Yogiraj Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashay

Pranams at the lotus feet of Yogiraj!

Chapter – 15

Sri Avinash Babu was working as a clerk in Bengal - Nagpur Railway office, one day he had a desire to meet his preceptor, he applied for leave for a week, his senior officer was Sri Bhagavathicharan Gosh who had a son Mukundlal Gosh, he had divine powers from the early years of childhood, later he embraced Sanyasa and came to know as Paramahamsa Yogananda.   Yogananda was a disciple of Sri Yuketheshwargiri who was the disciple of Lahiri Mahashay,  he had the Dharshan of Mahavathar Babaji and with his blessings, he went to America to spread the practice of meditation and Kriya Yoga.  He organized many institutions for self-realization in America and was the author of famous work “ Yogi Kathamrith”.   

Avinash Babu was questioned by Bhagavathicharan “why did you want to leave for a week.”  Avinash Babu said, “ I want to meet my preceptor Lahiri Mahashay, my heart says so, I am feeling little disturbed in his absence.” Bhagavathicharan said “ Avinash Babu, stop your madness.  Karma is important than Dharma and Guru, Karma by which we are earning our livelihood. If you want to be successful in life, leave all this craziness behind and concentrate on your work.”  Avinash Babu felt so disappointed after listening to his senior officer. He understood that it is a waste of time to argue or request for leave again.  In the evening, Avinash Babu remembering his preceptor Lahiri Mahashay and walking through the streets Kolkata, he started hating his work, he was terribly upset.  On the way he met Bhagavathicharan, seeing his dull face Bhagavathicharan gave advises so that he may feel better, but Avinash Babu was not willing to withdraw his mind from the visit to his preceptor.  He was tormented by the memories of Lahiri Mahashay, they both walked for a long distance in silence and came into an open ground, suddenly a brilliant ray appeared before them, from the light appeared Lahiri Mahashay, he said “ Bhagavathicharan, you are too insensitive to your subordinate Avinash Babu,”  Avinash Babu seeing Lahiri Mahashay before him,  cried out for him and prostrated before him.  Soon that brilliant ray disappeared from the sight; Bhagavathicharan was in a great shock to witness all. Bhagavathicharan said “ Avinash, I am also taking leave and joining with you to Kashi.  I never knew that your preceptor could appear before us like this. Tomorrow I will be coming with my wife to Varanasi, will you help me to get Dheeksha from your preceptor.”  As planned earlier, Bhagavathicharan and his wife arrived in Varanasi, they prostrated before Lahiri Mahashay, he said “ Bhagavathi, you are too insensitive to your assistant,” this was exactly he heard while walking with Avinash Babu yesterday.  Later Bhagavathicharan and his wife became a devoted disciple of Lahiri Mahashay.