Making a Palace Appear in the Himalayas

“Babaji’s first meeting with Lahiri Mahasaya is an enthralling story, and one of the few which gives us a detailed glimpse of the deathless guru.”

“The story of Babaji’s first meeting with Lahiri Mahasaya is captivating. It is also one of the few stories that give us a detailed glimpse of the immortal guru.”

These words were Swami Kebalananda’s preamble to a wondrous tale. The first time he recounted it I was literally spellbound. On many other occasions I coaxed my gentle Sanskrit tutor to repeat the story, which was later told me in substantially the same words by Sri Yukteswar. Both these Lahiri Mahasaya disciples had heard the awesome tale direct from the lips of their guru.

These words were Swami Kebalananda’s introduction to a wondrous story. The first time he told the story, I was completely spellbound. Many times afterward, I coaxed my gentle Sanskrit tutor to tell the story again. Sri Yukteswar later told me the same story in much the same words. Both were disciples of Lahiri Mahasaya and had heard the awe-inspiring story directly from their guru.

“My first meeting with Babaji took place in my thirty-third year,” Lahiri Mahasaya had said. “In the autumn of 1861 I was stationed in Danapur as a government accountant in the Military Engineering Department. One morning the office manager summoned me.

“I first met Babaji in my thirty-third year,” Lahiri Mahasaya had said. “In the autumn of 1861, I was stationed in Danapur as a government accountant in the Military Engineering Department. One morning, the office manager called me in.

“‘Lahiri,’ he said, ‘a telegram has just come from our main office. You are to be transferred to Ranikhet, where an army post [^34] is now being established.’

“‘Lahiri,’ he said, ‘a telegram has just arrived from our main office. You’re being transferred to Ranikhet, where an army post [^34] is now being set up.’

“With one servant, I set out on the 500-mile trip. Traveling by horse and buggy, we arrived in thirty days at the Himalayan site of Ranikhet. [^34]

“With one servant, I set out on the 500-mile trip. We traveled by horse and buggy and reached Ranikhet in the Himalayas after thirty days. [^34]

“My office duties were not onerous; I was able to spend many hours roaming in the magnificent hills. A rumor reached me that great saints blessed the region with their presence; I felt a strong desire to see them. During a ramble one early afternoon, I was astounded to hear a distant voice calling my name. I continued my vigorous upward climb on Drongiri Mountain. A slight uneasiness beset me at the thought that I might not be able to retrace my steps before darkness had descended over the jungle.

“My office duties were not demanding. I was able to spend many hours roaming the magnificent hills. I heard a rumor that great saints blessed the region with their presence. I felt a strong desire to see them. While walking one early afternoon, I was astonished to hear a distant voice calling my name. I continued my energetic climb up Drongiri Mountain. I felt slightly uneasy, thinking I might not be able to retrace my steps before darkness fell over the jungle.

“I finally reached a small clearing whose sides were dotted with caves. On one of the rocky ledges stood a smiling young man, extending his hand in welcome. I noticed with astonishment that, except for his copper-colored hair, he bore a remarkable resemblance to myself.

“I finally reached a small clearing with caves along its edges. A smiling young man stood on one of the rocky ledges, holding out his hand in welcome. I was astonished to see how much he looked like me, except for his copper-colored hair.

“‘Lahiri, you have come!’ The saint addressed me affectionately in Hindi. ‘Rest here in this cave. It was I who called you.’

“‘Lahiri, you’re here!’ The saint spoke to me affectionately in Hindi. ‘Rest here in this cave. I’m the one who called you.’

“I entered a neat little grotto which contained several woolen blankets and a few kamandulus (begging bowls).

“I entered a tidy little cave containing several woolen blankets and a few kamandulus (begging bowls).

“‘Lahiri, do you remember that seat?’ The yogi pointed to a folded blanket in one corner.

“‘Lahiri, do you remember that seat?’ The yogi pointed to a folded blanket in one corner.

“‘No, sir.’ Somewhat dazed at the strangeness of my adventure, I added, ‘I must leave now, before nightfall. I have business in the morning at my office.’

“‘No, sir.’ Still a little dazed by my strange adventure, I added, ‘I must leave now, before nightfall. I have work at my office in the morning.’

“The mysterious saint replied in English, ‘The office was brought for you, and not you for the office.’

“The mysterious saint replied in English, ‘The office was brought to you, not you to the office.’

“I was dumbfounded that this forest ascetic should not only speak English but also paraphrase the words of Christ. [^34]

“I was stunned that this forest ascetic spoke English. But he also expressed Christ’s words in his own way. [^34]

“‘I see my telegram took effect.’ The yogi’s remark was incomprehensible to me; I inquired his meaning.

“‘I see my telegram had an effect.’ I didn’t understand the yogi’s remark. I asked him what he meant.

“‘I refer to the telegram that summoned you to these isolated parts. It was I who silently suggested to the mind of your superior officer that you be transferred to Ranikhet. When one feels his unity with mankind, all minds become transmitting stations through which he can work at will.’ He added gently, ‘Lahiri, surely this cave seems familiar to you?’

“‘I mean the telegram that called you to this remote area. I silently suggested to your superior officer’s mind that he transfer you to Ranikhet. When someone feels at one with all humanity, all minds become transmitting stations he can work through at will.’ He added gently, ‘Lahiri, surely this cave looks familiar to you?’

“As I maintained a bewildered silence, the saint approached and struck me gently on the forehead. At his magnetic touch, a wondrous current swept through my brain, releasing the sweet seed-memories of my previous life.

“As I stood silent and bewildered, the saint approached and gently tapped my forehead. At his magnetic touch, a wonderful current swept through my brain, awakening sweet memories buried within me from my previous life.

“‘I remember!’ My voice was half-choked with joyous sobs. ‘You are my guru Babaji, who has belonged to me always! Scenes of the past arise vividly in my mind; here in this cave I spent many years of my last incarnation!’ As ineffable recollections overwhelmed me, I tearfully embraced my master’s feet.

“‘I remember!’ My voice was half-choked with sobs of joy. ‘You are my guru Babaji, who has always belonged to me! Scenes from the past come vividly to mind. Here in this cave I spent many years of my previous life!’ As memories beyond words overwhelmed me, I tearfully embraced my master’s feet.

“‘For more than three decades I have waited for you here-waited for you to return to me!’ Babaji’s voice rang with celestial love. ‘You slipped away and vanished into the tumultuous waves of the life beyond death. The magic wand of your karma touched you, and you were gone! Though you lost sight of me, never did I lose sight of you! I pursued you over the luminescent astral sea where the glorious angels sail. Through gloom, storm, upheaval, and light I followed you, like a mother bird guarding her young. As you lived out your human term of womb-life, and emerged a babe, my eye was ever on you. When you covered your tiny form in the lotus posture under the Nadia sands in your childhood, I was invisibly present! Patiently, month after month, year after year, I have watched over you, waiting for this perfect day. Now you are with me! Lo, here is your cave, loved of yore! I have kept it ever clean and ready for you. Here is your hallowed asana- blanket, where you daily sat to fill your expanding heart with God! Behold there your bowl, from which you often drank the nectar prepared by me! See how I have kept the brass cup brightly polished, that you might drink again therefrom! My own, do you now understand?’

“‘For more than thirty years I have waited for you here, waited for you to return to me!’ Babaji’s voice rang with heavenly love. ‘You slipped away and vanished into the turbulent waves of life after death. The magic wand of your karma touched you, and you were gone! Though you lost sight of me, I never lost sight of you! I followed you across the glowing astral sea where glorious angels sail. Through darkness, storms, upheaval, and light, I followed you like a mother bird guarding her young. As you grew in the womb and were born a baby, I watched over you constantly. When you buried your tiny body beneath the Nadia sands in the lotus posture as a child, I was invisibly present! Patiently, month after month, year after year, I have watched over you, waiting for this perfect day. Now you are with me! Look, here is the cave you loved long ago! I have always kept the cave clean and ready for you. Here is your sacred asana blanket, where you sat each day to fill your expanding heart with God! Look at your bowl, from which you often drank the nectar I prepared! See how I have kept the brass cup brightly polished so you could drink from the cup again! My dear one, do you understand now?’

“‘My guru, what can I say?’ I murmured brokenly. ‘Where has one ever heard of such deathless love?’ I gazed long and ecstatically on my eternal treasure, my guru in life and death.

“‘My guru, what can I say?’ I murmured, my voice breaking. ‘Where has anyone ever heard of such undying love?’ For a long time, I gazed in ecstasy at my eternal treasure, my guru in life and death.

“‘Lahiri, you need purification. Drink the oil in this bowl and lie down by the river.’ Babaji’s practical wisdom, I reflected with a quick, reminiscent smile, was ever to the fore.

“‘Lahiri, you need purification. Drink the oil in this bowl and lie down by the river.’ I smiled briefly at the memory, thinking how Babaji’s practical wisdom always stood out.

“I obeyed his directions. Though the icy Himalayan night was descending, a comforting warmth, an inner radiation, began to pulsate in every cell of my body. I marveled. Was the unknown oil endued with a cosmical heat?

“I followed his directions. Though the icy Himalayan night was falling, a comforting warmth began to pulse in every cell of my body. The warmth radiated from within. I was amazed. Did the mysterious oil contain a cosmic heat?

“Bitter winds whipped around me in the darkness, shrieking a fierce challenge. The chill wavelets of the Gogash River lapped now and then over my body, outstretched on the rocky bank. Tigers howled near-by, but my heart was free of fear; the radiant force newly generated within me conveyed an assurance of unassailable protection. Several hours passed swiftly; faded memories of another life wove themselves into the present brilliant pattern of reunion with my divine guru.

“Bitter winds whipped around me in the darkness, shrieking a fierce challenge. I lay stretched out on the rocky bank as cold ripples from the Gogash River occasionally washed over my body. Tigers howled nearby, but my heart was free of fear. The radiant power newly awakened within me assured me of protection that nothing could break through. Several hours passed quickly. Faded memories of another life wove themselves into the brilliant pattern of my reunion with my divine guru.

“My solitary musings were interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. In the darkness, a man’s hand gently helped me to my feet, and gave me some dry clothing.

“My quiet thoughts were interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. In the darkness, a man gently helped me to my feet and gave me some dry clothes.

“‘Come, brother,’ my companion said. ‘The master awaits you.’

“‘Come, brother,’ my companion said. ‘The master is waiting for you.’

“He led the way through the forest. The somber night was suddenly lit by a steady luminosity in the distance.

“He led the way through the forest. The dark night was suddenly lit by a steady glow in the distance.

“‘Can that be the sunrise?’ I inquired. ‘Surely the whole night has not passed?’

“‘Could that be the sunrise?’ I asked. ‘Surely the whole night hasn’t passed?’

“‘The hour is midnight.’ My guide laughed softly. ‘Yonder light is the glow of a golden palace, materialized here tonight by the peerless Babaji. In the dim past, you once expressed a desire to enjoy the beauties of a palace. Our master is now satisfying your wish, thus freeing you from the bonds of karma.’ [^34] He added, ‘The magnificent palace will be the scene of your initiation tonight into Kriya Yoga. All your brothers here join in a paean of welcome, rejoicing at the end of your long exile. Behold!’

“‘It is midnight.’ My guide laughed softly. ‘That light in the distance is the glow of a golden palace. The unmatched Babaji materialized the palace here tonight. Long ago, you once wished to enjoy the beauty of a palace. Our master is now fulfilling your wish, freeing you from the bonds of karma.’ [^34] He added, ‘The magnificent palace is where you will be initiated into Kriya Yoga tonight. All your brothers here join in a song of welcome, rejoicing that your long exile has ended. Look!’”

“A vast palace of dazzling gold stood before us. Studded with countless jewels, and set amidst landscaped gardens, it presented a spectacle of unparalleled grandeur. Saints of angelic countenance were stationed by resplendent gates, half-reddened by the glitter of rubies. Diamonds, pearls, sapphires, and emeralds of great size and luster were imbedded in the decorative arches.

“A vast palace of dazzling gold stood before us. Covered with countless jewels and surrounded by landscaped gardens, the palace was a sight of unmatched grandeur. Saints with angelic faces stood by brilliant gates, partly tinted red by the glitter of rubies. Large, gleaming diamonds, pearls, sapphires, and emeralds were set into the decorative arches.

“I followed my companion into a spacious reception hall. The odor of incense and of roses wafted through the air; dim lamps shed a multicolored glow. Small groups of devotees, some fair, some dark- skinned, chanted musically, or sat in the meditative posture, immersed in an inner peace. A vibrant joy pervaded the atmosphere.

“I followed my companion into a spacious reception hall. The scent of incense and roses drifted through the air. Dim lamps cast a multicolored glow. Small groups of devotees, some light-skinned and some dark-skinned, chanted melodically or sat in meditation, filled with inner peace. A vibrant joy filled the room.

“‘Feast your eyes; enjoy the artistic splendors of this palace, for it has been brought into being solely in your honor.’ My guide smiled sympathetically as I uttered a few ejaculations of wonderment.

“‘Feast your eyes. Enjoy the artistic beauty of this palace, for it was created solely in your honor.’ My guide smiled sympathetically as I let out a few exclamations of wonder.

“‘Brother,’ I said, ‘the beauty of this structure surpasses the bounds of human imagination. Please tell me the mystery of its origin.’

“‘Brother,’ I said, ‘the beauty of this structure is beyond anything a human could imagine. Please tell me the mystery of how it came to be.’

“‘I will gladly enlighten you.’ My companion’s dark eyes sparkled with wisdom. ‘In reality there is nothing inexplicable about this materialization. The whole cosmos is a materialized thought of the Creator. This heavy, earthly clod, floating in space, is a dream of God. He made all things out of His consciousness, even as man in his dream consciousness reproduces and vivifies a creation with its creatures.

“‘I’ll gladly explain.’ My companion’s dark eyes sparkled with wisdom. ‘There is really nothing unexplainable about this materialization. The whole cosmos is a thought of the Creator made physical. This heavy lump of earth, floating in space, is a dream of God. He made all things from his consciousness, just as a person dreaming recreates a world and brings its creatures to life.

“‘God first created the earth as an idea. Then He quickened it; energy atoms came into being. He coordinated the atoms into this solid sphere. All its molecules are held together by the will of God. When He withdraws His will, the earth again will disintegrate into energy. Energy will dissolve into consciousness; the earth-idea will disappear from objectivity.

“‘God first created the earth as an idea. Then he brought the earth to life, and energy atoms came into being. He arranged the atoms into this solid sphere. All the earth’s molecules are held together by the will of God. When he withdraws his will, the earth will break down into energy again. Energy will dissolve into consciousness. The earth-idea will no longer exist as a physical reality.

“‘The substance of a dream is held in materialization by the subconscious thought of the dreamer. When that cohesive thought is withdrawn in wakefulness, the dream and its elements dissolve. A man closes his eyes and erects a dream-creation which, on awakening, he effortlessly dematerializes. He follows the divine archetypal pattern. Similarly, when he awakens in cosmic consciousness, he will effortlessly dematerialize the illusions of the cosmic dream.

“‘A dreamer’s subconscious thought holds a dream in material form. When the dreamer wakes, the thought holding the dream together fades, and the dream and everything in it dissolve. A man closes his eyes and creates a dream world. When he wakes, he effortlessly dissolves its material form. He follows the original divine pattern. Similarly, when he awakens in cosmic consciousness, he will effortlessly dissolve the illusions of the cosmic dream.

“‘Being one with the infinite all-accomplishing Will, Babaji can summon the elemental atoms to combine and manifest themselves in any form. This golden palace, instantaneously created, is real, even as this earth is real. Babaji created this palatial mansion out of his mind and is holding its atoms together by the power of his will, even as God created this earth and is maintaining it intact.’ He added, ‘When this structure has served its purpose, Babaji will dematerialize it.’

“‘Babaji is one with the infinite Will that can accomplish all things. He can call on atoms to come together and take any form. This golden palace, created in an instant, is as real as this earth. Babaji created this grand mansion from his mind and holds its atoms together through the power of his will. In the same way, God created this earth and keeps it intact.’ He added, ‘When this building has served its purpose, Babaji will dematerialize it.’

“As I remained silent in awe, my guide made a sweeping gesture. ‘This shimmering palace, superbly embellished with jewels, has not been built by human effort or with laboriously mined gold and gems. It stands solidly, a monumental challenge to man. [^34] Whoever realizes himself as a son of God, even as Babaji has done, can reach any goal by the infinite powers hidden within him. A common stone locks within itself the secret of stupendous atomic energy; [^34] even so, a mortal is yet a powerhouse of divinity.’

“As I stood silent in awe, my guide made a sweeping gesture. ‘This shimmering palace, richly decorated with jewels, was not built by human effort. Nor was it made with gold and gems dug from the earth through hard labor. The palace stands solid, a massive challenge to humanity. [^34] Anyone who recognizes himself as a son of God, just as Babaji has, can reach any goal. He can do so through the infinite powers hidden within him. An ordinary stone holds the secret of tremendous atomic energy. [^34] In the same way, a mortal is a powerhouse of divinity.’

“The sage picked up from a near-by table a graceful vase whose handle was blazing with diamonds. ‘Our great guru created this palace by solidifying myriads of free cosmic rays,’ he went on. ‘Touch this vase and its diamonds; they will satisfy all the tests of sensory experience.’

“The sage picked up an elegant vase from a nearby table. Its handle sparkled with diamonds. ‘Our great guru created this palace by making countless free cosmic rays solid,’ he continued. ‘Touch this vase and its diamonds. The vase and diamonds will pass all the tests of sensory experience.’

“I examined the vase, and passed my hand over the smooth room-walls, thick with glistening gold. Each of the jewels scattered lavishly about was worthy of a king’s collection. Deep satisfaction spread over my mind. A submerged desire, hidden in my subconsciousness from lives now gone, seemed simultaneously gratified and extinguished.

“I examined the vase and ran my hand over the room’s smooth walls, thickly covered in gleaming gold. Each jewel scattered so lavishly around the room was worthy of a king’s collection. Deep satisfaction filled my mind. A buried desire from past lives lay hidden in my subconscious. That desire seemed both satisfied and extinguished at the same time.

“My stately companion led me through ornate arches and corridors into a series of chambers richly furnished in the style of an emperor’s palace. We entered an immense hall. In the center stood a golden throne, encrusted with jewels shedding a dazzling medley of colors. There, in lotus posture, sat the supreme Babaji. I knelt on the shining floor at his feet.

“My dignified companion led me through elaborate arches and corridors into a series of rooms. The rooms were richly furnished like an emperor’s palace. We entered a vast hall. In the center stood a golden throne covered with jewels that shone in a dazzling mix of colors. The supreme Babaji sat on the throne in the lotus position. I knelt at his feet on the shining floor.

“‘Lahiri, are you still feasting on your dream desires for a golden palace?’ My guru’s eyes were twinkling like his own sapphires. ‘Wake! All your earthly thirsts are about to be quenched forever.’ He murmured some mystic words of blessing. ‘My son, arise. Receive your initiation into the kingdom of God through Kriya Yoga.’

“‘Lahiri, are you still enjoying your dreams of a golden palace?’ My guru’s eyes sparkled like his own sapphires. ‘Wake up! All your earthly desires are about to be satisfied forever.’ He murmured some mystical words of blessing. ‘My son, rise. Receive your initiation into the kingdom of God through Kriya Yoga.’

“Babaji stretched out his hand; a homa (sacrificial) fire appeared, surrounded by fruits and flowers. I received the liberating yogic technique before this flaming altar.

“Babaji reached out his hand. A homa (sacrificial) fire appeared, surrounded by fruits and flowers. Before this blazing altar, I received the liberating yogic technique.

“The rites were completed in the early dawn. I felt no need for sleep in my ecstatic state, and wandered around the palace, filled on all sides with treasures and priceless objets d’art. Descending to the gorgeous gardens, I noticed, near-by, the same caves and barren mountain ledges which yesterday had boasted no adjacency to palace or flowered terrace.

“The rituals ended in the early dawn. In my ecstatic state, I felt no need for sleep and wandered around the palace. Treasures and priceless works of art surrounded me on all sides. I went down to the beautiful gardens and noticed the same caves and bare mountain ledges nearby. Just yesterday, no palace or flower-covered terrace had stood beside those caves and ledges.

“Reentering the palace, fabulously glistening in the cold Himalayan sunlight, I sought the presence of my master. He was still enthroned, surrounded by many quiet disciples.

“I returned to the palace, which glittered magnificently in the cold Himalayan sunlight, and looked for my master. He was still seated on his throne, surrounded by many quiet disciples.

“‘Lahiri, you are hungry.’ Babaji added, ‘Close your eyes.’

“‘Lahiri, you’re hungry.’ Babaji added, ‘Close your eyes.’

“When I reopened them, the enchanting palace and its picturesque gardens had disappeared. My own body and the forms of Babaji and the cluster of chelas were all now seated on the bare ground at the exact site of the vanished palace, not far from the sunlit entrances of the rocky grottos. I recalled that my guide had remarked that the palace would be dematerialized, its captive atoms released into the thought- essence from which it had sprung. Although stunned, I looked trustingly at my guru. I knew not what to expect next on this day of miracles.

“When I opened my eyes again, the enchanting palace and its beautiful gardens had disappeared. Babaji, the group of chelas, and I were all now sitting on the bare ground exactly where the palace had stood. We were not far from the sunlit entrances to the rocky caves. I remembered my guide saying that the palace would dematerialize. Its captive atoms would be released into the thought-essence from which the palace had emerged. Although stunned, I looked at my guru with trust. I did not know what to expect next on this day of miracles.

“‘The purpose for which the palace was created has now been served,’ Babaji explained. He lifted an earthen vessel from the ground. ‘Put your hand there and receive whatever food you desire.’

“‘The palace has now served the purpose it was built for,’ Babaji explained. He picked up a clay pot from the ground. ‘Put your hand in here and receive whatever food you want.’

“As soon as I touched the broad, empty bowl, it became heaped with hot butter-fried luchis, curry, and rare sweetmeats. I helped myself, observing that the vessel was ever-filled. At the end of my meal I looked around for water. My guru pointed to the bowl before me. Lo! the food had vanished; in its place was water, clear as from a mountain stream.

“As soon as I touched the wide, empty bowl, it filled with hot, butter-fried luchis, curry, and rare sweets. I helped myself and noticed that the bowl stayed full. At the end of my meal, I looked around for water. My guru pointed to the bowl in front of me. To my amazement, the food had vanished. In its place was water as clear as a mountain stream.

“‘Few mortals know that the kingdom of God includes the kingdom of mundane fulfillments,’ Babaji observed. ‘The divine realm extends to the earthly, but the latter, being illusory, cannot include the essence of reality.’

“‘Few people know that the kingdom of God includes the fulfillment of earthly desires,’ Babaji observed. ‘The divine realm extends to the earthly realm. But the earthly realm is an illusion, so it cannot contain the essence of reality.’

“‘Beloved guru, last night you demonstrated for me the link of beauty in heaven and earth!’ I smiled at memories of the vanished palace; surely no simple yogi had ever received initiation into the august mysteries of Spirit amidst surroundings of more impressive luxury! I gazed tranquilly at the stark contrast of the present scene. The gaunt ground, the skyey roof, the caves offering primitive shelter-all seemed a gracious natural setting for the seraphic saints around me.

“‘Beloved guru, last night you showed me how beauty connects heaven and earth!’ I smiled as I remembered the vanished palace. Surely no simple yogi had ever been initiated into the grand mysteries of Spirit in more luxurious surroundings! I calmly took in the sharp contrast of the scene before me. The bare ground, the sky overhead, and the caves offering basic shelter all seemed a welcoming, natural setting for the angelic saints around me.

“I sat that afternoon on my blanket, hallowed by associations of past- life realizations. My divine guru approached and passed his hand over my head. I entered the nirbikalpa samadhi state, remaining unbrokenly in its bliss for seven days. Crossing the successive strata of self- knowledge, I penetrated the deathless realms of reality. All delusive limitations dropped away; my soul was fully established on the eternal altar of the Cosmic Spirit. On the eighth day I fell at my guru’s feet and implored him to keep me always near him in this sacred wilderness.

“That afternoon I sat on my blanket, made sacred by its connections to spiritual realizations in past lives. My divine guru approached and passed his hand over my head. I entered the nirbikalpa samadhi state and remained in its uninterrupted bliss for seven days. Moving through successive levels of self-knowledge, I entered the deathless realms of reality. All illusory limitations fell away. My soul was firmly established on the eternal altar of the Cosmic Spirit. On the eighth day I fell at my guru’s feet. I begged him to keep me always near him in this sacred wilderness.

“‘My son,’ Babaji said, embracing me, ‘your role in this incarnation must be played on an outward stage. Prenatally blessed by many lives of lonely meditation, you must now mingle in the world of men.

“‘My son,’ Babaji said as he embraced me, ‘your role in this incarnation must unfold in the world. Before birth, you were blessed by many lives of solitary meditation. Now you must live among other people.

“‘A deep purpose underlay the fact that you did not meet me this time until you were already a married man, with modest business responsibilities. You must put aside your thoughts of joining our secret band in the Himalayas; your life lies in the crowded marts, serving as an example of the ideal yogi-householder.

“‘There was a deep purpose behind your not meeting me this time until you were already married, with modest business responsibilities. You must give up your thoughts of joining our secret group in the Himalayas. Your life belongs in the busy marketplaces, where you must set an example as an ideal yogi-householder.

“‘The cries of many bewildered worldly men and women have not fallen unheard on the ears of the Great Ones,’ he went on. ‘You have been chosen to bring spiritual solace through Kriya Yoga to numerous earnest seekers. The millions who are encumbered by family ties and heavy worldly duties will take new heart from you, a householder like themselves. You must guide them to see that the highest yogic attainments are not barred to the family man. Even in the world, the yogi who faithfully discharges his responsibilities, without personal motive or attachment, treads the sure path of enlightenment.

“‘The Great Ones have heard the cries of many confused men and women caught up in worldly life,’ he continued. ‘You have been chosen to bring spiritual comfort through Kriya Yoga to many sincere seekers. Millions weighed down by family ties and demanding worldly duties will find new hope in you. You are a person with a family, just like them. You must help them see that having a family does not prevent anyone from reaching the highest yogic attainments. Even while living in the world, a yogi who faithfully fulfills his responsibilities follows the sure path to enlightenment. He must do so without personal motives or attachment.

“‘No necessity compels you to leave the world, for inwardly you have already sundered its every karmic tie. Not of this world, you must yet be in it. Many years still remain during which you must conscientiously fulfill your family, business, civic, and spiritual duties. A sweet new breath of divine hope will penetrate the arid hearts of worldly men. From your balanced life, they will understand that liberation is dependent on inner, rather than outer, renunciations.’

“‘You do not need to leave the world, because inwardly you have already broken every karmic tie to it. You do not belong to this world, but you must still live in it. For many years to come, you must faithfully carry out your family, business, civic, and spiritual duties. A sweet new breath of divine hope will enter the dry hearts of worldly people. Your balanced life will show them that liberation depends on inner renunciation, rather than giving up outward things.’

“How remote seemed my family, the office, the world, as I listened to my guru in the high Himalayan solitudes. Yet adamantine truth rang in his words; I submissively agreed to leave this blessed haven of peace. Babaji instructed me in the ancient rigid rules which govern the transmission of the yogic art from guru to disciple.

“How distant my family, the office, and the world seemed as I listened to my guru in the Himalayan solitude. Yet his words rang with unshakable truth. I obediently agreed to leave this blessed haven of peace. Babaji taught me the ancient, strict rules for passing on the yogic art from guru to disciple.

“‘Bestow the Kriya key only on qualified chelas,’ Babaji said. ‘He who vows to sacrifice all in the quest of the Divine is fit to unravel the final mysteries of life through the science of meditation.’

“‘Give the Kriya key only to qualified chelas,’ Babaji said. ‘Anyone who vows to sacrifice all in seeking the Divine is ready to uncover life’s final mysteries through the science of meditation.’

“‘Angelic guru, as you have already favored mankind by resurrecting the lost Kriya art, will you not increase that benefit by relaxing the strict requirements for discipleship?’ I gazed beseechingly at Babaji. ‘I pray that you permit me to communicate Kriya to all seekers, even though at first they cannot vow themselves to complete inner renunciation. The tortured men and women of the world, pursued by the threefold suffering, [^34] need special encouragement. They may never attempt the road to freedom if Kriya initiation be withheld from them.’

“‘Angelic guru, you have already helped humanity by reviving the lost Kriya art. Will you not offer even more help by easing the strict requirements for becoming a disciple?’ I looked pleadingly at Babaji. ‘I pray that you allow me to teach Kriya to all seekers, even if they cannot initially pledge complete inner renunciation. The suffering men and women of the world, tormented by the threefold suffering, [^34] need special encouragement. They may never attempt the path to freedom if they are denied Kriya initiation.’

“‘Be it so. The divine wish has been expressed through you.’ With these simple words, the merciful guru banished the rigorous safeguards that for ages had hidden Kriya from the world. ‘Give Kriya freely to all who humbly ask for help.’

“‘So be it. The divine wish has been expressed through you.’ With these simple words, the compassionate guru removed the strict safeguards that had kept Kriya hidden from the world for ages. ‘Give Kriya freely to all who humbly ask for help.’

“After a silence, Babaji added, ‘Repeat to each of your disciples this majestic promise from the Bhagavad Gita: ”Swalpamasya Dharmasya, Trayata Mahato Bhoyat“-”Even a little bit of the practice of this religion will save you from dire fears and colossal sufferings.“’ [^34]

“After a pause, Babaji added, ‘Repeat to each of your disciples this majestic promise from the Bhagavad Gita: ”Swalpamasya Dharmasya, Trayata Mahato Bhoyat“: ”Even a little practice of this religion will save you from terrible fears and immense suffering.“’ [^34]

“As I knelt the next morning at my guru’s feet for his farewell blessing, he sensed my deep reluctance to leave him.

“The next morning, I knelt at my guru’s feet for his farewell blessing. As I knelt, he sensed how deeply I wanted to stay with him.

“‘There is no separation for us, my beloved child.’ He touched my shoulder affectionately. ‘Wherever you are, whenever you call me, I shall be with you instantly.’

“‘We are never apart, my beloved child.’ He touched my shoulder affectionately. ‘Wherever you are, whenever you call me, I’ll be with you instantly.’

“Consoled by his wondrous promise, and rich with the newly found gold of God-wisdom, I wended my way down the mountain. At the office I was welcomed by my fellow employees, who for ten days had thought me lost in the Himalayan jungles. A letter soon arrived from the head office.

“Comforted by his wonderful promise and enriched by the newfound gold of God-wisdom, I made my way down the mountain. My coworkers welcomed me back to the office. For ten days, they had thought I was lost in the Himalayan jungles. A letter soon arrived from the head office.

“‘Lahiri should return to the Danapur [^34] office,’ it read. ‘His transfer to Ranikhet occurred by error. Another man should have been sent to assume the Ranikhet duties.’

“‘Lahiri should return to the Danapur [^34] office,’ it read. ‘He was transferred to Ranikhet by mistake. Another man should have been sent to take over the duties at Ranikhet.’

“I smiled, reflecting on the hidden crosscurrents in the events which had led me to this furthermost spot of India.

“I smiled as I thought about the hidden forces behind the events that brought me to India’s farthest reaches.

“Before returning to Danapur, I spent a few days with a Bengali family at Moradabad. A party of six friends gathered to greet me. As I turned the conversation to spiritual subjects, my host observed gloomily:

“Before returning to Danapur, I spent a few days with a Bengali family in Moradabad. Six friends gathered to greet me. As I turned the conversation to spiritual matters, my host said gloomily:

“‘Oh, in these days India is destitute of saints!’

“‘Oh, these days India has no saints!’

“‘Babu,’ I protested warmly, ‘of course there are still great masters in this land!’

“‘Babu,’ I objected passionately, ‘of course there are still great masters in this country!’”

“In a mood of exalted fervor, I felt impelled to relate my miraculous experiences in the Himalayas. The little company was politely incredulous.

“Filled with intense joy and enthusiasm, I felt driven to share my miraculous experiences in the Himalayas. The small group was polite but did not believe me.

“‘Lahiri,’ one man said soothingly, ‘your mind has been under a strain in those rarefied mountain airs. This is some daydream you have recounted.’

“‘Lahiri,’ one man said gently, ‘the thin mountain air has strained your mind. What you’ve described is just a daydream.’

“Burning with the enthusiasm of truth, I spoke without due thought. ‘If I call him, my guru will appear right in this house.’

“Filled with enthusiasm for the truth, I spoke without thinking it through. ‘If I call him, my guru will appear right in this house.’

“Interest gleamed in every eye; it was no wonder that the group was eager to behold a saint materialized in such a strange way. Half- reluctantly, I asked for a quiet room and two new woolen blankets.

“Interest shone in everyone’s eyes. No wonder the group was eager to see a saint materialize in such a strange way. Somewhat reluctantly, I asked for a quiet room and two new woolen blankets.

“‘The master will materialize from the ether,’ I said. ‘Remain silently outside the door; I shall soon call you.’

“‘The master will appear from the ether,’ I said. ‘Wait quietly outside the door. I’ll call you soon.’

“I sank into the meditative state, humbly summoning my guru. The darkened room soon filled with a dim aural moonlight; the luminous figure of Babaji emerged.

“I entered a meditative state, humbly calling on my guru. The dark room soon filled with dim aural moonlight. Babaji’s glowing figure appeared.

“‘Lahiri, do you call me for a trifle?’ The master’s gaze was stern. ‘Truth is for earnest seekers, not for those of idle curiosity. It is easy to believe when one sees; there is nothing then to deny. Supersensual truth is deserved and discovered by those who overcome their natural materialistic skepticism.’ He added gravely, ‘Let me go!’

“‘Lahiri, have you called me over something so trivial?’ The master’s gaze was stern. ‘Truth is for serious seekers, not for those who are merely curious. Believing is easy when you see for yourself. Then there is nothing to deny. Those who overcome their natural skepticism about anything beyond the material world earn and discover truth beyond the senses.’ He added gravely, ‘Let me go!’

“I fell entreatingly at his feet. ‘Holy guru, I realize my serious error; I humbly ask pardon. It was to create faith in these spiritually blinded minds that I ventured to call you. Because you have graciously appeared at my prayer, please do not depart without bestowing a blessing on my friends. Unbelievers though they be, at least they were willing to investigate the truth of my strange assertions.’

“I fell at his feet, pleading. ‘Holy guru, I realize I made a serious mistake. I humbly ask your forgiveness. I dared to call you to inspire faith in these spiritually blind minds. Because you have kindly appeared in answer to my prayer, please do not leave without blessing my friends. Although they do not believe, at least they were willing to look into the truth of my strange claims.’

“‘Very well; I will stay awhile. I do not wish your word discredited before your friends.’ Babaji’s face had softened, but he added gently, ‘Henceforth, my son, I shall come when you need me, and not always when you call me. [^34]’

“‘All right. I will stay a while. I don’t want your friends to doubt your word.’ Babaji’s face had softened, but he added gently, ‘From now on, my son, I will come when you need me, and not always when you call me. [^34]’

“Tense silence reigned in the little group when I opened the door. As if mistrusting their senses, my friends stared at the lustrous figure on the blanket seat.

“The small group was tensely silent when I opened the door. As if doubting their senses, my friends stared at the glowing figure seated on the blanket.

“‘This is mass-hypnotism!’ One man laughed blatantly. ‘No one could possibly have entered this room without our knowledge!’

“‘This is mass hypnosis!’ One man laughed openly. ‘No one could possibly have entered this room without us knowing!’”

“Babaji advanced smilingly and motioned to each one to touch the warm, solid flesh of his body. Doubts dispelled, my friends prostrated themselves on the floor in awed repentance.

“Babaji stepped forward with a smile and gestured for each person to touch the warm, solid flesh of his body. With their doubts gone, my friends bowed down on the floor in awe and repentance.

“‘Let halua [^34] be prepared.’ Babaji made this request, I knew, to further assure the group of his physical reality. While the porridge was boiling, the divine guru chatted affably. Great was the metamorphosis of these doubting Thomases into devout St. Pauls. After we had eaten, Babaji blessed each of us in turn. There was a sudden flash; we witnessed the instantaneous dechemicalization of the electronic elements of Babaji’s body into a spreading vaporous light. The God-tuned will power of the master had loosened its grasp of the ether atoms held together as his body; forthwith the trillions of tiny lifetronic sparks faded into the infinite reservoir.

“‘Have halua [^34] prepared.’ I knew Babaji made this request to further reassure the group that he was physically real. While the porridge boiled, the divine guru chatted warmly. What a transformation these doubting Thomases underwent, becoming devout St. Pauls. After we had eaten, Babaji blessed each of us in turn. There was a sudden flash. We saw the electronic elements of Babaji’s body undergo instant dechemicalization, turning into a spreading, vaporous light. The master’s willpower, attuned to God, had released its hold on the ether atoms held together as his body. Immediately, the trillions of tiny lifetronic sparks faded into the infinite reservoir.

“‘With my own eyes I have seen the conqueror of death.’ Maitra, [^34] one of the group, spoke reverently. His face was transfigured with the joy of his recent awakening. ‘The supreme guru played with time and space, as a child plays with bubbles. I have beheld one with the keys of heaven and earth.’

“‘With my own eyes I have seen the conqueror of death.’ Maitra, [^34] one of the group, spoke with reverence. His recent awakening had transformed his face with joy. ‘The supreme guru played with time and space as a child plays with bubbles. I have seen someone who holds the keys to heaven and earth.’

“I soon returned to Danapur. Firmly anchored in the Spirit, again I assumed the manifold business and family obligations of a householder.”

“I soon returned to Danapur. Firmly rooted in the Spirit, I resumed my many business and family responsibilities as a householder.”

Lahiri Mahasaya also related to Swami Kebalananda and Sri Yukteswar the story of another meeting with Babaji, under circumstances which recalled the guru’s promise: “I shall come whenever you need me.”

Lahiri Mahasaya also told Swami Kebalananda and Sri Yukteswar about another meeting with Babaji. The circumstances of the meeting recalled the guru’s promise: “I will come whenever you need me.”

“The scene was a Kumbha Mela at Allahabad,” Lahiri Mahasaya told his disciples. “I had gone there during a short vacation from my office duties. As I wandered amidst the throng of monks and sadhus who had come from great distances to attend the holy festival, I noticed an ash-smeared ascetic who was holding a begging bowl. The thought arose in my mind that the man was hypocritical, wearing the outward symbols of renunciation without a corresponding inward grace.

“The scene was a Kumbha Mela at Allahabad,” Lahiri Mahasaya told his disciples. “I had gone there during a short break from my office duties. I wandered among the crowds of monks and sadhus who had traveled great distances to attend the holy festival. As I walked, I noticed an ascetic smeared with ashes, holding a begging bowl. I thought the man was a hypocrite. He wore the outward signs of renunciation but lacked the inner grace to match.

“No sooner had I passed the ascetic than my astounded eye fell on Babaji. He was kneeling in front of a matted-haired anchorite.

“As soon as I passed the ascetic, I was astonished to see Babaji. He was kneeling in front of a hermit with matted hair.

“‘Guruji!’ I hastened to his side. ‘Sir, what are you doing here?’

“‘Guruji!’ I hurried to his side. ‘Sir, what are you doing here?’

“‘I am washing the feet of this renunciate, and then I shall clean his cooking utensils.’ Babaji smiled at me like a little child; I knew he was intimating that he wanted me to criticize no one, but to see the Lord as residing equally in all body-temples, whether of superior or inferior men. The great guru added, ‘By serving wise and ignorant sadhus, I am learning the greatest of virtues, pleasing to God above all others-humility.’”

“‘I am washing the feet of this renunciate, and then I will clean his cooking utensils.’ Babaji smiled at me like a little child. I knew he was suggesting that I should criticize no one. Instead, I should see the Lord living equally in all bodies as temples, whether people were superior or inferior. The great guru added, ‘By serving wise and ignorant sadhus, I am learning humility, the greatest of virtues. It pleases God above all other virtues.’”

34-1: Now a military sanatorium. By 1861 the British Government had already established certain telegraphic communciations.

34-1: Now a military sanatorium. By 1861, the British Government had already established some telegraph connections.

34-2: Ranikhet, in the Almora district of United Provinces, is situated at the foot of Nanda Devi, the highest Himalayan peak (25,661 feet) in British India.

34-2: Ranikhet, in the Almora district of United Provinces, lies at the foot of Nanda Devi. At 25,661 feet, Nanda Devi is the highest Himalayan peak in British India.

34-3: “The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath.”- Mark 2:27.

34-3: “The sabbath was made for people, not people for the sabbath.” Mark 2:27.

34-4: The karmic law requires that every human wish find ultimate fulfillment. Desire is thus the chain which binds man to the reincarnational wheel.

34-4: The law of karma requires every human wish to be fulfilled eventually. Desire is therefore the chain that binds people to the wheel of reincarnation.

34-5:

34-5:

34-6: The theory of the atomic structure of matter was expounded in the ancient Indian Vaisesika and Nyaya treatises. “There are vast worlds all placed away within the hollows of each atom, multifarious as the motes in a sunbeam.” -Yoga Vasishtha.

34-6: The ancient Indian Vaisesika and Nyaya texts explained the theory of the atomic structure of matter. “Vast worlds all lie within the hollow spaces of each atom, as varied as dust particles in a sunbeam.” -Yoga Vasishtha.

34-7: Physical, mental, and spiritual suffering; manifested, respectively, in disease, in psychological inadequacies or “complexes,” and in soul-ignorance.

34-7: Physical suffering appears as disease. Mental suffering appears as psychological inadequacies or “complexes.” Spiritual suffering appears as ignorance of the soul.

34-8: Chapter II:40.

34-8: Chapter 2:40.

34-9: A town near Benares.

34-9: A town near Benares.

34-10: In the path to the Infinite, even illumined masters like Lahiri Mahasaya may suffer from an excess of zeal, and be subject to discipline. In the Bhagavad Gita, we read many passages where the divine guru Krishna gives chastisement to the prince of devotees, Arjuna.

34-10: On the path to the Infinite, even enlightened masters like Lahiri Mahasaya may be too zealous. They may also face discipline. In the Bhagavad Gita, we read many passages in which the divine guru Krishna reprimands Arjuna, the prince of devotees.

34-11: A porridge made of cream of wheat fried in butter, and boiled with milk.

34-11: A porridge made from cream of wheat fried in butter, then boiled with milk.

34-12: The man, Maitra, to whom Lahiri Mahasaya is here referring, afterward became highly advanced in self-realization. I met Maitra shortly after my graduation from high school; he visited the Mahamandal hermitage in Benares while I was a resident. He told me then of Babaji’s materialization before the group in Moradabad. “As a result of the miracle,” Maitra explained to me, “I became a lifelong disciple of Lahiri Mahasaya.”

34-12: Maitra, the man Lahiri Mahasaya refers to here, later became highly advanced in self-realization. I met Maitra shortly after graduating from high school. He visited the Mahamandal hermitage in Benares while I was living there. During his visit, he told me how Babaji had materialized before the group in Moradabad. “As a result of the miracle,” Maitra explained to me, “I became a lifelong disciple of Lahiri Mahasaya.”