A f LIFE DIVINE Short Life-Sketch, Divine Activities & Messages of | ‘Yogachazya Sri Sri Bhiipesidranath Sanyal Mahassy | By , | SRI SUNIL KUMAR GHOSH, Bel. ij CALCUTTAAll Rights reserved by Sri Sunil Kumar Ghosh B.L, 48/2A, Ramtanu Bose Lane, Caleuita-6 Published by : Sci Shovan- Kumar Ghosh, 48/24, Ramtanu Bose Lene, Calcuttas Printed by Sree Tara Press 39/4, Ram Tanu Bose Lane Caleuttaré Available from : 48/2A, Ramtaou Bose Lane Caloutta-6, India Miaimum Donation : Rs 5-22, $2 ‘Besides Air Mail Charges. 1993 Biographic Series A LIFE DIVINE in English by ieee Sri Sunil Kumar Ghosh., B, L, ony, Secretary—Gurudham Bhratri Sangha. » Editor—Bilwadal Patrika (Bengali) First Edition, 1993 Available at 48/2A, Ramtanu Bose Lane. Calcutta-700006, IndiaInvocation Most favourite verse frequestly iecited by List of Illustrations Sri Sanyal Manasay Cover—Sti Sti Bhupendra Nath Sanyal Mahasay : : Inside 1st Picture— i Sti Krishna Govinda, Haret Murire Fi ure - pe 5 lrtnlow Het Rama Nardyana, Basude‘va. - ‘ogiraj Sri Sri Shyama Charan Lahiry Mahasay Sei Guru Chaitanya, Het Aemade'va, phe 4: % —Rabindra New & Het Matah Durge, Hara Viswanitha, ee eer , : Be 4th "Sri Sri Babaji ; Ob Lord Krishna, Thou art Govinda and the Relicver, 4 i Sti Babaji Maharaj Oh Lord. Rama, Narayana and Basudeva (Krishna), Ob Guru the Supreme Conscionsness, Oh my Lord of the Soul, Oh Mother Durga and Lord Viswanatha, Jai GuruCONTENTS Page: ee) PREFACE i Dedication CHAP- I PRELIMINARY 3 See Mabasey Dedicated to Sri Guruji, who Komaet wie Sri Labiry Mahasay helped us hear the Lord's Flute —lnitiation, | —Some Messages and follow the same as correct —Self-Realisation CHAP. II SANTINIKETAN EPISODE 8 History of Santiniketan path to realise God, —Gonfact with Maharshi Devendra Nath ie with Some letters of Rabindranath to Sanyal Mabasay a All Humility and Respect, CHAP. Ii PURI EPISODE 15 —Visit of Sri Lahiry Mahasay —Private tutorship at Taherpur Raj Estate, 1 a Letter fo $m, Priyabala Debi Story of Prof. A, B. Das ~ Death of Mother Sm, Bhubanesweri Debi Si Cee ~ Freedom Movement in India CHAP.IV MANDAR EPISODE 2 | . Author een 4 Sri Ramkrishna Birthday ” yi. DIVINE A\ oon ’, VIL SOME TBACHINGS 31 23rd February 1993; TNVQCATION 32A LIFE DIVINE Preface Sti Sri Bhupeindra Nath Sanyal Mabasay teit his morta body ow 18th January 1962. Since them thirty years have passed! but unfortunately « conmpsehensive Biagsaphy: of his, either’ fn Beogali or in English or in Hadi is not available Yet. “The Book ntssed Sankhipta: Jibaa Gatha was. written by Sti Jwala Prasad Tewary, chief disciple of Sri Sanyal Mabasay and published im 1966, contained only @ short biography of Sti Sanyat Matasay im Hindi and some letters both in Hindi and Benguli. Of course difficulty was that there was scarcity of authentic materials on record. gti ‘Tewari ond Sti Nikhil Nach Dey were the two principal disciples who lived all along with Sri Sanyal Mahasay taking all pefsonal cares of him in all respects. Sti Tewary's book of course is a valuable contribution fr this: respect. ‘Thie otfer major contribution was made by late Sré Jyotish ‘Chandra Gupta in various articles written by him, As Editor of the Bilwadal Patrika and Hony. Secretary of The Guru han Bheatti Sangha of Calcutta I had the good fortune to come into contract with many devotees and to collect their personal experiences written and published in the said patrika jn series entitled “The Master As] Saw Him”, There is no reason to disbelieve them nor belittle their fortunate experiences. ‘The want of a comprchensive2 Life Divine Biography of Sanyal Mabasay is being felt by many non~ Bengalees and foriegn devotees of interested persons,and who Would like to have an English version, Besides it is also ‘necessary at least for the purpose of maintaining a record. Although unfit stil by the grace of Guryji the outy of editing and compiling this work bas fallen on my humble lot. A. more or ‘less comprehensive Life-Sketch of Sri Sanyal ‘Mahasay is already written in Bengali and is awaiting publi- in, ‘Large parts“of this book are ‘already. published in the ‘sid Journal. Now for the convenience of all.s short Life-Sketch'witi divine activities and invaluable teachings are fntroduced-in English not only in the said Patrika but atso separately in a book with better ‘papers and, printing and. a umber: of: photos, ‘although, 1 cherish a desire of publishing the Biography comprehensively in Bagtish’ if 1 get support ‘aid response sufficictitly, Opinionsvare welcome. 1 cng. Jai Gara, 48/24, Ramtanu Bose Lane . ; Calcutta=700006 . Sunil Kumar Ghosh ‘112,192.Jai Guru A Life Divine CHAPTER I PRELIMINARY—We all know that holy or saintly persons do not disclose their spiritual attainments: and their innet temperament or character to public unless they themselves s0 desire, Available materials on the life and of Sri Sanyal Mobasay are very scanty and scattered. So everything has had to’be collected from his ‘own statements as recorded by some or writings and personal experiences of devotees. It was acknowledged by-all who: came in contact with him that he was always God-conscious. ‘and Love. personified and fully detached from all worldly affairs, His life and teachings are essentially needed to be followed by those who want to build up theit mental consti- tution and character for the purification of self. and ultimate selfrealisation. BIRTH,OF SRISANYAL MAHASAY—To describe the ordinary day-to-day life-history of.saintly persons is an absurd idea because whether their body remains or not they always remain, they are immortal and above life and death. So we can narrate only theit. Lilas ic, their divine activities ‘which are, sometimes sapernatural aad generally meant for the. upliftment .of human, beings... So farias Sri- Sanyal Mahasay is concerned, his exact date of -birth was not known by anybody not even by himself. Wife of Sri Sanyal Mahasay4 Life Divine whom we eall The Mother, once suid that she heard from -the elders that the day was the Sital Sasthi i.e. the sixth day ‘of the lunar period of January but exact date was not known. By verifying this date with almanacks the exact date Was found to be 8th Magh 1283 B,S. or 20th January 1877, Saturday. The horoscope of Sri Sanyal Mahasay as drawn dy late J. C. Gupta confirms this view. HIS EARLY LIFE—Sri Sanyal Mahasay was born ina small village known as Sadbanpara in the District of Nadia vin West Bengal in a very devout family. Father was Kailash Chandra Sanyal and mether was Sm. Bhubaneswari Debi, ‘His father was the Manager of Zamindary estate and bad our sons and three daughters, Sanyal Mahasay being the youngest'son. Later Kailash Chandra hed to shift to place of his maternal uncle at Sahebganj in Dt, Bhagalpore, Bihar. ‘tis clear that from his very childhood Bhupendra Nath ad ‘Nery hard times. Although he had. great talent, intelligence -and memiory, he had n0 luck of having University education smore than the Entrance. Examination, though. he studied ‘ater up to F. A. class, But as there were many learned men in the family he had no difficulty in getting very ‘high ‘education almost in all subjects and particularly in Sanskrit language and literature. He was devout-and feligious but ‘not fanatic though conservative, He was very truthful and ‘honest'so much s0 that once a Muslini student. of the school, sin which he studiedwas in course of a quarrel amongst them: ‘selves-assaulted by some other students. The Head-Master, of All students, requested only. Bhupendra Nath to narrate the ‘whole fact to him, Jt was found that he frequently would -sit still and quiet or sing Kirtan ( celigious songs ) or some- ‘times dance in ecstasy imftating othet devotees. SANYAL MAHASAY'S CONTACT WITH SRILAHIRY “Gay? MAHASAY—Bhupendta “for ‘the: first time .saw Sti Lahiry ~Mahaisdy at the'Nouse of his elder sister Sm.Rakshada Debi at *Bishupore in Dt. Bankura when Sri Lahiry Mahasay went ‘to visit his many disciples there, including the elder sister. Bhupendranath was then aged only 10/11 years and.so being too young he did not ventire to ask for initiation or ‘Diksha, Once he escaped from the house and went to Beneras at the age of 13/14 yoars with the idea of having ‘Diksha from Sti Labiry Mabasay and thereufter lead an “ascetic lite put ghe plan failed as he was sdon found out. “Tn Beneras he came in contact with Swamy Krishnananda who advised him togo back and“ he obeyed. Later ‘Krisbnadanda engaged him as Head of the Jogasram Institu- ‘tion’ and where he began bis writings on the Yogic interpreta ‘tion of Si?'Lahiry Mabasay on Bhagavat Gita and which is a inige céntribution of his, From early boyhood Bhupen- “atafiath-uscid to silfer very much ftom malaria. “So his elder sist tequested Lahiry'Mahisay- to do something for bis iceléf bit the latter replied,” “there is no need to worry about him, he is ot going to’die now and he has a lot of work to de", and Which proved true. ¥ INITIATION—Bhupendranath obtaited Diksha from Sei Lahiry Mahasdy at the age of 16° yrs; 3 nionthe-on 23rd June 1893, Within one year -of' Diksha. Srl Sanyal -Mahasay ‘pecame adept in almost all “Kriyas and got permission -of ‘Gnitiating others at this young age, But he did- not get visit from bis “Gura more than 3/4 times but ‘contact ‘by corres- ‘pondence was maintained all along. Once he was-sitting ‘at8ig with Labiry Mahasay and: others when suddenly Sti ‘Lahiry‘Mohasay said that bis Guru ‘Sri ‘Babaji Maharaj ‘has6 Life Divine come and so he is jleaving them for a few minutes, Returning after a few minutes he asked them whether they saw his Guru, All answered in the megative except Sanyal Mahasay who said that he saw a bright light going out of the room and nothing else. After two years of Sanyal Mahasay’s Diksha Sti Labiry ‘Makasay left his mortal body at Benares, Getting the repoit Sanyal Mabasay immediately started for Benares but o& arriving there he found that all have gone away taking the dead body for cremation. Not finding his Guru he began to ‘weep. After sometime he saw Guruji before him who said that there is no need to be so much upset because. he will, always remain near him though he will give visit only when he thinks necessary. ( Own statement ). When he was 18/19 years of age Sri Sanyal Mahasay could reach the state of Samadbiic. state of Tranquility or after-effect-poise of Kriya when all becomes just one supreme consciousness, & FAMier his return to Sahebganj from Beneras, be devoted all his energy for the culture of Basudeva Dharma i.e., Religion of Love and Courage and Devotion amongst everybody. Many persons and youths gathered round him for training, to cite only a few—Prafullo Ch. Mazumdar, Jatindra Mohan Gupta, Kanailal Gupta, Jatindra Moban Biswas and others. He organised a club named as Basudey Club (Basudev being name of Lord Krishna) for building up youths physically and mentally. He started an Association named Sunitl Sauchatini Sabha i.e, Association for spreading culture and morality and,for spiritual and easthetic development of the youths,’ who used to take. bath in the Ganges, every carly morning and thereafter sit for meditation on the rivet bank and recite verses from the Vedas etc., and then coming home Life. vine attend Tectures’on Gita and other Scriptures, thus helping ther in all possible ways. He laid down the ideal state of Society thus—*I was being inspired to build up a great and ‘unlimited Society. I informed my friends that the idea is not to live separately in separate families, Allmust be one and united because unless we get a sense of equality and unity in everything, it will not be possible for us to realise “EKAMEBADWITIYAM? i, the great mystic oneness prevailng in the entire Univers, 1 told everyone that we are i all one and same and tinless we build up this feeling of one ness, it will not“be possible to realise the implication of i the statement of God—“Shivoham Sarvabhuteshu” e., Lam i ‘Siva, exist in all oration”, gw MARRIAGE—A¢ this ime Sanyal Mabasay’s Parents and selations, became eager for his marriage, but Sanyal Mabasay ‘ ‘was reluctant, He says “when I heard that talk about my tarriage was going on I became very much worried and \ thought that I will, in that case, forget God and get 4 entangled in-the mesh of family life. So I escaped from the thehouse but I was found out: and was married in 1898 at the age of 20/21 years.. But although married he generally Jed a detached and disinterested life. SIDDHI OR SELF-REALISATION—He attained success in Kriyas and realised the Self and God attaining fall tranquil state of mind only at the age of 24/25 years at Sahibganj. [During this period nationwide Freedom 5 Afovement was going on under the leadership of Mahatma Gandbi throughout India, Sanyal Mahasay then opened a awadesbi (indigenous) store at Bhagalpore producing and selling indigenous products and boycotting British goods.8 : ite Divi! fiitd was almost ‘always filled ut ‘up. with Godly or, sbirital thoughts he ‘became ‘frequently - uimindful. par culatly in keepiog accounts ete, with the sestlt the. store ‘Was closed down after soinetime with loss, B CHAPTER II Santiniketan Episode __ HISTORY OF SANTINIKETAN=By God's will Sanyab Manisay ‘Was’ brought to. Bolepsr Where Santiniketmn of World famous poet“and philosopher “Rabindranath . Tago Was tablished and which wab later: known as Biswa, Bharati University: Maharshi Devenéranath . father of ot Rabindraiate came into contact with many tich and respectable persons while he was. on tour for propagating Brahmioism. Atthat time be came into. coutact with the Sinds of Raipur in the District of Birbhum, and who. were Zamindars, ( Mr. 8. P. Sina’ of the said family was selected @ Lord of the British House of Lords ). Being charmed with Vast ttact of clear vacant land with one‘or two" chatim tre hete a%d there, he purchased. 20 Bytes of land. from the Sinhas at nominal price in 1259 B, S, Le,, 1862 : Rabindranath was only s only tWo years old at that time. Later Devendtanath constricted a small structure there ‘which was bos ae resthouse....He used to practise meditation under’ chatim tree and in course of time got Self-realisatfou: Sttiilietan: Episode % Consetjuestly ie taid-the ‘fouridation of: the: Brahmacharyay ‘Asrani in Decémber 1901.on the said. spot and. whiich. laten, ‘became the great Biswabbarati University. . Brabmachatys is- the anciant ideal of not only having education living with: the Guru'but living in cestraint and discipline and celibacy. CONTACT WITH RABINDRANATH—In the fist batch ff students of Brahmackarya' Vidyalay there was a ‘brother's. son of Sanyal. Mabasty who suddenly became very: iY and had to’go tack tohome at Sahebgenj. It was in 1902 that gti SaiyaT Mabasay ‘went to Santiniketan to bring the: goods left by his brother's son -as also.a Certificate of the School, “At Santiniketan the talk between him and Rabindra Nath became long and in the meabtime Rabindranath got fiiany patticulars about Sanyal Matiasay from a common fix end, Rabindranath. told. him—"Tknow you are about. to Start a Bréhthacharya Vidyalay. at. your place then why not tat it Nerd, I wish You very much to take charge of it which is alteady started here anid you will get good, deat of experi ence.” : Ssi Sanyal Mahasay replied—‘have a swadeshi Store at Bhagalpore besides I have been entrusted to settle a dispute ‘of Mazumdar’ Library of Calcutta’’. Rabindranath said —*"These can be managed by otliers but there is no one here fitto take charge of Brabmayacharya Asram’, Ultimately Sanyal Mahasay was glad to aovept the offer. Before this \isit Sanyal Mahasay met Rabindranath at his Jorasanko house at Calcutta being acquainted through Srls Chandra Mazurndar, a family friend, from whom Rabindranath got alt particulars of Sanyal Mahasay. He was interested because at this time Maharshi Devendranath was very-ill but he was.10 ‘Santiniketan Episode ‘ery pleased when he-heard: religious and. Godly. discussions ‘atid said that Sanyal Mahasay having: talked. of spiritualism and God'at this time, was:a feat friend. In Santisiketan’Sanyal : Mahasay as -head of the, nstitu- ion used to mix with the students freely and they also took him @s one of their own, One ineident: in’ this connection Cat be referred e.g. Among the students there was.a notoricus ‘one who used'to get punished almost daily for his mischie-, ‘Yous conduct.” Noticing this Sti Sanyal Mahasay concluded ‘that the proper-attitude that would change the bad. mentality, of the student is not adopted. . So he took charge ofthe boy and began to love and. care for, him:and for which the ,boy ‘was impressed. " He told,the boy that if he really loved. him then he should-not do anythiag unpleasant so as'to deserve Punishments. This gave good inspiration to the boy who ‘thereafter daily informed Sanyal Mahasay saying “Sit, 1 am Alrightto day*. In course of 20/28, days. the boy .was thoroughly changed and everybody’ including ‘Rabindranath ‘became very happy. " Although it was detided’ by Rabindranath that’ the students should lead a life of Brabmachati ive. eclibate as in the olden days, but it was found that it would be too hard forall the boys to follow; so it’ was -deeided only a-few students to be selected and initiated to lead others. Rathine ‘dranath son of Rabindranath was initiated by. Mohit Babu ‘the then Headmaster and. Seroj Chandra -by:Sti Sanyal Mabasay and Santosh Chandra by Rabindranath... This at ‘rst gave good results but did not éndure long. Rabindranath also had natural talent for music andart whict he imparted to-the students,Santiniketan Episode ul . Sti Sanyal Mahasay followed the principle of self-help very strictly so much s0 that he used to do all his own works including cooking, himself, This was not out of. any sectarian or fanatic feeling and this was highly appreciated ‘by Rabindranath himself, But this. practice sometimes put Sanyal Mahasay into some inconveniences which, of course he ignoted. Dwijendranath was the elder brother of Rabindranath and who was also a highly cultured and prolific ‘writer as:also'a’ devout one. He. would not rest content wotil he showed his writings to Sanyal Mabasay everi when the latter was busy cooking his food, and which in course of Aiséussions, would burn down. This was stopped owing to intervention of Rabindranath. Rabindranath could not remain steadfast to any rule ‘framed by him for long; New ideas frequently cropped up in his. brain causing upset in many things, and it was difficult for Sanyal Mabasay to act According to plan und further, caused pecuniary losses, ‘Sti Sanya!’ Mabasay joined Santiniketan Ini 1902 and Worked there tip fo 1909, Rabindranath was a Brabmio by religion and many people thought that Brabmotsm is anti- Hindi’ and the School is a Brahmo School, although Gifference between the two is very little of nothing, There ‘were only 8/10 students at first. But when everybody saw that @ edaservative ‘Hindu Brahitin viz., Bhupendranath Sanyal joined the Tostitution as its head, number of students began to rise. When Sanyal Mahasay Jef Seatintkecan in 1907 number rose to 90, Before he left Santiniketan he also farther helped to improve the standard of Santiniketin by bringing Khitimohan Sen and Pundit Bid Sekbar Sastri. In the meantime co-education bas-also-been started in the vidyalaya and which was not very much to the liking of2 Saiitibiietiad Bpiigae Sanyal iahésdy,” becgust_ in bis opinion Bratimachary’ or celibacy and co-education cani not go hand in haiid. ‘In about 1908/9 he suddenly fell very ill and he came back to Burdwan’ Where bis mother took great care of him. ‘Rabindtanath also visited him ‘at Burdwan several times and ‘made all Atrangements for his troatmient and eate, Tt was stated'by'Sti Sanyal Mahasay that in course of this ‘serious illness he was: apprehending his end but siddenly in one midnight he saw an image ofa lady on the wall of the Toom and whom he called'as Mother Tagadamba, who-asked him'“why worry, am: fnot om the other side of life? However do: not worty” and. vanished, Thereafter he: recovered gradually.’ After 1909 he did not go again to. . Santiniétan to joi the service but planned to organise his! own’ Ashrams and Brabimachatya Vidyalay in suitable places, There is no. doubt that both had great love~ and respect for each other. Even long after his retirement many personal ‘and rather confidential letters containing highly spiritual and, Cultural statements passed between the two for many years, Once Sanyal Mahasay asked Rabindranath thatitis apparent that Rabindranath is charmed. with the beauty and purpose of nature of the Universe as expessed in his so many writings and poems and as he daily reeites Gayatri, Mantra with great devotion towards God, has he realised the Supreme ? Rabin Granth replied—“not yet, but you" Sanyal Mahasay also said “‘not yet”, Then Rabindranath said that ‘whoever, of us ‘will ftst realise Him shall inform the other.” Afterwards Sanyal Mahasay said that Rabindranath has realised but it is not possible for him to remain attached constantly with the realised Tranquil condition as is done by a Sadhaka or an accetic because he's a.” Karma Yogi who | | Suitiketaa Bpisédn . realise the Self through vatiois huplifting activities out of Gevotion for God and Love} for everything in this Universe. Actually later it appears from a letter dated 11th March 1891 writen to one Sailen Ghosh wherein he'said—“‘it was not Possible for me to remain isolated and fully mérged in'my ‘own consrience... ..1 ami actually a Co-existentialist (Sarbasifbadi’ everybody calls. me, I prefer the entirety. T dance, Ising, teach stldents, collect joy from trees, flowers, skyoveans etc, Although great obstacles come from the society, there ia so mych complications, so much opposition to every- thing 1 do, that there will be no end of” my attempts to solve them ever. AFEW LETTERS PROM RABINDRANATH TO" SANYAL MAHASAY ... : cil) ith humble greeting, . AS Tico that be boys and gi are not geting son. food, Please sec shat they are fed well befote the start of the vacation, There is no doubt that the cause of their loss: of weight and increasing weaknesses is no other than lack of nutrition .. ‘31st Bhadra 1314 Yours Sri Rabindranath Tagore, .(2) ‘You are having a lot of troubles, but endure everything with a happy mind, What is to happen will happen, Over and above that if we keep our niind worried, it would be ‘ike siving up the helm because the waves are rising. Do not allow the mind to be carried away by external factors. Keep ‘the mind fixed steadfastly with the eternal sanctuary that is lying within our control and lét happen what will happen, Only see that out connection with him is properly maintained--"SANTAM SHIVADWAITAM" i, e “Shiva or God is One and Still’-““Keep the mind ‘fixed on this so ong as you can, then only the mind will remain cali and tranquil whether the situations are happy or not and the low or immoral fascinations shall not be able to divert ‘us from good to evil. 28th Aswin 1314. Yours Sri Rabindranath Tagore, Bolepur. ay) With Greetings, Fora long time 1 am nurturing a desire viz, to tour around the whole of India along with you, nay, if possible, the whole world with you, Methinks that after I get your letter, this desire of mine will not go in vain, Itis my ardent desire to finish the Jouraey of this life in such a way. expressed this desire only because this time you have ‘encouraged mei’ I have no wish at all to remain tied with | | i Puri Episode 15 any sphere of gotivities. It is very necessary to move away from the turmoils uf this life. But so, long as 1 will live it with becriminal to dissociate from welfare activities. So the mind requires to be adjusted by travel. But just as the ladies bring jarful of waters from the shores for the family members, so also whatever’ perfection of the mind gain I shall have to utilise it for benefit of my very young. friends here. But this is just an imagination, long way off. At the outset itis necessary for us to fill up ourselves. from the ocean of Truth. with this end in view where shall I get company like you? Ihave no right to meke any claim. Tf ‘any good comes to me it will be’ your vittue also, The statved claims food only On the strength of his want my claim is also like that. ‘8th Bajsakh 1310 B.S. ‘Yours Sri Rabindranath Tagore. 7 5 cHaPTER-Ut ‘.. Puri: Episode PURI VISIT OF SRI: LAHIRY. MAHASAY~ After bis retirement from’ ‘Santiniketah he came'to'Puri (Orissa) in about 1910. His idea was to establish an Asram Temple there to propagate the teachings of his Guruji,’ principally the Kriya Yoga and who in his lifetime could not come’ t Puri, Before the temple was constructed Sti Sanyal Mahasay16 Buti Episode -sotually say the vision of Sri Lehity Mahasay standicc at -apartionlar spot (long aftér Lahiry Mabasay?s demise) ° tt ‘sat that very spot Sanyal Makasay built'the. temple of’ Sri a Lahiry Mahasay who said that ‘I am am here’, Construction of the Temple house really “commenced in about 1912 when at first only a small hut was built. Ttis reported that suuddenly one day a traveller ‘camie there and Said that ‘I want to see the Mohuntji. Please inform him.’ He could not tell the name of the Mahantji but he knows that the Mahuntji resides there, He would not wait as he is coming on foot from Rajasthan, long wiy off and he will so away again on foot at great distance. In the meantime Sanyal Mahasay came there and they looked at each other as if they were known to each other and talking silently. “The stranger immediately asked for Diksha which he had and soon afier weit away, In Puri Astam many persons were tnitiated some of whom reached a very high level. AT TAHERPUR RAJ ESTATE—At this time at the request of Taherpore Raj he accepted private tutorship of the Prince Sakti Sekhareswar Roy, He was a nice boy and was loved very much by Sri Sanya] Mahasay but unfortunately the princs died suddenly at this early ago causing grieat grief to Sanyal Mabasay, A baby deer used to live. in the Asram Garden and who would come running as soon as it ‘heard Sanyal Mahasay's voice and would not take, any food ifSanyal Mahasay was ever indisposed, According to him ‘this baby—déer was ia previous birth a Kriya Yogi but due 49, some, misdeeds of his he is born as a de, a cn Tn.J912 he casme into contact, with two widowed, ladies, “one of them was Priyabala Debi wife of a high, Government ‘Official who suddenly died leaving his old mother and the said widow, and several young sons. ‘The other widow | Sta. Nandarani Debi was het, sister-in-law and both were in'a bit {iffcalt situation as, there was none to look” after them. ‘Sri Sanyal Mahasay after hearing them gave them “Dikshas ‘and took charge of their well being. Priyabala Debi was ‘great devotee and became a good Kriya yogi. Her respect for Saayal Mahasay ‘wos so much that She would w atefoot when If wonld return from the Taherpur Raj Palace ‘afew miles distance from Swargdwar of Pari, berefoot in the hot sun and over hot sands of sea beach, Sanyal Mabasay ‘would say that “whenever I walk on hot sands. me thinks He treats me ‘with love and I feel so happy”. .» BRIYABALA DEBL AND BRABMAGOPALJI“Sri Sti sBralnagopa) is.another nhme of Lord Kristind.. The advent of ‘Sri Brahmagopalji at the house of Priyabala Dabi is romantic andbrilling,, About 80/90-years:ago (exaat date aot kiown) an American couple went to tour in South India and began watching in a shop dealing with statues and dolls of marbles ete, inclyding.old. statues, collected from, vations -places. ‘They found this blackstone image of Brahmagopal about a footin height, with very bright features so. much so that: it -seemed to them that the doll looks at them: steadfastly and ‘hey were charmed. So they purchased the same and bought ‘he same-and brought it to their home in America, But the lady found in the midnight thet the doll was. walking. around ‘the room as,ifsecking something. At: this ghostly. attitude ‘the lady became very nervous and so both wanted to. get rid of it. Coming to London they found a friend.who-after==) Se 18 Puri Bpiséde heating these facts wished to have it and had it. The same ‘thing occurred in his house too although the doll was put ih ashow case. The London friend found a Hindu Sannyasi ‘who was impressed with its appearance and brought it to India and then at Puri before Sti Sanyal Mabasay who seeing it said at once that this image is ‘living’ ie. Chaitanyamay and kept Him, along with a doll of Sti Radhika ‘the consort ofSti Krishna, But surprisingly it was seen in the early morning that doll of Radhiks is lying broken to pieess, Then Sri Sanyal Mahasay said that tre doll will show his ivine activities only as Gopal i.e. unmartied boy Gopal and he will have to be treated like that. Before coming to Puri the deity was sent to Dacca but there also the Indy of the house told Sri Sanyal Mahasay that proper care of the deity is not being taken, so he returned it to Sanyal Mahasay. Priyabala Debi having asked for the same out of love the deity was handed over her about 40/50 years back where the deity remains calm and quiet with many. activities benefittng the family great deal even now, at tie Salt Lake, house. ALETTER TO PRIYABALA DEBI—Dated. 5th Ashar 1330 B.S. He wrote—'Do not let your respitation go- ia vain. ‘Aliways Keep your mind fixed on it. This is most important (remembering Hitn with every breath ). “You must’ stick: to it and you will never have to think lof anything else. You will hear His flute in all thoughts’ ‘and Works. Lord has said “Tam taking 4 kinds of food as Vaishvanor ‘ive. God of Fire, from the body of men. So You sée dear that the food We aretaking is not simply food, it i8. worshipping God residing within a8 fire.” otPuri Episode 2 Sitting at the Puritemple Asram Sri Sanyal’ Mahasay wrote many religious articles, songs, poems & on Kriya Yous ‘and for this his reputation as a writer spread far and wide. Once the head of Sankaracharya Govardhan Math at Puri offered him the said post but he humbly declined. STORY OF PROF. A. B. DAS—Abani Bhusan Das, @ Physics Professor of City Collége of Calcutta became very much upset on sudden death of his wife. Somebody advised ‘him to contact Sanyal Mahasay whom at first he did not fully believe. He wrote to Sanyal Mahasay—Do you believe really that there is God and do you really have the power to instill God-consciousness or Self-Realisation to others (‘Then Jet me have it). If you do not succeed with me, your hypocrisy will be exposed and your Profession of Guruship Will be affected” Sri Sanyal Mahasay accepted the challenge. A few days later when Sti Das entered his Thakur Ghar (Puja Room ) in Calcutta he saw to his surprise that Sri Sanyal Mahasay was siting on the platform meant for the diety. Thereafter his doubts vanished and took Diksha from. Sanyal Mahasaysbecoming a serious devotee. Itis also aknown fact that the . spirit of Sti Lahiry Mahasay frequently met Sanyal Mahasay and had talks between them. Besides a few persons actnally saw or felt ‘the presence of Lahity Mahasay in Puri Temple Astam. ‘aT NURSINGH GARH RAJ ESTATE—In 1917 he was appointed a private tutor of the Prince'of Nutsing Garh Raj in Central-India, H¢ had to stay there ‘up to about’ 1925, During this period he progressed very’ much spiritually and ‘was reluctant to'do jobs other thas Kriyayoga. He wrote— 2Smead 20 A Life Divine “Nursing Garh—20-12-38 B. S. “It was my plan not to accept any service any mote, If I live long 1 may adopt the life of a Saunyasi( mendicant ) and then I will not ask or ‘want anything from anybody and accept gracefully whatever is offered to mo, as the Scriptures say.’ He returned to Puri in about 1925. In 1929 on the Akshoy Tritiya Day he built the temple of Sri Lahity Mahasay with marble statue on the same spot where he bas seen Sri Labity Mabasay, -This Particular Day is observed every year with great eolat and festival at Puri (In about May/June ), DEATH OF HiS MOTHER SM. BHUBANESWARI DEVI—In about this time Sm, Bhubaseswari Debi mother ‘of Sri Sanyal Mahasay became very much. ill practically on ‘deathbed. She loved this her youngest son very much ‘and desired very much to see him at Rajmahal where she ‘was staying with her eldest son. News was sent to Sanyal “Mahasay who was then at Nursingh Gar, a long way off Distance being long. and time too short, nobody expected Sanyal Mabasay to arrive there before her death but surpri- singly he arrived just in time to his mother’s satisfaction, “who died then peacefully, In 1921 the Freedom Movement spread far and wide in India, A Professor of Bhagalpore College, @ disciple of Sanyal Mahasay decided to give up job and. join the ‘movement but before that he asked the opinion of Sanyal Mahasay who stated as follows If at any time any call for ‘sacrifice for the sake of observing Truth, arises then whatever pe the cause, not simply for the sake of the country only, “it is necessary to be prepared for the same.” Mandar Episode an “Conscience should be clear enough, to respond to the call of Trath whether or not there is any encouragement ot agitation from outside, Those who sacrifice their lives for “thie country, they are no doubt great souls but they who go oa silently working and without expecting anything, for the welfare of the people, only asa behest of God, are greater, Mthe love for motherland is opposed to Universal Broth. ¢thood and Loveythen one ought to oppose such nationalism: No good can come out of it’ Swami Hasjbarananda Giri of Kacar Asram, Puri, got Sth and 6th kriyas from Sti Sanyal Mahasay and also. bis Permission for giving dikhéas (S. Manna ~Kriya Yoga Barta), CHAPTER IV Mandar Episode ETABLISHMENT OF MANDAR ASHRAM—The Gurudham Ashram at Mandar is situate at about 6/8 miles Clistance from the small town of Mandar Hill also known og Mashusudan Nagar (where the Mandar Hillis situate nearby) and the place of the Asram is now known as GURUDHAM, The Mandar Hill itself is medium sized hill with grooves a astound it messariog stot 6 f, in widin 4nd about 6 inches in depth showing thet in very ancient days this Hill was usod as a stirer to pick up the never frome he ocean by the Gods in battle with the Asuras. ie. the devils. There is tomple of Sci Madbusudanjiu visible from2 2, A Life Divine fas away and which is stated to have been worshipped by Sri Chaitanya on his way to Gaya. Before the convuction of Temple Awem st Grudbem near Mander, anyal Mabasay saw in meditation, his Guru Sri Labicy a along with some otber holy saints at a particular Latet when he came to Mandar he had ao difficulty in scrapssag sho tpow Tn 1928 Gorudhsat Matar ase, was carted To 1945 Yada Vidyalay was enablsbed Au ese Ashramas at Puri and Mandar are managed by Guru- ham Tros Board, Gurudiam, P.0, Banasi—Di-Bhaglpee har. Great helps were rendered by brothers Rudranarayan and Kuldip Narayan Tripathy. Every year, the Annual Festivel is hold at Mandar on the birthdate of Sti Sanyal ‘Mahasay which is Sukla-Sasthi day ire. the day after ‘be Saraswati Puja which is generally held in January, with feat eclat for several days. Many holy Safts and Sadhu and devotees assemble there and observe all reli fous fanetions properly. Sanyal Mahasay's chief discipios ‘en Sal Iwate Prasad, Tivdi and Sri WHEL Nath Dey, eae ri Kasipati Sanya! was also one of the topmost CHAPTER—V The Last Ministrel THE END—The wife of Sci Sanyal Mahssay Sm. Kall Dist Devi died on 7th Nov. 1959. After this Sti sonysl Mehasay’s health also broke dows and he breathed is fast pe tsth January-1962 at 24 A.M, of Ath Magh 1369 B.S. at the age of 88 years. Till the last date be gave benediction: Te all A few days before his death his talk to bis disciples fay be taken a6 bis Yast message which is important in many ways and reproduced mostly as follows :— Sei Sil Babs-—(To Satyza stain )Look after this Temple yourself and you will be hoppy. Twant this work to be Jone etfeciently by a disciple of mine. If you offer only ‘one or two flowers daily even then Si Labiry Mahasay end myself will be bappy- (To Raman Bbsi ) 7 shall be very happy if Sheba-puja is also daily performed at Puri, You all age disciples ot sons of Sri Lablry Mabasay, i my wish hot Sei Labity Mahasay is regularly worshipped at all these flaces, Eat nothing be brought from Puri to this place, He cree actually staying at the said place. So let that Temple ‘heram of Puri remain there, this one is for you alln...Do fot quarrel amongst yourselves 229 son. Do ot discriminate petween a Bengalee, 8 Bihari, ot @ Marwari etc., Sti Thakur CLaniry Mahasay ) does not like i, he Belongs to all and lt fre his cons, Do not ask anything from outsiders. You all have some cultivable lands, contribute from it whatever is convenient to you,Give food to everybody who will comehere-By A Life Divine Give something to me also (on being asked a8 to how he may ‘be recognised)..1 may come in any form.....Belore you die, give the charge of this temple to some one who would be able to shoulder the responsibility fully. When I shall come again, 1 will be happy to see how big this bas become, Even if anyone comes after 100 years from: hence he will find this has become so great. (He began to weep saying) Save some money. 1 could not do any welfare work fos the good of humanity because when I came here Twas poor, . Know this that whoever has sought Him, got Him. All are same, all are born equal, Whatever is desited by Sti Thakur, happens, consider Sti Thakur as God. Letall your miad become one and same, Let us not forget that he has given ussuch a thing by which we can attain higher sphere, T can say this and that is why T came No ove but one amongst you shall be able to do it (kept silent), Call all of them who are present here. Let God's blessing be on all of you. Give this message whomsoever you mect that I have blessed him. God Bless CHAPTER—VI Divine Activities A few personal and real experiences of some disciples from amongst many are reproduced bereundet nu 1, Sri Jwalaprasad Tripathi—He was the principal Chela ‘or disciple of Sof Sanyal Mabasay clog with Sci Nikhil Nath Divine setivities = Dey who stayed with him and setved him in all respect all along. He said that « few days before his demise Sti Guru told him “{ did not come to this world alone, We were 9 persons who came all together, Jatin Biswas, Satish Chandra Sinha and others. All of them have gone away. amr ‘waiting for one of them to born again and then I will depart. Now I understand he is born and I will have to go. He. wilt be aleader in this linc and disclose his identity in propet time: Ina letter to Sm. Khagendra Bala Dasi he wrote “1 will come again” + 2. SRISANYAL MAHASAY’S VISIT TO PUSHKAR (HOLY HILL TEMPLE IN GOA }:—Tbe Holy Hili Temple at Pushkar in Goa in Western India contains the idot of Goddess Savitri. As statéd by Sanyal Mahasay and noted by Sri Tewari —"“Many years ago in summer I went up to the bill to have a visit of the Goddess Savitri but after going to a considerable height in hot sun and the hilly tracts consisting ‘of thoray bushes I became exhausted and had to lie down, with great thirst. I could not move. Ajter a few minutes 3 lady brought a jarful of water and told me “you are very, thirsty, drink this water". Without considering anything else Tdeank the water. The lady took the jar and went away. At thot moment I did not even think that a thank should be: given to ber. But assoon as she left I began to wonder wherefrom she carne because no one lived on oF around the Bill for considerable distance. Then he went up the hill to ‘the temple and narrated the incident to the priest asking him who the lady might be. The ptiest tolé me “Have you ‘pecome med? How can any lady come here when nobody afound this Hill for miles around, live here, It must be the Goddess Savitri herself who offered you the water.”26 A Life Divine 3. BEFORE A WILD BUFFALOE ON SAHEBGANS HILL :—( From a statement of Sanyal Mahasay }—While in Sahebganj Sanyal Mabasay one day went up to the Hill where there isa temple, and the path of which was very narrow and steep, on one side was the hill and on the other deep gorges ‘of sometimes more than SOft depth. Not more than one person could walk on it, While he was going up he heard some people are shouting “Go away, go away, wild buffaloe is running downward”. Sanyal Mahasay was at a fix, there ‘was n0 space at all to move aside. He saw the buffaloe coming running down with red eyes and moving its big thorns. He stood quietly at one side with folded hands and looking at ‘the buffaloe told it, “Iam very much afraid, please pass on.” ‘The bulfaloe stopped and touched Sanyal Mahasay’s shoulder ‘with its month end went away calmly. 4, ALAME MAN WALKS :—Just after the temple at ‘Mandar was established many persons were invited from all, over India to attend the inaugural ceremony. Large number ‘of people gathered at the temple even 10/15 days before, 12000 poor people will be fed was also announeed. But it wwas found 3 days before the function that Sri Sanyal Mahasay had no money at all and everybody became worried. But Baba said that everything will be arranged. He then went 10 visit Sci Madhusudan Siew at the temple of Mandar and while returning he was accosted by # Marwari disciple on the street and who was going on a wheel chair because his feet were paralytic and could not walk and who told Sanyal Mabasay that he will be highly pleased and obliged if Guruji kindly permits him to perform Sheba and entertain all the guests. at the said function at bis own expense and that he can serve food to all by his own hands. Sanyal Mahasay agreed and Divine Activities 27 to the surprise of all he actually walked on foot and served everybody to his great joy. 3, STORY OF RUDRA NARAIN TEWARI—Sri Rudra NarainTewari was one of the Zamindars in Bhagalpore and he ‘was a great devotee of Sri Sanyal Mahasay, but be neglected to manage his own affaits, Now when his daughter's marriage was fixed up he had no money. He told this to his Gurujt and asked for his advice. Guraji told him to deeply emembet Him and proceed. Thereafter there was no difficulty. Rudranarain prayed to Guruji so that he may have a visit of Guruji at the time of his death and to which Guruji agreed. This promise was duly fulfilled in spite of many obstacles. 6, HAR NARAIN LAL’S STORY—He said... one ‘Mohitda, a disciple of Baba went to see Baba when he was ‘at Benares, Arriving at ‘the house where Baba Tived, ‘he found that Baba and Sri Ma were quarrelling with cach other’ over petty things. Mohitds, it seems, was a bit pessimistic, Seeing thus he became disgusted, he did not see Baba and came back and thereafter went to the temple of Vishwanath st Beneras. When he was about to pour Ganges water on the Siva idol he saw in place of Sivalinga it was Baba who was sitting there. Thinking it am fiallucination, he tried several tinie from separate doors but it was all the same, At this he became very much ashamed aud did not go to Baba again but returned to Bhagalpore. (Yesems that the quarrel between Baba and Ma which tte bas seen, was a show for reasons best known to them, to avoid the visit.) a28 A Life Divice 7. RAL BAHADUR SARAT CHANDRA ROY CHOW- DHURY’S STORY—Raj Bahadur was a government sesvant postedat Bankura in 1934, At this time his daughter's mastiage was settled there. But{all on a sudden an order came from higher authority for his transfer. He was in a great fix and was afraid that the settled fact of marriage may be unsettled. and so worried. He came to Sti Baba and told his worries, Baba blessed him and told him not to worry. Surprisingly the order of transfer was cancelled and every- thing passed of peacefully. In 1936 Rai Bahadur was eperated upon for gall Bladder. He bacame vety nervous and always thought of Baba who advised him not to. worry, Just after the operation he saw ina dream that a bitd was faking ewey all the stones from his stomach and every thing was alright, 8, SRL ATULANANDA GUHA’S STATEMENT—“t was siven Diksha by Sti Baba long ago but rarely thought or temembered him, In 1910 while in Dacca ( now Bangladesh ) Tfell very ill. Baba was then at Mandar. Pain becoming unbearable I began to think of Baba and sent several letters. One day one of my assistants came with a gentleman who informed me that Sri ganyal Mabasay hed come to his house aud told me to meet him. I did and everything became Alright. In 1950 while in Dacea severe Hicdu-Muslim riot was going on and I was suddenly stabbed on my chest by a Muslim and was sent to Hospital. Regained consciousness. after 4 days, Nobody expected me to live, But then I received a letter from Baba in which he said “Do not worry, every- ‘thing will be alright” and it was so.” | a Divine Activities 29 9, SUNIL KUMAR GHOSH’S STATEMENT—I got Diksha in 1957. Befote that I had no idea of these things whatsoever. I was busy with my legal profession and sports and various other public activities. My father died in 1956 and my wife fell severly ill thereafter. I was in.a x, when she recovered a bit I took her for a change at Mandar at one of my friends* house, Visited Madhusudanji and prayed for relief. Just thereafter accidentally I was intreduced to Gurudham Temple Asram of Sri Sanyal Mahasay and thereafter to Sri Sanyal Mabasay when he came 10 Calcutta and where I got Diksha- It was as if SriGuro tas pulled me to himself.In1961 suddenly fell seriously ill with severe stomach paln.Doctors suspected it was appendicitis but for operation I shall have to wait a few more days, During this time one day I suddenly begsn to feel very severe and unbearable pain in my stomach specially in midnight. Then I looked at the photo of Sri Guruji in my room and asked “what have 1 done to deserve so much punishment”. A few minutes after that I felt a sudden excruciating pain But I fell'asleep. Next morning the Doctor could not feel the appendicitis, prescribed some medicines and everything became alright. 1 did not know then that Sri Guruji was present ia Calcutta at that time and only for three days. It is needless to say that many of us frequently fall into serious troubles or distress fraught ‘with danger to our lives, which was also the case with me, many times, and 1 was miraculously saved by unseen band, It is always better to remember Him through Sri Guru and it costs us nothing. 10, SRI TAPANDHAN MUKHERJEE SAYS—“In 1911-12 I went to Puri where Sri Baba was staying. Some cave like small rooms were constructed for practising Keiyas, Oneod Divien Activities morning Sri Baba entered into such aroom after telling us not to disturb him ot call him so-long as he will remain in said room. There was one window which also was closed, Many hours passed but Baba was not coming out. So we became a bit worried. We suddenly found a black snake entering into the room through @ small hole, We became n...vous and anxious for Baba, Then discegarding his instruction one of us slightly opened the window and found that the snake wwas lying near the feet of Guruji who was stroking the head of the snake as if for consolation. Later when asked, Sti Baba said that this snake, in its previous life, was a human being and his disciple but owing to some bad propensities of his he died early and was born as a snake and is still suffering a lot of mental troubles having no peace. So he asked for relief and that is gramted, The snake died next day. Il, Sm, MONISHA RAY SAYS—In 1954, one day my husband suddenly returned ftom his office with great pain ia stomach, Doctor advised operation immediately. I wrote to Sri Baba asking for his advice and thereafter 1 went to his photo and wept, In reply Baba told not to worry and hhold in patience and to report to him, The Doctors were Prepared but they could not diagonise and operation was not performed, but they wanted permission for probing by operation. The situation being critical I hed to’permit it, In midnight, as if in dream, Isaw Sri Babe standing with, a a stick in hand and said “I have come, don't worry” operation pas performed and then it was alright. In 1966 T went to London with my husband, artived in airport in midaight amidst heavy.rain and darkness. We knew nothing Some Teachings 31 of London and were in great fix, we became very nervous and prayed to Guruji. Suddenly from nowhere a gentleman appeared and asked for our destination. On being told he said that his destination was also near that so he escorted us safely, In spite of our efforts we could not find bim again, Again when returning from London we had to belt at Pa for whole night which meant a lot of expense and trouble. We were allowed to have small amount \of money with which it -was not possible to meet all expenses. We always were thinking of Guruji and our trouble, Suddenly a lady appeared before us and said that we seem to be known to her and then showed a photo of Sri Lahity Mahasay. We also showed photos and all were pleased to find the reason for such close intimacy. She gave us 10 Dollars knowing that wo cannot ‘bave so much money with ourselves and gave her address of Canada where she resides, On our return to India we temitted the money but it came back as “Not found” CHAPTER vit Some Teachings ¥ 1. Guru the Master is a bodyless entity, all pervading. So also you consider that you are not your this body only or the mind only and meditate on it repeatedly and then you will know who you até. Nobody can give’ you this Self —— oaa2 ASLife Divite Realisation from his hand to your hand. You will have to find it out yourself, Gara only shows the way. 2. You are connected with your Gura since eternity from many previous births. There is no need to take any trouble to find him out or to seek him. He will find you out in Proper tie. It is all pre-arranged 3. Gad helps those whose objectives are good. 4, Anolyse everything always and you will find graduslly that your interests in those ate becoming lesser and lesser to i and then you will know what is actually good or what is evil 5. 1tis not difficult to realise him, what is difficult is to crave for him. ardently and seriously, 6. So long you do not know thyself this game of life and death goes on, but as soot as you know thyself then this game is vanished. 7. You can not have Self-Realisation or realise God by practising Kriya for a few days oc months, Go on practicing Kriyas that 1 have given you consistently for sometime and then you will get his blessing and then Him. 8, Keep it in your mind that yout service to your elders and towards your sons and daughters:are-all your service to the Supreme Mother Goddess. 9. Fle is makiag each of us play according to his wishes, and we. shgll have to, go on playing it, No use thinking ‘these as troublesome or painful, Only go on saying, “Oh my Some Teachings 33 Master, g0 on making me play as much: as you can only please do not keep forgotten from yourself and your Totus feet" 10. His sins ase vanished whose heart becoine eager for the redress of others’ griefs and sorrows. Unless yau behave in this way, your body and soul will not get purified. And this is the greatest aim of human life. 11, The greatest sorrow of this Ilfe is not to know Him and believe Him, 12, He who sees God’s meroy or ndness only when be saves us from a distress, is surely a poor soul. 13, We can crave for Him and love or worship Him only when He gives us the blessing, otherwise not. 14, ‘The “’" that is wlthin myself is also outside me, Oh Mother you and I are same, 15. “Jo Chaha So paya’” ie he who eraves, gets. 16. There is no need to ask anyone the path or address of God, only remember Him, feel in your heart the trend of His flute i, e, the direction towards which you are being pulled or drawn, and then swim away to Him, This is the story of the path which is very secret that I have told you, qt