Yogiraj Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashay

Pranams at the lotus feet of Yogiraj!

Chapter – 21

Lahiri Mahashay was not only proficient in scriptures; he was eminent in philosophies as well.   He used to give elaborate lectures  on the practice of meditation and its benefits, the meditation brings the awareness of supreme spirit which resides as a soul in human beings; this realization brings immense bliss in the worshiper. All the problems can be resolved with Kriya Yoga leads the worshiper to the path of liberation from worldly existence, its fruitfulness depends on the sincerity of the practice; this is the ultimate source which leads to liberation from repeated births.  The practice of Kriya Yoga is meant for all the people who belong to all the Ashrama dharma and Varnna.  The meditation is like a woman keeping the water pot on her head and keeps singing and moving, ultimately her concentration will be on the water pot on her head.  Everyone can perform all their responsibilities while practicing meditation and Kriya Yoga, the fire has the nature to purify the ingredients applied to it, just like the Pranayama purifies the sense organs.  A wavering mind always compel to do sinful deeds, with the regular practice of Pranayama one can achieve stability of the mind when the mind is calm eventually the sense organs also remain calm, when the breath completely stops he is declared as dead, Pranayama lengthen the life span,  Bhagavad Gita says Yogis absorbs Apan Vayu in vital air, the Practice of Pranayama removes fear, anxieties, anger, etc..

Lahiri Mahashay used to prostrate in between the lectures, disciples guessed that there must be the presence of subtle energy of noble-soul in the chamber that could be the reason for it, one disciple had a doubt, and he wanted to clear his suspicion so he came out of the chamber and stood.  Lahiri Mahashay’s home is a pilgrimage to the noble-minded people, so people who pass through the streets offer humble salutations and proceed their journey,  Lahiri Mahashay who was sitting inside the chamber receives their salutation  and respond to them with folded hands, later the disciple  understood that he is prostrating before the people who were walking on the street and offer salutation to Maharaj, everyone highly admired his supernatural powers.

Yogiraj Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashay

Pranams at the lotus feet of Yogiraj!

Chapter – 20

Hithlal who was a worker lived a small village in Bengal, though he had low wages he was contented and good-hearted, he always think of good for others and serve others selflessly, while working he used to feel dull, he did not find the reason, so he silently go to the river bank of Ganga and sit for some time.  One day afternoon he felt distressed and thought of leaving his village and wanted to settle where there are no people of his own, instantly he went to the railway station and approached the ticket counter “kindly give me a ticket.” Officer thought he must be mad, the officer asked “where do you want to go? Hithlal said “Give me a ticket to anywhere. I have this much money, give me a ticket where I can travel with this money.” Ticket officer immediately understood this guy must be crazy, he must have had some serious fight with his wife that is why he is leaving this place; Ticket officer asked “Did you ever visit Benares?” Hithlal said “ No”,  the officer said “ Go to Varanasi. It is one of the sacred lands, there will be lots of saints and noble-souls, Baba Bholenath is there, and you can have Dharshan of him. Then you will get peace of mind.”  He arrived in Varanasi, he asked for Bengali Muhulla and came out of the station, he was starving, he looked around, saw a house was wide open and a gentle person asked: “ Hithlalji  come here.” He was surprised to see the gentle person with a wide smile.  Hithlal looked at him in awe, he tried to recollect from his memory where did he meet this gentle person, Hithlal said “ Forgive me, I am not able to remember you, surprisingly you know my name,” Gentleperson said “  come inside and take bath and have  a meal, after that we will introduce to each other.”  He took bath and had a meal; he came to meet the gentle person that was Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashay who was surrounded by disciples and devotees.  Lahiri Mahashay said “ I have to give you Dheeksha today. That’s the reason I have brought you here.  I am Shyamacharan Lahiri,” In this way, Mahashay brought the deserving disciple from far off places without even their knowledge, once Yogiraj mentioned about the mystical way of the preceptor to absorb his disciple, all that needs is intense faith and devotion, and complete surrender to one's own preceptor.   Hithlal bowed down before Mahashay, he felt fortunate to meet Yogiraj. 

Yogiraj Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashay

Pranams at the lotus feet of Yogiraj!

Chapter – 19

One day a Bhramin arrived to receive Dheeksha from Yogiraj, he is a strict follower of discipline, he takes a regular holy dip in Ganga, undertakes worship of deities, reading scriptures and Veda, on regular basis.   Yogiraj advised him that he is sincerely following all the rites, and he will receive Dheeksha at the right time. The Bhraman felt disappointed and returned, two days after this incident, there arrived an old lady and said “ I want to take up Dheeksha on Kriya Yoga,” Yogiraj advised her to come tomorrow after a holy dip in Ganga.  After her return, one of the devotees asked “ Maharaj, you did not give Dheeksha to a Brahmin who arrived day before yesterday.  But, you were ready to give Dheeksha to an old lady arrived today. What is the reason behind this?”  Lahiri Mahashay said “This Bhramin took up the righteous path in this birth, therefore he is performing all the religious rites sincerely, this old woman already had Yoga Dheeksha in her previous birth, but she could not achieve anything out of it. She had finished all her Karma, therefore she is deserved to attain Yoga Dheeksha.” 

There were people who want to learn everything within a short period of time that too without spending much effort on the practice also visits Mahashay.  There was a disciple who was successful in the basic lessons of Kriya Yoga, but Mahashay does not want to introduce him to the next part of Kriya Yoga.  One day he was discussing it to Mahashay, at that moment a postman arrived, soon Lahiri Mahashay enquired about his regular practice, and asked him to take the second part of Kriya Yoga. Postman Vrinda refused to learn further lessons, he was not aware of the benefits of a higher state of spirituality, he revealed that he is already soaked in bliss after receiving the first part of Kriya Yoga, therefore he is not interested in his work, he said he came to get blessings from Mahashay, so that he can live in bliss always.  Mahashay said, “ Vrinda already in a state of bliss after receiving the first part of Kriya Yoga.”  The disciple who was sitting before him understood the inner meaning of Mahashay’s words, he prostrated before Mahashay and said: “ Guruji, you have removed my illusion, actually I was lost my path in ignorance, kindly forgive me.”  Lahiri Mahashay discourages a person who is unfit for Kriya Yoga, and he would encourage people who really deserve the same.

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.

Yogiraj Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashay

Pranams at the lotus feet of Yogiraj!

Chapter – 17

Yogiraj always receive five rupees after giving Dheeksha to his disciples, he takes ten rupees as Dhakshina from the widow's in order to perform curative procedures.  His wife Kashi Moni Devi, his two sons were the disciple of Mahashay.  There were Panchanan Bhattacharya, Keshavanand, Kevalanand, Vishudhdhanand Saraswathi, Kashinath Shastri, Nagendra Baduri, Prashanth Goswami, Ramgopal Mazumdar, Harinarayanphaladhi, Kailash Chandra, Bandyopadhyay, Ramdhayal Mazumdar, Mahendrasanyal,  King of Nepal, King of Kashi, King of Vardhaman, King of Kashmir, Kalikrishna Thakur, Gurudas Banerji like prominent people were his disciples.  There were many illustrious saints who had received lessons of Kriya Yoga from Lahiri Mahashay, they were  Bhaskarananda Saraswathi, Balanand Bhramachari, and  Sai Baba.  It is not evident that Sai Baba arrived in Kashi and attained Dheeksha from Lahiri Mahashay, Shirdi Sai Baba lived during 1838 -1918, Sri Sathyacharan who was the grandson of Lahiri Mahashay wrote from the diaries of Lahiri Mahashay gave Dheeksha to Nanakpankthi Sai Baba. 

King of Kashi and Baskaranandhji used to visit Thrailangaswamiji very often, Baskaranandhji heard about Shyamacharan Lahiri from Thrailangaswamiji, this made him meet Lahiri Mahashay, and he asked King of Kashi to bring Yogiraj to Kashi.  Baskaranandhji was not used to visit Lahiri Mahashay who was a Grihastha, King of Kashi took Lahiri Mahashay in his vehicle to Baskarandhji’s hermitage, and they both had detailed discussion about the practices of spirituality and Kriya Yoga.  Lahiri Mahashay while giving Dheeksha to his disciple, always check on the capabilities of his disciple, accordingly, he will give teachings on Kriya Yoga.  He explains the basic necessities for Yoga and he will check on his disciple who is following the basic rules, after that he will give lessons further.  Ordinary people cannot follow the basic principles. 

Swami Yogananda wrote about Kriya Yoga that it is an ancient technique of meditation and breath control/Pranayama, it quickens the human evolution, the practice of Pranayama helps human blood  to decarbonizes and recharge with oxygen, the atom of the extra oxygen is transmitted into life current to rejuvenate the brain and spinal centers. 

Yogiraj Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashay

Pranams at the lotus feet of Yogiraj!

Chapter – 16

It is believed that women are too devoted and sincere than men in religious and spiritual matters.   Gyanaprabhadevi who was the wife of Bhagavathicharan considered Lahiri Mahashay as her God, she performs the daily ritual to the preceptor, and all her wishes were fulfilled with the blessings of the preceptor.   Once Mukundlal Gosh was afflicted with small-pox, his health became critical, the doctor tried his best to save the boy, but he was not in a position to get out of the bed, Bhagavathicharan lost his hope.  Seeing this, Gyanaprabhadevi came towards her child and showed him the picture of Lahiri Mahashay pasted on the wall and said “Son, offer your humble Pranams to Guruji” he was so weak, he could not even lift his hand.  She said “ No problem son,  offer your Pranams with all your heart.  I am sure you will be alright, God cannot take you away from me.” Mukundlal sincerely prayed to Lahiri Mahashay.  Gyanaprabhadevi poured out all her devotion to Lahiri Mahashay, the very next day onwards the child started feeling better and this child has become one of the famous Yogi known to the world as Paramahamsa Yogananda.  He built Ashrams in Mount Washington, Los Angeles, and California, and Ranchi and Puri in India, in order to spread self-realization and meditation techniques at the divine command of his preceptor Sri Yuktheshwar Giri and Mahavathar Babaji.

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.