Yogiraj Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashay

Pranams at the lotus feet of Yogiraj!

Chapter – 18

Lahiri Mahashay attained the knowledge of Kriya Yoga from Babaji.   Once Babaji said, “This Kriya Yoga is a supreme knowledge which was given by Lord Krishna to Arjun.  Later this knowledge was received by an illustrious noble soul like Pathanjali and his various disciples; Pathanjali describes Kriya Yoga as a practice of physical exercise, control of sense, and meditation which releases the sounds of Pranava which is the essence of supreme spirit and creation of the Universe and its living beings.   We are always connected to the Supreme spirit; therefore we could listen to the sounds of Pranava while meditation, Kriya Yogi with the flow of air through the divine Chakras establishes a union with the supreme spirit/Bramham.   Yogi who sincerely follows the instructions of the preceptor, practice their mind and body with great care and attention can absorb the divine power with the continuous practice that elevates consciousness and energy level, it purifies body and mind, and it relieves the sense organs from distress caused by the world of illusion.”

Yogiraj always takes great care of his disciples as well as his devotees.  Sri Surendranath Banerjee, one of the devotees of Lahiri Mahashay was working in Rawalpindi; he was settled in Rampur, Bengal.  During his travels from the workplace, he used to visit Lahiri Mahashay in Kashi.  One day he arrived in Kashi station and did not find any means of transportation, so he walked all the way to Lahiri Mahashay’s residence.  Banerjee was exhausted, prostrated before Lahiri Mahashay.  Mahashay unpleasantly said “Why did you come to Kashi? Go home immediately”, he did not even ask his welfare and not even blessed, shouted at him.  Banerjee felt very sad and his eyes were filled with tears, throat became dry.  Instantly Yogiraj understood the pain of Banerjee, he said “ Ok. You can go now. Take a bath and eat something.  After that immediately go back to the station and go home on the same train. Don’t be late”.   Banerjee Babu was surprised why Mahashay giving such an instruction.  He followed the instruction of Lahiri Mahashay, though he wanted to ask the reason, he had no courage to question his preceptor.  He was already angry at Banerjee, if he asks anything on top of that he was not quite sure how Lahiri Mahashay would react.  As soon as he reached Rampur station, his younger brother was waiting for him, he said “ Brother, you arrived late, after sending telegram I was waiting for the train,” Banerjee babu said “ I did not receive any telegram from you. What’s the matter?” His brother said “Mother’s health is critical,” he rushed to the home and sat near his mother, she lifted two hands to his side and said “ Oh! son, you have arrived at last, I was waiting for you,” Banerjee Babu embraced his mother, immediately she left her mortal coil.  Now he understood the reason behind Lahiri Mahashay’s harsh treatment.