Monday, June 17, 2019

















Yogiraj Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashay

Pranams at the lotus feet of Yogiraj!

Chapter – 13


One day a man approached Babaji and said “ Gurudev, I was searching for you in the whole woods, I am here with an appeal to you, kindly accept me as your disciple,” Gurudev did not respond to his request, he became anxious seeing the silence of Babaji, he said “ If you did not accept me as your disciple, I will jump from this mountain and sacrifice my life.” Babaji said “ Do it. I cannot accept you as my disciple.” Immediately that person jumped from the mountain and sacrificed his life, it was an experiment conducted by Babaji on that person, thus he became successful in his test.  Later, Babaji said his disciple to bring his dead body, many disciples went down and conducted a rigorous search for the body and brought it before Babaji.  While everyone was watching in awe, Babaji put his hands on his head, his life was restored and he was brought back to normal, he prostrated before Gurudev.   At that moment Sri Kevalanandhji and Lahiri Mahashay were present before Babaji.  Babaji pleasantly said “You have passed in a difficult test, now you are qualified to remain as my disciple, death cannot touch you,”


Lahiri Mahashay used to talk about his preceptor,  “he is a divine personified on the Earth, Babaji is mercy personified, whoever remembers his name with devotion and faith would attain his blessings and guidance in spirituality.” Sri Yuktheshwar Giri who was a disciple of Lahiri Mahashay has seen Babaji in person several times.  Once Yuktheshwarji was attending the Prayag Kumbhamela to take a holy dip in Ganga, there was a huge crowd of saints and holy men as usual.   He saw a few of them were begging for alms, he felt disappointed thinking that there is no one true in search of Supreme spirit, Is this festival for begging alms? At that moment, one stranger came towards Yuktheshwarji and said “ Maharaj, one saint is waiting for you, kindly come with me.” Yuktheshwarji was spellbound, there was no one familiar to him in the Prayag, he asked “ Who is he?” the stranger said “ he is sitting under the tree.” He came forward to see the saint, where he could see Babaji who has great splendor sitting under the shade of the tree and few of his disciples were sitting around him, he came close to  Yuktheshwarji and embraced him, Yuketheshwarji felt some divine energy passing through his body, he felt supreme bliss,  Babaji said “ Sanyasin, kindly be seated,”.  Those days Yuktheshwarji was not initiated to Sanyasa, he was learning Kriya Yoga from Lahiri Mahashay, so  he said “ I am not a saint,” and Babaji repeated, “ kindly be seated.” There were lectures on Gita was going on, suddenly the saint said “You were writing Bashya on Gita, aren’t you?” Yuktheshwar was shocked, he never discussed this thing with anyone, he was surprised how did the saint know about it all, saint started speaking “you must be knowing Shyamacharan Lahiri living in Kashi, give my message to him, tell him that there is little time left, energy is draining,” Yuktheshwarji stunned and looked at Babaji. While leaving Babaji said, “I will meet you again.” Yuktheshwarji conveyed all the messages to Lahiri Mahashay after returning from Prayag, Lahiri Mahashay  while listening about Babaji went into a state of trance,  he said “ Yuktheshwar, you are really fortunate, you have seen my preceptor,” Yuktheshwarji was in an awe after listening to Lahirimahashay,  he had not even a single thought of meeting Babji who is a great master for whom several noble souls are yearning to meet him for several Yugas, he was not even thought of this fortune in his dreams, he felt so disappointed and hated himself for not bowing down his head before the great Mahapurusha.   Lahiri Mahashay understood the state of mind of Yuktheshwarji and said “do not worry, Babji already promised to meet you again, therefore he will definitely give his Dharshan, you finish your writing task.”   Yuktheshwarji built an Ashram at Srirampur/Serampur in Bengal; he finished his writing task in that hermitage.  One day he finished bathing in Ganga and while returning he saw Babaji under the shade of a tree surrounded by his disciples, he rushed to Babaji and bowed down his head at his lotus feet, Yuktheshwarji said “ Babaji, kindly visit my hermitage, and purify it with your presence .” He did not accept the request of Yuktheshwarji, so he said “Kindly wait here for some time, I will bring offerings to Guruji, so that I may achieve some piousness of feeding my Guru.”  Yuktheshwarji rushed to the nearby sweet shop, when he returned there was no one to be seen, he felt miserable.  Yuktheshwarji’s sorrow was visible to Lahiri Mahashay, he prostrated before Lahiri Mahashay.   Mahashay asked, “ did you meet Babaji at the door.” Yuktheshwarji said, “ No I did not meet him.” Lahiri Mahashay said “ See, he is standing there, waiting for you” Yuktheshwarji shocked to see Babaji is standing at the door and he was all smiling, his body has great effulgence, seeing Yuktheshwarji’s non-responsiveness, Lahiri Mahashay became anxious and said “ Yuktheshwar, you did not prostrate before Babaji till now.?” Babaji said “ Yuktheshwar is angry at me. Child, you were too emotional that day that was the reason I had to leave, I was behind the sun, you could not see me, keep practicing meditation,” saying so Babaji disappeared from their sight.




Yogiraj Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashay

Pranams at the lotus feet of Yogiraj!

Chapter – 12

Lahiri Mahashay used to address his preceptor Babaji, who is Mahasiddha Purusha of this age, same as  Mahathapaji/Maharishi Mahathapa Paramahamsa, who is the preceptor of Swami Vishudhdhanand Paramahansa still resides in Ghyanganj Mutt in Tibet.  Babaji lives close to the shrine of Badarinarayan.  Babaji’s disciple Paramahamsa Yogananda wrote in his book ‘The Autobiography of a Yogi” about Babaji that there is not much information available about him.  Babaji speaks in Hindi but he is capable to handle all the languages effortlessly, he has assumed the simple name for him. Lahiri Mahashay’s disciple addresses him as Mahamuni Babaji, Maharaj, Mahayogi, Thraymbakbaba, and Shivbaba.  This Yogi’s body has no sign of age, he is always youthful like twenty-five year old, he has fair complexion, medium built, good physique, charming face, great effulgence, black eyes, serene face, and full of kindness, his long hair locks up to shoulder are reddish brown in color, his facial appearance is similar with Lahiri Mahashay.  Once, Lahiri Mahashay described Babaji to his disciple that he had given Yoga Dheeksha to Jagathguru Sri Shankaracharya, and Saint Kabir das as well.  Kevalanand was the disciple of Lahiri Mahashay described a real incident to Swami Yogananda.  One night there were few disciples were sitting close to fire pit with Babaji.  Suddenly Babaji took a blazing wood from the pit and struck on a disciple who yelled out of uncontrollable pain, Kevalanand said “ Guruji, why did you do such a merciless act.” Guruji said “his sinful deeds of previous births were burnt into ashes.” he put his hand on the wound of the disciple and removed his hand in a few minutes and there were no signs of the wound at all.





Yogiraj Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashay

Pranams at the lotus feet of Yogiraj!

Chapter - 11


Swami Yuktheshwar and Ram was a disciple as well as a close friend to Mahashay, once Ram was afflicted with severe infection and medicine was not helping him, Yuktheshwar selflessly served his friend, Ram’s condition became worse so he came to Mahashay and informed all about the distraught state of Ram.  Mahashay said doctor giving medicine and nothing to worry, he will be alright soon, Mahashay advised Yuktheshwar to continue his service to Ram. Yuktheshwar was felt relieved after listening to Mahashay.  One day doctor said that Ram cannot be saved, he may stay alive for another two hours.  Yuktheshwar extremely worried, he rushed to Mahashay, he was consoled by Mahashay that nothing will happen to Ram, he will be alright. Yuktheshwar saw Ram is getting worse every hourly, suddenly Ram woke up from the bed and said “ Yuktheshwar I am leaving, kindly tell Gurudev to bless my body,” soon he fell on the bed, Yuktheshwar became inconsolable, soon rest of the disciples of Mahashay came, Yuktheshwar rushed to Lahiri Mahashay to convey the demise of Ram.  Mahashay went to transcendental state after hearing from Yuktheshwar, the state continued for several hours,  after that he got up from the state the next morning and informed Yuktheshwar to collect a few drops of oil from the earthen lamp and put seven drops of oil in the mouth of Ram, Yuktheshwar said “ Guruji, he passed away yesterday afternoon. What I do with this oil?” Mahashay said “ Do what I say, nothing to worry,”.  Yuktheshwar returned with the oil, saw Ram’s body showing up the sign of life, he took the help of a disciple and put seven drops of oil in Ram’s mouth, immediately after the seventh drop, Ram’s body started moving, slowly he sat up on the bed,  Ram said “ I saw Mahashay in the ray of light, he asked me to leave sleep and wake up, he advised me to meet him immediately.” Soon three of the disciples came to Mahashay, he was extremely happy to receive them, he said “ Yuktheshwar told you not to worry about anything. I have told you two times, but you did not believe me, I do not want to interfere in doctor’s work, I hope you will keep stock of castor oil, it would keep the patient away from the mouth of death.”  Yuktheshwar and disciples prostrated before Mahashay, Yuktheshwar bow down before Mahashay and said “ Guruji, kindly forgive my mistake, I was ignorant, I could not understand the meaning of your words.”




Yogiraj Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashay

Pranams at the lotus feet of Yogiraj!

Chapter - 10


 Lahiri Mahashay remembered the writings in Yogavashisht about supreme bliss.  The miseries, pain, and sorrows cannot harm the soul, it afflicts the body and sense organs.   The soul forgets its real nature of permanent bliss due to the ignorance and gets attached to the body and sense organs eventually suffer from pain, miseries, grief, and sorrow.   This material world is an illusion, we are soaked in the illusion, therefore, we forget the nature of the soul; we are acting as an instrument and move along with miseries, afflictions, fleeting happiness, sorrows, and grief.  All those sensual pleasures are short living,  they fasten humans more and more into the worldly bondage, ultimately they cause miseries, afflictions, and pain.  A person who understands the fact that the supreme soul who is the source of permanent bliss resides as the soul in all the living beings, so there is no difference in soul and the supreme spirit, eventually came to understand the eternal truth “Aham Bhramasmi”.  The person who understands the highest of the truth that there is no difference between soul and supreme soul, instantly relieved from the illusion and will not be tormented with the pain, miseries, or sorrows.  It is called knowledge of ‘Self’.  



Yogiraj Lahiri Mahashay used to demonstrate humility before his disciple; his home was a pilgrim place for all the pious people.  There were several people used to assemble to listen to his lectures on Bhagavad Gita.  There was Ramprasad Jaiswal who has the business of selling liquor was also one of his devotees of Lahiri Mahashay was present to listen to his speeches,  as usual, the pious people and Bhramin assembled were disliked his presence.  Once a scholar asked him “Don't you feel ashamed of yourself? Why do not you sit away, why are you sitting in the crowd of twice-born? move away from here, and sit in a corner.” Yogiraj felt miserable after listening to the harsh words of the scholar, he stood up from his seat, he called for Ramprasad and said: “ Ramprasad, come and be seated in my place.” Lahiri Mahashay changed his seat. Ramprasad was frightened to see one scholar shouted at him to move away, Yogiraj calling him to take his seat, he was so confused, he thought he must have made some grave mistake, seeing the pathetic situation of Ramprasad, Yogiraj said: “ Come here and take my seat.” He fell at the feet of Yogiraj and said “ Maharaj, kindly do not command me to do so. I cannot commit this terrible sin,”.  Immediately the Zamindar of Kashmipur, Rai Bahadur understood his foolishness, he rushed towards Yogiraj and apologized, and he moved towards Ramprasad and asked for forgiveness, later he took Ramprasad with him and made him sit with him.

Sunday, June 16, 2019




Yogiraj Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashay

Pranams at the lotus feet of Yogiraj!

Chapter - 9

Yogacharya Dr.Ashokumar Chatterji in his book “ Purana Purusha” mentioned that Lahiri Mahashay was introduced  Sai Baba to Kriya Yoga. In the year 1886 after retirement from the work, he invested a major part of his life on Meditation and Kriya Yoga, during this period of time he had several visitors. Lahiri Mahashay never revealed the fact that he is a holy man, he enlightens people with the knowledge in scriptures, Veda, Dharma Shastra, etc.. Grandson of Yogiraj wrote in a book about the incarnation of saint Kabirdas in the three Yug.  Yogiraj used to write his diary in Hindi, not in Bengali, he does not believe in religion, though he was a born in a strict Bhramin family. He advises people that we are children of Supreme Lord, none of the wealth or possession is not ours and it’s not going follow us, one day we have to leave this behind, therefore always remember the supreme soul which is the ultimate asylum of all.  Everyone knows that Lahiri Mahashay never saw any difference between Hindu, or Muslim or Christian.


Lahiri Mahashay went to attend Kumbha Mela in Allahabad, he was roaming around with the saints and holy men assembled there.  Suddenly his eyes fallen on a heavy matted hair lock Sanyasin, in front of the Sanyasin his preceptor was sitting humbly and massaging the feet of Sanyasin. Lahiri Mahashay asked his preceptor “ Gurudev, you are serving this Sanyasin,”  his preceptor did not look at Lahiri Mahashay and answered “ Now I am massaging his feet, later I will clean his vessels, I am learning humility by serving knowledgeable as well as people of no knowledge.” Lahiri Mahashay understood that it was an instruction of his preceptor about service to noblemen, the Supreme Lord resides as the soul in humans, after this incident, Lahiri Mahashay had a tremendous change in his behavior.





Yogiraj Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashay

Pranams at the lotus feet of Yogiraj!

Chapter - 8

Lahiri Mahashay resumed his work at Benares after returning from Ranikhet, he sincerely followed the instructions of Mahavathar Babaji.   He concentrated on conducting lectures on Bhagavad Gita, and various scriptures.  He initiated many people into Kriya Yoga and Meditation, to the people from all religious faith, he had disciples from Hindu, Christians, and Muslim religion, though it was unusual for a twice-born to practice, he had disciples from various professions, and notable among were Sri Yuktheshwar Giri, Panchanan Bhattacharya, Pranavanandha, Keshavanandha Bhramachari, Bhupendranath Sanyal and parents of Sri Paramahamsa Yogananda.   The prominent people who received an initiation to Kriya Yoga were Bhaskarananda Saraswathi of Benares,  Balanandha Bhramachari of Deoghar, Maharaja Ishwari  Narayan Singha Bhahadhur of Benares and his sons.   After retirement from work he was teaching lessons on scriptures to the sons of Maharaja Ishwari Narayan for a monthly wage, an everyday ferry would come to pick up Lahiri Mahashay to palace, Girish Chand who is the senior officer to Maharaj Ishwari Narayan was aware of proficiency of Lahiri Mahashay, they were college mates.  One day Girish Chand said “ Maharaj, kindly take care of your preceptor very well, make sure he is honored and respected well,  Lahiri Mahashay is not an ordinary teacher, he is a great Yogi, but he is taking all efforts to remain simple and unnoticed.  I have seen and aware of his supernatural powers, kindly make sure to keep him comfortable.” Maharaj said “ I also think the same about Lahiri Mahashay. After seeing his knowledge and dedication I have understood about him thoroughly. He should not face any disgrace from anyone; therefore you should take care of this matter.”   Maharaj and his sons became disciples of Lahiri Mahashay, they believed that Yogiraj is a noble- soul born on Earth like Sant Kabirdas.  




Yogiraj Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashay

Pranams at the lotus feet of Yogiraj!

Chapter - 7

Lahiri Mahashay returned to his work, people in the office were happy to see Lahiri Mahashay.  The last ten days Lahiri Mahashay was missing and absent at work, they thought he met with an accident in Ranikhet and passed away, his office mates continuously enquired his reason for absence, but he did not say anything about his life in Himalaya.  In order to pacify his office mate, he said “ I was lost in the woods. It was a new place for me; therefore I took the time to come back.”  After a few days, he received a letter from the head office that they wrongly appointed him in Ranikhet and soon he will be back in the office in Banaras, and the person who was in charge of the duty in Ranikhet will be appointed to work immediately.”  While returning from Ranikhet, he stopped at Muradabad at the request of his office mates, one day while talking one of his friends said “ There are no true saints today, all are taking pleasures in food and sleep.  It is frustrating to see them, they build a big hermitage and spread advice, and make fool of people.  A true saint will not touch the precious things like money, clothes, fruits, ornaments, etc…”  Lahiri Mahashay was sitting there said “ Your perception is wrong, there are true saints living in India, we are unfortunate to understand them, they stay away from the crowd and engages in spiritual practices, my preceptor is also one among them. I have attained a new life with his mercy.” He resumed the glories of his preceptor, but none of them believed his words.  Even though Lahiri Mahashay has attained the virtues of one of the supreme ascetics with the mercy of his preceptor and the piousness he had attained in previous births, like an ordinary person, he could not control his pride.  Listening to the hilarious comments of his friends he was so frustrated and said: “ I can ask my preceptor to be present here to prove you all.” No one listened to his words, he felt insulted and became so angry, he forgot that it is not advisable to perform any supernatural powers before these kinds of people who are not deserving the same or does not have divine sight to understand the supreme consciousness, Lahiri Mahashay went to a room and asked them to sit out of the room, “until you hear my call no one should enter or try to peep in what’s happening inside.” saying so he closed the door of the room, and started meditating.  After some time he could visualize a brilliant ray in the room, in that ray he could see his preceptor, he was not pleasant and said “ Shyamacharan, you have called for my presence for a group of non-believers and sinners, I am going now, never expect my presence for ridiculous matters like this in the future .”  Lahiri Mahashay felt terribly guilty and upset, he prostrated before Gurudev and begged for pardoning him, he wanted to make those people aware of the knowledge that there are still saintly people living on Earth.   Lahiri Mahashay pleaded before Gurudev, finally, he agreed for it, but warned him not to repeat, and assured to be present before him if he really feels the need of his preceptor.  Lahiri Mahashay opened the door, people looked at him in awe, one of the people said it is just an illusion it is not real, Gurudev moved among the people  and touched them, also offered sweet pudding, many of them were returned after consuming the offering, one person came forward and attained Dheeksha from Lahiri Mahashay.