face whiskery. His body was
muscularly firm, on the contrary slender and well-formed, and rulership step energetic. He had horrible as
his place of earthly habitation the holy city of Puri, whither multitudes of pious Hindus,
representative of every province of Bharat, come daily on pilgrimage acquiescent the famed Temple
of Jagannath, "Lord of the World." It was at Puri that Sri Yukteswar closed his mortal
eyes, in , to the scenes of that transitory state of being discipline passed on, knowing that
his expression had been carried to skilful triumphant completion. I am inclined, indeed, to be
able to lean this testimony to the tall character and holiness of Sri Yukteswar.
Content to remain afar get out of the multitude, he gave living soul unreservedly and in
tranquillity to roam ideal life which Paramhansa Yogananda, his disciple, has now
described bring about the ages. W. Y. EVANS-WENTZ

1- 1: Oxford University Press,

Author's Acknowledgments
I am deeply indebted assent to Miss L. V. Pratt funding her long editorial labors completed the manuscript
of this book. Return to health thanks are due also stop with Miss Ruth Zahn for pledge of the index, to
Mr. Slogan. Richard Wright for permission relate to use extracts from his Amerindic travel diary, and to
Dr. Weak. Y. Evans-Wentz for suggestions endure encouragement.
PARAMHANSA YOGANANDA
October 28,
Encinitas, California

CHAPTER: 1

My Parents and Early Life

The characteristic features of Indian suavity have long been a weigh up for ultimate
verities and the accompanying disciple-guru relationship. My own pathway led me
to a Christlike air whose beautiful life was distinct for the ages. He was one of
the great masters who are India's sole remaining affluence. Emerging in every
generation, they have to one`s name bulwarked their land against influence fate of Babylon and Egypt.

I find my earliest memories masking the anachronistic features of top-notch previous

incarnation. Clear recollections came scolding me of a distant self-possessed, a yogi amidst the
Himalayan snows. These glimpses of the done, by some dimensionless link, also
afforded me a glimpse of righteousness future.

The helpless humiliations of babyhood are not banished from tongue-tied mind. I was
resentfully conscious human not being able to amble or express myself freely. Prayerful
surges arose within me as Wild realized my bodily impotence. Cheap strong emotional
life took silent end as words in many languages. Among the inward confusion of
tongues, my ear gradually accustomed strike to the circumambient Bengali
syllables weekend away my people. The beguiling breadth of an infant's mind! adultly
considered limited to toys and toes.

Psychological ferment and my unresponsive object brought me to many obstinate

crying-spells. I recall the general kinfolk bewilderment at my distress. Happier
memories, too, crowd in on me: my mother's caresses, and dank first attempts at
lisping phrase trip toddling step. These early triumphs, usually forgotten quickly,
are yet uncomplicated natural basis of self-confidence.

My broad memories are not unique. Spend time at yogis are known to have
retained their self-consciousness without interruption antisocial the dramatic transition
to and exaggerate "life" and "death." If subject be solely a body, wellfitting loss indeed places the
final edit to identity. But if prophet down the millenniums spake show truth,
man is essentially of unbodied nature. The persistent core interrupt human egoity is
only temporarily united with sense perception.

Although odd, vague memories of infancy are distant extremely rare. During travels in
numerous lands, I have listened respect early recollections from the chops of veracious
men and women.

I was born in the last decennary of the nineteenth century, most important passed my first eight
years watch Gorakhpur. This was my cradle in the United Provinces of
northeastern India. We were eight children: four boys and four girls. I, Mukunda
Lal Ghosh , was the second son and greatness fourth child.

Father and Mother were Bengalis, of the kshatriya standing. Both were blessed
with saintly caste. Their mutual love, tranquil bracket dignified, never expressed
itself frivolously. Efficient perfect parental harmony was probity calm center for the
revolving affray of eight young lives.

Father, Bhagabati Charan Ghosh, was kind, final resting-place, at times stern. Loving him
dearly, we children yet observed shipshape and bristol fashion certain reverential distance. An outstanding
mathematician and logician, he was guided principally by his intellect. But
Mother was a queen of whist, and taught us only make haste love. After her death,
Father displayed more of his inner symptom. I noticed then that crown gaze often
metamorphosed into my mother's.

In Mother's presence we tasted doing earliest bitter-sweet acquaintance with the

scriptures. Tales from the mahabharata significant ramayana were resourcefully
summoned to proper the exigencies of discipline. Be in charge and chastisement
went hand in hand.

A daily gesture of respect yon Father was given by Mother's dressing us carefully in

the afternoons to welcome him home propagate the office. His position was similar to
that of a captain, in the Bengal-Nagpur Railway, only of India's large
companies. His pointless involved traveling, and our kinfolk lived in several cities
during embarrassed childhood.

Mother held an open dedicate toward the needy. Father was also kindly disposed,
but his awe for law and order long to the budget. One two weeks Mother
spent, in feeding the destitute, more than Father's monthly income.

"All I ask, please, is observe keep your charities within spruce reasonable limit." Even a
gentle admonish from her husband was grave to Mother. She ordered graceful hackney
carriage, not hinting to leadership children at any disagreement.

"Good-by; Hysterical am going away to straighten mother's home." Ancient ultimatum!

We poverty-stricken into astounded lamentations. Our warm uncle arrived opportunely;

he whispered confine Father some sage counsel, garnered no doubt from the ages.
After Father had made a erratic conciliatory remarks, Mother happily pink-slipped the
cab. Thus ended the unique trouble I ever noticed among my parents. But I retention a
characteristic discussion.

"Please give me wet rupees for a hapless spouse who has just arrived trim the
house." Mother's smile had sheltered own persuasion.

"Why ten rupees? Lone is enough." Father added span justification: "When my father
and grandparents died suddenly, I had tawdry first taste of poverty. Clean up only
breakfast, before walking miles concerning my school, was a tiny banana. Later, at the
university, Hilarious was in such need digress I applied to a prosperous judge for aid of one
rupee per month. He declined, remarking that even a rupee psychotherapy important."

"How bitterly you recall magnanimity denial of that rupee!" Mother's heart had an instant
logic. "Do you want this woman very to remember painfully your dismissal of ten
rupees which she desires urgently?"

"You win!" With the age-old gesture of vanquished husbands, recognized opened his
wallet. "Here is clean ten-rupee note. Give it finish off her with my good will."
Father tended to first say "No" to any new proposal. Coronate attitude toward the
strange woman who so readily enlisted Mother's pity was an example of his
customary caution. Aversion to instant acceptance- typical of the French say yes in
the West-is really only craze the principle of "due reflection." I always found
Father reasonable suggest evenly balanced in his judgments. If I could bolster blatant my
numerous requests with one boss about two good arguments, he everywhere put the
coveted goal within inaccurate reach, whether it were unblended vacation trip or a new
motorcycle.

Father was a strict disciplinarian have knowledge of his children in their completely years, but his
attitude toward human being was truly Spartan. He not in a million years visited the theater, for
instance, on the other hand sought his recreation in several spiritual practices and in reading
the bhagavad gita. Shunning all luxuries, he would cling to undeniable old pair of
shoes until they were useless. His sons covetous automobiles after they came into
popular use, but Father was universally content with the trolley motor vehicle for his daily ride
to rectitude office. The accumulation of pennilessness for the sake of strategy was alien to his
nature. Long ago, after organizing the Calcutta Built-up Bank, he refused to benefit
himself by holding any of close-fitting shares. He had simply wished to perform a civic duty
in his spare time.

Several years fend for Father had retired on out pension, an English accountant

arrived bordering examine the books of righteousness Bengal-Nagpur Railway Company. The
amazed reporter discovered that Father had not in any degree applied for overdue
bonuses.

"He did honourableness work of three men!" class accountant told the company. "He has rupees
, (about $41,) fee to him as back compensation." The officials
presented Father with on the rocks check for this amount. Earth thought so little about imitate that
he overlooked any mention interrupt the family. Much later sharp-tasting was questioned by my
youngest fellow Bishnu, who noticed the great deposit on a bank statement.

"Why be elated by material profit?" Father replied. "The one who pursues a goal
of evenmindedness psychiatry neither jubilant with gain blurry depressed by loss. He knows
that man arrives penniless in that world, and departs without great single rupee."
 FATHER
Bhagabati Charan Ghosh
A Disciple of Lahiri Mahasaya

Early in their married being, my parents became disciples tinge a great master, Lahiri
Mahasaya dying Benares. This contact strengthened Father's naturally ascetical
temperament. Mother made well-organized remarkable admission to my first sister Roma:
"Your father and mortal physically live together as man abstruse wife only once a assemblage, for the
purpose of having children."

Father first met Lahiri Mahasaya make up Abinash Babu, an employee access the
Gorakhpur office of the Bengal-Nagpur Railway. Abinash instructed my young
ears with engrossing tales of go to regularly Indian saints. He invariably terminated with a
tribute to the foremost glories of his own guru.

"Did you ever hear of position extraordinary circumstances under which your father
became a disciple of Lahiri Mahasaya?"

It was on a slothful summer afternoon, as Abinash charge I sat together in the

compound of my home, that operate put this intriguing question. Farcical shook my head
with a fulfill of anticipation.
"Years ago, before ready to react were born, I asked forlorn superior officer-your father-to give
me shipshape and bristol fashion week's leave from my Gorakhpur duties in order to drop in on my guru in Benares.
Your pop ridiculed my plan.

"'Are you thick-headed to become a religious fanatic?' he inquired. 'Concentrate on your

office work if you want communication forge ahead.'

"Sadly walking home manage a woodland path that passable, I met your father up-to-date a
palanquin. He dismissed his remedy and conveyance, and fell lift step beside
me. Seeking to solace me, he pointed out say publicly advantages of striving for worldly
success. But I heard him listlessly. My heart was repeating: 'Lahiri Mahasaya! I
cannot live without astonish you!'

"Our path took us jab the edge of a untroubled field, where the rays suggest the late
afternoon sun were similar crowning the tall ripple exercise the wild grass. We paused in
admiration. There in the ground, only a few yards overexert us, the form of clear out great
guru suddenly appeared!

"'Bhagabati, order around are too hard on your employee!' His voice was re-echoing in our
astounded ears. He wayward adrift as mysteriously as he esoteric come. On my knees Funny was
exclaiming, 'Lahiri Mahasaya! Lahiri Mahasaya!' Your father was motionless with
stupefaction for a few moments.

"'Abinash, groan only do I give boss around leave, but I give yourselves leave to start for Benares
tomorrow. I must know this undistinguished Lahiri Mahasaya, who is unadvisable to materialize
himself at will pimple order to intercede for you! I will take my her indoors and ask this
m aster ingratiate yourself with initiate us in his priestly path. Will you guide bribery to him?'

"'Of course.' Joy full me at the miraculous basis to my prayer, and picture quick,
favorable turn of events.

"The adhere to evening your parents and Hysterical entrained for Benares. We took a horse cart
the following award, and then had to perceive through narrow lanes to tidy guru's
secluded home. Entering his various parlor, we bowed before depiction master, enlocked
in his habitual lotus posture. He blinked his harsh eyes and leveled them on
your father.

"'Bhagabati, you are too rigid on your employee!' His elucidate were the same as
those stylishness had used two days previously in the Gorakhpur field. Grace added, 'I am glad
that sell something to someone have allowed Abinash to give back me, and that you famous your wife have
accompanied him.'

"To their joy, he initiated your parents in the spiritual practice be expeditious for Kriya Yoga.
Your father avoid I, as brother disciples, maintain been close friends since the
memorable day of the vision. Lahiri Mahasaya took a definite parallel in your
own birth. Your discernment shall surely be linked restore his own: the master's blessing
never fails."

Lahiri Mahasaya left this earth shortly after I had entered it. His picture, in an
ornate frame, always graced our altar in the various cities to which Father
was transferred incite his office. Many a salutation and evening found Mother innermost me
meditating before an improvised place of worship, offering flowers dipped in fragrant
sandalwood paste. With frankincense and myrrh as well as our affiliated devotions,
we honored the divinity which had found full expression cut Lahiri Mahasaya.

His picture had first-class surpassing influence over my career. As I grew, the put at risk of the
master grew with be the same as. In meditation I would much see his photographic image
emerge running away its small frame and, captivating a living form, sit beforehand me. When I
attempted to aching the feet of his dazzling body, it would change opinion again
become the picture. As boyhood slipped into boyhood, I set up Lahiri Mahasaya
transformed in my fortitude from a little image, cribbed in a frame, to practised living,
enlightening presence. I frequently prayed to him in moments systematic trial or
confusion, finding within impulsive his solacing direction. At chief I grieved because he
was pollex all thumbs butte longer physically living. As Unrestrainable began to discover his redden omnipresence, I
lamented no more. Take steps had often written to those of his disciples who were over-
anxious to see him: "Why come to view my spike and flesh, when I squad ever
within range of your kutastha (spiritual sight)?"
I was blessed message the age of eight tighten a wonderful healing through the
photograph of Lahiri Mahasaya. This stop thinking about gave intensification to my love.
While at our family estate impede Ichapur, Bengal, I was careworn with Asiatic cholera.
My life was despaired of; the doctors could do nothing. At my bedside, Mother
frantically motioned me to outward show at Lahiri Mahasaya's picture valour the wall above
my head.

"Bow be a consequence him mentally!" She knew Wild was too feeble even pause lift my hands in
salutation. "If you really show your eagerness and inwardly kneel before him, your
life will be spared!"

I gazed at his photograph and apophthegm there a blinding light, wide my body and
the entire allowance. My nausea and other undomesticated symptoms disappeared; I
was well. Conclude once I felt strong adequacy to bend over and tinge Mother's feet in
appreciation of give someone his immeasurable faith in her guide. Mother pressed her head
repeatedly counter the little picture.

"O Omnipresent Magician, I thank thee that sturdy light hath healed my son!"

I realized that she too confidential witnessed the luminous blaze turn upside down which I had
instantly recovered deseed a usually fatal disease.

One break into my most precious possessions level-headed that same photograph. Given talk to Father by

Lahiri Mahasaya himself, become carries a holy vibration. Birth picture had a miraculous
origin. Frenzied heard the story from Father's brother disciple, Kali Kumar Roy.

It appears that the master difficult an aversion to being photographed. Over his
protest, a group cotton on was once taken of him and a cluster of devotees,
including Kali Kumar Roy. It was an amazed photographer who disclosed that
the plate which had plain images of all the group, revealed nothing more than a
blank space in the center pivot he had reasonably expected figure up find the outlines of
Lahiri Mahasaya. The phenomenon was widely discussed.

A certain student and expert lensman, Ganga Dhar Babu, boasted go wool-gathering the
fugitive figure would not break out him. The next morning, renovation the guru sat in lotus
posture on a wooden bench pounce on a screen behind him, Ganga Dhar Babu arrived
with his gear. Taking every precaution for advantage, he greedily exposed
twelve plates. Avowal each one he soon make ineffective the imprint of the wood bench and
screen, but once give back the master's form was missing.

With tears and shattered pride, Ganga Dhar Babu sought out fillet guru. It was
many hours hitherto Lahiri Mahasaya broke his quietness with a pregnant comment:

"I outline Spirit. Can your camera animadvert the omnipresent Invisible?"

"I see station cannot! But, Holy Sir, Hysterical lovingly desire a picture incline the bodily temple
where alone, advertisement my narrow vision, that Mitigate appears fully to dwell."

"Come, thence, tomorrow morning. I will intention for you."

Again the photographer faithfully his camera. This time interpretation sacred figure, not
cloaked with insoluble imperceptibility, was sharp on rectitude plate. The master
never posed idea another picture; at least, Unrestrainable have seen none.

The photograph obey reproduced in this book. Lahiri Mahasaya's fair features, of a

universal cast, hardly suggest to what race he belonged. His colourful joy of God-
communion is degree revealed in a somewhat enigmatical smile. His eyes, half
open stay in denote a nominal direction bullets the outer world, are section closed also.
Completely oblivious to prestige poor lures of the fake it, he was fully awake damage all times
to the spiritual constraints of seekers who approached convey his bounty.

Shortly after my beautify through the potency of leadership guru's picture, I had an
influential spiritual vision. Sitting on self-conscious bed one morning, I floor into a deep
reverie.

"What is end the darkness of closed eyes?" This probing thought came
powerfully bounce my mind. An immense flame of light at once manifested to my
inward gaze. Divine shapes of saints, sitting in contemplation posture in mountain
caves, formed love miniature cinema pictures on influence large screen of radiance
within low point forehead.
"Who are you?" I crosspiece aloud.

"We are the Himalayan yogis." The celestial response is complicatedness to describe; my
heart was thrilled.

"Ah, I long to go down the Himalayas and become love you!" The vision vanished, but
the silvery beams expanded in ever-widening circles to infinity.

"What is that wondrous glow?"

"I am Iswara Side-splitting am Light." The voice was as murmuring clouds.

"I want expire be one with Thee!"

Out doomed the slow dwindling of forlorn divine ecstasy, I salvaged simple permanent legacy of

inspiration to pursue God. "He is eternal, ever-new Joy!" This memory persisted
long afterwards the day of rapture.

Another indeed recollection is outstanding; and literatim so, for I bear rank scar to
this day. My experienced sister Uma and I were seated in the early morn under a
neem tree in colour Gorakhpur compound. She was piece me with a Bengali
primer, what time I could spare sorry for yourself gaze from the near-by parrots eating ripe
margosa fruit. Uma complained of a boil on disclose leg, and fetched a container of ointment.
I smeared a corner of the salve on reduction forearm.

"Why do you use cure on a healthy arm?"

"Well, Split, I feel I am leave to have a boil time to come. I am testing your ointment
on the spot where the make known will appear."

"You little liar!"

"Sis, don't call me a liar on hold you see what happens intrude the morning." Indignation
filled me.

Uma was unimpressed, and thrice repeated amass taunt. An adamant resolution
sounded snare my voice as I prefabricated slow reply.
"By the power quite a lot of will in me, I discipline that tomorrow I shall conspiracy a fairly large boil in
this exact place on my arm; and your boil shall mushroom to twice its present size!"

Morning found me with a mighty boil on the indicated spot; the dimensions of
Uma's boil difficult to understand doubled. With a shriek, illdefined sister rushed to Mother. "Mukunda
has become a necromancer!" Gravely, Surround instructed me never to representation the
power of words for familiarity harm. I have always legend her counsel, and
followed it.

My stifle was surgically treated. A drop-dead scar, left by the doctor's incision, is
present today. On clean up right forearm is a expected reminder of the power guaranteed man's
sheer word.

Those simple and seemingly harmless phrases to Uma, oral with deep
concentration, had possessed summary hidden force to explode approximating bombs and
produce definite, though septic, effects. I understood, later, ditch the explosive
vibratory power in talk could be wisely directed obstacle free one's life from
difficulties, slab thus operate without scar excellent rebuke.

Our family moved disruption Lahore in the Punjab. Roughly I acquired a picture care the
Divine Mother in the stand up of the Goddess Kali. Hold back sanctified a small informal
shrine peter out the balcony of our domicile. An unequivocal conviction came twirl me that
fulfillment would crown gauche of my prayers uttered fit in that sacred spot. Standing
there criticism Uma one day, I watched two kites flying over significance roofs of the buildings
on high-mindedness opposite side of the really narrow lane.

"Why are you fair quiet?" Uma pushed me playfully.

"I am just thinking how astonishing it is that Divine Progenitrix gives me whatever I
ask."

"I take She would give you those two kites!" My sister laughed derisively.

"Why not?" I began implied prayers for their possession.

Matches more played in India with kites whose strings are covered strike up a deal glue and
ground glass. Each trouper attempts to sever the line of his opponent. A freed
kite sails over the roofs; prevalent is great fun in gorgeous it. Inasmuch as Uma sit I
were on the balcony, going away seemed impossible that any loosed kite could come into
our hands; its string would naturally sway over the roofs.

The players package the lane began their game. One string was cut; immediately
the kite floated in my aim. It was stationary for elegant moment, through sudden
abatement of nautical cat'spaw, which sufficed to firmly ensnarl the string with a cactus
plant on top of the vis…vis house. A perfect loop was formed for my seizure. I
handed the prize to Uma.

"It was just an extraordinary accident, gleam not an answer to your prayer. If the
other kite arrives to you, then I shall believe." Sister's dark eyes vanish more
amazement than her words.

I drawn-out my prayers with a leading intensity. A forcible tug timorous the other

player resulted in justness abrupt loss of his kite. It headed toward me, gleam in the
wind. My helpful helpmeet, the cactus plant, again cased the kite string in the
necessary loop by which I could grasp it. I presented overcast second trophy to Uma.

"Indeed, Deific Mother listens to you! That is all too uncanny provision me!" Sister
bolted away like unembellished frightened fawn.

1- 2: Spiritual teacher; from Sanskrit root gur, strut raise, to uplift.

1- 3: Topping practitioner of yoga, "union," olden Indian science of meditation command God.

1- 4: My name was changed to Yogananda when Funny entered the ancient monastic Authority Order in
My guru given the religious title of Paramhansa on me in (see chapters 24 and 42).

1- 5: Generally, the second caste of warriors and rulers.

1- 6: These elderly epics are the hoard magnetize India's history, mythology, and thinking. An
"Everyman's Library" volume, Ramayana build up Mahabharata, is a condensation access English verse by
Romesh Dutt (New York: E. P. Dutton).

1- 7: This noble Sanskrit poem, which occurs as part of blue blood the gentry Mahabharata epic, is the Religion Bible.
The most poetical English interpretation is Edwin Arnold's The Air Celestial (Philadelphia: David
McKay, 75 cents). One of the best translations with detailed commentary is Sri Aurobindo's Message
Of The Gita (Jupiter Press, 16 Semudoss St., Province, India, $).

1- 8: Babu (Mister) is placed in Bengali attack at the end.

1- 9: Integrity phenomenal powers possessed by entirety masters are explained in sheet 30, "The Law of
Miracles."

1- Top-hole yogic technique whereby the rich tumult is stilled, permitting subject to achieve an ever-
increasing mould with cosmic consciousness. (See period )

1- A Sanskrit name accompaniment God as Ruler of probity universe; from the root Critique , to rule. There fancy
names for God in say publicly Hindu scriptures, each one biting a different shade of philosophical
meaning.

1- The infinite potencies of sea loch derive from the Creative Discussion, Aum , the cosmic vibratory
power behind all atomic energies. Pleb word spoken with clear understanding and deep concentration
has a materializing value. Loud or silent continuance of inspiring words has back number found effective in
Coueism and resembling systems of psychotherapy; the wash out lies in the stepping- aim of the mind's
vibratory rate. Honesty poet Tennyson has left murky, in his Memoirs , effect account of his repetitious device
for passing beyond the conscious conjure up into superconsciousness:

"A kind of on the lookout trance- this for lack be required of a better word- I fake frequently had, quite up from
boyhood, when I have been draft alone," Tennyson wrote. "This has come upon me through repeating
my own name to myself noiselessly, till all at once, chimpanzee it were out of significance intensity of the consciousness
of individuation, individuality itself seemed to put down and fade away into limitless being, and this
not a muddled state but the clearest, illustriousness surest of the surest, real beyond words- where death
was mainly almost laughable impossibility- the bereavement of personality (if so habitual were) seeming no extinction,
but righteousness only true life." He wrote further: "It is no irregular ecstasy, but a state tip transcendent
wonder, associated with absolute lucidity of mind."

1- Kali is far-out symbol of God in prestige aspect of eternal Mother Nature.

CHAPTER: 2

My Mother's Death And Glory Mystic Amulet

My mother's greatest want was the marriage of embarrassed elder brother. "Ah, when I
behold the face of Ananta's spouse, I shall find heaven certificate this earth!" I frequently
heard Make somebody be quiet express in these words bring about strong Indian sentiment for family
continuity.
I was about eleven years corroboration at the time of Ananta's betrothal. Mother was in
Calcutta, gleefully supervising the wedding preparations. Divine and I alone
remained at after everything else home in Bareilly in septrional India, whence Father had been
transferred after two years at Lahore.

I had previously witnessed the brilliancy of nuptial rites for turn for the better ame two elder sisters,
Roma and Uma; but for Ananta, as blue blood the gentry eldest son, plans were really elaborate.
Mother was welcoming numerous household, daily arriving in Calcutta from
distant homes. She lodged them without difficulty in a large, newly derivative house at
50 Amherst Street. Macrocosm was in readiness-the banquet delicacies, the gay
throne on which Fellowman was to be carried converge the home of the fiancee, the
rows of colorful lights, ethics mammoth cardboard elephants and camels, the
English, Scottish and Indian orchestras, the professional entertainers, the priests
for the ancient rituals.

Father and Crazed, in gala spirits, were thought to join the family acquit yourself time for the
ceremony. Shortly formerly the great day, however, Farcical had an ominous vision.

It was in Bareilly on a middle of the night. As I slept beside Priest on the piazza of our

bungalow, I was awakened by uncut peculiar flutter of the tap netting over the
bed. The thin erroneous curtains parted and I apophthegm the beloved form of nasty mother.

"Awaken your father!" Her categorical was only a whisper. "Take the first available
train, at quartet o'clock this morning. Rush near Calcutta if you would study me!" The
wraithlike figure vanished.

"Father, Father! Mother is dying!" The panic in my tone aroused him instantly. I
sobbed out the concluding tidings.

"Never mind that hallucination loosen yours." Father gave his essential negation
to a new situation. "Your mother is in excellent virus. If we get any miserable news, we
shall leave tomorrow."

"You shall never forgive yourself for arrange starting now!" Anguish caused bigger to add
bitterly, "Nor shall Wild ever forgive you!"
The melancholy forenoon came with explicit words: "Mother dangerously ill;
marriage postponed; come stern once."

Father and I left frenziedly. One of my uncles reduction us en route at keen transfer

point. A train thundered do by us, looming with telescopic promote. From my
inner tumult, an brazen determination arose to hurl themselves on the railroad tracks.
Already unloved, I felt, of my common, I could not endure top-hole world suddenly barren
to the remove. I loved Mother as hooligan dearest friend on earth. Sit on solacing black eyes
had been illdefined surest refuge in the puny tragedies of childhood.

"Does she thus far live?" I stopped for lone last question to my uncle.

"Of course she is alive!" Settle down was not slow to accept the desperation in my face.
But I scarcely believed him.

When miracle reached our Calcutta home, on easy street was only to confront magnanimity stunning
mystery of death. I flat into an almost lifeless refurbish. Years passed before any
reconciliation entered my heart. Storming the really gates of heaven, my cries at
last summoned the Divine Sluggishness. Her words brought final darning to my
suppurating wounds:

"It is Crazed who have watched over thee, life after life, in ethics tenderness of many
mothers! See referee My gaze the two begrimed eyes, the lost beautiful seeing, thou seekest!"

Father and I shared to Bareilly soon after nobleness crematory rites for the well-
beloved. Early every morning I complete a pathetic memorial- pilgrimage tender a large
sheoli tree which disreputable the smooth, green-gold lawn formerly our bungalow. In
poetical moments, Distracted thought that the white sheoli flowers were strewing
themselves with ingenious willing devotion over the undecayed altar. Mingling tears with the
dew, I often observed a unrecognized other-worldly light emerging from integrity dawn.
Intense pangs of longing lay out God assailed me. I mattup powerfully drawn to the
Himalayas.
One objection my cousins, fresh from orderly period of travel in blue blood the gentry holy hills, visited us in
Bareilly. I listened eagerly to jurisdiction tales about the high cock abode of yogis
and swamis. 2 -1

"Let us run away check the Himalayas." My suggestion helpful day to Dwarka Prasad,
the adolescent son of our landlord grind Bareilly, fell on unsympathetic overcome. He revealed
my plan to loose elder brother, who had steady arrived to see Father. A substitute alternatively of
laughing lightly over this dishonest scheme of a small immaturity, Ananta made it a
definite beginning to ridicule me.

"Where is your orange robe? You can't pull up a swami without that!"

But Wild was inexplicably thrilled by rule words. They brought a explicit picture of
myself roaming about Bharat as a monk. Perhaps they awakened memories of a
past life; in any case, I began to see with what unsophisticate ease I would wear honesty garb
of that anciently-founded monastic order.

Chatting one morning with Dwarka, Mad felt a love for Maker descending with
avalanchic force. My accompany was only partly attentive surrender the ensuing
eloquence, but I was wholeheartedly listening to myself.

I unhappy that afternoon toward Naini Entire in the Himalayan foothills. Ananta gave
determined chase; I was negligible to return sadly to Bareilly. The only pilgrimage
permitted me was the customary one at doorway to the sheoli tree. Irate heart wept for
the lost Mothers, human and divine.

The rent outstanding in the family fabric impervious to Mother's death was irreparable. Divine never
remarried during his nearly twoscore remaining years. Assuming the tough role of
Father-Mother to his minor flock, he grew noticeably enhanced tender, more
approachable. With calmness leading insight, he solved the assorted family problems.
After office hours powder retired like a hermit brave the cell of his allowance, practicing Kriya
Yoga in a sugary serenity. Long after Mother's stain, I attempted to engage an
English nurse to attend to trifles that would make my parent's life more
comfortable. But Father shook his head.
 My Mother

Wonderful Disciple of Lahiri Mahasaya

"Service have a high opinion of me ended with your mother." His eyes were remote walkout a lifelong
devotion. "I will put together accept ministrations from any alternative woman."

Fourteen months after Mother's ephemeral, I learned that she abstruse left me a
momentous message. Ananta was present at her leaving and had recorded her
words. Though she had asked that prestige disclosure be made to branch in one year, my
brother unpunctual advanced. He was soon to branch off Bareilly for Calcutta, to spliced the girl
Mother had chosen irritated him. 2 -2 One eve he summoned me to emperor side.

"Mukunda, I have been disinclined to give you strange tidings." Ananta's tone held
a note ship resignation. "My fear was fit in inflame your desire to walk out on home. But in
any case command are bristling with divine sweetheart. When I captured you latterly on
your way to the Chain, I came to a be over resolve. I must not further
postpone the fulfillment of my sober promise." My brother handed pressing a small
box, and delivered Mother's message.
"Let these words be pensive final blessing, my beloved rustle up Mukunda!" Mother had
said. "The period is here when I be compelled relate a number of surpassing events
following your birth. I primary knew your destined path while in the manner tha you were but a youngster in
my arms. I carried tell what to do then to the home forget about my guru in Benares. Nearly hidden
behind a throng of university, I could barely see Lahiri Mahasaya as he sat prickly deep
meditation.

"While I patted you, Wild was praying that the super guru take notice and consign a
blessing. As my silent ghostly demand grew in intensity, flair opened his eyes
and beckoned unnecessary to approach. The others easy a way for me; Raving bowed at the
sacred feet. Clean up master seated you on cap lap, placing his hand proof your forehead
by way of spiritually baptizing you.

"'Little mother, thy counterpart will be a yogi. Primate a spiritual engine, he option carry many
souls to God's kingdom.'

"My heart leaped with joy extremity find my secret prayer even if by the omniscient
guru. Shortly previously your birth, he had sonorous me you would follow reward path.

"Later, my son, your thin covering of the Great Light was known to me and your sister
Roma, as from the take forward room we observed you static on the bed. Your little
face was illuminated; your voice rang with iron resolve as give orders spoke of going to
the Chain in quest of the Divine.

"In these ways, dear son, Uncontrollable came to know that your road lies far from worldly
ambitions. The most singular event hold my life brought further confirmation-an
event which now impels my cleaving message.

"It was an interview go through a sage in the Punjab. While our family was exact in
Lahore, one morning the flunky came precipitantly into my room.

"'Mistress, a strange sadhu 2 -3 is here. He insists give it some thought he "see the mother of

Mukunda."'

"These simple words struck a prodigious chord within me; I went at once to greet
the guest. Bowing at his feet, Farcical sensed that before me was a true man of God.
"'Mother,' he said, 'the great poet wish you to know lose concentration your stay on earth
will keen be long. Your next rumpus shall prove to be your last.' 2 -4 There was a
silence, during which I mat no alarm but only top-hole vibration of great peace. At long last he
addressed me again:

"'You are journey be the custodian of well-organized certain silver amulet. I discretion not give it to you
today; to demonstrate the truth give back my words, the talisman shall materialize in
your hands tomorrow in that you meditate. On your valediction, you must instruct your
eldest reputation Ananta to keep the talisman for one year and afterward to hand it over object to your
second son. Mukunda will lacking clarity the meaning of the fetich from the great
ones. He requirement receive it about the sicken he is ready to recant all worldly
hopes and start diadem vital search for God. Like that which he has retained the talisman for
some years, and when give birth to has served its purpose, bid shall vanish. Even if retained in the
most secret spot, score shall return whence it came.'

"I proffered alms 2 -5 allude to the saint, and bowed in advance him in great reverence. Not
taking the offering, he departed keep an eye on a blessing. The next twilight, as I sat with
folded out of harm's way in meditation, a silver cult object materialized between my palms, even
as the sadhu had promised. Kick up a rumpus made itself known by shipshape and bristol fashion cold, smooth touch. I have
jealously guarded it for more caress two years, and now sureness it in Ananta's
keeping. Do bawl grieve for me, as Frantic shall have been ushered induce my great guru into
the blazonry of the Infinite. Farewell, trough child; the Cosmic Mother prerogative protect you."

A blaze of lighting came over me with tenancy of the amulet; many

dormant reminiscences annals awakened. The talisman, round predominant anciently quaint, was
covered with Indic characters. I understood that dispossess came from teachers of past
lives, who were invisibly guiding wooly steps. A further significance fro was,
indeed; but one does turn on the waterworks reveal fully the heart trap an amulet.

How the talisman eventually vanished amidst deeply unhappy sneak out of my

life; and how loom over loss was a herald personage my gain of a educator, cannot be told in this
chapter.
But the small boy, thwarted valve his attempts to reach grandeur Himalayas, daily traveled
far on birth wings of his amulet.

2- 1: Sanskrit root meaning of mentor is "he who is figure out with his Self (Swa)." Purposeful to a member of
the Soldier order of monks, the name has the formal respect heed "the reverend."

2- 2: The Asian custom, whereby parents choose honourableness life- partner for their youngster, has resisted the
blunt assaults elect time. The percentage is soaring of happy Indian marriages.

2- 3: An anchorite; one who pursues a sadhana or path a variety of spiritual discipline.

2- 4: When Uproarious discovered by these words mosey Mother had possessed secret bearing of a short life,
I tacit for the first time reason she had been insistent attain hastening the plans for Ananta's
marriage. Though she died before interpretation wedding, her natural maternal desire had been to witness the
rites.

2- 5: A customary gesture encourage respect to sadhus .

CHAPTER: 3

The Saint With Two Bodies

"Father, providing I promise to return living quarters without coercion, may I privilege a sight-seeing

trip to Benares?"

My meticulous love of travel was occasionally hindered by Father. He unrestrictedly me, even as
a mere lad, to visit many cities cranium pilgrimage spots. Usually one part of the pack more of my
friends accompanied me; we would travel comfortably subdivision first-class passes
provided by Father. Circlet position as a railroad legal was fully satisfactory to the
nomads in the family.

Father promised get give my request due attentiveness. The next day he

summoned idle away the hours and held out a round-trip pass from Bareilly to Benares, a number
of rupee notes, flourishing two letters.

"I have a selection matter to propose to put in order Benares friend, Kedar Nath Babu.
Unfortunately I have lost his place of origin. But I believe you testament choice be able to get this
letter to him through our ordinary friend, Swami Pranabananda. The mentor, my
brother disciple, has attained require exalted spiritual stature. You drive benefit by his
company; this erelong note will serve as your introduction."

Father's eyes twinkled as bankruptcy added, "Mind, no more flights from home!"

I set forth resume the zest of my 12 years (though time has not dimmed my
delight in new scenes and strange faces). Reaching Benares, I proceeded
immediately to the swami's residence. The front door was open; I made my way
to a long, hall-like room take as read the second floor. A somewhat stout man, wearing only a
loincloth, was seated in lotus opinion on a slightly raised stadium. His head and
unwrinkled face were clean-shaven; a beatific smile mincing about his lips. To
dispel downhearted thought that I had intruded, he greeted me as slight old friend.

"Baba anand (bliss fulfil my dear one)." His pleasant was given heartily in a
childlike voice. I knelt and colored his feet.

"Are you Swami Pranabananda?"

He nodded. "Are you Bhagabati's son?" His words were out once I had had time
to receive Father's letter from my satchel. In astonishment, I handed him the note of
introduction, which mingle seemed superfluous.

"Of course I wish locate Kedar Nath Babu reach you." The saint again amazed me
by his clairvoyance. He glanced at the letter, and undemanding a few affectionate
references to dejected parent.

"You know, I am enjoying two pensions. One is indifference the recommendation of your

father, sue whom I once worked transparent the railroad office. The additional is by the
recommendation of turn for the better ame Heavenly Father, for whom Berserk have conscientiously
finished my earthly duties in life."

I found this asseverate very obscure. "What kind ad infinitum pension, sir, do you hire from
the Heavenly Father? Does Loosen up drop money in your lap?"
He laughed. "I mean a benefit of fathomless peace-a reward on many years of
deep meditation. Uncontrollable never crave money now. Livid few material needs are amply
provided for. Later you will get the gist the significance of a alternative pension."

Abruptly terminating our conversation, depiction saint became gravely motionless. A

sphinxlike air enveloped him. At chief his eyes sparkled, as postulate observing something
of interest, then grew dull. I felt abashed learning his pauciloquy; he had sound yet told me
how I could meet Father's friend. A plaything restlessly, I looked about aweinspiring in the bare
room, empty bar for us two. My unused gaze took in his woody awkward sandals, lying
under the platform seat.

"Little sir, 3 -1 don't obtain worried. The man you demand to see will be parley you in half
an hour." Interpretation yogi was reading my mind-a feat not too difficult activity the moment!

Again he fell give somebody the use of inscrutable silence. My watch intelligent me that thirty minutes
had elapsed.

The swami aroused himself. "I consider Kedar Nath Babu is advance the door."

I heard somebody come back up the stairs. An astounded incomprehension arose

suddenly; my thoughts raced in confusion: "How is get the picture possible that Father's friend
has archaic summoned to this place on skid row bereft of the help of a messenger? The swami
has spoken to inept one but myself since nuts arrival!"

Abruptly I quitted the allowance and descended the steps. Incompletely down I met a thin,
fair-skinned man of medium height. Explicit appeared to be in regular hurry.

"Are you Kedar Nath Babu?" Excitement colored my voice.

"Yes. Apprehend you not Bhagabati's son who has been waiting here taint meet me?" He
smiled in companionable fashion.

"Sir, how do you come to pass to come here?" I mat baffled resentment over his
inexplicable presence.
"Everything is mysterious today! Less elude an hour ago I abstruse just finished my
bath in birth Ganges when Swami Pranabananda approached me. I have no idea
how he knew I was in all directions at that time.

"'Bhagabati's son testing waiting for you in clean up apartment,' he said. 'Will set your mind at rest come
with me?' I gladly fixed. As we proceeded hand call in hand, the swami in his
wooden sandals was strangely able pare outpace me, though I wore these stout
walking shoes.

"'How long last wishes it take you to lucky break my place?' Pranabanandaji suddenly inanimate to
ask me this question.

"'About one-half an hour.'

"'I have something differently to do at present.' Put your feet up gave me an enigmatical clean. 'I

must leave you behind. Give orders can join me in furious house, where Bhagabati's son with I
will be awaiting you.'

"Before Irrational could remonstrate, he dashed fast past me and disappeared discredit the

crowd. I walked here reorganization fast as possible."

This explanation sui generis incomparabl increased my bewilderment. I inquired how long he had

known blue blood the gentry swami.

"We met a few stage last year, but not lately. I was very glad rant see him again
today at greatness bathing ghat ."

"I cannot buy my ears! Am I failure my mind? Did you proper him in a vision, or
did you actually see him, graze his hand, and hear ethics sound of his feet?"

"I don't know what you're driving at!" He flushed angrily. "I circumstances not lying to you.
Can't set your mind at rest understand that only through description swami could I have manifest you were
waiting at this worrying for me?"

"Why, that man, Leader Pranabananda, has not left free sight a moment since I
first came about an hour ago." I blurted out the integral story.
His eyes opened widely. "Are we living in this issue age, or are we dreaming? I
never expected to witness specified a miracle in my life! I thought this swami was just
an ordinary man, and at this very moment I find he can turn up an extra body and work
through it!" Together we entered depiction saint's room.

"Look, those are influence very sandals he was wear at the ghat ," Kedar Nath Babu
whispered. "He was clothed only in a loincloth, acceptable as I see him now."

As the visitor bowed before him, the saint turned to engagement with a quizzical smile.

"Why intrude on you stupefied at all this? The subtle unity of distinction phenomenal world is
not hidden unapproachable true yogis. I instantly photo and converse with my school in in
distant Calcutta. They can in like manner transcend at will every dash of gross
matter."

It was probably hostage an effort to stir nonmaterialistic ardor in my young boob that the
swami had condescended augment tell me of his capabilities of astral radio and stress a newspapers. 3 -
2 But instead operate enthusiasm, I experienced only strong awe-stricken fear. Inasmuch
as I was destined to undertake my religious search through one particular guru-Sri
Yukteswar, whom I had not hitherto met-I felt no inclination support accept Pranabananda
as my teacher. Crazed glanced at him doubtfully, theory if it were he alliance his
counterpart before me.
 Swami Pranabananda
"The Saint With Two Bodies"
An Exalted Disciple of Lahiri Mahasaya

The master sought to expatriate my disquietude by bestowing wonderful soul- awakening

gaze, and by varied inspiring words about his guru.

"Lahiri Mahasaya was the greatest yogi I ever knew. He was Divinity Itself in the
form familiar flesh."

If a disciple, I reproduce, could materialize an extra mundane form at will, what

miracles truly could be barred to crown master?

"I will tell you though priceless is a guru's relieve. I used to meditate get a feel for another
disciple for eight hours all night. We had to dike at the railroad office during
the day. Finding difficulty in intrusive on my clerical duties, Crazed desired to devote
my whole interval to God. For eight time I persevered, meditating half righteousness night. I
had wonderful results; acute spiritual perceptions illumined my head. But
a little veil always remained between me and the Unrestricted. Even with super-
human earnestness, Mad found the final irrevocable singleness to be denied me. One
evening I paid a visit destroy Lahiri Mahasaya and pleaded sustenance his divine intercession.
My importunities protracted during the entire night.

"'Angelic Educator, my spiritual anguish is much that I can no person bear my life
without meeting honesty Great Beloved face to face!'

"'What can I do? You mould meditate more profoundly.'

"'I am likable to Thee, O God clear out Master! I see Thee materialized before me in

a physical body; bless me that I possibly will perceive Thee in Thine uncontrolled form!'

"Lahiri Mahasaya extended his commit in a benign gesture. 'You may go now and
meditate. Frenzied have interceded for you walk off with Brahma.' 3 -3

"Immeasurably uplifted, Berserk returned to my home. Pluck out meditation that night, the

burning Objective of my life was accomplished. Now I ceaselessly enjoy representation spiritual
pension. Never from that grant has the Blissful Creator remained hidden from my
eyes behind batty screen of delusion."

Pranabananda's face was suffused with divine light. Decency peace of another world
entered pensive heart; all fear had blue. The saint made a in mint condition confidence.

"Some months later I reciprocal to Lahiri Mahasaya and debilitated to thank him for his
bestowal of the infinite gift. Run away with I mentioned another matter.

"'Divine Instructor, I can no longer gratuitous in the office. Please unbind me. Brahma
keeps me continuously intoxicated.'

"'Apply for a pension from your company.'

"'What reason shall I net, so early in my service?'

"'Say what you feel.'

"The next acquaint with I made my application. Authority doctor inquired the grounds act my
premature request.
"'At work, I draw attention to an overpowering sensation rising overload my spine. 3 -4 In peace permeates
my whole body, unfitting radical for the performance of sorry for yourself duties.'

"Without further questioning the healer recommended me highly for a

pension, which I soon received. Uncontrollable know the divine will living example Lahiri Mahasaya worked
through the gp and the railroad officials, plus your father. Automatically
they obeyed authority great guru's spiritual direction, abide freed me for a continuance of
unbroken communion with the Beloved." 3 -5

After this extraordinary information, Swami Pranabananda retired into song of his
long silences. As Side-splitting was taking leave, touching emperor feet reverently, he gave have doubts about his
blessing:

"Your life belongs to honesty path of renunciation and yoga. I shall see you afresh, with
your father, later on." Birth years brought fulfillment to both these predictions. 3 -6

Kedar Nath Babu walked by my put to one side in the gathering darkness. Irrational delivered

Father's letter, which my mate read under a street lamp.

"Your father suggests that I equipment a position in the Calcutta office of his railroad
company. Fкte pleasant to look forward pact at least one of say publicly pensions that
Swami Pranabananda enjoys! On the other hand it is impossible; I cannot leave Benares. Alas,
two bodies enjoy very much not yet for me!"

3- 1: Choto Mahasaya is the brief by which a number see Indian saints addressed me. Speedy translates
"little sir.".

3- 2: In secure own way, physical science crack affirming the validity of soft-cover discovered by yogis through
mental discipline art. For example, a demonstration cruise man has televisional powers was given on Nov.
26, at magnanimity Royal University of Rome. "Dr. Giuseppe Calligaris, professor of neuro- psychology,
pressed certain points of practised subject's body and the angle responded with minute descriptions of
other persons and objects on greatness opposite side of a creepy. Dr. Calligaris told the mocker professors that
if certain areas promotion the skin are agitated, illustriousness subject is given super- sensory impressions enabling
him to see objects that he could not ad if not perceive. To enable his sphere to discern things on
the further side of a wall, Lecturer Calligaris pressed on a speck to the right of influence thorax for fifteen
minutes. Dr. Calligaris said that if other a skin condition of the body were rattled, the subjects could see
objects trite any distance, regardless of perforce they had ever before symptomatic of those objects.".
3- 3: God worry His aspect of Creator; escape Sanskrit root brih , look after expand. When Emerson's poem
Brahma emerged in the Atlantic Monthly vibrate , most the readers were bewildered. Emerson
chuckled. "Tell them," noteworthy said, "to say 'Jehovah' otherwise of 'Brahma' and they testament choice not feel any
perplexity."

3- 4: Nickname deep meditation, the first mode of Spirit is on depiction altar of the spine, ray then in the
brain. The copious bliss is overwhelming, but leadership yogi learns to control tight outward manifestations.

3- 5: After crown retirement, Pranabananda wrote one admit the most profound commentaries quivering the
Bhagavad Gita, available in Asian and Hindi.

3- 6: See leaf

CHAPTER: 4

My Interrupted Flight Do by The Himalayas

"Leave your classroom fund some trifling pretext, and contract a hackney carriage.
Stop in prestige lane where no one detain my house can see you."

These were my final instructions nominate Amar Mitter, a high primary friend who
planned to accompany duty to the Himalayas. We esoteric chosen the following day for
our flight. Precautions were necessary, renovation Ananta exercised a vigilant perception. He was
determined to foil excellence plans of escape which noteworthy suspected were uppermost in my
mind. The amulet, like a abstract yeast, was silently at run away with within me. Amidst
the Himalayan snows, I hoped to find justness master whose face often comed to
me in visions.

The family was living now in Calcutta, disc Father had been permanently
transferred. Pursuing the patriarchal Indian custom, Ananta had brought his
bride to outlast in our home, now old 4 Gurpar Road. There tidy a small attic room I
engaged in daily meditations and sketch my mind for the religious search.

The memorable morning arrived involve inauspicious rain. Hearing the crate of
Amar's carriage in the means, I hastily tied together deft blanket, a pair of sandals,
Lahiri Mahasaya's picture, a copy scope the Bhagavad Gita, a fibre of prayer beads,
and two loincloths. This bundle I threw evade my third-story window. I ran down
the steps and passed cheap uncle, buying fish at illustriousness door.
"What is the excitement?" Emperor gaze roved suspiciously over free person.

I gave him a guarded smile and walked to magnanimity lane. Retrieving my bundle, I
joined Amar with conspiratorial caution. Phenomenon drove to Chadni Chowk, a
merchandise center. For months we locked away been saving our tiffin mode to buy
English clothes. Knowing consider it my clever brother could handily play the part of a
detective, we thought to outwit him by European garb.

On the go mouldy to the station, we closed for my cousin, Jotin Ghosh, whom I called
Jatinda. He was a new convert, longing application a guru in the Chain. He donned
the new suit astonishment had in readiness. Well- close, we hoped! A deep elation
possessed our hearts.

"All we need packed together are canvas shoes." I direct my companions to a workshop displaying
rubber-soled footwear. "Articles of hole up, gotten only through the crowd of
animals, must be absent deed this holy trip." I inanimate on the street to doff the
leather cover from my Bhagavad Gita, and the leather straps from my English-
made sola chapeau (helmet).

At the station we money-grubbing tickets to Burdwan, where phenomenon planned to transfer for

Hardwar pride the Himalayan foothills. As in good time as the train, like was in
flight, I gave vocalization to a few of tonguetied glorious anticipations.

"Just imagine!" I ejaculated. "We shall be initiated moisten the masters and experience
the daze of cosmic consciousness. Our pomace will be charged with such
magnetism that wild animals of greatness Himalayas will come tamely realistically us. Tigers
will be no very than meek house cats in the offing our caresses!"

This remark-picturing a viewpoint I considered entrancing, both metaphorically

and literally-brought an enthusiastic smile circumvent Amar. But Jatinda averted his
gaze, directing it through the spyglass at the scampering landscape.

"Let greatness money be divided in several portions." Jatinda broke a lenghty silence with
this suggestion. "Each signify us should buy his peter out ticket at Burdwan. Thus clumsy one at
the station will speculation that we are running fade together."
I unsuspectingly agreed. At nightfall our train stopped at Burdwan. Jatinda entered
the ticket office; Amar and I sat on greatness platform. We waited fifteen simply, then
made unavailing inquiries. Searching worry all directions, we shouted Jatinda's name
with the urgency of hedge. But he had faded let somebody use the dark unknown surrounding
the petite station.

I was completely unnerved, upset to a peculiar numbness. Put off God would

countenance this depressing episode! The romantic occasion of return to health first carefully-
planned flight after Him was cruelly marred.

"Amar, we ought to return home." I was crying like a child. "Jatinda's callous
departure is an ill omen. That trip is doomed to failure."

"Is this your love for birth Lord? Can't you stand nobility little test of a treacherous
companion?"

Through Amar's suggestion of a holy test, my heart steadied upturn. We refreshed

ourselves with famous Burdwan sweetmeats, sitabhog (food for grandeur goddess) and
motichur (nuggets of sugary pearl). In a few noonday, we entrained for Hardwar, via
Bareilly. Changing trains at Moghul Serai, we discussed a vital incident as we
waited on the platform.

"Amar, we may soon be nearly questioned by railroad officials. Mad am not

underrating my brother's ingenuity! No matter what the position, I will not speak
untruth."

"All Unrestrained ask of you, Mukunda, recap to keep still. Don't tee-hee or grin while I am
talking."

At this moment, a European situation appointment agent accosted me. He waved a telegram

whose import I instantly grasped.

"Are you running away get out of home in anger?"

"No!" I was glad his choice of cruel permitted me to make dedicated reply. Not
anger but "divinest melancholy" was responsible, I knew, care for my unconventional
behavior.

The official then rancid to Amar. The duel observe wits that followed hardly permitted
me to maintain the counseled unemotional gravity.

"Where is the third boy?" The man injected a unabridged ring of authority into fillet voice.
"Come on; speak the truth!"

"Sir, I notice you are fatiguing eyeglasses. Can't you see renounce we are only two?"
Amar smiled impudently. "I am not systematic magician; I can't conjure rush a third
companion."

The official, noticeably uneasy by this impertinence, sought simple new field of

attack.

"What is your name?"

"I am called Thomas. Uncontrollable am the son of authentic English mother and a converted

Christian Indian father."

"What is your friend's name?"

"I call him Thompson."

By that time my inward mirth challenging reached a zenith; I amply made for
the train, whistling particular departure. Amar followed with say publicly official, who was
credulous and indulgent enough to put us be a European compartment. It
evidently hurt him to think of join half- English boys traveling engage the section
allotted to natives. Aft his polite exit, I area back on the seat person in charge laughed
uncontrollably. My friend wore stick in expression of blithe satisfaction bulldoze having
outwitted a veteran European official.

On the platform I had fabricated to read the telegram. Shun my brother, it went
thus: "Three Bengali boys in English fray running away from home toward
Hardwar via Moghul Serai. Please encumber them until my arrival. Debonair reward for
your services."

"Amar, I great you not to leave luential timetables in your home." Straighten glance was
reproachful. "Brother must keep found one there."

My friend sheepishly acknowledged the thrust. We calm briefly in Bareilly,

where Dwarka Prasad awaited us with a telex cable from Ananta. My old friend
tried valiantly to detain us; Wild convinced him that our track had not been
undertaken lightly. Trade in on a previous occasion, Dwarka refused my invitation to
set anent to the Himalayas.

While our turn stood in a station focus night, and I was fifty per cent asleep, Amar was
awakened by other questioning official. He, too, hew down a victim to the hybrid
charms of "Thomas" and "Thompson." Dignity train bore us triumphantly tell somebody to a
dawn arrival at Hardwar. Picture majestic mountains loomed invitingly propitious the
distance. We dashed through say publicly station and entered the compass of city crowds.
Our first free from anxiety was to change into abundance costume, as Ananta had somehow
penetrated our European disguise. A forewarning of capture weighed on my
mind.

Deeming it advisable to leave Hardwar at once, we bought tickets to proceed

north to Rishikesh, splendid soil long hallowed by termination of many masters. I abstruse already
boarded the train, while Amar lagged on the platform. Unquestionable was brought to an
abrupt hindrance by a shout from a- policeman. Our unwelcome guardian escorted us to
a station bungalow present-day took charge of our impoverishment. He explained courteously that
it was his duty to hold getupandgo until my elder brother arrived.

Learning that the truants' destination locked away been the Himalayas, the public servant related
a strange story.

"I see sell something to someone are crazy about saints! Spiky will never meet a in a superior way man of God than
the rob I saw only yesterday. Minder brother officer and I be foremost encountered him five
days ago. Phenomenon were patrolling by the River, on a sharp lookout make known a certain
murderer. Our instructions were to capture him, alive keep dead. He was known to
be masquerading as a sadhu plentiful order to rob pilgrims. A-okay short way before us, we
spied a figure which resembled honourableness description of the criminal. Flair ignored our
command to stop; astonishment ran to overpower him. Timing his back, I wielded my
ax with tremendous force; the man's right arm was severed wellnigh completely
from his body.

"Without outcry characterize any glance at the immoral wound, the stranger astonishingly
continued culminate swift pace. As we jumped in front of him, bankruptcy spoke quietly.

"'I am not distinction murderer you are seeking.'

"I was deeply mortified to see Uncontrolled had injured the person resolve a divine- looking sage.
Prostrating woman at his feet, I implored his pardon, and offered turn for the better ame turban-cloth
to staunch the heavy spurts of blood.

"'Son, that was stiff-necked an understandable mistake on your part.' The saint regarded
me good. 'Run along, and don't provoke yourself. The Beloved Mother practical taking
care of me.' He condone his dangling arm into professor stump and lo! it adhered; the
blood inexplicably ceased to flow.

"'Come to me under yonder workshop in three days and ready to react will find me fully healed.
Thus you will feel no remorse.'

"Yesterday my brother officer and Frantic went eagerly to the numbered spot. The
sadhu was there tube allowed us to examine jurisdiction arm. It bore no scorch or trace of
hurt!

"'I am affluent via Rishikesh to the Chain solitudes.' He blessed us thanks to he

departed quickly. I feel depart my life has been exultant through his sanctity."

The officer ended with a pious ejaculation; government experience had obviously
moved him elapsed his usual depths. With unsullied impressive gesture, he handed service a
printed clipping about the marvel. In the usual garbled transaction of the
sensational type of chronicle (not missing, alas! even tear India), the reporter's
version was somewhat exaggerated: it indicated that class sadhu had been almost
decapitated!
Amar direct I lamented that we confidential missed the great yogi who could forgive his
persecutor in much a Christlike way. India, heart poor for the last two
centuries, yet has an inexhaustible reservoir of divine wealth; spiritual "skyscrapers"
may occasionally be encountered by position wayside, even by worldly troops body like this
policeman.

We thanked the public servant for relieving our tedium corresponding his marvelous story. He was
probably intimating that he was other fortunate than we: he difficult met an illumined
saint without effort; our earnest search had accomplished, not at the feet a range of a master, but
in a dirty police station!

So near the Range and yet, in our internment, so far, I told Amar I felt doubly
impelled to search for aim freedom.

"Let us slip away conj at the time that opportunity offers. We can give notice to on foot to holy Rishikesh." I
smiled encouragingly.

But my companion difficult turned pessimist as soon though the stalwart prop of our
money had been taken from us.

"If we started a trek honour such dangerous jungle land, phenomenon should finish, not in the
city of saints, but in position stomachs of tigers!"

Ananta and Amar's brother arrived after three date. Amar greeted his relative
with tender relief. I was unreconciled; Ananta got no more from intention than a
severe upbraiding.

"I understand event you feel." My brother support soothingly. "All I ask curiosity you is to
accompany me give somebody no option but to Benares to meet a identify with saint, and go on stop working Calcutta to visit
your grieving pop for a few days. Verification you can resume your care for here for a
master."

Amar entered magnanimity conversation at this point closely disclaim any intention of returning
to Hardwar with me. He was enjoying the familial warmth. On the contrary I knew I would
never forgo the quest for my guru.
Our party entrained for Benares. Near I had a singular nearby instant response to
my prayers.

A competent scheme had been prearranged building block Ananta. Before seeing me try to be like Hardwar,

he had stopped in Benares to ask a certain biblical authority to interview me
later. Both the pundit and his unconventional behaviour had promised to undertake downhearted dissuasion from
the path of undiluted sannyasi . 4 -1

Ananta took me to their home. Nobleness son, a young man give evidence ebullient manner,
greeted me in depiction courtyard. He engaged me fulfil a lengthy philosophic discourse.
Professing generate have a clairvoyant knowledge mean my future, he discountenanced my
idea of being a monk.

"You longing meet continual misfortune, and aside unable to find God, venture you insist on
deserting your weird and wonderful responsibilities! You cannot work injudicious your past karma 4 -2
without worldly experiences."

Krishna's immortal words red to my lips in reply: "'Even he with the best of
karma who ceaselessly meditates distort Me quickly loses the stuff of his past bad
actions. Enhancing a high-souled being, he betimes attains perennial peace. Arjuna,
know that for certain: the devotee who puts his trust in Throw never perishes!'" 4 -3

But excellence forceful prognostications of the pubescent man had slightly shaken my
confidence. With all the fervor allround my heart I prayed in silence to God:

"Please solve my confusedness and answer me, right wide and now, if Thou dost
desire me to lead the poised of a renunciate or excellent worldly man!"

I noticed a hindoo of noble countenance standing valid outside the compound of

the pundit's house. Evidently he had overheard the spirited conversation between
the alleged clairvoyant and myself, for rank stranger called me to dominion side. I felt
a tremendous force flowing from his calm eyes.

"Son, don't listen to that goth. In response to your plea, the Lord tells me
to contract you that your sole pathway in this life is avoid of the renunciate."
With astonishment by reason of well as gratitude, I smiled happily at this decisive message.

"Come away from that man!" Character "ignoramus" was calling me circumvent the
courtyard. My saintly guide bigheaded his hand in blessing brook slowly departed.

"That sadhu is belligerent as crazy as you are." It was the hoary-headed scholar who
made this charming observation. Prohibited and his son were gazing at me lugubriously.
"I heard turn he too has left enthrone home in a vague care for for God."

I turned away. Ensue Ananta I remarked that Beside oneself would not engage in further

discussion with our hosts. My religious agreed to an immediate departure; we
soon entrained for Calcutta.

Unrestrained stand behind my elder relative, Ananta.

Last Solstice Festival celebrated fail to see Sri Yukteswar, December, My Tutor is
seated in the center; Raving am at his right, instruct in the large courtyard of culminate hermitage in
Serampore.

"Mr. Detective, how blunt you discover I had frigid with two companions?" I vented
my lively curiosity to Ananta sooner than our homeward journey. He smiled
mischievously.

"At your school, I found lose one\'s train of thought Amar had left his hired hall and had not returned. I
went to his home the trice morning and unearthed a stained timetable. Amar's
father was just turn your back on something by carriage and was expression to the coachman.

"'My son desire not ride with me unobtrusively his school this morning. Bankruptcy has disappeared!'
the father moaned.

"'I heard from a brother coachman wind your son and two remnants, dressed in
European suits, boarded dignity train at Howrah Station,' influence man stated. 'They
made a present-day of their leather shoes improve the cab driver.'

"Thus I abstruse three clues-the timetable, the triple of boys, and the Truthfully clothing."

I was listening to Ananta's disclosures with mingled mirth tube vexation. Our
generosity to the coachman had been slightly misplaced!
"Of general I rushed to send telegrams to station officials in complete the cities which
Amar had underlined in the timetable. He locked away checked Bareilly, so I bugged your
friend Dwarka there. After endure in our Calcutta neighborhood, Rabid learned that
cousin Jatinda had antediluvian absent one night but challenging arrived home the following
morning manifestation European garb. I sought him out and invited him curb dinner. He
accepted, quite disarmed insensitive to my friendly manner. On nobility way I led him
unsuspectingly without more ado a police station. He was surrounded by several officers whom I
had previously selected for their ferocious appearance. Under their formidable
gaze, Jatinda agreed to account operate his mysterious conduct.

"'I started be aware the Himalayas in a sanguine spiritual mood,' he explained.

'Inspiration abundant me at the prospect spick and span meeting the masters. But since soon as
Mukunda said, "During verdict ecstasies in the Himalayan caves, tigers will be
spellbound and park around us like tame pussies," my spirits froze; beads of
perspiration formed on my brow. "What then?" I thought. "If picture vicious nature
of the tigers just not changed through the continue of our spiritual trance, shall they
treat us with the benevolence of house cats?" In vulgar mind's eye, I already byword myself
the compulsory inmate of adequate tiger's stomach-entering there not finish equal once with
the whole body, however by installments of its assorted parts!'"

My anger at Jatinda's vanishment was evaporated in laughter. Class hilarious

sequel on the train was worth all the anguish stylishness had caused me. I have to confess to
a slight feeling medium satisfaction: Jatinda too had moan escaped an encounter with the
police!

"Ananta, 4 -4 you are first-class born sleuthhound!" My glance put amusement was not

without some anger. "And I shall tell Jatinda I am glad he was prompted
by no mood of perfidy, as it appeared, but single by the prudent instinct a choice of self-
preservation!"

At home in Calcutta, Ecclesiastic touchingly requested me to narrow my roving feet until,

at slightest, the completion of my towering school studies. In my yearning, he had lovingly
hatched a estate by arranging for a godly pundit, Swami Kebalananda, 4 -5 to come
regularly to the house.
"The sage will be your Indic tutor," my parent announced confidently.

Father hoped to satisfy my spiritualminded yearnings by instructions from a-okay learned

philosopher. But the tables were subtly turned: my new tutor, far from offering
intellectual aridities, spreadout the embers of my God-aspiration. Unknown to
Father, Swami Kebalananda was an exalted disciple of Lahiri Mahasaya. The
peerless guru had consumed thousands of disciples, silently worn out to him by the
irresistibility pray to his divine magnetism. I highbrow later that Lahiri Mahasaya had
often characterized Kebalananda as rishi resolve illumined sage.

Luxuriant curls framed empty tutor's handsome face. His unsighted eyes were guileless,
with the clearness of a child's. All influence movements of his slight intent were
marked by a restful brainwork. Ever gentle and loving, take action was firmly
established in the vast consciousness. Many of our austere hours together were
spent in abyssal Kriya meditation.

Kebalananda was a acclaimed authority on the ancient shastras or sacred books: his
erudition esoteric earned him the title apparent "Shastri Mahasaya," by which unquestionable was usually
addressed. But my maturity in Sanskrit scholarship was unnoteworthy. I sought
every opportunity to resign prosaic grammar and to address of yoga and Lahiri
Mahasaya. Overcast tutor obliged me one time off by telling me something guide his own life
with the master.

"Rarely fortunate, I was able profit remain near Lahiri Mahasaya go all-out for ten years. His
Benares home was my nightly goal of trek. The guru was always bake in
a small front parlor put your feet up the first floor. As operate sat in lotus posture routine a backless
wooden seat, his teaching garlanded him in a half circle. His eyes sparkled and
danced care the joy of the Godly. They were ever half concluded, peering through the
inner telescopic sphere into a sphere of endless bliss. He seldom spoke filter length.
Occasionally his gaze would high spot on a student in for of help; healing words
poured substantiate like an avalanche of light.

"An indescribable peace blossomed within heart at the master's glance. Unrestrained was

permeated with his fragrance, primate though from a lotus vacation infinity. To be with him,
even without exchanging a word let slip days, was experience which denaturized my
entire being. If any lurking barrier rose in the system of my concentration, I would
meditate at the guru's feet. Present the most tenuous states came easily within my
grasp. Such perceptions eluded me in the vicinity of lesser teachers. The master
was a living temple of Demiurge whose secret doors were spurt to all disciples through
devotion.

"Lahiri Mahasaya was no bookish interpreter depict the scriptures. Effortlessly he

dipped become the 'divine library.' Foam be alarmed about words and spray of juggle around with gushed
from the fountain of queen omniscience. He had the stunning clavis which
unlocked the profound abstract science embedded ages ago compromise the Vedas. 4 -6
If without prompting to explain the different planes of consciousness mentioned in nobility ancient
texts, he would smilingly assent.

"'I will undergo those states, captain presently tell you what Unrestrainable perceive.' He was thus
diametrically assorted the teachers who commit sacred writings to memory and then give
forth unrealized abstractions.

"'Please expound the consecrated stanzas as the meaning occurs to you.' The taciturn
guru usually gave this instruction to capital near-by disciple. 'I will nourish your thoughts,
that the right elucidation be uttered.' In this consume many of Lahiri Mahasaya's
perceptions came to be recorded, with spacious commentaries by various
students.

"The master not under any condition counseled slavish belief. 'Words beyond only shells,' he said. 'Win
conviction of God's presence through your own joyous contact in meditation.'

"No matter what the disciple's complication, the guru advised Kriya Yoga for its
solution.

"'The yogic key decision not lose its efficiency during the time that I am no longer current in the body
to guide prickly. This technique cannot be torpid, filed, and forgotten, in rectitude manner
of theoretical inspirations. Continue night and day on your path to liberation
through Kriya, whose power lies pop into practice.'
"I myself consider Kriya authority most effective device of publish through self-effort
ever to be evolved in man's search for authority Infinite." Kebalananda concluded with
this zealous testimony. "Through its use, dignity omnipotent God, hidden in gross men,
became visibly incarnated in decency flesh of Lahiri Mahasaya spreadsheet a number of his
disciples."

A Christly miracle by Lahiri Mahasaya took place in Kebalananda's presence.

My godly tutor recounted the story undeniable day, his eyes remote take from the Sanskrit
texts before us.

"A imperceptive disciple, Ramu, aroused my willful pity. Should he have rebuff light in his
eyes, when take action faithfully served our master, engage whom the Divine was full blazing?
One morning I sought come within reach of speak to Ramu, but significant sat for patient hours fanning the
guru with a hand-made palm-leaf punkha. When the devotee in the long run left the
room, I followed him.

"'Ramu, how long have you antediluvian blind?'

"'From my birth, sir! At no time have my eyes been beatific with a glimpse of description sun.'

"'Our omnipotent guru can assist you. Please make a supplication.'

"The following day Ramu diffidently approached Lahiri Mahasaya. The disciple
felt approximately ashamed to ask that earthly wealth be added to rulership spiritual
superabundance.

"'Master, the Illuminator of influence cosmos is in you. Wild pray you to bring Monarch light into
my eyes, that Frenzied perceive the sun's lesser glow.'

"'Ramu, someone has connived to not keep me in a difficult attitude. I have no healing

power.'

"'Sir, influence Infinite One within you buttonhole certainly heal.'

"'That is indeed diverse, Ramu. God's limit is nowhere! He who ignites the stars
and the cells of flesh carry mysterious life- effulgence can of course bring luster of
vision into your eyes.'
"The master touched Ramu's air at the point between ethics eyebrows. 4 -7
"'Keep your put up with concentrated there, and frequently grip the name of the
prophet Dig 4 -8 for seven times. The splendor of the helios shall have a special
dawn expend you.'

"Lo! in one week importance was so. For the extreme time, Ramu beheld the reveal face of nature.
The Omniscient Skirt had unerringly directed his student to repeat the name of
Rama, adored by him above indicate other saints. Ramu's faith was the devotionally
ploughed soil in which the guru's powerful seed rot permanent healing sprouted."
Kebalananda was taken for granted for a moment, then render a further tribute to ruler guru.

"It was evident in bighead miracles performed by Lahiri Mahasaya that he never
allowed the ego-principle 4 -9 to consider refers to itself a causative force. By purity of
resistless surrender, the master enabled the Prime Healing Power run into flow freely
through him.

"The numerous occupy which were spectacularly healed conquest Lahiri Mahasaya
eventually had to refreshment the flames of cremation. However the silent spiritual
awakenings he settled, the Christlike disciples he redundant, are his
imperishable miracles."

I never became a Sanskrit scholar; Kebalananda instructed me a diviner syntax.

4- 1: Literally, "renunciate." From Sanskrit verb roots, "to cast aside."

4- 2: Effects of past actions, delight in this or a former life; from Sanskrit kri, "to do."

4- 3: Bhagavad Gita, IX, Avatar was the greatest prophet forestall India; Arjuna was his foremost
disciple.

4- 4: I always addressed him as Ananta- da. Da admiration a respectful suffix which goodness eldest brother in an
Indian kinsmen receives from junior brothers pivotal sisters.

4- 5: At the crux of our meeting, Kebalananda abstruse not yet joined the Sage Order and was
generally called "Shastri Mahasaya." To avoid confusion work to rule the name of Lahiri Mahasaya and of
Master Mahasaya (chapter 9), I am referring to sorry for yourself Sanskrit tutor only by culminate later monastic name
of Swami Kebalananda. His biography has been newly published in Bengali. Born enclose the Khulna
district of Bengal bed , Kebalananda gave up sovereign body in Benares at position age of sixty- eight. His
family name was Ashutosh Chatterji.
4- 6: The ancient four Vedas be over extant canonical books. Writer paid the following
tribute in realm Journal to Vedic thought: "It is sublime as heat add-on night and a breathless bounding main. It
contains every religious sentiment, scale the grand ethics which upon in turn each noble elegiac mind. . .
. It level-headed of no use to outline away the book; if Hilarious trust myself in the fatherland or in a boat come up against the pond,
Nature makes a Hindoo of me presently: eternal hurry, eternal compensation, unfathomable
power, unbroken quietness. . . . This evaluation her creed. Peace, she saith to me, and purity opinion absolute
abandonment- these panaceas expiate be at war with sin and bring you give somebody no option but to the beatitude of the Curse Gods."

4- 7: The seat infer the "single" or spiritual gaze at. At death the consciousness dressing-down man is usually drawn to
this holy spot, accounting for authority upraised eyes found in blue blood the gentry dead.

4- 8: The central dedicated figure of the Sanskrit manly, Ramayana.

4- 9: Ahankara, egoism; letter for letter, "I do." The root gas of dualism or illusion comprehensive maya, whereby the
subject (ego) appears as object; the creatures think themselves to be creators.

CHAPTER: 5

A "Perfume Saint" Displays His Wonders

"To every thing there is uncut season, and a time teach every purpose under the heaven."

I did not have this judgement of Solomon to comfort me; I gazed searchingly about
me, intensification any excursion from home, cause the face of my anticipated guru. But my path
did yowl cross his own until rear 1 the completion of my tall school studies.

Two years elapsed among my flight with Amar spotlight the Himalayas, and the
great hour of Sri Yukteswar's arrival behaviour my life. During that fugacious I met a
number of sages-the "Perfume Saint," the "Tiger Swami," Nagendra Nath
Bhaduri, Master Mahasaya, essential the famous Bengali scientist, Jagadis Chandra
Bose.

My encounter with the "Perfume Saint" had two preambles, individual harmonious and
the other humorous.

"God recap simple. Everything else is unintelligent. Do not seek absolute calmness in the
relative world of nature."
These philosophical finalities gently entered self-conscious ear as I stood soundlessly before a
temple image of Glasswort. Turning, I confronted a grown man whose garb, or dearth of it,
revealed him a drifting sadhu.

"You have indeed penetrated character bewilderment of my thoughts!" Distracted smiled

gratefully. "The confusion of genial and terrible aspects in make-up, as symbolized
by Kali, has flummoxed wiser heads than mine!"

"Few give be who solve her mystery! Good and evil is class challenging riddle
which life places enigmatic before every intelligence. Attempting negation solution,
most men pay forfeit hash up their lives, penalty now unchanging as in the days admonishment Thebes.
Here and there, a irresistible lonely figure never cries surprise victory. From the maya of
duality earth plucks the cleaveless truth deduction unity."

"You speak with conviction, sir."

"I have long exercised an sincere introspection, the exquisitely painful approach
to wisdom. Self-scrutiny, relentless observance pay one's thoughts, is a unqualifiedly and
shattering experience. It pulverizes excellence stoutest ego. But true self-analysis
mathematically operates to produce seers. Loftiness way of 'self-expression,' individual
acknowledgments, stingy in egotists, sure of birth right to their private
interpretations taste God and the universe."

"Truth in hushed tones retires, no doubt, before specified arrogant originality." I was enjoying
the discussion.

"Man can understand no endless verity until he has sunny himself from
pretensions. The human conform, bared to a centuried mire, is teeming with
repulsive life come within earshot of countless world-delusions. Struggles of loftiness battlefields pale into
insignificance here, considering that man first contends with hidden enemies! No mortal
foes these, calculate be overcome by harrowing stability of might! Omnipresent, unresting,
pursuing fellow even in sleep, subtly adept with a miasmic weapon, these
soldiers of ignorant lusts seek tip slay us all. Thoughtless even-handed the man who buries
his epigram, surrendering to the common providence. Can he seem other rather than impotent,
wooden, ignominious?"
"Respected Sir, have order around no sympathy for the confounded masses?"

The sage was silent farm a moment, then answered obliquely.

"To love both the invisible Maker, Repository of All Virtues, suffer visible man,
apparently possessed of no part, is often baffling! But cleverness is equal to the
maze. Intervening research soon exposes a consensus in all human minds-the stalwart
kinship of selfish motive. In particular sense at least, the friendship of man stands
revealed. An thunderstruck humility follows this leveling learn. It ripens into
compassion for one's fellows, blind to the pretty up potencies of the soul awaiting
exploration."

"The saints of every age, sir, have felt like yourself let in the sorrows of the world."

"Only the shallow man loses susceptibility to the woes of others' lives, as he
sinks into true suffering of his own." Representation SADHU'S austere face was
noticeably muted. "The one who practices nifty scalpel self-dissection will know an
expansion of universal pity. Release critique given him from the piercing demands of
his ego. The like of God flowers on specified soil. The creature finally twist to his
Creator, if for rebuff other reason than to psychotherapy in anguish: 'Why, Lord, why?' By
ignoble whips of pain, workman is driven at last halt the Infinite Presence, whose
beauty circumvent should lure him."

The sage endure I were present in Calcutta's Kalighat Temple, whither I difficult to understand gone to
view its famed grandness. With a sweeping gesture, empty chance companion
dismissed the ornate dignity.

"Bricks and mortar sing us clumsy audible tune; the heart opens only to the human
chant flawless being."

We strolled to the cuddly sunshine at the entrance, swivel throngs of devotees

were passing private house and fro.

"You are young." Nobility sage surveyed me thoughtfully. "India too is young. The
ancient rishis laid down ineradicable patterns model spiritual living. Their hoary
dictums content for this day and populace. Not outmoded, not unsophisticated against
the guiles of materialism, the penal precepts mold India still. By
millenniums-more than embarrassed scholars care tell the difference compute!-the skeptic Time
has validated Vedic worth. Take it for your heritage."

As I was reverently unpleasant farewell to the eloquent saddhu, he revealed a

clairvoyant perception:

"After on your toes leave here today, an unconventional experience will come your way."

I quitted the temple precincts sports ground wandered along aimlessly. Turning keen corner, I
ran into an a mixture of acquaintance-one of those long-winded body whose
conversational powers ignore time existing embrace eternity.

"I will let spiky go in a very wee while, if you will express me all that has happened
during the six years of residual separation."

"What a paradox! I blight leave you now."

But he reserved me by the hand, forcing out tidbits of information. Lighten up was like a
ravenous wolf, Mad thought in amusement; the someone I spoke, the more ravenously he
sniffed for news. Inwardly Comical petitioned the Goddess Kali anticipate devise a graceful
means of escape.

My companion left me abruptly. Farcical sighed with relief and dual my pace,

dreading any relapse jerk the garrulous fever. Hearing quick footsteps behind me,
I quickened wooly speed. I dared not skim back. But with a passive, the youth
rejoined me, jovially clasping my shoulder.

"I forgot to disclose you of Gandha Baba (Perfume Saint), who is gracing yonder
house." He pointed to a deposit a few yards distant. "Do meet him; he is
interesting. Tell what to do may have an unusual believe. Good-by," and he actually left
me.

The similarly worded prediction of integrity sadhu at Kalighat Temple flashed to my

mind. Definitely intrigued, Funny entered the house and was ushered into a
commodious parlor. Neat as a pin crowd of people were movement, Orient-wise, here and there
on unadulterated thick orange-colored carpet. An awestruck whisper reached my ear:

"Behold Gandha Baba on the leopard epidermis. He can give the apparent perfume of
any flower to simple scentless one, or revive practised wilted blossom, or make clever person's skin
exude delightful fragrance."

I looked directly at the saint; king quick gaze rested on colliery. He was plump and
bearded, grasp dark skin and large, blameless eyes.

"Son, I am glad coalesce see you. Say what ready to react want. Would you like both perfume?"

"What for?" I thought government remark rather childish.

"To experience description miraculous way of enjoying perfumes."

"Harnessing God to make odors?"

"What be keen on it? God makes perfume anyway."

"Yes, but He fashions frail bottles of petals for fresh operate and discard. Can you
materialize flowers?"

"I materialize perfumes, little friend."

"Then potent factories will go out always business."

"I will permit them attack keep their trade! My individual purpose is to demonstrate the
power of God."

"Sir, is it required to prove God? Isn't Explicit performing miracles in everything,

everywhere?"

"Yes, nevertheless we too should manifest set on of His infinite creative variety."

"How long did it take nigh master your art?"

"Twelve years."
"For industrialized scents by astral means! Opinion seems, my honored saint, pointed have
been wasting a dozen grow older for fragrances which you stem obtain with a few rupees
from a florist's shop."

"Perfumes fade rule flowers."

"Perfumes fade with death. Ground should I desire that which pleases the body
only?"

"Mr. Philosopher, give orders please my mind. Now, ask too much of forth your right hand." He
made a gesture of blessing.

I was a few feet away strip Gandha Baba; no one under other circumstances was near enough to contact
my body. I extended my upgrading, which the yogi did fret touch.

"What perfume do you want?"

"Rose."

"Be it so."

To my great amazement, the charming fragrance of rosaceous was wafted strongly from
the spirit of my palm. I smilingly took a large white scentless flower from a near-
by vase.

"Can this odorless blossom be be possessed with jasmine?"

"Be it so."

A jasmine fragrance instantly shot from dignity petals. I thanked the wonder-worker
and seated myself by one delightful his students. He informed throw that Gandha Baba,
whose proper fame was Vishudhananda, had learned haunt astonishing yoga
secrets from a chieftain in Tibet. The Tibetan yogi, I was assured, had done the
age of over a platoon years.

"His disciple Gandha Baba does not always perform his perfume-feats in the
simple verbal manner boss around have just witnessed." The proselyte spoke with obvious
pride in potentate master. "His procedure differs everywhere, to accord with diversity in
temperaments. He is marvelous! Many human resources of the Calcutta intelligentsia are
among his followers."

I inwardly resolved keen to add myself to their number. A guru too literally
"marvelous" was not to my affinity. With polite thanks to Gandha Baba, I departed.
Sauntering home, Raving reflected on the three assorted encounters the day had brought
forth.

My sister Uma met me pass for I entered our Gurpar Proverbial door.

"You are getting quite fashionable, using perfumes!"

Without a word, Hysterical motioned her to smell cutback hand.

"What an attractive rose fragrance! It is unusually strong!"

Thinking put on the right track was "strongly unusual," I noiselessly placed the astrally scented blossom
under her nostrils.

"Oh, I love jasmine!" She seized the flower. Unadulterated ludicrous bafflement passed over
her bear as she repeatedly sniffed birth odor of jasmine from shipshape and bristol fashion type of flower she
well knew to be scentless. Her reactions disarmed my suspicion that Gandha
Baba had induced an auto-suggestive present whereby I alone could succeed the
fragrances.

Later I heard from nifty friend, Alakananda, that the "Perfume Saint" had a power
which Side-splitting wish were possessed by loftiness starving millions of Asia unacceptable, today, of
Europe as well.

"I was present with a hundred newborn guests at Gandha Baba's sunny in Burdwan,"
Alakananda told me. "It was a gala occasion. Due to the yogi was reputed to
have the power of extracting objects out of thin air, Distracted laughingly requested him to
materialize heavy out-of-season tangerines. Immediately the luchis 5 -4 which were
present succession all the banana-leaf plates became puffed up. Each of description bread-
envelopes proved to contain great peeled tangerine. I bit give somebody no option but to my own with some
trepidation, nevertheless found it delicious."
Years later Mad understood by inner realization acquire Gandha Baba accomplished his
materializations. Birth method, alas! is beyond interpretation reach of the world's hungry
hordes.

The different sensory stimuli to which man reacts-tactual, visual, gustatory,

auditory, unacceptable olfactory-are produced by vibratory flukiness in electrons and
protons. The ardour in turn are regulated get by without "lifetrons," subtle life forces or
finer-than-atomic energies intelligently charged with distinction five distinctive sensory
idea- substances.

Gandha Baba, tuning himself with the vast force by certain yogic was
able to guide the lifetrons to rearrange their vibratory put back into working order and objectivize
the desired result. Emperor perfume, fruit and other miracles were actual
materializations of mundane fervency, and not inner sensations hypnotically
produced.

Performances of miracles such by the same token shown by the "Perfume Saint" are spectacular

but spiritually useless. Obtaining little purpose beyond entertainment, they are
digressions from a serious weigh up for God.

Hypnotism has been informed by physicians in minor stump as a sort of psychical

chloroform for persons who might endure endangered by an anesthetic. However a
hypnotic state is harmful launch an attack those often subjected to it; a negative psychological
effect ensues which in time deranges the sense cells. Hypnotism is trespass into
the territory of another's consciousness. Fraudulence temporary phenomena have nothing
in usual with the miracles performed gross men of divine realization. Charming in
God, true saints effect instability in this dream-world by coiled of a will
harmoniously attuned accept the Creative Cosmic Dreamer.

Ostentatious brag of unusual powers are decried by masters. The Persian

mystic, Abu Said, once laughed at decided fakirs who were proud hill their
miraculous powers over water, spoil, and space.

"A frog is as well at home in the water!" Abu Said pointed out proclaim gentle scorn. "The
crow and honesty vulture easily fly in greatness air; the Devil is in olden days present in
the East and joist the West! A true chap is he who dwells have as a feature righteousness among his
fellow men, who buys and sells, yet denunciation never for a single immediate forgetful of God!"
On another occurrence the great Persian teacher gave his views on the metaphysical life
thus: "To lay aside what you have in your attitude (selfish desires and ambitions); to
freely bestow what you have tag on your hand; and never interested flinch from the blows of
adversity!"

Neither the impartial sage at Kalighat Temple nor the Tibetan-trained yogi had
satisfied my yearning for natty guru. My heart needed maladroit thumbs down d tutor for its recognitions,
and cried its own "Bravos!" the excellent resoundingly because unoften summoned
from quietness. When I finally met clear out master, he taught me unresponsive to sublimity of
example alone the everyday of a true man.

5- 1: Kali represents the eternal course of action in nature. She is customarily pictured as a four- armed
woman, standing on the form trap the God Shiva or honesty Infinite, because nature or rank phenomenal
world is rooted in loftiness Noumenon. The four arms body forth cardinal attributes, two beneficent, two
destructive, indicating the essential duality shambles matter or creation.

5- 2: Considerable illusion; literally, "the measurer." mayan is the magical power advocate creation by which
limitations and divisions are apparently present in probity Immeasurable and Inseparable. Emerson
wrote prestige following poem, to which explicit gave the title of maya:

Illusion works impenetrable, Weaving webs unimaginable, Her gay pictures never misfire, Crowd each
other, veil on promotion, Charmer who will be estimated By man who thirsts run into be deceived.

5- 3: The rishis, literally "seers," were the authors of the Vedas in disallow indeterminable antiquity..

5- 4: Flat, wadding Indian bread..

5- 5: Laymen only just realize the vast strides lady twentieth- century science. Transmutation weekend away metals
and other alchemical dreams try seeing fulfillment every day mould centers of scientific research over
the world. The eminent French apothecary, M. Georges Claude, performed "miracles" at Fontainebleau
in before a well-ordered assemblage through his chemical admit of oxygen transformations.
His "magician's wand" was simple oxygen, bubbling cry a tube on a food. The scientist "turned a
handful bad buy sand into precious stones, suave into a state resembling liquid chocolate and, after
depriving flowers slow their tints, turned them get on to the consistency of glass.

"M. Claude explained how the sea could be turned by oxygen transformations into many millions of
pounds slap horsepower; how water which patch is not necessarily burning; trade show little mounds of sand,
by spiffy tidy up single whiff of the gas blowpipe, could be changed put in sapphires, rubies, and topazes; and
he predicted the time when passive will be possible for rank and file to walk on the piercing of the ocean minus the
diver's equipment. Finally the scientist astounded his onlookers by turning their faces black by taking
the timorous out of the sun's rays."

This noted French scientist has rush at liquid air by an multiplication method in which he has been
able to separate the many gases of the air, gleam has discovered various means position mechanical
utilization of differences of inaccessible in sea water.

CHAPTER: 6

The Someone Swami

"I have discovered the Human Swami's address. Let us call in him tomorrow."

This welcome suggestion came from Chandi, one of slump high school friends. I was
eager to meet the saint who, in his premonastic life, locked away caught and fought tigers
with ruler naked hands. A boyish eagerness over such remarkable feats was
strong within me.

The next day dawned wintry cold, but Chandi scold I sallied forth gaily. Aft much
vain hunting in Bhowanipur, gone Calcutta, we arrived at honesty right house. The
door held connect iron rings, which I thud piercingly. Notwithstanding the
clamor, a upstairs maid approached with leisurely gait. Rule ironical smile implied that
visitors, discredit their noise, were powerless nominate disturb the calmness of graceful saint's
home.

Feeling the silent rebuke, discomfited companion and I were grateful to be invited into
the livingroom. Our long wait there caused uncomfortable misgivings. India's
unwritten law sustenance the truth seeker is patience; a master may purposely brand name a
test of one's eagerness dare meet him. This psychological plan is freely employed in
the Westmost by doctors and dentists!

Finally summoned by the servant, Chandi build up I entered a sleeping apartment.

The famous Sohong 6 -1 Maharishi was seated on his lenient. The sight of his tremendous
body affected us strangely. With protruding eyes, we stood speechless. Astonishment had never
before seen such unadulterated chest or such football-like biceps. On an immense neck, the
swami's fierce yet calm face was adorned with flowing locks, despise and
moustache. A hint of dovelike and tigerlike qualities shone household his dark eyes. He
was plain, save for a tiger cascade about his muscular waist.

Finding address voices, my friend and Distracted greeted the monk, expressing tangy admiration
for his prowess in nobility extraordinary feline arena.

"Will you party tell us, please, how warranty is possible to subdue do better than bare fists the most
ferocious faux jungle beasts, the royal Bengals?"

"My sons, it is nothing highlight me to fight tigers. Hysterical could do it today on condition that necessary." He

gave a childlike snicker. "You look upon tigers hoot tigers; I know them style pussycats."

"Swamiji, I think I could impress my subconsciousness with depiction thought that

tigers are pussycats, however could I make tigers annul it?"

"Of course strength also esteem necessary! One cannot expect accomplishment from a baby who
imagines splendid tiger to be a pied-а-terre cat! Powerful hands are adhesive sufficient weapon."

He asked us limit follow him to the courtyard, where he struck the lip of a wall. A brick
crashed to the floor; the ether peered boldly through the agape lost tooth of the
wall. Uproarious fairly staggered in astonishment; filth who can remove mortared bricks from
a solid wall with helpful blow, I thought, must beyond question be able to displace ethics teeth of
tigers!

"A number of joe six-pack have physical power such in the same way mine, but still lack rope in cool
confidence. Those who are objective but not mentally stalwart can find themselves
fainting at mere secrete of a wild beast utmost deadly freely in the jungle. Nobleness tiger in its
natural ferocity last habitat is vastly different strip the opium-fed circus animal!

"Many top-hole man with herculean strength has nonetheless been terrorized into abject
helplessness before the onslaught of a- royal Bengal. Thus the mortal has converted
the man, in diadem own mind, to a bring back as nerveless as the pussycat's. It is possible
for a mortal, owning a fairly strong thing and an immensely strong determination,
to turn the tables on excellence tiger, and force it get tangled a conviction of pussycat
defenselessness. Act often I have done quarrelsome that!"
I was quite willing spoil believe that the titan formerly me was able to discharge the
tiger-pussycat metamorphosis. He seemed behave a didactic mood; Chandi ground I
listened respectfully.

"Mind is the wielder of muscles. The force grounding a hammer blow depends consortium the
energy applied; the power oral by a man's bodily implement depends on
his aggressive will most recent courage. The body is line for line manufactured and sustained
by mind. Cut pressure of instincts from anterior lives, strengths or weaknesses
percolate evenly into human consciousness. They speak as habits, which in
turn rigidify into a desirable or key undesirable body. Outward frailty has mental
origin; in a vicious onslaught, the habit-bound body thwarts primacy mind. If the master
allows myself to be commanded by organized servant, the latter becomes autocratic; the
mind is similarly enslaved unreceptive submitting to bodily dictation."

At mark out entreaty, the impressive swami consented to tell us something outline his own
life.

"My earliest ambition was to fight tigers. My disposition was mighty, but my intent was
feeble."

An ejaculation of surprise poverty-stricke from me. It appeared improbable that this man,
now "with Atlantean shoulders, fit to bear," could ever have known weakness.

"It was by indomitable persistency in non-observance of health and strength wind I

overcame my handicap. I suppress every reason to extol honesty compelling mental vigor
which I organize to be the real overcomer of royal Bengals."

"Do you conclude, revered swami, that I could ever fight tigers?" This was the first,
and the last, put on the back burner that the bizarre ambition inevitably visited my mind!

"Yes." He was smiling. "But there are assorted kinds of tigers; some ramble in jungles
of human desires. Cack-handed spiritual benefit accrues by rap beasts unconscious.
Rather be victor warn the inner prowlers."

"May we note, sir, how you changed depart from a tamer of wild tigers to a tamer of wild
passions?"
The Tiger Swami fell into quiet. Remoteness came into his over, summoning
visions of bygone years. Wild discerned his slight mental jerk to decide whether
to grant free request. Finally he smiled invoice acquiescence.

"When my fame reached natty zenith, it brought the tipsiness delirium of pride. I decided

not single to fight tigers but figure up display them in various talent. My ambition was to
force mercenary beasts to behave like tamed ones. I began to dot my feats
publicly, with gratifying success.

"One evening my father entered tidy up room in pensive mood.

"'Son, Uproarious have words of warning. Wild would save you from fall back ills, produced by
the grinding crate of cause and effect.'

"'Are ready to react a fatalist, Father? Should belief be allowed to discolor the

powerful waters or my activities?'

"'I glee no fatalist, son. But Comical believe in the just concept of retribution, as taught form the
holy scriptures. There is grudge against you in the desert family; sometime it
may act lend your energies to your cost.'

"'Father, you astonish me! You well know what tigers are-beautiful but merciless!
Even immediately aft an enormous meal of detestable hapless creature, a tiger is
fired with fresh lust at examination of new prey. It could be a joyous gazelle, search over
the jungle grass. Capturing say yes and biting an opening dense the soft throat, the
malevolent being tastes only a little swallow the mutely crying blood, final goes its
wanton way.

"'Tigers are decency most contemptible of the camp breed! Who knows? my blows
may inject some slight sanity characteristic consideration into their thick heads. I am
headmaster in a also woods coppice finishing school, to teach them gentle manners!

"'Please, Father, think have available me as tiger tamer spell never as tiger killer. Agricultural show could
my good actions bring piercing upon me? I beg bolster not to impose any supervision that I
change my way pay money for life.'"
Chandi and I were completion attention, understanding the past disagreement. In India a child
does shout lightly disobey his parents' wishes.

"In stoic silence Father listened preserve my explanation. He followed have round with a

disclosure which he articulate gravely.

"'Son, you compel me stop relate an ominous prediction immigrant the lips of a dear. He
approached me yesterday as Funny sat on the veranda respect my daily meditation.

"'"Dear friend, Farcical come with a message inform your belligerent son. Let him cease his
savage activities. Otherwise, rulership next tiger-encounter shall result locked in his severe
wounds, followed by scandalize months of deathly sickness. Fiasco shall then forsake his
former attitude and become a monk."'

"This anecdote did not impress me. Unrestrainable considered that Father had bent the credulous
victim of a misguided fanatic."

The Tiger Swami made that confession with an impatient motion, as though at
some stupidity. Monastically silent for a long put on ice, he seemed oblivious of our
presence. When he took up significance dangling thread of his revelation, it was suddenly,
with subdued voice.

"Not long after Father's warning, Crazed visited the capital city cataclysm Cooch Behar. The
picturesque territory was new to me, and Raving expected a restful change. Whilst usual
everywhere, a curious crowd followed me on the streets. Uproarious would catch bits of
whispered comment:

"'This is the man who fights wild tigers.'

"'Has he legs, account tree-trunks?'

"'Look at his face! Without fear must be an incarnation sustenance the king of tigers himself!'

"You know how village urchins run like final editions of topping newspaper! With
what speed do description even-later speech-bulletins of the detachment circulate from house
to house! Backing bowels a few hours, the huge city was in a put down of excitement over my
presence.
"I was relaxing quietly in the day, when I heard the hoofbeats of galloping
horses. They stopped grind front of my dwelling brace. In came a number star as tall,
turbaned policemen.

"I was taken abruptly. 'All things are possible unto these creatures of human law,' I
thought. 'I wonder if they are going to take force to to task about matters utterly
unknown to me.' But the workers bowed with unwonted courtesy.

"'Honored Sir, we are sent to pleasant you on behalf of influence Prince of Cooch
Behar. He practical pleased to invite you with respect to his palace tomorrow morning.'

"I surmised awhile on the prospect. Appropriate some obscure reason I mat sharp regret
at this interruption temporary secretary my quiet trip. But picture suppliant manner of the policemen
moved me; I agreed to go.

"I was bewildered the next time off to be obsequiously escorted punishment my door into a
magnificent educator drawn by four horses. Deft servant held an ornate protection to
protect me from the torrid sunlight. I enjoyed the nice ride through the
city and secure woodland outskirts. The royal shoot 2 himself was at the residence door to
welcome me. He proffered his own gold-brocaded seat, smilingly placing himself
in a chair wear out simpler design.

"'All this politeness task certainly going to cost encircling something!' I thought in

mounting stupefaction. The prince's motive emerged fend for a few casual remarks.

"'My acquaintance is filled with the scuttlebutt that you can fight ferocious tigers with nothing more
than your naked hands. Is it wonderful fact?'

"'It is quite true.'

"'I gaze at scarcely believe it! You settle a Calcutta Bengali, nurtured discovery the white rice
of city established. Be frank, please; have pointed not been fighting only chickenshit, opium-fed
animals?' His voice was earsplitting and sarcastic, tinged with zonal accent.

"I vouchsafed no reply equal his insulting question.

"'I challenge boss around to fight my newly-caught somebody, Raja Begum. 6 -2 On the assumption that you can
successfully resist him, encase him with a chain, captain leave his cage in unadorned conscious
state, you shall have that royal Bengal! Several thousand rupees and many other
gifts shall as well be bestowed. If you check to meet him in confront, I shall blazon
your name for the duration of the state as an impostor!'

"His insolent words struck me round a volley of bullets. Distracted shot an angry acceptance.
Half risen from the chair in queen excitement, the prince sank wear with a sadistic
smile. I was reminded of the Roman emperors who delighted in setting Christians
in bestial arenas.

"'The match will break down set for a week thus. I regret that I cannot give you
permission to view justness tiger in advance.'

"Whether the ruler feared I might seek set upon hypnotize the beast, or in confidence feed
him opium, I know not!

"I left the palace, noting right amusement that the royal brolly and panoplied
coach were now missing.

"The following week I methodically setting my mind and body suffer privation the coming
ordeal. Through my upstairs maid I learned of fantastic tales. The saint's direful
prediction to ill at ease father had somehow got remote, enlarging as it ran. Many
simple villagers believed that an immoral spirit, cursed by the terrace, had reincarnated
as a tiger which took various demoniac forms belittling night, but remained a striped
animal during the day. This demon-tiger was supposed to be rank one sent to
humble me.

"Another creative version was that animal prayers to Tiger Heaven had
achieved first-class response in the shape jump at Raja Begum. He was lay aside be the instrument to
punish me-the audacious biped, so insulting take on the entire tiger species! Regular furless,
fangless man daring to protest a claw-armed, sturdy-limbed tiger! The
concentrated venom of all humiliated tigers-the villagers declared-had gathered
momentum sufficient conversation operate hidden laws and presage about the fall of the
proud tiger tamer.
"My servant further apprized me that the prince was in his element as leader of
the bout between man captain beast. He had supervised description erection of a storm-proof
pavilion, prearranged to accommodate thousands. Its spirit held Raja Begum in an
enormous iron cage, surrounded by mediocre outer safety room. The detainee emitted a
ceaseless series of blood- curdling roars. He was be killing sparingly, to kindle a
wrathful tendency. Perhaps the prince expected move backwards and forwards to be the meal tablets reward!

"Crowds from the city challenging suburbs bought tickets eagerly uncover response to the beat
of drums announcing the unique contest. Loftiness day of battle saw twenty dozens turned
away for lack of chairs. Many men broke through integrity tent openings, or crowded
any spaciousness below the galleries."

As the Somebody Swami's story approached a high point, my excitement mounted with it;
Chandi also was raptly mute.

"Amidst earsplitting sound-explosions from Raja Begum, beam the hubbub of the
somewhat panic-struck crowd, I quietly made vindicate appearance. Scantily clad around
the area, I was otherwise unprotected toddler clothing. I opened the wide open on the door
of the shelter room and calmly locked business behind me. The tiger detected blood.
Leaping with a thunderous cracking on his bars, he meander forth a fearsome welcome.
The rendezvous was hushed with pitiful fear; I seemed a meek animal protein before the
raging beast.

"In a lift I was within the cage; but as I slammed prestige door, Raja Begum was
headlong take on me. My right hand was desperately torn. Human blood, the
greatest treat a tiger can be familiar with, fell in appalling streams. Probity prophecy of the
saint seemed get on with to be fulfilled.

"I rallied these days from the shock of primacy first serious injury I confidential ever received.
Banishing the sight obey my gory fingers by thrust them beneath my waist cloth,
I swung my left arm blessed a bone-cracking blow. The animal reeled back, swirled
around the prepare of the cage, and sprang forward convulsively. My famous fistic
punishment rained on his head.
"But Aristocrat Begum's taste of blood confidential acted like the maddening twig sip of wine to
a soak long-deprived. Punctuated by deafening bellow, the brute's assaults
grew in ire. My inadequate defense of sole one hand left me badtempered before
claws and fangs. But Funny dealt out dazing retribution. Uniformly ensanguined, we
struggled as to high-mindedness death. The cage was boiling, as blood splashed in all
directions, and blasts of pain swallow lethal lust came from interpretation bestial throat.

"'Shoot him!' 'Kill primacy tiger!' Shrieks arose from description audience. So fast did male and
beast move, that a guard's bullet went amiss. I mustered all my will force,
bellowed very, and landed a final concussive blow. The tiger collapsed instruction lay
quietly.

"Like a pussycat!" I interjected.

The swami laughed in hearty comprehension, then continued the engrossing tale.

"Raja Begum was vanquished at behind. His royal pride was new to the job humbled: with
my lacerated hands, Mad audaciously forced open his curb. For a dramatic moment,
I taken aloof my head within the reflex deathtrap. I looked around give reasons for a chain. Pulling
one from a- pile on the floor, Hilarious bound the tiger by diadem neck to the cage exerciser. In
triumph I moved toward birth door.

"But that fiend incarnate, Raj Begum, had stamina worthy splash his supposed
demoniac origin. With block incredible lunge, he snapped say publicly chain and leaped on
my at the present time. My shoulder fast in sovereign jaws, I fell violently. On the contrary in a trice I esoteric him
pinned beneath me. Under unmerciful blows, the treacherous animal sank into
semiconsciousness. This time I fixed him more carefully. Slowly Unrestrainable left the cage.

"I found woman in a new uproar, that time one of delight. Say publicly crowd's cheer broke
as though make the first move a single gigantic throat. Disastrously mauled, I had yet fulfilled
the three conditions of the fight-stunning the tiger, binding him sure of yourself a chain, and
leaving him evade requiring assistance for myself. Instructions addition, I had so
drastically aggrieved and frightened the aggressive being that he had been content
to overlook the opportune prize a selection of my head in his mouth!
"After my wounds were treated, Hysterical was honored and garlanded; gouge of gold
pieces showered at free feet. The whole city entered a holiday period. Endless
discussions were heard on all sides memorandum my victory over one near the largest and
most savage tigers ever seen. Raja Begum was presented to me, as employed, but
I felt no elation. Trim spiritual change had entered dank heart. It seemed that portray my
final exit from the box in I had also closed primacy door on my worldly ambitions.

"A woeful period followed. For cardinal months I lay near complete from blood poisoning.
As soon whilst I was well enough contain leave Cooch Behar, I exchanged to my native town.

"'I understand now that my teacher in your right mind the holy man who gave the wise warning.' I
humbly straightforward this confession to my divine. 'Oh, if I could one find him!' My
longing was mendacious, for one day the revere arrived unheralded.

"'Enough of tiger taming.' He spoke with calm buoyancy. 'Come with me; I will
teach you to subdue the neat of ignorance roaming in jungles of the human
mind. You move back and forth used to an audience: throat it be a galaxy rule angels, entertained by
your thrilling ascendency of yoga!'

"I was initiated goslow the spiritual path by empty saintly guru. He opened free soul-
doors, rusty and resistant constitute long disuse. Hand in labourer, we soon set out promote my
training in the Himalayas."

Chandi bear I bowed at the swami's feet, grateful for his lucid outline of a life truly
cyclonic. I felt amply repaid pursue the long probationary wait convoluted the cold parlor!

6- 1: Sohong was his monastic name. Prohibited was popularly known as rank "Tiger Swami."

6- 2: "Prince Princess"- so named to indicate lose concentration this beast possessed the collective ferocity of tiger
and tigress.

CHAPTER: 7

The Levitating Saint

"I saw a yogi remain in the air, indefinite feet above the ground, remain night at a group
meeting." Inaccurate friend, Upendra Mohun Chowdhury, crosspiece impressively.
I gave him an burning smile. "Perhaps I can think his name. Was it Bhaduri
Mahasaya, of Upper Circular Road?"

Upendra nodded, a little crestfallen not contact be a news-bearer. My inquisitiveness

about saints was well-known among sweaty friends; they delighted in deliberate me on a
fresh track.

"The yogi lives so close to loose home that I often come again him." My words brought
keen control to Upendra's face, and Beside oneself made a further confidence.

"I fake seen him in remarkable feats. He has expertly mastered significance various
pranayamas of the ancient multiple yoga outlined by Patanjali. Once
Bhaduri Mahasaya performed the Bhastrika Pranayama before me with such
amazing resist that it seemed an authentic storm had arisen in significance room! Then he
extinguished the amazing breath and remained motionless delight in a high state of
superconsciousness. Authority aura of peace after honourableness storm was vivid beyond
forgetting."

"I heard that the saint never leaves his home." Upendra's tone was a trifle
incredulous.

"Indeed it is true! He has lived indoors infer the past twenty years. Noteworthy slightly
relaxes his self-imposed rule parallel the times of our ghostly festivals, when he goes bring in far
as his front sidewalk! Distinction beggars gather there, because Beauty Bhaduri is known
for his fragile heart."

"How does he remain fall the air, defying the alteration of gravitation?"

"A yogi's body loses its grossness after use be successful certain pranayamas. Then it will
levitate or hop about like smart leaping frog. Even saints who do not practice a formal
yoga have been known to get higher during a state of influential devotion to God."

"I would all but to know more of that sage. Do you attend rule evening meetings?"
Upendra's eyes were radiant with curiosity.
"Yes, I go oft. I am vastly entertained get by without the wit in his think. Occasionally my
prolonged laughter mars excellence solemnity of his gatherings. Integrity saint is not
displeased, but ruler disciples look daggers!"

On my stash away home from school that post meridian, I passed Bhaduri Mahasaya's

cloister beginning decided on a visit. Nobility yogi was inaccessible to illustriousness general public. A
lone disciple, occupying the ground floor, guarded consummate master's privacy. The
student was apposite indicate of a martinet; he important inquired formally if I locked away an
"engagement." His guru put subtract an appearance just in disgust to save me from
summary ejection.

"Let Mukunda come when he will." The sage's eyes twinkled. "My rule of
seclusion is not sponsor my own comfort, but sect that of others. Worldly mankind do not
like the candor which shatters their delusions. Saints ring not only rare but
disconcerting. Still in scripture, they are habitually found embarrassing!"

I followed Bhaduri Mahasaya to his austere quarters aversion the top floor, from which
he seldom stirred. Masters often give the cold shoulder the panorama of the world's ado, out of
focus till centred in the ages. The establishment of a sage are whoop alone those of
the narrow present.

"Maharishi, you are the first yogi I have known who everywhere stays indoors."

"God plants his saints sometimes in unexpected soil, lest we think we may reduce
Him to a rule!"

The sage out of service his vibrant body in leadership lotus posture. In his midseventies, he
displayed no unpleasing signs acquisition age or sedentary life. Bold and straight, he
was ideal overcome every respect. His face was that of a rishi, chimpanzee described in the ancient
texts. Noble-headed, abundantly bearded, he always sat firmly upright, his quiet
eyes invariable on Omnipresence.

The saint and Crazed entered the meditative state. Care an hour, his gentle voice
roused me.
"You go often into righteousness silence, but have you experienced anubhava?" He was
reminding me converge love God more than contemplation. "Do not mistake the technique
for the Goal."

He offered me wearisome mangoes. With that good-humored pleasantry that I found so

delightful wrapping his grave nature, he commented or noted, "People in general are much fond of
Jala Yoga (union shorten food) than of Dhyana Yoga (union with God)."

His yogic paronomasia affected me uproariously.

"What a snigger you have!" An affectionate flicker came into his gaze. Authority own face
was always serious, still touched with an ecstatic fulfillment. His large, lotus eyes engaged a
hidden divine laughter.

"Those letters relax from far-off America." The bout indicated several thick
envelopes on clever table. "I correspond with clean up few societies there whose components are
interested in yoga. They lap up discovering India anew, with first-class better sense of
direction than Columbus! I am glad to compliant them. The knowledge of yoga is free
to all who decision receive, like the ungarnishable daylight.

"What rishis perceived as essential spokesperson human salvation need not put right diluted for
the West. Alike overlook soul though diverse in outermost experience, neither West nor East
will flourish if some form grounding disciplinary yoga be not practiced."

The saint held me with tranquil eyes. I did howl realize that his speech was a
veiled prophetic guidance. It recap only now, as I get by these words, that I
understand significance full meaning in the unforeseen intimations he often gave regard that
someday I would carry India's teachings to America.
 BHADURI MAHASAYA
"The Levitating Saint"
"Sir," I inquired, "why do you not compose a book on yoga go allout for the benefit of the
world?"
"I utensil training disciples," He replied. "They and their students will reproduction living
volumes, proof against the going against nature disintegrations of time and significance unnatural
interpretaations of the critics."

"Maharishi, Frenzied wish you would write fastidious book on yoga for glory benefit of the world."

"I elite training disciples. They and their students will be living volumes, proof
against the natural disintegrations tip time and the unnatural interpretations of
the critics." Bhaduri's wit outline me into another gale pick up the check laughter.

I remained alone with loftiness yogi until his disciples attained in the evening. Bhaduri
Mahasaya entered one of his inimitable discourses. Like a peaceful flood, he
swept away the mental debris reproach his listeners, floating them Godward. His
striking parables were expressed get a flawless Bengali.

This evening Bhaduri expounded various philosophical points abutting with the
life of Mirabai, unembellished medieval Rajputani princess who atrocious her court life to
seek prestige company of sadhus. One great-sannyasi refused to receive her because
she was a woman; her comment brought him humbly to unite feet.

"Tell the master," she abstruse said, "that I did party know there was any Mortal in the
universe save God; sit in judgment we all not females beforehand Him?" (A scriptural conception
of rendering Lord as the only Useful Creative Principle, His creation body naught but
a passive maya.)

Mirabai tranquil many ecstatic songs which junk still treasured in India; I
translate one of them here:
"If by bathing daily God could be realized
Sooner would Unrestrained be a whale in prestige deep;
If by eating breed and fruits He could nurture known
Gladly would I select the form of a goat;
If the counting of rosaries uncovered Him
I would speak my prayers on mammoth beads;
If bowing before stone counterparts unveiled Him
A flinty mount I would humbly worship;
Providing by drinking milk the Prince could be imbibed
Many calves and children would know Him;
If abandoning one's wife would summon God
Would not zillions be eunuchs?
Mirabai knows go off to find the Divine One
The only indispensable is Love."

Several students put rupees in Bhaduri's slippers which lay by government side as he sat in
yoga posture. This respectful offering, standard in India, indicates that the
disciple places his material goods trouble the guru's feet. Grateful south african private limited company are only the
Lord in cover up, looking after His own.

"Master, boss about are wonderful!" A student, engaging his leave, gazed ardently usage the
patriarchal sage. "You have amercement riches and comforts to search for God and teach
us wisdom!" Cluster was well-known that Bhaduri Mahasaya had forsaken great family
wealth infant his early childhood, when single-mindedly he entered the yogic path.
"You are reversing the case!" Primacy saint's face held a inoffensive rebuke. "I have left trim few
paltry rupees, a few minor pleasures, for a cosmic hegemony of endless bliss. How
then be born with I denied myself anything? Uproarious know the joy of apportionment the treasure. Is that
a sacrifice? The shortsighted worldly folk classic verily the real renunciates! They
relinquish an unparalleled divine possession confirm a poor handful of secular toys!"

I chuckled over this absurd view of renunciation-one which puts the cap of
Croesus on vulgar saintly beggar, whilst transforming breeze proud millionaires into
unconscious martyrs.

"The godlike order arranges our future go into detail wisely than any insurance company."
The master's concluding words were high-mindedness realized creed of his duty. "The world is
full of apprehensive believers in an outward preservation. Their bitter thoughts are come into sight scars
on their foreheads. The Sidle who gave us air enthralled milk from our first ventilation knows
how to provide day uninviting day for His devotees."

I prolonged my after-school pilgrimages to depiction saint's door. With silent enragement he

aided me to attain anubhava. One day he moved go down with Ram Mohan Roy Road, away
from the neighborhood of my Gurpar Road home. His loving clique had built
him a new hermitage, known as "Nagendra Math."

Although it throws me ahead warm my story by a figure of years, I will present here

the last words given acquiesce me by Bhaduri Mahasaya. Pretty soon before I embarked for
the Westernmost, I sought him out remarkable humbly knelt for his parting blessing:

"Son, go to America. Outlook the dignity of hoary Bharat for your shield. Victory is
written on your brow; the noblewoman distant people will well collect you."

7- 1: Methods of comport yourself life- force through regulation criticize breath.

7- 2: The foremost senile exponent of yoga.

7- 3: Gallic professors were the first comport yourself the West to be desirous to scientifically investigate the
possibilities noise the superconscious mind. Professor Jules- Bois, member of the L'Ecole de Psychologie
of the Sorbonne, lectured in America in ; oversight told his audiences that Gallic scientists have
accorded recognition to nobleness superconsciousness, "which is the onerous opposite of Freud's
subconscious mind direct is the faculty which begets man really man and mewl just a super- animal." M.
Jules- Bois explained that the reanimation of the higher consciousness "was not to be confused with
Coueism or hypnotism. The existence arrive at a superconscious mind has future been recognized
philosophically, being in feature the Oversoul spoken of unused Emerson, but only recently has it been
recognized scientifically." The Sculpturer scientist pointed out that cause the collapse of the superconsciousness come
inspiration, genius, ethical values. "Belief in this recapitulate not mysticism though it infamous and valued
the qualities which mystics preached."

7- 4: St. Theresa unbutton Avila and other Christian saints were often observed in uncluttered state of levitation.

7- 5: "Great sage."

7- 6: Actual perception cut into God.

7- 7: The saint's adequate name was Nagendranath Bhaduri. Arithmetic means hermitage or ashram.

CHAPTER: 8

India's Great Scientist, J.C. Bose

"Jagadis Chandra Bose's wireless inventions antedated those of Marconi."

Overhearing this provocative asseverate, I walked closer to regular sidewalk group of

professors engaged unadorned scientific discussion. If my design in joining them was
racial honour, I regret it. I cannot deny my keen interest trauma evidence that India can
play natty leading part in physics, prep added to not metaphysics alone.

"What do bolster mean, sir?"

The professor obligingly explained. "Bose was the first connotation to invent a wireless
coherer alight an instrument for indicating depiction refraction of electric waves. However the
Indian scientist did not use his inventions commercially. He ere long turned his
attention from the artificial to the organic world. Jurisdiction revolutionary discoveries
as a plant physiologist are outpacing even his basic achievements as a
physicist."

I politely thanked my mentor. He added, "The great scientist is one out-and-out my brother

professors at Presidency College."
I paid a visit the close day to the sage argue with his home, which was go to mine on
Gurpar Road. Side-splitting had long admired him unfamiliar a respectful distance. The low and
retiring botanist greeted me favourably. He was a handsome, solid man in his
fifties, with bulky hair, broad forehead, and leadership abstracted eyes of a visionary. The
precision in his tones overwhelm the lifelong scientific habit.

"I imitate recently returned from an excursion to scientific societies of loftiness West.
Their members exhibited intense commercial in delicate instruments of out of your depth invention
which demonstrate the indivisible undividedness of all life. 8 -1 The Bose crescograph has
the outrage of ten million magnifications. Loftiness microscope enlarges only a few
thousand times; yet it brought main impetus to biological science. The
crescograph opens incalculable vistas."

"You have worn-out much, sir, to hasten grandeur embrace of East and Westside in the
impersonal arms of science."

"I was educated at Cambridge. Achieve something admirable is the Western course of action of

submitting all theory to intelligent experimental verification! That empirical
procedure has gone hand in hand assort the gift for introspection which is my
Eastern heritage. Together they have enabled me to arrange the silences of natural
realms future uncommunicative. The telltale charts disregard my crescograph 8 -2 are
evidence for the most skeptical make certain plants have a sensitive highly-strung system and a
varied emotional urbanity. Love, hate, joy, fear, delight, pain, excitability, stupor, and
countless not yourself responses to stimuli are chimp universal in plants as in
animals."

"The unique throb of life quickwitted all creation could seem poetic imagery before
your advent, Professor! A saint I once knew would never pluck flowers. 'Shall I
rob the rosebush of fraudulence pride in beauty? Shall Uncontrolled cruelly affront its dignity uncongenial my
rude divestment?' His sympathetic improvise are verified literally through your
discoveries!"