Srimat Swami Bidyananda Giri is a direct disciple of the world renowned Yogi Paramahansa Yogananda Giri Maharajji. Since his initiation into the immortal technique of “Kriya Yoga”, Swamiji has been entirely immersed in a life of selfless philanthropy and uninterrupted prayer. His 99 Years of Spiritual life is a testimony of God’s unceasing love and compassion. In a very simple and lucid style he has revealed his intimate life in this autobiography. Every page in this book is a living testament of how the Divine light guides, protects and bestows on the devotee the grace to achieve enlightenment. , Membr OF , miah Bienen CeEL” aa ’\ LXMemoirs of Swami Bidyananda Giri JEEVAN SMRITI (REEDITED -~ JULY 2004) Editor :- Dr. Y, C. BHATTACHARYAJEEVAN SMRITI (REEDITED - JULY 2004) Published by; Paramhansa Yogananda Ashram, North Lake Road, Purulia Second Edition : 2nd August, 2004 Copyright :Paramhansa Yogananda Ashram, tu Parutia DEDICATION Cover REVIEW 14, Ramnath Biswas Lane, Offered unto the Kolkata - 700 009 divine hands of my Composed by: Sisir Goswami, Pradip Mondal, most compassionate Prasenjit Chakraborty and revered Gurudev Printed by : Annapurna Graphics Sri Sri Paramahansa 583A, Surya Sen Street, Ground Yogananda Giri Maharaj Floor, ‘Tower Plaza’ Kolkata 700 009 - Bidyananda Price : Rs. 60.00 OUR WMci ML. Vv. VL. vu. x. XL Xu. x, XIV. xv, XVI. INDEX Chapter My Father My Mother Our Family Preceptor And The Family Priest My Student Life ‘The Divine Grace Of Lord Shiva Meeting With The Guru And My Initiation My Active Service Life : Erosion Of “Karma” Through Performance -(1) Ashram Life : Erosion Of Karma ‘Through Performance - (2) Ashram Life : Erosion Of Karma ‘Through Performance - {3} A Few Months In South India ‘Travel To The Chaturdham In The Himalayas A Few Days In The Naimisharanya My Initiation To Sannyas (Monkhood) Once Again in The Arena Of Activities At Lakhanpur ‘Travel Again Enlightenment From Transcendental Vision 13 18 2s 37 42 37 73 81 90 101 XVII. XVIn. XIX XX. ” XX XXIL XXIII, XXIV. XX. The Last Deed At Lakhanpur Dependence On God ‘The Kumbha Fair In The Year 1964 In Kurukshetra, Hrishikesh, Benaras And Prayag Four Months In Italy Seven Months In Debradun Raipur Ashram In The Kumbha Fair At Hardwar And Prayag In Mother's Ashram At Almora Conclusion 104 107 110 112 118 122 128 134 437Foreword. Tam an insignificant entity; my life has been plain and simple. Even then, the divine enlightenment received by me with the help of mere virtuous association and the ascetic practice made available to me by my Guru, has instilled the confidence in my mind that man can attain divinity if he really so wishes. One can lead a life with the splendove of peace and bliss amidst afflictions and distress, resistance and hindrances. Thave mentioned only a few incidents of my insignificant and modest career in order to emphatically state that God is the eternal father, mother, friend, well-wisher and the only refuge of all. I have received the light of His divine grace and compassion explicitly at times and also inplicitly at some other moments, ‘The chief requirements for obtaining divine grace are total surrender to God with sanctified mind and concentration and leading a life in accordance with the divine and sacred prescriptions. By taking shelter under Him in a single-minded manner, His presence can be felt very near us. There is none else in this world who is a greater well- wisher than Him. In the long life that T have lived, 1 have experienced this at every moment of my existence. It is He who stays intimately near us al every stage of our life. lk is He wha pervades as the life farce in all beings- ev wégtv/It is He, who is the Lord of the body, mind and soul of mine, yourself and everybody else. It is He who is the knowledge, who is worth knowing and who is knowable ~ worshippable by all beings in every manner. The prime duty of human existence is to know Him In conclusion, { convey the blessings of Sri Guru, I also Pray to God for fulfilling the lives of those who have assisted ‘me in composing this autobiography of mine, with spiritual wealth, I sincerely pray to God and Guru to shower blessings on those who have helped me with the translation and publication of this book. May God bless them with profound spirituality and everlasting peace and bliss! ~Swamt Bidyananda Girt 9th April, 2002 The Editor's Submission In January this year, the Authorities felt that the English version of the “sJeevansmriti” published first on Oth April, 2002, needed to be re-edited. This contemplation got concertized th April thereafter. Consequently, Iwas asked to undertake the task of re-editing Accordingly, the concerned Press was contacted. They, however, had certain difficulties in the beginning in tracing back readily the Master File-copy of the matters printed in the book and initially published. By constant persuasion with them, the requisite manuscript could be obtained in the third week of May 2004. The task ofre-editing the existing English version of the book commenced since then. Al first, the original Bengali version and the English translated version thereof were thoroughly gone through more than once pave by page, Paragraph by paragraph, line by line and word by word. Comparison of the Englisit version was made thereafter with the original Bengali version composed by none other than Swami Bidyananda Girtjt himself. In the process, the justifiability of desiring the existing English ersion for being re-edited was clearly understood. It needs to be mentioned at the outset that the translators of the first edition of the book deserve commendation and admiration for the good work performed by them. The mitial performance of uny such work is the real difficult task. Once this is done, improvement thereupon by revision or modification becomes comparatively easier. In re-editing the book, Ihave ‘actually performed this easier task. While re-editing, the chief aim was directed to the proper appreciation of the thought, imagination, significance, implication and the essence of Swamijt's writings in original rather than merely transliterating the text. It needs, however, to be confessed al this stage that it ts beyond my capability to comprehend the depth of the inner realisation ef Swamy, as manifested in his excellent expressions in the original autobiography in Bengalt. My attempt in dus regard must, therefore, be suffering from obvious limitations. Whatever has been done is, therefore, based on my inadequateunderstanding. though backed with sincerity and to the best of my humbie capacity In order to acheve the aboue-stated goal. it has not heen possible to keep the modificatons to the minimus, Tespite attempts, On the contrary, the revisions made are quite oxtensive. While it may not be feasible to acquaint the readers through this editorial with wli the changes. modifications and revisions, its at the same time felt ineurabent to apprise them, for their benefit and understanding, al jeast the salient features of the changes made. Changes have been mace both in respect of the get-up as well as te contents, All these changes have been made with the singular objective of improving upon the existing editions, without in any way undermining the efforl goen thereto. Insofar as the get-up 18 concerned, the design of the eover page has been improved. The quaitty of the cover-paper has ‘also been changed. The binding of the book has been changed to central stitching in place of side-stapling as at present. Instead of using small pica letters, larger sized letters have been used sn the printing of the hook, The titles of the chapters have been arranged more prominently at the centre of a page instad of in the lejt margin as in the existing book. Twenty four coloured photographs in replacement of the existing fourteen hiack and white ones have been inserted. The page meant for dedicating the book by the revered Swanaji has been totally redesigned, rmproved upon and printed in red. An Index Page has been introduced. Ali the chapters have been serially nuinbered. Paragraphing has been extensively revised; large paragraphs have been made smatter. The Sanskrit verses. their Enghsh transliterations and meanings have all heen arranged completely in a different manner in order to render them conspicucits. The last Chapter “Conclusion” has been specially designed with a view to presenting the concluding precious series of holy advice of the great Swami in a befitting and prominent manner Asa resuit of thesa changes, the numbered pages have increased from 116 to 147 anid the total number of Pages including the unnumbered anes from 124 to 160, in regard to the contents part. it needs to be mentioned at the very outset that the chapter “‘Kumbha Mela in the your 1964” appraring in the exising English version was not found Inctuded in the onginal Bengali autobiography of Swami. On enquiry, it was learnt that ths particular chapter, thouah ‘omitted in the Bengali version, was ineluded ai @ later stage w the English edition at the instance of Stuanajt In having retained the said chapter as chapter XIX in the present re edited version, the title thereof has been modified as "The Kurtbha Fair ii The Year 1464." Likewise, the headings of atl the chapters have been modified by using capital letters at the heginning of each word therein. In some of the chapters, partial modification has been done by changing a word ar twa and retaining the oiher words as they ate. In respect of a few other chapters, the entire heading had to be changed References t0 ail these changes ory being made in @ sort of ready reckaner on the nest page by meationing the numbers of the chapters as given in the present re-edited book, in the absence of any such number in the existing version. Chap. | Heading Ac Changed As No. as | Appears in In Pre-| The Existing sent Edition Rev. Eda, a Our Ramity Gure Our Family Preceptor and Priest Avd Priest we Meeting with the Meeting With The Guru and Diksha Guru And My Insiation vir My Service Life My Active Service Exhaustion of Life: Brosion Of “Karma” through “Karma” Through work. Performance -(1) NB. : This chapter in the existing edition running into 18 full pages have been divided into three different chapters, i.e. VII, VII and IX, in keeping with the pattern introduced in the original Bengali version. Chapters VIII and IX in this revised edition appear as “ashram Life : Brosion Of Karma Through Performance- (2) and (3) respectively. x Rew months in A Few Months in South Inia Sout indiaNB. :- “Few” has a negative import and means almost ‘A Few" means something. xr ‘Travel to ‘Chatur Travel To The dham, Himalayas Caturdham in The and Naimisharanya’ | HMonatayas is “A Few Days In the xn ‘My Initiation into ‘My initiation To Sannyas Sannyas (Monkhood) (Monkhood) xv Once again in the Once Again In The arena of work at Arena Of Activities Lakshmanpur At Lakhanpur xv Journey again Travel Again xUE Learning from Enlightenment Dream from Transcendental Vision XVIE Last work in ‘The Last Deed Lakshanpur At Lakhanpur Xx In Kumbha Meta In The Kumbha at Hardwar and Pair At Hardwar Prayag And Prayag The name of the village of Swamyi’s major activities appearing as “Lakshmanpur," inthe existing edition may prma facie appear to be normal, keeping in the back of mind an ‘equivalent Bengali corresponding word. The fact, however, ts that the said Bengali name does not represent the name of the village in question, While the correct English spelling should heave been “Lakshanpur, "in the Postal and other Government records, the name uppears as “Lakanpur."" This spelling has, therefore, been retained throughout the revised edition. Jeevansmirthi On page 85 of the existing version, ithas been mentioned that Government gave “a grani of twenty lakh rupees to the Yogoda Authorities for opening one more Junior Basic School” at Lakhanpur. The correct amount of the Government grant for this purpose was twenty thousand rupees. It has been so corrected in this revised version. affixing even “Maharay names of different monks. These were found omitted in several places in the existing version 48 « part of revision, these suffixes as used by Swamiji, have ail been restored in the present hook. Diverse expressions like Mr.” ‘Sri,’ ‘Shri’ etc. have found place in the present book. Uniformity has been attempted by using ‘Sri’ at every such place. ‘Ashram,’ ‘Ashrama,’ ‘Gurudeu,’ and ‘Gurudeva,’ are all found used in the existing book. These have been made uniform by using ‘Ashram’ and ‘Gurudev" in conformity with the manner of pronouncing these words in Bengali ‘Brahman,’ ‘Lingam,’ ‘Prasadam,’ used in the existing version are ail Sanskrit words confined to the singular usage ‘and ‘s’ cannot be acded to them to indicate plural. These have, therefore, been changed as ‘Brahins,"binga’ and ‘Prasad’ where ever they appear in any portion of running narration. Similarly, ‘Sri Krishna’ as appearing in the existing version has been modified as ‘Srikrishna’ in keeping with the spelling of the corresponding Bengali word. When Swaniji composed the original Bengali autobiography, ‘Kotkat’ was yet to be officially recognised to be introduced. ifence, restoration of ‘Calcutta’ has been made, But ‘Bombay’ appearing in the existing version has been changed to ‘Mumbai’ since the change had already deen recognised much earlier to the writing of the autobiography in Bengali. The same system has been attempted in respect of some other words, which are not being mentioned here in order to avoid yet further detaits. Several words used in the existing book have been replaced by new words which appeared to De more appropriate in the context of Swamyt's words used in the Bengali book. Several new words have been added. A few lines of the original ‘autobiography were found to have been omitted in the translated version. These instances have been taken due care of. The sequence of certain sentences and quite a fow expressions has been modified tn tune with what appeared to be the proper Import and irue intent of Swamy as revealed in his writingJeevansmirthi All the above mentioned changes, revisions and modifications together mith many more, Not mentioned, have been meorporated following the dictates of my mind and in accordance with the best af my judgement. In doing so, fhave depended on and prayed to the God and the Guru for guiding me correctly. do not, however, clatm that the present re-edited version would even thereafter be totally free from errors or any other shortcoming. On the contrary, Fam expectant that the erudite readers and tre devotees would kindly help by bringing to my notice the lapses of any kind so that these can be taken care of in the next edition. In the above backdrop, if the re-edited version is enjoyed and appreciated by the learned and conscientious readers and found tc be really art improvement upon the existing version, the time and labour inwested for the purpose would be considered meaningful and a success, In performing the task of re-edition, 1 have recewed unflinching cooperation from Swami Krishnanadosi and Chamelidi, to both of whom Iconvey my sincere respect and grativude Jai Guru! Dr. ¥. C. Bhattacharya Editor Kolkata The 2nd August, 2004 . My Father Srihatta is an ancient holy place in the present Bangladesh. The deep grcen of Nature mingles with the endless azure sky to make it a coveted place of mother Bangla, green with plentiful corn, The Omnipresent manifests Himself in its infinite forms where the land is noble and unbounded. The magnanimity unveils what is covered with innumerable screens and renders it noble and evident. The sky, the air, the trees, the rocks and the human beings - all are awakened at the touch of this supernatural consciousness. The land is sanctified ‘by the flood of divine love of Sri Chaitanya, a devotee of Lord Vishnu. This Srihatta was once the abode of the descendents of the great saint Shri Chaitanya. In this land the seed of God-devotion had been planted, which in course of time pervaded the entire country and the world in a great deluge of love and devotion to the Supreme Lord. ‘This Srihatta is the Sylhet of the present day. Even today: it is a sacred place. It is conspicuous in education, dignity and spirituality. The village Hilalpur in this Srihatta was the dwelling place of my ancestors. In this village, | was born on 9th April 1903 on a Thursday in the Zodiac sign of Leo. My revered father Sri Dinanath Dey Roy lived in. this village with his family. His simple, austere and ‘unostentatious life was saturated with devation to Lord Vishnu. He worked with both his hands and constantly chanted ‘Narayan,’ While working, while talking to others, he would suddenly call aloud ‘Narayan,’ ‘Narayan.’ In my boyhood [ used to get startled at such calls and look hither and thither for Narayan. Who was thisJeevansmirthi Narayan? I used to question my father, Father, where is your Narayan > Father used to smile and his eyes, used to brighten with a clear supernatural look, as if his mind used to overflow with the fond memory of some one dear. Again he used to utter ‘Narayan, Narayan’ in a deep- throated voice. Even at that age, I could realise that his heart used to get overwhelmed with ecstasy. In our house, the presiding deity was ‘Vishwambher.’ He was worshipped daily. Both my parents used to worship together. The entire family activities were centred around the presiding deity. He existed both at the time of happiness as well as in grief. He was there in afflictions and in peril, in affluence and in prosperity. His presence was felt in invocation and merriment. Father did not take food or water without first offering to Vishwambhar. My father's talks, attitude and dealings made it evident that the deity was not merely a clay idol, but was in fact intimately related to the Soul. The relation of my father with Vishwambhar was a burning example of the fact that the conduct of man towards a deity becomes humane and sprightly when the mutal relation gets intense. As ‘Vishwambhar’ was his constant well-wisher in his smiles and tears, respect and contempt, so was father ever active in serving and caring for Vishwambhar. If there had been any deficiency in the daily worship of Vishwambhar, any impurity or absence of sincerity in the offerings to him, Vishwambhar complained to my father in dreams. Father used to get restless and perturbed to find out where the lacunae had taken place. Then he used to make all the rectificatory arrangements before being worry- free. ‘The mind and soul of my revered father was saturated with reverence and devotion not only towards Vishwambhar but also for other Gods and Goddesses like Shiva, Kali, Durga etc. He never waited for any special day or time for worshiping his dear God-forms. Whenever a particular feeling 2 Jeevansmirthi dawned in his mind, he got absorbed in arranging for worshipping. The climate in the house became festive. The entire environment got charged with devotion to God. I learnt first by observing father that ne special occasion for worshipping was necessary at all for a person whose mind was always overwhelmed with devotion and ecstasy. ‘Our scriptures have prescribed that ‘Guest is God.’ ‘The import of the word ‘Quest’ or ‘Atithi’ is one who arrives without prior intimation of date and time. Our scriptures direct to serve a guest as a manifestation of Lord Vishnu. It is not that my father served the guests only t0 abide by the dictates of the scriptures. He truly perceived them as the forms of Lord Vishnu. He could see his beloved Narayan in the guests and felt gratified by serving them. His love for guests was so intense that he used to get restless if no guest came to our house. I remember that if no guest arrived throughout the day, father used to go out of the village and wait at the main road. If he could find anyone who came from a far away place, he would invite him and bring him to our house. He personally supervised the arrangments with cordiality for his night stay and eating. His mind and soul would be intensely satisfied by being able to serve and care for Narayan in the form of the guest. The manner in which he used to be absorbed in worshipping silently a clay idol, in the same way, he would become ever active in serving the humanity being the personified forms of Lord Vishnu. The religious sincerity in his mental disposition, words, acts, and bearing made a deep impression in my mind even at that tender age. I perceived first by observing none other than my father that religion was not confined only within the four walls of a temple or in meditation with closed eyes. It was necessary that the inner feelings should be manifested in the external dealings and actions. The realisation through meditation attains fulfilment and fruition if the external dealings and behaviour manifest it. Even 3Veevansmirthi today my mind floods with a surge of joy when | remember this unique philanthropic conduct of my father. Father's visualisation of God in human beings was not confined to the people of his own religion His broad heart embraced Hindus and Muslims all alike with love and sympathy. He was by their side in their happiness and grief. He used to rush if any need of anyone arose. He was also ahead of all in their festivities. Whenever there was a festival in our house, hg never forgot to invite his Muslim friends along with his own relations and companions. He was a person dear and near to all, Srikrishna has said in the Gita, ‘age: wae a Teme aecty" Thave seen father’s life as full of Vasudeva feelings. At every moment of his life, he was engrossed in Narayan. Hence, at the final moment of his life, he called out ‘Narayan! take me away now!’ This emotional call of my father as 1 heard with my own ears is bright in my memory even today. My father made it evident during the last moment of his life that Narayan was very dear to kim and likewise he was also dear to Narayan. It is my firm belief that my father transcended to the ‘Vishnudham,” the abode of Lord ‘Vishnu’ by remembering him at the momeat of his death The Gita says, ADT I AT wrote | Be Mahe a CAT TRY TRC HTT: HP anta-kale cha mameva smaranmuktua kalevaram yah prayati sa madbhavam yati nastyatra samsayah. (Gita - 8/5) “There is no doubt that one, who, at the time of death, leaves the body by remembering Me, attains ‘My nature.” I received the first grace of God from my father, his affection and from my mother. My parents were thus my first Gurus. Il. My Mother My mother Rukmini Devi was the embodiment of simplicity, purity, peace, forbearance and kindness. It was not that our family was very affluent, Sometimes the family went through spells of poverty. But my mother never felt her mental peace disturbed on account of this. ‘The spirituality of my father also influenced my mother’s mind. So mother was a partner in his religious pursuits in the true sense. I had never seen any expression of annoyance in her countenance while facing the wants or inconveniences. The pure heart of mother easily accepted that ali situations in life were the gifts of Narayan. Mother used to endure everything with a steady and calm mind and adjust to ali situations. From dawn to dusk, she busied herself in the service of the family, children, God and guests. Engaged in various domestic chores, mother hardly got any time for leisure. felt sad seeing mother always busy with work. [ observed that the mothers and the daughters everywhere in Bengal used to remain busy day and night with work, as if they did not need any rest. I felt that if I would receive the grace of God, | would do something for improving their condition and for being of service to them. In later days, the activities of my life progressed according to the same determination, I found mother absorbed in the service, chanting and meditation of God even in the midst of numerous, risks and responsibilities of family life, She was always alert in the daily service of the family deity Viswambhar as an able religious partner and wife of my father.deevansmirthi Mother was the embodiment of patience. She was never restless on the face of any problem or crisis. 1 learnt the first lesson of keeping a calm and stable disposition both in happiness and grief from my mother. I understood by observing her that stability of mind resulted in efficiency and success in work. It was possible to overcome the pangs of want and deficiencies in a family if there was placid and unperturbed temperament. ‘Another great quality of my mother was her presence of mind. I could see her performing efficiently whatever was necessary for serving people or treating patients or in moments of any peri! and adversity. T observed that the qualities of my mother were reflected in many incidents of day to day life. 1 am not mentioning such incidents to avoid a bulky size. But I could perceive that in human life, parents are the first Gurus. Life becomes prosperous and pleasent if their commands and counsel are followed with respect. On the other hand, parents also should maintain their lives and elevate their conduct, dealings and talks in such a manner as could be models for their children. The future of the children can be bright and happy only with the proper quality of training imparted by the parents during their infancy. In childhood it is the parents who are imitated. So, if the fives of parents are not healthy and disciplined, the lives of the children also meet with hindrances against being ideal, In the Gita, it is excellently said, amare Peradean) oT | a arare) gre atrrweegAT 1 yad yad ahcarati shresthas tat tadevetaro janah $a yat pramanam kurute lokastadanuvartate. (Gita - 3/21) In my life, my father and mother were my first Gurus. Naturaily therefore, in the process of narrating 6 Jeevansmuirth how the shower of divine grace has drenched my life, Ihave remembered about them at the first instance. Their holy life, souls dedicated to God, conduct and affection provided me with a solid foundation of Yoga and devotion. While father, through his conduct, taught me compassion for others and attachment to God, mother taught me the lessons of patience and forbearance. From my early life, my mind used to get restless at the complexities of family life. I coutd not live like others in the family. I did not like the confinements of illusions and family ties. 1 used to disappear from my family and home from time to time. Mother never complained, although others sometimes scolded me due to this. Mother used to tell others smilingly, “why do you stop him? Let him do whatever he likes, Giri wili never go astray.” My earlier family name was Girinchandra. Mother wsed to call me ‘Git ““Tused to stay outdoors from my early age. For education or other activities, { had to stay most of the time in some town far away from my village. As a result, I could not stay much with my mother or other family members. But surprisingly { could remain present near the head of my mother when she left her Physical body. In 1943, the marriage of my younger brother was settled, I was then at Lakhanpur. Mother was sick; so she desired to witness the marriage ceremony of my younger brother, I went home at the call of my mother. We were five brothers. The eldest brother was away elsewhere from the house on transfer. Other brothers were also in different places of their jobs. One day the younger brother went to the town for some work. Other brothers were also not present at home. Mother, myself and two sisters were only present. It was about eight in the morning. Mother suddenly became very ill and in no time she passed away. 1 was sitting by the side of her head. 1 witnessed that my dearest mother left us! My mind became vacant. After a month of rituals, I returned to Lakhanpur. ” NK 7Ill. Our Family Preceptor And The Family Priest From my very childhood I felt a strong urge for God-realisation. Some strange attraction made my heart and soul directed towards God, The bindings of infatuation and illusions of family life made me internally restless. I did not like the company of family men attached to worldiy reaches and pleasures. Naturally, my mind became impatient to ‘be in the company of the saints. Later in my matured age I realised while studying the Gita that due to yogic practice in the previous birth man becomes automatically devoted to God and eager for austere practices in the next birth without any inpediment. I yearned for the company of ascetics from my early ‘age. With the infinite geace of God, on the one hand I received the love and blessings of my religious parents and on the other, was privileged with the company of saintly persons. Shankaracharya has written in his book, ‘Vivek Chudamani “Durlabham eyamobaitaddevanugrahahetukam, Manushyatvam mumukshatvam mahaprushasa- ‘mhsrayah. -The true human attributes, the urge for liberation and the company of great men, are the three very rare objects which can be obtained by the grace of God. I first received the rare company of a great man in the holy association with our family Guru Rashbihari Goswami. He was well versed in the scriptures on the one hand and was an ascetic devotee on the other. 8 | | veevansmirthi He used to stay in our ancestral temple with his wife. His simple life was spent in continuous worshipping of God and discussion on the scriptures. Most of the time he was engrossed in worshippng our family deity Viswambhar. He had a large number of followers. AS day and night, the shrine was full of holy associations, chanting of God's name and religious discourses and discussions on scriptures. [ was also an everyday visitor to the shrine. 1 used to roam near the priest and listen to the tales of Lord Krishna from him. When he sang in praise of Lord Krishna, fully drenched in devotion to Him, my soul used to be overwhelmed with divine ecstasy. Thereafter, I used to partake of the food offered to Vishwambhar and return home. I could perceive at that time that God was the embodiment of eternal joy. The attraction towards the Supreme Being started congealing in me from that period. Though my revered Goswamiji was absorbed in the chanting and meditation of Viswambhar, he had also an infinite love for human beings. Hence, his door was ever open to everybody. This simple, innocent and ever joily person was a sharer of happiness and sorrow of all in the village. He used to delight in the joyous moments of everybody. He expressed pain and compassion in everyone's problem. He used to inspire everyone with his discourse on Lord Krishaa intermittently so that people did not remain always busy with their property and pursuit of material gains. He used to narrate the mythological stories about Lord Krishna in his flawless voice. As he loved his devotees, he also turned their mind towards God with the discipline of detachment Twas a frequent visitor to him and used to keep his noble company. I used to stay with him in the temple. He used to feed me with care and love and asked me whether i felt any inconvenience or difficulty. He used to tell me stories from the Puranas and the Bhagabat in a simple way so that I could understand.Jeevansmirthi _ The inner self of Shri Goswami was always charged ine devotion. The deities were enlivened with house he was worshipping ‘Sri Gauranga Dev’. Outside the house devotional songs wore being sung loudly. The ido! of Sri Gauranga was made of clay. At one time it was seen that drops of sweat were falling from the earthen idol. I was totally wonder-struck to see this supernatural phenomenon with my own eyes. in the earthen idol of Sri Gauranga on that day by dint of the deep devotion of his soul. Even today when I recollect that scene in my mental frame, my mind gets delighted and thrilled. Since then, the conviction that the deities do exist and expose themselves in cognizable forms as a result of the austere practices of the true saints got instilled in me as a permanent companion. The Tevered Goswamiji implanted the seed of perception in my tender heart at childhood that God did exist and could be perceived. Next to Sri Goswami, it was our family priest Saradaprasad Chakrabarty whose life and company wpression in my early life. t age family priests are almost non- our childhood we experienced that members, friends and partners in sorrow and joy . They had extraordinary roles in various igious festivals and practices of the Hindus. They had active contributions to bring peace and happiness in every family. life we have drifted away from God. As a in each family, centring around God, have also become a thing of the past. Consequently, the community of family-priests is almost extinct. But our family priest was a member of our family, well-wisher and the best friend. Our family priest Sri Chakrabarty was a person of amiable conversation, of 10 Jeevansmirthi pious nature and conversant with religious rules and duties. He was a handsome person of impeccable etiquette. The very sight of this loving person would create delight. Dormant pur thoughts were awakened and there was no way but to love him. He had such an attraction that whoever came in his contact became enchanted, He could drive away human pangs, sorrow and lamentation. In a selfless manner he always ‘thought for the welfare of those on whose behalf he ‘worshipped. Shri Chakrabarty was full of compassion. If anyone told him about wants or deprivation, he immediately distributed whatever he had with him. He never thought in giving away the cereals he had received as alms or distributing among children the sweets he had received from the offerings to the deities. He possessed such an mundane bliss that he created an environment of divine joy in the households he visited. Everyone would be beside himself with happiness and joy in his sacred company. ‘Sri Chakrabarty was a frequent visitor to our house. Whenever he came, my parents greeted him with great respect. They remained extremely eager to listen to something relating to God from his auspicious voice. He often visited Saint Goswami in the temple. [ still cherish in my memory the great incomparable spectacle of the meeting of the two saintly persons and their conversations like the blending of a precious jewel with gold. At this stage, I recollect the line of the famous song, Shantipur is about to submerge, Nadia is floating. ‘Those of us who remained present at the place of their religious conversation felt like floating away with its divine stream, We, along with our neighbours, used to gather together and hear that blissful conversation motionless as painted figures. With their divinity, they created a unique heaven on earth. An immortal field used to be created on this mortal piece of land. LJeevansmirthi Keeping good company became the main foundation of my life. it got decided at that very age of i was to achieve God. I started treading a different path even by remaining Jke others. I could hear the tune of the flute of Srikrishna, At that age ! was certain that Srikrishna was my ultimate abode, my sacred shelter. m Ld ws 12 4 } : ‘ IV. My Student Life My school and college days were not spent in sports and wanton activities like others, Although I was not an extraordinary student, I was very sincere in my studies. I was neither a book-worm, nor did I pursue my studies casually. I liked reading books on different subjects besides the school texts. My chief hobby was to read books instead of being engaged in games. [ did not have much taste for reading dramas and novels, | would certainly read the works of famous authors and poets. I had a great fascination for reading the biographies of great people. 1 loved reading the poems of Rabindranath Tagore. As a result of having been acquainted with the ‘al world by this time, I felt a greater interest to read religious scriptures. 1 became gradually acquainted with the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, the Gita and other scriptures. At that age itself | could realise the importance of studying the scriptures in pursuit of a spiritual life. This made the path to religion easy and traversable by attracting man towards God. I used to be oblivious of everything and many a time remained completely absorbed in studying the scriptures and spending long hours in solitude This study helped me keeping away from the company of a multitude of people. [ never liked futile jokes and banter. | never liked any meai natured and inspired with noble ideals. By the grace of God there was never a dearth of honest and helpful 13Jeevansmirthi friends in my journey of fife. As they voluntarily helped one another in joy and sorrow, they also inspired to go ahead aiming God as the Pole Star of ife. I remember that while staying in a hostel, | was once infected with a carbuncle in my hand. When it became severe, the Doctor advised immediate surgery. But examinations were close by. Having no alternative, the examinations had to be dropped. | and ‘one of my class-friends used to stay together in the hostel. He spent sleepless nights in attending to me. Not only this, he also dropped his examinations for my sake. Even today I remember his selflessness with utter gratitude. Regarding this surgery, I also remember that although the carbuncle grew quite big and severe, I did not take any anaesthetic medicine. Tendured the pain of surgical operation. My hostel superintendent was a very sympathetic and simple person. He arranged for all care and treatment for me. He frequently visited my room to enquire about me with or without my knowledge. Besides this, during nights if he would find any student sleeping without the mosquito curtain on, he would himself silently rig up the curtain. Such a man was not to be normally found. We were students when Gandhiji had started his famous non-violent movement of ‘Non-Cooveration.” ‘The entire country was charged with this movement dependence. I was deeply impressed by the high and his doctrine of non-violence, simple, saintly life and above all, his total sacrifice for the country. The people of the entire nation was languishing under the pangs of subjugation. I also felt the same pangs and pondered, “who wants to live without independence ?” Hundreds of youths were out on the streets at the call of Gandhiji. They sacrificed the life of comfort and abundance and plunged with the vow of removing a4 Jeevansmirthi the shacktes of subjugation of the motherland. Though I could not actively take part, I accepted the movement with my heart and soul. Consequently, I wore ‘Khadi’ clothes, used indigenous materials and participated in the non-violent movement to the extent possible. As a reaction, I made a mental determination of not joining Government service. Serving under the British Government appeared to me as the height of servitude. Although my mind was seized with the craze of struggle for freedom for the country, the eagerness for realising God always flew in the depth of my mind like a sueterranean river. No attraction could divert me from the truth that attaining self-realisation was above everything else. I could never forget that Lord Srikrishna was the ultimate shelter and self- realisation was the ultimate goal. In the midst of everything, therefore, I continued uninterruptedly the reading of holy books and availing myself of good and saintly company. | was a regular visitor to Sri Ramkrishna Mission. I promtly responded to any call towards rendering sefvice to_maniand- ‘At this time a book made me specially interested about Yoga. The title of the book was ‘Shri Shri Gambhirnath Prasanga.’ I was enchanted to read this biography of great Gambhirnathji written by the householder Yogi Sri Akshay Kumar practice for attaining God-realisation. Man's body, organs and different attributes of the inner self are ‘always in_a restless state because of the irregularJeevansmirthi The extra-ordinary life, exceptional religious practice and supernatural yogic attainments of Gambhirnathji attracted me towards the practice of yoga. One of his advices had been so embedded in my mind that even today it guides me in treading the path of life. He advised, ‘Have faith’ and judge for yourself.’ He advised to judge meticulously every eveni of life, thei permanency and transience and continue with austere practices with deep conviction and faith Guru and God till the ultimate truth was realised. My journey of life progressed in the path of Yoga since my student-days without any conscious effort. By nature, I was of a serious type. To lead a chaotic and indisciplined life was against my nature. It was not that any special effort was necessary for this. While co-habiting in the hostel with others, many of them tried to infuse in me the habit of taking tea, betel leaves etc. Sometimes { had to take these when they were much insistent. But I did not take tea or betel leaves the second day in order to prevent it from forming a habit. The determination that I would never be subjugated by any habit was always awake in me. Man has the tight of immortality. Profound knowledge lies buried inside the caves of his heart. But various bondages, bad habits and practices tarnish the jewels of his inner self. The restlessness of mind makes man wander in this world without peace and puts him in the cycle of birth and death again and again. ‘Yoga calms this restless mind. When the divergent faculties of mind are suppressed, the soul establishes itself in its true form. Yoga is this suppressing of the mental faculties. Patanjal has said : Yogas- chittabrittinirodhah (1/2). ° The living beings can estabilish their true nature only when the divergent faculties of the mind are calmed and suppressed-Tada drastuhswarupeaba- sthainam.” (1/3). 16 Jeevansmirthi In order to stabilise in Yoga, it is necessary to practise certain definite steps. The sage Patanjal in his Patanjal Darshan’ described eight steps for Yoga. In Sanskrit, these are called Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and ‘Samadhi. ‘The first three steps i.e. Yama, Niyama and Asana are essential to be practised in order to progress in the path of Yoga. Yama consists of five attributes called Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya and Aparigraha, Purity, Contentment, Austere religions practices, Study of scriptures and Profound meditation of God together comprise Niyama. ‘Asana is the posture to keep the body steady | in comfort to practice Yoga for a long time. For thi the body has to be prepared with the help of a few specific postures. Having been attracted to the path of Yoga, I engaged myself in the practice of Yama, Niyama and Asana. The latter steps of Yoga like Pranayama etc. are needed to be learnt from an able Guru. So I concentrated on the first three steps till | was graced with the finding of my Guru. The natural discipline and sincerity of my mind were very helpful in practising these steps. ‘Thus my student life was passed in the pursuit of a definite mission. God, residing unmarked in me, directed my mind and intellect towards the desired path as a knower of my mind and as a Guru. Whatever obstacles cropped up, He removed them sometimes in a manifested manner and at some other time invisibly. bd bd AV. The Divine Grace Of Lord Shiva ‘The grace of God has led my life towards a definite goal from the very childhood. I have come across this kindness of God in different situations and events of my life. My mind fills with gratitude when I remember those events of extremely coveted kindness in my difficult hours. In my life I got the evidence again and again that God did not only exist but He was very near us and was quite perceptible. His stretched hand from the position of invisibility at the moment of need gradually created a conviction in my heart and mind about his undoubtable and indisputable existence. Although I grew up in a ‘Vaishnava’ environment from my boyhood, Lord Shiva was also my beloved deity. The unattached and easily contented nature of Shiva greatly attracted my mind. The image of Lord Viswanath with ashes rubbed over His body and an embodiment of renunciation often floated before the eyes of my imagination. My mind and soul used to be filled up with joy by chanting His name. An incident of my life when I was 27 years of age is still shining brightly in my memory. I was then spending idle days at home on completion of my studies. I had no job and also no income. Initially, I was determined not to take any service under the British Government. Otherwise, I had one such opportunity of a job at Shillong. One of the Muslim leaders, known to me, once became a Minister. I was, then in Calcutta. Some of my Muslim friends requested him for arranging a job for me. The Minister accordingly arranged a job for me, But I did not accept at, 18 Jeevansmirthi Remaining idle without any employment was proving unbearable. 1 had also no money with me. I was thinking of going out somewhere. My mother, brothers and sisters were all at home. I was feeling embarrassed to ask for money from anyone to go somewhere, But I was tired of staying at home and was feeling an urge to do something away from home. One day, therefore, { suddenly decided to go somewhere. The festival of ‘Shiva Chaturdashi’ was near by. I knew that Lord Shiva could be satisfied easily. I decided to chant the name of Shiva day and night and pray to Him at the famous Shiva temple in the neighbouring village of Gotathikar on the day of Shiva-Chaturdashi. This Gotathikar village was also famous as one of the holy seats of the Divine Mother. I continuously started chanting the name of Shiva day and night at home and outside at every place. Having spent a few days in this manner, I worshipped Shiva on the scheduled day by pouring water on the head of His idol and offered my prayers. Thereafter, one day I decided to set out from my home. First I decided to go to Calcutta. I informed my mother and others. They did neither say anything, nor even did they ask if I was having necessary money for the journey. But I stuck to my determination unwaveringly. On the scheduled day I got prepared for the journey although I did not have a single rupee with me. First I had to reach the railway station by boat at a distance of five miles. After lunch I was ready for departure with a small baggage. The boat was also ready and I was to leave within five minutes. Mother was sad and others were also worried. But surprisingly nobody gave me any money, nor asked anything about it. 1 stepped out with my small bageage by remembering God. My mental determination was co go out, whatever might be the outcome. 19Jeevansmirthi Surprisingly just at that moment, a telegram was received. One of my younger brothers had been working in the town with my elder brother in a Governtment Office. He came with the telegram along with the postman. It was written in the telegram, ‘Appointed Headmaster, start soon.’ I was speechless and wonderstruck on receiving the telegram. I noticed smile appearing on the face of my mother and other relatives at home. I had set my foot for an uncertain railway journey towards Calcutta, but all on a sudden the entire situation was changed. I was then to start for a definite place by a ship. I was already prepared for the journy. I told my younger brother, ‘Well, I will then wait no more; take me to the moorage.’ By a queer coincidence, we immediately got a motor cab on the main road, a little away from my house. On hearing about my appointment, the car owner volunteered to take me upto the ship. I had not to wait for anything else anywhere. Before f left, I also got necessary money from the family members without asking for “1 was deeply moyed ta perceive the glory of Shiva - io at this incident. This affirmed my faith in God. Tcould perceive at He was omnipresent, He listened t¢ to the Prayers and came forward to protect His devotec’s ‘honour. I was blessed to get the direct evidence that the existence of the Supreme Lord was not merely a myth, but a profound reality. The deities, the Hindus worship, are not mere clay idols, but personified entities of super-consciousness ever-awakened and re _eracefully present in the the forms of parents, @ficestral deity and the Lord of the family. Worshipping the deities was not merely a sacrament. The Supreme Cord_as an embodiment of Truth mainfested | His divine conscious: through the 7 “realised through thi inekdent of about seventy as ever conscious, true and years ago that God Extremely. compassionate. Se T became atten shape my life with the Actermination to_know Him. ord Srikrishna has said in the Gita : 20 veevansmirthi regrra: asetot UGE ToTHT Be eT: | Beat fe ange oils Feikeetal eton 1 kankshantah karmandm siddhim yajanta tha devatah kshipram hi manushe loke stddhirbhavatt karmaja. (Gita - 4/12) In my life the infinite blessings of Lord Shiva were not limited only to this sole incident. 1 “experienced ‘im many ways that His blessings were continuously pouring on me. It will be a long tale if { elaborate all those incidents. Jt _will_suffice if 1 refer only to one more such event. Through this incident, Lord Shiva ‘advanced my life on a pre-determined track. It was 1934 AD. 1 was on travel. I reached Vaidyanathdham at Deoghar. ] heard that a highly enlightened and accomplished saint, named Sri Sri Brahmagna Maa had come there. My heart longed to see her. One day at an auspicious moment I reached her feet. My heart became flooded with delight to see her sacred, pure and effulgent form. With great joy 1 bowed down to the Mother's fect and was graced with her abundant blessings. ‘Sri Sri Brahmagna Maa was the embodiment of Vedanta. At a very tender age she reached the highest level of knowledge and directly experienced the ‘Supreme Truth. She was almost illiterate. She had not studied any book. But people wondered at her strong and invincible Topic derived out of direct realisation. She was a total follower of the path of wisdom and used to say, “Know yourself or control yourself.” If any onc asked her wiiom she worshipped, Mother uséd'e reply, 21Jeevansmirthi On my mission to meet Sri Sri Brahmagna Maa, I met there one of my friends, Swami Shaswatanandaji Maharaj after a long period. He became a disciple of the Mother and stayed with her. | was later acquainted with some more saints of this order of the Mother. All of them were highly exalted and renunciate saints. Swami Prabuddhanandaji, Swami Umanandaji and Swami Paramanandaji were the saints of such high order, apathetic to worldly interests. Swami Paramanandaji earned a great reputation by serving as General Secretary of the monastic order of Sri Sri Anandamayce Maa. On the one hand, he was a highiy efficient worker and on the other, an embodiment of Peace, tranquility and supreme knowledge. I spent a few days at Deoghar in worshipping Lord Vaidyanath. I also went to the locally situated Sri Ramkrishna Vidyapith and saw it entirely. Thereafter, Lwent to a place named Rikhia at a distance of seven miles from Deoghar. At Rikhia there was a branch Ashram of Ranchi Brahmacharya Vidyalaya founded by Paramahansa Yogananda Giri, The administration of the institution fested on the revered Sri Panchkar; De the revered Sti Panchkari De. He was a student of jansa Yoganandaji and a distinct worker of the Ranchi Brahmacharya Vidyalaya. Ata ter date he was appointed as the Principal of the B.T. College of Jhargram Sevayatan Hermitage. He established a home for the deaf and the dumb near the Sevayatan and spent merrily his days even at his very old age. ‘After a few minutes of conversation with Sri Panchikari De, he insisted, like a very near and dear one, on my staying at Rikhia. I also agreed to stay at Rikhia without any objection, considering him as a near one. This was the beginning of my introduction to intimacy witt jacharya Vidyalaya ancl ‘Yoga Satsanga Society founded by Paramahensa Yoganandaji. “Twas spending my days merrily in the solitary environment of Rikhia. During this period, I 22 Jeevansmirthi rienced in my life a supernatural feat of the great Divinity. My life-stream shun its uncertain and uneven course and swelled up in delight by getting a definite course. For a few days, my relatives were getting interested in binding me in family life. All on a sudden, my elder brother Debendra Chandra Dey wrote to me an earnest letter to return home. 1 could understand their plan. But my mind was not at all agreeable to confine myself within the boundaries of family life. I remained unwavering at my determination. I took shelter under Lord Vaidyanath and earnestly prayed to Him. 1 offered fowers and water on the idol of Vaidyanath at His temple and prayed. In my mind 1 expereinced an infinite strength. 1 could hear someone telling inside me not to be worried I set out to meet my elder brother. During the journey I stared unblinkingly at the distant sky through the window of the rail compartment and constantly prayed to Lord Vaidyanath. My mind became clear and untainted like the sky with no speck of doubt or worry. T reached home and after bowing down to my mother, I went to my elder brother. The eyes of my borther were filled with tears and he could not utter a single word. Mother only said, “You are free, nobody will disturb you; confinement of family life is not for you.” Later, i came to know that the bride’s faunily had decided against the wedding because of their own, reasons. Due to the infinite grace of Lord Vaidyanath, there was a change in everyone’s mind. I got the great taste of freedom. I became undaunted with the assurance that no one would disturb me for binding me with the shackle of family life. After a few days I returned to Rikhia in a joyful and merry mood. I perceived that God was ever awakened, a well-wisher of mankind and a great helper of the devotees. He responded to the humble and devoted calls. He dispels all evils. Therefore, worshipping God daily and offering daily service to Him were not in vain. 23Jeevansmirthi The deities are the representatives of God and they possess divine power. So it is said in the Gita - arg sacar a Ber areery @ 1 ORRTE ARIAT! PD: OCHOTRPY I devan bhavayatdnena te deva bhavayantu vah parashparam bhavayantah shreyah param ava psyatha. (Gita - 3/11) 24 VI. Meeting With The Guru And My Initiation The merciful God is guiding each living being to his desired goal without his knowledge. By analysing the events of my life, I could understand that He had. as if pre-destined all my steps in a definite manner. Judging thoroughly, it appeared as if all the events had been placed one after the other in order to attain a difinite goal. My meeting with my Guru and receiving initiation also proved this. When I was at school, [ heard about the Ranchi Brahmacharya Vidyalaya. From my boyhood, I felt an uncontrollable attraction towards the ‘Gurukul’ system of education. I often visualised the picture of ‘the days of the ‘Upanishads’ when a sage, seated under a tree, taught his disciples the physical and the metaphysical knowledge in a solemn voice. It was the time when everyone discussed about the Shantiniketan of the famous poet Rabindranath Tagore. I often yearned to go there and study under the ‘Gurukul’ and ‘Rishikul’ systems. But, despite efforts, that desire of mine was not fulfilled. One of my school-teachers joined Ranchi Brahmacharya Vidyalaya as a teacher. During the school vacations he used to come to his native place. It was he from whom I learned first about Swami Yogananda Giri and the Ranchi Brahmacharya Vidyalaya founded by him. From him I heard that Swami Yogananda Giri was a highly elevated Yogi. His extra-ordinary life, super-natural accomplishments, life saturated with divine love, was the talk of all spiritually minded people. Wherever he went, his ideal life and divine disposition inspired all around with divine love. 25Le Je wat} Jo TROTAeYSg Pue uOHsodsp ayy ut amIND frame 38 TOSTOTUN OUY PSSHeUT “URGOAPTA sxreqoemyerg sqy jo pediour JHERG your ose | WepueuvBo, ruremg Jo san10aep pue edepedpia wAseyseUUeIg oy) Jo S]uaPMs Te ‘aiom fous, “Siato pure ropuinzew pedosueN Ug [TS epueueupPNyS mems se UMW Fore]) JOpUMZEH deqow Usapeug ug ‘eidnSseq Aeftaespusteys § UTM poyurende 103 7 F ‘uonnaNsur TySUEY oq Jo sTUapRyS-xo oy uNo"7tCI poyieas | ‘s}USUTUBIsse 310m at} Haamieq UI aunstal AUT Buy ‘9snoy uoneoygnd iq e pauof enNo[eD UT veynoTeD OF paunyas | “pest Ul Teylg ut axenbyrea jeoi8 oy2 sayy “sarpms aBaloo Au jo uoatdus0o uo smUOU! xIS Joy BACTEAPIA-Werysy TEM UE yTNE | sreytg Ut seydoaq yw wALTeApia vAreyouuTYerg S142 JO youniq v sem oz04 1M} Jey[ses payerreu us28q sey IT ‘Souesip TAS TONWOS OF Pash oy *soidjasip puw squow I3 aq USUI OM Gi whelespin BATEIPEUIGEIG oy) TAO PapuEd SaREA "eBo, Turyswasd jo eanjoalqo saBsey am ya OZOT Uy voLIWY JoJ ya] HepuBUEZo, rues s9yeOIOGL ‘suaysom-09 pue sazdigsip sazeaop sry 4q pasopuos uonezedoos asaours oy) pue epueue¥o, Turems Jo ameavopua BuuBun jo yhisas © sv api pur sey pesids jooyss 2u3 jo uoneinda: ay au yOYS e UIT “S161 ‘YoIeW sours TyoueY ye SuuoNoUNy powers edepeapy BAreYIeUIYAG ayy “uCKDIUT peLepeU tox squaphis oy 9s 0} Apenonsed pue suoseor Jeseaos 03 anp 1ypuey 2e efeseyeW ay Jo senoy wapred snopeds ay? 0} Aja IN payiys sem foorss aut, ‘erowy js uado aij Japun qusuiuosiaua puosss pure [rjaoead & ur pasuauruics uONsayE pu ano} and mauy pue saidiosip ayy pus szoydaoasd ax 30 Buiaqy oduns pue ured ouj ose se siusweaour 91193 pur aay ‘soures pue suiods ‘sajpmig ‘josuesy 2e9u yunusuoaaey 9% Fepoured sous ayy Jo yureq 3y; UO wXTYTC BBETTIA 942 Ie Apuey eapueyo eupuruen efezeyeyy Jo Suiping aoyjo amp 03 payys sem 3 Jeyeaiatp pue ApueN espueyD eapuywey efereyew Wo] aoueysse pure djoy oy) WIM epoTED Ur ysIy PapUNoy sem Jooyss ayy, “spoyy>UT D1p9A yusTOUR ayy Jo sa[droursd aya uo wAETeAPIA vhrwyoeuywig INynIND e dn Sumas wt oanoe auresag ay og “seTno}ed Ut UoNEoNpa pue Kuedus0D Ajoy ur ysoxoqur punosoud & pey Hfepueuedos “sapeo] samp 8 pammosjon. spuatsy pool siepunuas sry jo Amey “aKoT STIAIP 07 oueKt9A9 Sunadsur jo Amedeo anugur amy pey oH “Arends Jo ted 9u3 oy spuony Te pur sonBea]09 ‘saremsse— Sty Mosp 3nq ‘JJasuiy eHOA Jo AeDOU om FUAULP ur dysow paquaiuoa 1ou sem Hfepueuesox ‘pooyprya Asan ayy eos ize0y Apures & qIM pamopug “uosied onsafew pur qaid ese PosOpe Sem PUT PlioMm aU) Jo SaLsUNOD WALA 19yI0 ue vonawy ur P80, eAuy, a1 ApTE[ROTed “eBOK Jo aJessour ayy poypeaid ay ‘nny sty Jo preuruoo ‘942 sopun ‘ra7e7 “ssoUSMOTISUCD oTUSOD Jo aTS ay ‘eBoq Jo oad} ayeunymn ou poured YoYs Mia w MYT pour HfepueueZo, ‘suonionnsur syfunp sy ya souepiosse uy saonoeid azaisne Ajeseaas wt jjosuITY, pafeBua Suey “epueuefog turemg Jo MD ay) sem ekeyseyeW Hye] Uereyoeuredys Ug Ug Jo sa[diosip Tedioursd oy jo uo ‘ifisip remsaiynA TUM “motto} 0} 1804 Arona 40; Are[dusoxe ‘ay [apour B sam sonead yemutds jo [Inj 9911 PU pop uo 2ouspuodap ‘gonviounuel si ““oResHPes-pop soy Surureat sty 03 onp e804 Jo aonaead ata ur paquosqe aq 01 pasn vpueurso, yuremg ‘ae Bunok Aron sty Woly “BOA jo sisuonnoesd poyeasia AqySiy tog asom squared 1H “Seretag Jo BéeyseyeW Lye] URreyseuedyS, Hg wg BoA THAIN ay) Jo Sardiosip ayy orem OYA 149C, eyqeadeueup newg pue ysoyD UEreyoneqreeUE Hg Jo wos oy) sem epueueSo, tueMs syunusupasayJeevansmirthi One day I gathered from them that Swami Yogananda would be returning to India in August 1935 after staying for long 15 years in America and would stay here for about a year. Thereafter he would go back to America. I was enthused with this information and awaited the arrival of Swamiji with great interest. In my mind, | embraced him as my revered Guru. From my young days | had a deep attraction towards Yoga. So in the midst of a multitude of tasks, my mind always searched for an accomplished Yogi who would guide me and lead me to the supreme goal of religious pursuits. In those days, the accounts of sacrifice, renunciation and accomplishments of Swami Yogananda had spread far and wide. On hearing about him from my friends, my mind and soul bowed down to him with reverence and devotion. At last in the month of August, 1935, Swami Yoganandaji, the worthy son of India and the apple | of the eye of the spiritual world reached this country. He first met Mahatma Gandhi at Wardha and then came to Calcutta. His relations, friends, the Principal, teachers and students of Ranchi Brahmacharya Vidyalaya and his innumerable discipies weicomed Swamiji at Howrah railway station under the leadership of the son of Maharaja Manindra Chandra Nandy. Swamiji went first to Garpar to meet his father. The father and the son met after long fifteen years. The great religious saintly son of a Yogi father! Both of them became drenched with tears of joy. For a few days he relaxed there with his father, brothers, sisters and other relatives, AP During this period, one day | reached there with the intention to get his ‘Darshan,’ | was introduced by my friends present there. At the first sight, I was enchanted at the effulgence of his yogic form. What a self-sacrificing appearance! I felt gratified at the sight of the feet of my ever-coveted and the most beloved person. 28 Mahamunt Babaji Maharaj (The Paramesthi Guru) Yogiraj Sri Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashaya. (The Parapar Guru)Srimat Swami Paramhansa Yogananda. he Beloved Gurudev and \dia & S.R.F, America). ‘Swami Bidyananda Giri in seclusion.Dayamata, the President and nghamata of SRF & YSS. ‘Swam! Krishnanandaji with Swamiji at Lakhanpur: Veevansmirthi He got an insignificant person like me seated near him with great affection like a dear and near one. | felt as if he was my own for several births. I returned after spending some time in his divine company. At the time of my departure, he said, “come again.” “Come again” were the two inconspicuous words. But they reverberated in tay life like an infallible call and ‘Mantra’ from him. J became restless to visit him again and again, to stare at his immaculately handsome countenance and to listen to the Kirtan in his voice, rare even for God and his holy advice in a state beyond himself with divine love. I started going to him frequently thereafter. Every Sunday there were spiritual programmes, Satsanga, prayers, divine songs and discourses. Whatever Swamiji talked, it appeared that he was replying to the dowbts and questions in everybody’s mind. I had lots of questions in my mind; but surprisingly he answered all those without being asked by me. Swamiji had the strange capability of speaking the hard truth to his dear ones. Within a few days Swamiji left to see his most revered Guru Swami Yukteswar Giri Maharaj. He had come to India hastily at the sudden call of his Guru. After meeting his Guru, Swamiji set out for his travel in the North and the South of India. It was not mere travel; ke became extremely busy in preaching Yoga and also with various organisational matters. Iwas then preparing myself to obtain Diksha from ‘Swamiji. But I was unable to decide where and when to obtain Diksha. By this time, Swamiji returned to Calcutta after attending the ‘Kumbha Fair’ at Prayag, subsequent to his North and South India tours. But suddenly a sad thing happened. On 9th March, 1936, Swamiji’s Guru Yukteswar Giriji at Puri Jeft for his heavenly abode. At this heart rending news, Swamiji rushed to Puri. With a broken heart he made all arrangements for the “Mahasamadhi’ of his beloved 29Ee w Jeevansmirthi Guruji_ and also for ‘Sadhu Bhandaras.’ He arranged for the management of the Puri Ashram and placed the responsibility on Swami Sevananda Girl. + My Diksha got deferred gradually ‘as Swamiji became very busy with multitude of jobs. On one day, Heart that Swamiji had gone to Mumbai and from there he would leave for America by ship. He would not return to Calcutta. “ 1 got very much disheartened. It broke my heart to think that I could not avail myself of the opportunity of seizing my revered person although 1 got so close to him. I started blaming myself in a hundred ways. By thinking that I caused negligence despite hearing since boyhood that one should not delay in accomplishing a holy misson, I suffered a strong mortification. But nobody can obstruct the grace of Guru, pious wishes and the tasks scheduled by the Supreme Lord. Mter two weeks, one day Swami Shuddhanandaji suddenly gave me a good news that Swamiji had returned to Calcutta from Mumbai. The ship for his journey would sail after another 3 months. My mind was filled with joy. It is a great wonder how the Supreme Lord fulfils the desires of the devotees. Without further delay, I went to have the Darshan of the guru's feet the very next day. Reaching there, 1 bowed down on his feet and appealed for the Diksha. He smilingly said, -You will have it today itself. This evening there will be a Sateanga in a house at Tollygunge. Vou come along with me. You will have your Diksha at the place of the Satsanga.” “"T was overwhelmed with joy and went to the Satsanga. There, we had the prayer, singing, chanting and the discourses. Thereafter [ had my Diksha at that night itself in a solitary sitting room in the house of a disciple. My life was gratified. I received the knowledge of conducting an integrated life. | was initiated in ‘Kriya Yoga’, a highly elevated religious practice of the saints and sages of India. 30 Jeevansmirthi From the ancient times, many religious practitioners adopted this yogic technique, traditionally passed down from a Guru to his disciple and attained liberation in the monastic life by controlling the thought waves and erasing out the body-consciousness and body-centred ego. In the modern days, sometimes in the middle of the 19th century, the immortal Yogi and great saint Babaji Maharaj revived this technique of Kriya Yoga from a cave near Ranikshet in the Himalayas. He initiated Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashaya of Benaras in this Kriya Yoga and directed him to preach it for the welfare of mankind. Since then the holy message of Kriya Yoga started spreading all over the world. Kriya Yoga is the means to restrain and control the body, mind and soul in every manner and the most potent medicine to annihilate all the restlessness. My life became blessed on obtaining this Kriya Yoga, the directly perceptible religious knowledge. I got a new life and a new horizon of traversing the journey of life dawned in me. The initiation in Yoga and its education are the appropriate art and science of life. The unostentatious preceptor, the plain and simple disciple, the esoteric mantra, the counsel for immortality, the commencement of elevation of human soul at the animating touch of Sri Guru and the noble call in the ocean of nectar - all these comprise Diksha. The religious practice is the light for life, while Guru is the lighthouse. The Mantra given in the Diksha is everything in life, the Guru's advice is (he Seed Tor all_attainments in life, the secret key to_self- Yealisation and the infaltible code of conduct for attaining immortality, The purpose of Di fo attain complete liberation by developing God- Eonsciousness and to integrate the life on the Plane with the ethereal one. ~~ ~ 31Jeevansmirthi Srikrishna has given the supreme command : alate aftrata oReret waar 1 wradeats 3 ari anPrrearratirz: tad viddht pranipatena pariprashnena sevaya upadekshgant! te jidnam jaaninastattvadarshinah. (Gita - 4/34)VII. My Active Service Life: Erosion Of “Karma” Through Performance - (1) In 1936, Gurudey Paramhansaji left for America on the scheduled day and as a consequence, the joyous assemblage at this end was over. At that time, my heart was on the one hand heavy at the estrangement from the direct association with my Gurudev and on the other, it had the indomitable yearning for sacrificing my life for the benefit of others, as a result of having been recently initiated in the immortal austere practice of Yoga. From my tender age the great saying, Atmano mokskartham jagat hitaya cha-- Liberation of self in the welfare of the world, motivated me. Along with the practice of Yoga I always dreamt of employing myself in the welfare of others. The disciples and the devotees of Gurudev aften advised me to join the Bramhacharya Vidyalaya at Ranchi. Tused to say that at Ranchi students from Calcutta and far off places were being taught in the ancient model of the Gurukul ideals. For this reason, Ranchi was a special piace of education. But our country was very much underdeveloped in education till then. In the villages of India, education was almost non-existent. My mental inclination was, therefore, to devote my life for spreading education among the illiterate villagers. On hearing this, some people used to laugh at me, but some others supported me with all seriousness. God knows everything and sees everything. Guru is merciful. The chain of events soon progressed in such a manner that I understood that God was aware of my inner desire. By the mercy of Gurudev, a surprising opportunity came in my way. 33Jeevansmirthi There was a small village named Lakhanpur in the Manbhum (present Purulia) district. The village was located about 15 miles away from the Purulia town on way to Bankura, {t had the red soil of Manbhum, everywhere. The land was grey. There were jungles in between. The village Lakhanpur was situated in its midst. Its population was not very thin. At about ten miles from the village the well-known forest of Rakab existed. People were afraid of entering the forest even at daytime. In that forest one Swami Krishnanandaji performed austere religious practices. A gentleman named Sri Krishnaprasad Chowdhury of the village once wrote me a letter that there was no arrangement for imparting education in Lakhanpur village. Most of the villagers were deprived even of primary education. He requested me to go to their village and arrange for imparting education. I was surprised to read the letter and wondered how Sri Chowdhury could know about my desire. I did not know who this Krishnaprasad Chowdhury was, nor had any acquaintance with him. How could he know my address in Calcutta? After prolonged thinking I remembered that in 1933, I had been to a village named Hutmura to set up a secondary school. But I could not stay there for more than three / four months because of group politics and infighting of the villagers, 1 had to return to Calcutta. | could surmise that Mr. Chowdhury could know about me and collected my address from someone at Hutmura, Lakhanpur was at a distance of six to seven miles from Hutmura, After careful consideration, I decided to go. I also decided in my mind that if the environment was not found clean and proper, I would not return to Calcutta, but would join the Ranchi Ashram of my Guru. Ranchi was an adjoining district of Purulia. Ireached Lakhanpur in the month of March, 1937. Sti Krishnaprasad Chowdhury was avaitable at the village. He hailed from the family of the landlords of 34 eevansmirthi the village. He was a sincere follower of Mahatma Gandhi, and a congress activist. { was introduced to him and he appeared to be a decent person The other important persons of the village also met me, Everyone requested for setting up a school, Tt was revealed by way of conversation that education was sadly lacking in the area. A few days earlier, school had been set up for studies upto class seven but it had to be wound up due to various obstacles, On hearing all the details, l assured them that | would stay at Lakthanpur for a year and set up a school ermarently. All the villagers were quite Permanently llagers were quite happy at my also told them that the school would be set up in the model of Ranchi Bramyacharya Vidyalaya, In thie context, Sri Chowdhury divulged that he was student of that Vidyalaya. A branch of the Bramhacharya Vidyalaya had been started at Puruli and he studied there as a student. He appreciated the idea of following the system of the Bramhacharya Vidyalaya in the proposed school and everybuay happily consented to that I started my ‘Karmayagna’ — the service and worship of mother Saraswati, the goddess of learning, Day and night, I toiled untiringly, neglecting the comfort of body and mind to build the school out ot nothing. Competent and sincere teachers were employed. Due to the sincere efforts and discharge of responsibilities by all, the number of pupils started gradually increasing in the school. With the increase in the nurnber of students, a hostel was built to accommodate them. Many students were enrolled Prayers were held daily in the morning and the evening in accordance with the system of the Brahmachatya Vidyalaya, Before the commencement of the classes, all the teachers and pupils assembled {o recite the hymns and religious songs. Every Saturday, religious discourses were arranged for the villagers. Taking meals together both by the resident teachers and students, respectful and devoted 35Jeevansmirthi dealings of the students towards their teachers, studies, sports - all these had the keen attention of each of the teachers. These converted it to a model school in no time The reputation of the school spread and the people were particularly attracted to the Rishikul system of education. The interest for learning gradually increased among the boys and the girls of the surrounding villages. Within a year, the school was established as a model school, set in a happy and beautiful environment. ‘As per the terms, it was now time for my return One day, I begged leave of the enterprising and enthusiastic people of the village. | told them that I did not wish to continue as a professional teacher. But they did not agree to allow me to leave under any circumtance. Everybody requested me to stay back. 1 had to change my decision because of their sincerity. But I disclosed to them my desire without any hesitation and told that I could stay there for a few more years if they arranged a piece of land for setting up an Ashram under the Society established by my Guru and if I found an opportunity to set up a high ‘school ; ‘On listening to me, all were overwhelmed with joy and became interested to make all necessary arrangements, I could not imagine such success and co-operation without the mercy of Guru. I realised that God helped him whose desire was noble. Pg Pd Pd 36 Vl. Ashram Life : Erosion Of Karma Through Performance - (2) After the school, it was the task of setting up the Ashram. I considered that the Ashrama would be the abode of the renunciates. Imparting education, conducting *Yagnas", working for satisfaction of God and complete renunciation were the great calling of a monk. Not only the renunciation of worldly property and mundane work, but also renunciation of the desire to enjoy the result of the work comprise the main doctrine of the monastic life. What could be a better Yagna than imparting education for the welfare of the mankind! 1 got the opportunity to build the Ashram, the resting place for the renunciates and the school, the altar of learning. So I stayed back at Lakhanpur. Sri Keshab Chandra Chowdhury, uncle of Sri Krishnaprasad Chowdhury registered a plot of land for the Ashram in the name of the Yogoda Society. The sequestered place surrounded with trees, not far from the village, was beautiful and likewise conducive to spiritual practice. They also erected a ‘Gurumandir’ with mud walls and covered with a thatched roof. It was then the time to arrange for the high school. But at the outset, there were no resources to build the class rooms. So it was decided to hold the classes under the trees of the Ashram- garden. For the time being the resident students were accommodated in the Ashram rooms. ‘On Sth January 1939, on the auspicious birthday of Gurudev Paramhansa Yogananda, Yogoda sat Sanga Ashram and the school for boys were augarated. The inaugaration was done by Swami 37Jeevansmirthi Satyananda Giri Maharaj, the then Principal of the Ranchi Brahmacharya Vidyalaya. Satyanandaji was a renunciate and a great saint. He was a boyhood friend, disciple and follower of Gurudev. The inauguration of the Ashram in his presence brought a flood of joy and enthusiasm to all. Though Gurudev himself-was not present in person, but the lamp he got kindled on that day in the Ashram through his great friend Swami Satyanandaji developed into beacon of light that shines even today in spite of al obstacles and tempests. Innumerable devotees today visit the Ashram almost every day from far and near, from foreign countries and inland. A few hours in this, holy place rejuvenate the body and mind and imparts new energy and enthusiasm for spiritual practice towards divinity. ‘Swami Satyanandaji brought Sri Hiralal Chanda, one of his dear devotees, along with him. Sri Chanda was intelligent, erudite and knowledgeable. He was requested to take charge of the school as Headmaster and he happily agreed. The high school started under the trees. This school in later days developed into Yogoda Satsanga Kshirodamayee Vidyapith. The students thronged from all directions. All the rooms in the Ashram became full. Students started feeling the absence of the residing place. It was not possible to add new rooms because of fund constraints. The school was being run even by begging paddy from the surrounding villages The independence movement of the country was then at its peak. In 1942, the Quit India movement against the British people had also picked up, leading to unusual anarchy. Under the circumstances, it became extremely difficult to run the school in a disciplined way. In view of the situation, Sri Hiralal Chanda, Headmaster of the school, left for Calcutta. ‘The other teachers also became restless. I handed over the responsibility of the Middle School to Sri Ashwini Kumar Chowdhury, son of Sri Keshab Chandra Chowdhury and remained a lone guardian of the Ashram-Vidyalaya. 38 seevansmirthi Sri Ashwini Kumar wns @ Science graduate and a calm, gentle person. Having entrusted him with the charge of the Middle School, I devoted myself entirely to the work of the high school. I tonic it as a challenge, as a ‘Sadhana’ to run and save the school against all odds and difficulties. The students from far away places left one by one out of despair. But I kept the lamp of the schoo! burning with some local students. Thus, time was passing out under numerous difficulties and inconveniences, But I continued with the mercy After the elapse of some time in this manner, at last God smiled on me. In 1944, the hope of getting Government recognition became evident. With renewed enthusiasm and vigour, we resumed our activities. At last we could have a sigh of relief in 1946, when the high school got full recognition from the Government. I could feel the great divine grace. I could perceive that it was Gurudey who got the work done. I felt as if | had attained success in my misson of welfare of mankind When the school was being built up under many such challenges, Sri Krishnaprasad Chowdhury was in prison for having actively participated in the country’s struggle for freedom. So at that critical period, Sri Keshab Chandra Chowdhury and Sri Gatikrishna Chowdhury were my main patrons, well- wishers and friends. It was due to their magnanimous help and co-operation that I could succeed in establishing the school. We had never imagined in those days that the school would get Governinent recognition at all. But I became grateful to perceive the evidence once again that with God and Guru willing, even an apparently impossible task tums [easible. By the grace of God and Guru, the school at Lakhanpur village blossomed as a centre of learning and as a seat of spirituality. Sri Hiralal Chanda also returned and assumed the post of Headmaster. 39Jeevansmirthi Students again came from far off places. One by one, three to four students’ hostels were built. The room in which | stayed in 1939 was later used as the Rural Development Office. The official work continued there upto 1941. But the office was virtually wound up during the 1942 movement. But I continued to take the responsibility of the work of the office at my own initiative. I also wrote to the Government for continuance of this office. | arranged for distribution of the spinning wheels (Charkha) in 1945, a separate hostel was built in the same place for the tribal students. The tribal and the scheduled caste students from different villages of the cntire district thronged there. The enthusiasm and interest visible in their appearance were too intense to describe. It was as if they had reached heaven at the opportunity opened to them for learning, along with lodging facilities. The mind and heart of the authorities were filled up with joy, visualising the enthusiasm and interest. In 1947, the ceremonial innaugaration of the tribal hostel was, made by the famous scheduled caste leader Thakkar Baba. The hostel also got Government approval and grants. All tribal and scheduled caste students of the hostel got the opportunity to study with Government assistance. This tribal hostel was the first Government-recognised tribal hostel in the entire district. The Government recognition and grant infused new enthusiasm and joy in the minds of all teachers and students. The school premises resounded with mass prayers every morning and evening. Every Saturday evening, there were congregations for religious discourses, attended by the religious minded devotees of the village. Every year on Sth January, the birthday of Gurudev Paramahansa Yoganandaji was celebrated in the Ashram with hearty eagerness, Yogoda Satsanga Kshirodamayee Vidyapith was established with the sole mission of disseminating 40 good, balanced education. The ideal propounded by Gurudey started getting spread in all directions by virtue of his grace. The system of education followed in the Lakhanpur school based on the moral ideals started attracting students from the entire surroundings Sri Abani Mohan Lahiri joined as a teacher one year after gaining the Government recognition of the school. He became a pioncer in implementing the doctrine and the ideals of Yogoda Satsanga among the students. Around this time my youngest brother Sri Dipendra Nath Dey arrived at Lakhanpur at the vitation of Sri Hiralal Chanda. Both of them were totally involved in the service of the Ashram and the school. In fact, it was due to the selfless cooperation of mainly these three - Sri Hiralal Chanda, Sri Abanimohan Lahiri and Sri Dipendra Nath Dey-' that I could conduct the management function of Lakhanpur Ashram and Vidyalaya in a very facile and smooth manner. Myself and the villagers of Lakhanpur will never forget their generosity and assistance. Through all my work-inspirations, the Supreme Lord made me perccive and enjoy the great bliss and ecstasy that one feels whiie working with detachment and complete surrender to God. As I busied myself with intense activities, I also enjoyed intense happiness. In my heart I'realised that Gurudev was loosening all bondages of my ‘Karma,’ through the turmoils of all tasks. He was leading me to the path of liberation by liberating me from all the shackles of bondage of karmic attachments. ‘The Supreme Lord has rightly said in the Gita : aanaterrtaiscas cased wetrert: | areal at cr eT: arava Yagnarthatkarmonounyatra Lokoayam Karmabandhanah Tadartham Karma Kaunteya Muktasangah samachara. (Gita - 37 9) 41IX. Ashram Life : Erosion Of Karma Through Performance - (3) Thad given words to the villagers of Lakhanpur that I could stay in the village only if 1 could become successful in building the Ashram and the school. Otherwise I would go away somewhere else. Both the school and the Ashram could be founded with the ungrudging love of the villagers and the cooperation of the sympathetic persons. My tasks were accomplished as promised. I could succeed because my limited and insignificant capability had been reinforced with the infinite grace of Sri Gurudev. In the midst of frantic activities of building the school and the Ashram, I dreamt of the glowing face of independent motherland India, free from the shackles of subjugation. God materialised that dream also. India attained independence on 15th August 1947. The long spell of slavery thus ended. The flag of independent and sovereign India fluttered everywhere. It marked the birth of a new India, anew nation at the end of the dark nights of subjugation. Around this time, I wes beside myself with ecstasy when the immortal autobiography of Gurudev was published with the title, “Yogi Kathamrita”, or the “Autobiography Of A Yogi.” From distant America, Paramhansaji sent a copy of the book with his own signature thereon as blessings. [ placed it on my head. Whenever I read the book, it appeared to me as if 1 was floating in the flow of divine nectar, in the holy current of spirituality, to be lost in eternity. I cannot express that invaluable gain, that rapture of jey, Along with the book, Gurudev also sent a letter of command He directed me to proceed to Ranchi and take charge of the management of the Brahmacharya Vidyalaya at Ranchi. 42 Jeevansmirthi This heavy responsibility assigned by the Guru put had just started and was facing a financial crunch. Somehow the school was being run with whatever grant and monetary help J could collect from different places. I was worried how the school expenditure would be met during my absence. Finding no alternative, 1 wrote everything in detail to Gurudev. In reply, he conveyed that he had taken the charge of the school and gave me clear instruction to proceed to Ranchi without furthur delay. In October 1948, I reached Ranchi in reverential compliance of the command of Gurudev. Thus commenced a new chapter in my working life. In March 1918, the Brahmacharya Vidyalaya at Dihika founded by Paramhansaji had been shifted to Ranchi. He was the life-force, teacher and Guru of the school till he left for America in 1920. After he had left, his close friend and companion Swami Satyananda Giri Maharaj took charge of the school in 1991. The schoo! flourished under his able guidance and competent management according to its ideals. But in 1943 Swami Satyanandaji withdrew reasons. The responsibility wi ‘Swami Vinayananda. But differences of opinions and to its management. The members of the Management Commitee became agi make it vibrant again. Sol was commanded to re; establish the Ranchi Brahmacharya Vidvalaya, Lreached at Ranchi Ashram, in obedience to Syi Guru’s command. I did not know how I would Sarpis "commend. | did not Know how Zwonkt:, 43Jeevansmirthi discharge the responsibility entrusted to me by Gurudev even after knowing that I was incapable. 1 had only self-confidence and unwavering trust in the Guru. I felt, when he had commanded, he would also bestow the necessary energy and courage for my success. I remembered the inspiring assurance of Srikrishna - Matchittah Sarbadurgani Mat Prasadat Tarishyasi After 1 reached Ranchi Ashram, Swami Vinayananda unloaded the entire responsibility of the Vi and the Ashram on me and left for the Yogoda Math at Dakshineshwar, Gurudev Paramhansaji had established the Ranchi Brahmacharya Vidyalaya in the Curukcul model. Horg the students got the opportunity of learning while staying along with their Gurus, their teachers. The daily routine of the teachers and the pupils were similar to that of the Gurukul Ashram of the vedic days. In the early hours of dawn, all the residents of the Ashram left their beds and assembled for prayer, after morning ablutions. During those early hours, amidst the sacred natural environment, the students and the teachers chanted vedic prayers in a chorus. That solemn prayer charged with emotion created an extraordinary spiritual atmosphere. After the combined prayer, the students practised Yogasanas and different exercises. Thereafter simple but nutritous breakfast was served. This was followed by study. All the teachers-in-charge were present in the breakfast and study, to look after the needs and conveniences of the students. After 9 A.M. the students followed the routine of bathing and taking meals. The teachers and the students used to sit together for dining. Before taking meals, the teachers and students together chanted a specific hymn from the Gita : 44 Jeevansmirthi seartot wer efiemnc zerm 30% | seta ey aed Orr 1 Brahmarpanam brahma habirbrahmagnau brahmand hutam Brahmaiba tena gantabyam brahmakarmasamadhina (Gita-4/24) ‘Offering to the supreme spirit is spiritual, the ghee offered in the fire of consummation is Spiritual, the person absorbed fully in spiritual acivities attains the ‘supreme spirit.” It was prohibited to talk while eating, After the meal, classes were held under the various trees of the Ashram. Before the commencement of classes, everybody chanted together the vedic hymas. Classes continued upto 4 P.M. All necessary subjects were taught. When classes were over, students took rest for some time. Thereafter sports activities started When the sports were over, all the teachers and students, after washing their hands and mouth, assembled for collective prayer. A divine atmosphere used to be created during the evening prayer. The Gurus and the disciples chanted aloud single- mindedly and in an inseparably united manner the hymns from the Upanishads : Om saha nababatu, saha nau bhunaktu sahabiryam karababahai. _ Tejashwinabadhitamastu, Ma bidwishabahai. Om Shantih, Shanti, Shantih - O, Supreme Lord, Protect both of us equally, impart learning to both of us equally, may we acquire capability equally, let the knowledge acquired by us be fruitful; let us not develop mutual discord. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti. The Students used to study attentively upto 9 P.M. The teachers would remain present during that period to assist the students to understand the different subjects according to their needs. The teachers were 45Jeevansmirthi always cager to correct any errors and omissions of each pupil. Surveillance was evident so that the students could be self-dependent from the very young age. Everyone had to clean his room, scour his utensils and Wash his clothes. Serving breakfast. lunch and dinner, serving and attending to the teachers, guests and patients were the responsibilities of the students. As a result, they got prepared physically and mentally along with their studies, for all other types of jobs and situations. They were encouraged to involve themselves in gardening, different crafts and social service. In all the activities of the students, the teachers would remain always present to show them the ideal way. Although the tasks and responsibilities were distributed among the teachers and the students, the Principal of the school and the Ashram had to remain ever attentive and watchful. Lused to take my seat five minutes before prayer. So was the case at the time of having meals both the times. Silence was to be observed during meals. I also waited silently for others. The boys observed silence as scon as they entered the dining hall and silently took their food. Those who could not arrive in time due to some reason, were not allowed to sit with others in the row. As a sort of punishment, they kept standing in front of me and took their food later. Once an amusing incident happened. There was some disorderliness when I went on my South India tour. On the days immediately preceding my tour, f stopped remaining present during meals. Two German devotees were staying at Ranchi at that time. Although a bell was rung during meal time, these two Germans could not hear the bell due to the loud uproar made by the boys at the meal time. They used to be present for meals only on hearing the sound of the boys’ uproar. On my return from the tour, the boys came to me and requested for remaining present during meals. When I resumed my presence at meal times, the students used to come silently and with 46 Jeevansmirthi ‘utmost discipline for food. So one day the German devotees did not come for meal as they did not hear the sound of any uproar. Meals were taken in utter silence. The poor souls could have their food afterwards. They were overwhelmed to sce the meal time discipline after my arrival. One day they presented me with a bouquet of flowers. They said that they were astonished to sce the silent discipline at the time of taking meals after my arrival and presented the bouquet as a smal! token of their respect. Whatever the students ate, the teachers too ate the same. | did not even drink milk separately. However, at a later period, I used to drink a little milk at the insistence of Swami Atmananda, the then Secretary of Yogoda Sat Sanga. ‘As the Principal, I had to keep a strict vigil on compliance of all the niceties of discipline and rules in minute details. I used to visit the rooms of the students during the time for study and sports activities to see if any one was relaxing in the room out of indolence. During dinner time too, it had to be seen if somebody had slept without having dinner. I had to involve myself directly in this manner with every function. The daily routine continued in this way. I had a long cherished aspiration to study in a school in the model of the Vedic Rishikul. As a student, my dream was not fulfilled. But my aspiration was satisfied with the opportunity to serve in such an ideal Brahmacharya Vidyalaya due to the infinite grace of God. I felt myself gratified. My head bowed down in gratitude to and in remembrance of the grace of God and my Guru. I was always vigilant and alert about the allround development of the Ashram and the Vidyalaya Likewise, I was eagerly active towards my spiritual practices beyond the public eyes. Service and spiritual practices were my ideals and goals. | was careful not to deviate from those goals. The morning prayer at the Ashram always commenced at 4 AM, aTJeevansmirthi irrespective of rain or storm. | never kept any watch with me. But I was so alert that my mind always guided me about the correct time, Students wondered how L attended the classes at the right time. Sometimes curing very inclement weather, students presumed that I would not perhaps be able to come. But they could see me seated silently at my seat, ahead of them all, In order to keep my spiritual power unimpaired, in the midst of the din and bustle of activities, | used to observe silence once a week in those days. 1 could easily perceive that guiding the students in the right path or administering the Ashram smoothly were never possible without the spiritual practice and restraint in my own life and setting a model in my dealings and conduct. Ranchi Brahmacharya Vidyalaya was residential from the very beginning. When I took over the charge, the condition of the school was not at all hopeful. I could find only six to seven students in total. Among the teachers, there was only Bramhachari Animananda (Swami Satchidananda Giri in later days). Utmost efforts were initiated for the improvement of the Vidyalaya and for increasing the nuraber of students. I always remained alert against being frustrated at the sorry state of the Ashram. I exhausted myself fully for the all-round development of those few students, [had a firm determination since the very beginning of my career, not to be discouraged amidst blows and counterblows, happiness and grief, reputation and ill fame of life. As a result, I could face all the adverse situations in the Ashram- Vidyalaya. I prayed for the blessings of Guru and in each instance used to receive his untainted grace. The number of students increased by and by. New hopes were kindled in every heart. Courage and self- confidence dawned on them. The authorities and the well-wishers of the Vidyalaya became encouraged. Those who were in opposition extended their co- operation one by one. Everybody desired an 48 Jeevansmirthi improvement of the Vidyalaya and the Ashram. Sri Ramkishore Roy, a distinguished goad soul of Ranchi, was one of the Directors of the Yogoda Society. He became very delighted and enthusiastic to see the progress of the Vidyalaya and the Ashram. Within two years, the school became vibrant in all respects. A stream of novel joy and passion started flowing in the heart and soul of the teachers and the students of the Ashram and the Vidyalaya. Overwhelmed with delight and enthusiasm, we all then desired that Gurudey could visit and witness with his own eyes the Brahmacharya Vidyalaya, as dear as his life. He also agreed to come to India, his dear motherland, at the earnest call of his devotee But what a merciless, cruel destiny! Suddenly the news reached that Paramhansaji had renounced his material body and left for his eternal abode on 7th March, 1952. A great Yogi, a legendary figure, respected in India and the whole world, suddenly departed from the material plane. In his life and even in death, Paramhansaji showed the extraordinary glory of Yoga. He tiled tirelessly for spreading the science of Yoga, particularly the Kriya Yoga in the West. He always infused divine consciousness in every conversation and each action. His every thought and feeling were confined to infinite reverence and love for Ged and his motherland India. It is why he [eft his material body while singing the glory of Mother India in the presence of many peopie and with a usually clad attire. An Indian Parliamentarian in America arranged for his reception in the Biltmore hotel at Los Angeles, Sri Binay Ranjan Sn, Indian Ambassador to America, was present there with his wife. Paramhansaji preached for ten minutes the message of unity between India and America, the East and the West. As soon as he concluded his talk by reciting a poem on India, composed by himself, he went into Mahasamadhi, the union with the Supreme soul and 49Jeevansmirthi fell on the ground. The banquet meet turned into an assembly for condolence and grief. The last journey of a supreme Karmavogi ended amidst the great festivities of work. He often said, “I will not leave my body lying on a bed, I will leave with my shoes on.” Even alter his death, the marvel of his Yogacentric life got manifested. In the history of the world this was the first incident of the mystery of death. His body ‘was laid in a coffin in front of all for twenty one days in a totally undecayed condition, with no sign of physical disintegration. It appeared as if he was sleeping in great peace. In his life, the great saint Paramhansa Yogananda had already earned a great praise in the world through his extraordinary activities. In his Mahasamadhi, the conscious exit from the material body, he further amazed the people of the world. We, all the students and teachers, were bewildered when the news of Paramhansaji’s death reached the Ashram. Although he lived in distant America, I felt him always very near and with me. In the hours of despaic, he infused new hope; in the hours of success. he congratulated like a friend with a smile. With his departure, | felt as if Ihad lost my father. It took sometime to come out of the first shock of surprise and disappointment. But Paramhansaji, from his invisible abode, provided me with the assurance and courage. It appeared as if like Srikrishna he was advising : Klaibyam ma sma gamah Partha We again involved ourscives in performing the duties with new enthusiasm. | took an oath to sacrifice my life in the service of Sri Guru by working, for him. In 1953 during the Puja Vacation, I went to ‘Vindhyachal ta take rest fora few days. I had a strange realisation there. [was blessed with the endless grace and vision of the holy mother Vindayabasini. ‘On reaching Vindhyachal, I was wandering here and there for a shelter. | was not finding a place 50 sJeevansmirthi anywhere, Even the two female devotees of the local Sri Sri Anandamayee Maa Ashram also did not provide me shelter as 1 was a stranger. I became extremely exhausted with hunger and thirst. Suddenly I saw someone clad in red cloth sitting under adistant tree. Finding no alternative, | went to him to enquire for a shelter. The person was of a devoted class. He said that his elder brother resided in a Srikrishna temple there, where a shelter might be available. Being jubilant, | went with him towards the Srikrishna temple. | indeed got a shelter in that temple, as if the great bountiful Srikrishna provided room for me at his feet. I used to boil rice in a small pot there and took it with great delight. On witnessing such austerity of mine, a few devotees of the Ashram used to say, *This Baba (father) is a Paramhansa (great saint).’ The person who provided me with the shelter was seen sweeping the road every morning. I called him ‘Sadhu Baba”. With a broad smile, he used to stare at me with a benign gesture. I remembered the verse, Keya Jane Kis Vesh me Hari Mil Jay. {roamed around and saw the local temples and the idols. The temples of Dashabhuja and Vindnyabasini were very famous. The idol of holy mother Vindhyabasini was said to be ever awakened. I went to see the holy mother on the day of the “ashtami Puja." It was too much crowded and an access to the temple seemed to be extremely difficult Thinking that I would not be able to enter the temple, Iwas saddened. twas thinking to go round the temple and bow down to the mother from outside and would come to have a darshan some other day later. With that mental resolution | started going round the temple. Suddenly, I saw as if the huge crowd had dispersed. There was nobody at the entrance door of the mother's temple. The inner room was totally empty. Being overwhelmed with joy, I immediately entered the temple and stood before the idol of the mother. Within a few moments | saw the visitors showing one another. Somebody pushed me with a 51Jeevansmirthi sudden jerk which placed me on the lap of the Mother. [rolled on the ground holding both the feet of the Mother Vindhyabasini with two hands. The priest was, sitting at one corner. He was watching that strange sight. I bowed down to the Mother and came out of the temple with great satisfaction Iwas overwhelmed at the strange and wonderful grace of the Mother. My heart and soul were full with the conviction that the Mother, who could make impossible things possible, was with me. I prayed mentally, “Mother! I only want to love you. I only want to realize that you are my all attainment. Let me be overwhelmed with your affection in the same manner in which the darkness of sight longs passionately for daylight. Let me love you with all my heart.” Treturned to my hut at the Srikrishna temple. At that night, I was awakened by a divine dream. I saw that I was sitting in the Ranchi Ashram. Paramhansaji came to me in a car. He told, “I have become tired by chasing you here and there. Let us go to see your Lakhanpur school.” T woke up and pondered that Paramhansaji had already left his material body. How could he visit Lakhanpur to see the school! What was the import of the dream ? Surprisingly, within a few moments, the postman brought some letters. One of the letters was from Swami Sstyananadaji, He had written, “Prabhas Ghosh, Brahmachari Prakash Das and myself will go to the Lakhanpur Vidyapith with yourself; please return quickly.” ] could then understand the true meaning of the dream. The dream clearly indicated that Paramhansaji would inspect Lakhanpur through those three persons. My mind was full of joy and astonishment. The dream made it clear that the great souls descended to the material plane even from their immortal ‘Brahmalok’, the plane of divinity, for the welfare of human beings. T returned to Ranchi and went to Lakhanpur with Swami Satyanandaji and others. Seeing the Ashram and the school, Sri Prabhas Ghosh and others were Jeevansmirthi very much delighted. They were amazed to see such lively preaching and dissemination of Gurudev's name and ideal in such a Gistant village. My heart and soul were also filled with satisfaction because it was constantly present in my mind that according to the real import of the dream, it was Paramhansaji who had come to visit the Ashram Vidyapith through them. I, therefore mentally expressed ovation to Sr Gurudev and chanted Jai Guru Jai, Jai Guru Jai, Guru Kripahi Kebalam, 0, Merciful Guru, thy grace is infinite and boundless! On returning to Ranchi Ashram, my days were spent in remaining busy with different tasks and in the service of the Guru. Amidst those, my daily meditation and spiritual practice continued like the undercurrent of the river Falgu. I used to observe silence once a week. Whatever could be my preoccupations, I regularly left bed before sunrise and submerged myself in spiritual practice. Sometimes | was unable to devote much time to spiritual practice due to the busy daily work-schedule. But I noticed that the depth of meditation was engulfing me. The joy and concentration that I reccived by sinking in the depth of meditation left its impression in all the activities throughout the day. From that time, the mystery that work in fact should be the external manifestation and extension of meditation, became clear to me. Life in an Ashram was not always a garland of joy and attainments. At times, some sad and intricate moments came in my life, which cannot be forgotten. Such an incident has not been obliterated from my mind even today. There was a student at the Ranchi Ashram. He came from Assam. His native place was at the Barishal district in East Bengal. He was very smart in doing work. He was studying perhaps in Class VII. Suddenly he was down with high fever. The Doctor diagnosed it as Tonsilitis and recommended surgery. There was a charitable dispensary attached 53Jeevansmirthi to the Ashram. His treatment continued there. The Doctor was quite experienced and hence there was not much to worry. The date and time for the surgery were fixed. On the previous day, I went to the boy to sec him. I sat beside him and jokingly said, “Tomorrow your throat will be slit open.” After consulting the Doctor, | returned. I dreamt on that night that | was going somewhere with a dead body. I woke up. My mind became afflicted. As soon as morning dawned, my mind got involved in the daily routine. Besides the normal schedules of the Ashram and the school, the construction of 2 boundary wall around the vast area of the Ashram was going on. There were feverish activites since morning with the masons and the labourers for the work. I was so busy with the supervision of the work that I totally forgot about the surgery on the boy on that day. Suddenly I rembered it amidst work and rushed to the hospital with Swami Satchidanandaji We met the compounder on the way. He did not say anything definite about the condition of the boy. On reaching the hospital and entering into the room, we found the body of the boy motionless and still. We called the Doctor quickly. He examamined and said that the boy had expired. 1 almost sat on the ground in utter despair and grief. I was not a family man. But the incident overwhelmed me with sorrow. I felt as if the boy had lost his life due to my fault. Had I been careful after what I had dreamt the previous night, the boy would perhaps remain alive, although I knew that one had to depart at the time destined for one. Otherwise, why did I forget about the dream amidst my activities? Even today when I remember the incident, | feel as if the boy had departed unseen and unnoticed by all. The mother Goddess is truly Bhrantirupena Samsthita ~ manifests herself in the shape of oblivion. I perceived again and again to what extent the working life was full of conflicts and problems. | 54 Jeevansmirthi realised at every moment how difficult the ‘Karma Yoga’ was, But every time, I also experienced that the great merciful Supreme Lord solved all the problems with His infinite grace. He tested the examinee as if merely to declare him successful. Competitions were held as if merely to reward the competitors. At the end of facing each problem, unbounded courge and strength were infused in the heart and soul. His grace smoothened the path of activities and religious practice of an incompetent person like me by providing ever new strength I remember one incident. Sri Shashi Mallick, the ex physical instructor of our Ranchi Ashram had been prohibited from coming to the Ashram for various Past reasons. But Shashi Babu was a devout person and used to visit the Ashram. I used to welcome and greet him. How could 1 show apathy for some past faults to a person who was a devotee of Gurudev and keen to attend the holy company at the Ashram? How could I progress in the saintly life, if | were unable to forget the past faults and would nurture anger and dislike? But some of the Ashram authorities had a different opinion. So they complained to Paramhansaji According to their complaint, Gurudev instructed not to allow Shashi Babu to enter into the Ashram. I became aggrieved to receive his order. I informed him with a heavy heart that if a one-time adversary forgot hostility and approached as a friend, how couid | ill-behave with him? Where was the saintlizeas in showing anger due to some past incident? Ifit be a mandate for me to ill- behave with him, I would then better leave the Ashram It would be better for me to resign, Within a few days I got the reply from Gurudev. Gurudev, the incarnation of mercy and love, wrote to me, “You have done the right thing. The way you behaved with Shashi is befitting a saint.” My mind became calm with joy and satisfaction. I bowed down to Gurudev in gratitudeJeevansmirthi It was not that various problems cropped up only in the activities relating to the Ashram; sometimes, the authorities also felt dissatisfied at many of my decisions ‘and my way of working. At times, they openly opposed me while sometimes they tried to create discontent among the students against me. But they had to retreat seeing the obedience and love of the students towards me. Once the authorities even thought of expelling me. Swami Satchidanandaji told them that they need not expel me. If I knew about their mind, I would immediately leave the Ashram and go away. But the Ashram would then collapse and Gurudev would be highly displeased. On hearing this, they reportedly changed their opinion. I came to know about this incident only afterwards. I knew that it was Sri Gurudev who was my saviour. ‘The energy bestowed by him was my amulet. He was my companion at all moments and the witness of all my activities. So long | was under his protective gaze, nobody could harm me, The words of the Gita Na hi kalyanakrit kaschiddurgating tata gatchhati always sounded in my mind. arterafaRRera ee erect at | 8 cat arereah aleifeuP HF =A 11 sarva-dharman parityajya mamekam sharanam vraja aham tvam sarva papebhyo mokshayisyami ma shuchah. (Gita-18/66) bd Ed Ed 56X. A Few Months In South India The course of Karma is extremely difficult Gahana Karmano Gatih. Even the wise and the qualified cannot understand the mystery of action (Karma). The conscientious people too are unabie to realise the true theory of what is Karma or what is the state without Karma. At times, therefore apathy to work develops. One feels like setting aside all deeds and duties. Mind yearns to go out without a definite direction. After the Mahasamadhi of Gurudev Paramhansa Yogananda, my mind and soul became full with a spell of strange indifference. The more I consoled my mind, the more it got restless. I lost concentration to tasks and duties. | always felt something missing, as if something had been lost from my life. Somchow I spent two months at Ranchi. Then | decided to roam arcund the holy places in South India and spend my days in austere religious practices. As a preparatory step, I handed over the entire charge of the Ashram: Vidyalaya to my colleague Swami Satchidanandaji. I took the vow of silence and abstained from talking. I engaged myself for obtaining the divine contact with the Supreme Reing through silence, Three months passed thus in such austere practice. Then I decided to set out for the holy places in South India. In October, 1954, after meeting the authorities of the Ranchi Ashram, I commenced my journey, starting with Puri The Yogoda Satsanga Ashram founded by Paramguru Yukteswar Giri Maharaj, was located at Puri. It was in the same Ashram that he had left his mortal body. It was there that Paramhansa Yoganandaji, his disciple as dear as his life, buried 57Jeevansmirthi his body. He had built a very elegant temple there. 1 could not feel how a periad of one month passed out amidst silence and close meditation and worshipping through performance of Kriyas in the proximity of Gurudev and in the shelter under Lord Jagannath. Thereafter, I decided to visit the sacred pilgrimage of Simhachalam. One day I bade farewell to all in the Puri Ashram. On reaching Simhachalam, | put up in a ‘Dharmashala’ (Free lodging place for pilgrims). On the very first day I could experience the glory of that holy place. It was at that place that the greatest devotee Prablad had got the direct vision of God. There was located the temple of Nrisinghadev, an incarnation of the Supreme Lord. I felt extreme satisfaction on seeing Nrisinghadev T engaged myself all the time in chanting and meditating in the small room of the Dharmashala. As s0cn as [ sat in the room, I was greatly amazed to hear the reverberation of the cosmic sound ‘AUM’. I stayed in that cottage for three days, during which period [ felt the melodious jingle of the sound of AUM day and night whether | was awake or asleep. | was gratified to feel the unbounded kindness and blessings of Lord Nrisinghadev. From Simhachalam | set out for Madras. In Madras Tlodged in the Ramkrishna Mission Ashram. T spent a few days there in the company of the monks amidst cordiality, love and affection. 1 sew the Ashram and the schools conducted by the Ramkrishna Mission Then one day I went to sec the Theosophical Society founded by Annie Besant. | was very much delighted to see the well-planned vast Ashram on the seashore at Adyar near Madras. From Madras I started by bus to see the Ashram of the supremely wise and accomplished saint Maharshi Ramana. This Ashram, glorified with the spirituality of Maharshi Ramana, was located at the one end of the Tiruvannamalai town at the foot of the Arunachala hill 58 Jeovansmirthi There was a large hall’at the front portion of the Ashram. Maharshi Ramana used to sit in that very hall. He performed Satsanga for long periods in that hall with his devotees, sometimes through question and answer session, sometimes by giving advice and at some other times, merely with his silent gaze. There was a stone statue of Ramana Maharshi in the Ashram, which, the moment one would set his eyes on it, suddenly would appear to be living. The sacrifice, spiritual practice and the enlightened life of Ramana Maharshi had always attracted me. He was not physically present on the day of my visit, but I felt his presence. I decided to stay there for a few days, if permission would be available. On submitting my introduction, I obtained permission from the authorities to stay and hence I stayed in the Ashram. The surroundings were very charming. Everyday vedic sacrificial rituals were performed in the holy burial place (Samadhi) of the Maharshi. When these rites were performed, the monks and the devotees used to sit around the place. They were independently absorbed in silent meditation and chanting. The entire Ashram arena echoed with the vedic songs. This reminded me of the Ashrams served by the sages of the distant past. which often resounded with the discourse on Vedas and Vedantas. Two days passed in the Ashram in a pure and serene environment. Here I met a friend of mine- a saint Sri Shambhunath Chakrabarty. He resided there in a rented house. Many a time he had visited our Ranchi Ashram. He was handsome and a great saint, Proficient in the Tantric’ skills. As soon as he saw me, he took me to his residence. After a few days, I visited the Ashram of the sage Sri Aurobinda at Pondicherry along with him. One old worker of the Ramana Ashram also accompanied us. 59Jeevansmirthi After travelling thus for a few days, I felt a strong urge to carry on my sprirtual practice sitting in a cave there. I conveyed my desire to Shambhunath Babu By the grace of Guru he arranged for a cave in no time. He had earlier rented a cave for his own meditational practice. But due to various reasons, he could not stay in that cave. He happily gave me the possession of the cave. I felt a unique grace of the Supreme Lord in getting the cave in this way. My mind was filled up with gratitude. ‘The cave was very near the Ramana Ashram. Sri Shambhunath Chakrabarty then left for Delhi to the residence of one of his devotees. I continued to stay in the cave. | prepared my food inside the cave. There were other monks staying in the cottages in the vicinity of my cave. The workers and attendants of Maharshi Ramana Ashram came frequently to make enquiries about us. Two monks of Ananandamayee Maa’s Ashram also stayed in a rented house very near the cave, They also came frequently to meet me. A close disciple of Maharshi used to reside in a cottage very near my cave. I used to listen from him the anecdotes of the austere sacrifices of Maharshi Ramana, That devotee was a person having intuition. 1 remember one day's incident. One evening while attempting to light the lamp in my cave, | found no matchbox. I ceased doing anything and was thinking of spending the night in darkness. I remained silently seated for some time. After a few moments, I found the said monk present in my cave with a few matchsticks in his hands. Many a time, when I faced any inconvenience or need for something, this monk used to arrive with appropriate help. This monk, extrmely simple, always wore a loin cloth, with a stick in hand and had an ever contented smile on his face. I was spending my days in the cave at Arunachalam amidst silent meditation. The cave was, 60 Jeevansmirthi quite small, adequate only for one person to sit, lie or stand. The height was rather low and it called for caution to save the head from striking the roof while standing. ‘One day, Ihad an intense yearning to see Ramana Maharshi. I deeply prayed, “Baba, I could not come when you were present in your physical form. But I Know you are omniscient and beyond all limitations. You can bless me with your vision if you simply wish.” In that evening, I sat in meditation after a light refreshment. After the meditation, I laid down on my rock bed with a placid mind. After sometime, my legs suddenly crossed each other, as if mechanically, 10 assume the lotus posture. I was sitting in that posture with my back fully straight. The four walls of the cave vanished from my vision like a magic. The darkness of the night also faded away somewhere, All my surroundings were illuminated as if with the rays of the midday sun. I saw a wide road in front of me. Ramena Maharshi, surrounded by his devotees, was approaching towards me through that road with a stick in his hand. I was beside myself with joy. [left my seat and bowed down to him in obcisance. He blessed me with his fingers posing of safety and assurance. The divine vision then faded away. When I came back to my senses, I found myself sitting in the lotus posture inside the cave in darkness. Even today, after so many years, | am unable to forget that divine vision. At times, the divine form of Ramana Maharshi peeps into my mind with alll its radiance. On another day, I perceived the influence of another great soul. There is a reference of this great soul in the biography of Ramana Maharshi. He was a great Yogi, a muslim Fakir, and a contemporary of Maharshi. His tomb was located near a mosque at the one end of Tiruvannamalai town. Having known this, | set out on an afternoon to see the tomb of the great Fakir. 61Jeevansmirthi The tomb was small and it had a thatched shed over it. One of the devotees used to perform services of the tomb. He was very calm, amiable and modest. As soon as he got my introduction, he spread a mat for me to sit on. I enjoyed the conversation with him. Icame to know from him meny anecdotes of the great Fakir. [could know that he was a spiritual practitioner of a very high order. Out of my reverence to him, I visited the tomb day after day in the afternoon. | felt great comfort in sitting beside the tomb. The mind became calm on its own. One day I wished to offer a lighted candle for the soul of the great Fakir. Accordingly, I lighted a candle on his tomb one evening, and earnestly made a special prayer. That night itself, I perceived the exposition of the enormous power of the great fakir. A bundle of light rays started ascending from the ‘Muladhar’ (Coccygeal plexus) with an extremely high speed like a fire cracker. Its heat was like fire. I felt as if the high temperature and fire would consume my body. | surrendered to it and remained seated. The divine play of this light continued for a long time and at the end, the luminous effulgence gradually calmed down. I got acquainted with the power of ‘Kundalini’ (The serpent power). In my mind, I mentally saluted the great Fakir a hundred mi i In the first part of 1955, I bade adicu to the Maharshi Ashram and set out for Kanchipuram, to pay homage to Shri Shri Shankaracharya 1008 Shrimat Swami Chandrashekharananda Saraswati. He was then staying in seclusion, a little away from the monastery, after having handed over the charge of the monastery to his successor the new Shankaracharya. At Kanchipuram, I put up in a Dharmashala. [ took detailed information from the Manager of the Dharmashala. Then, in an evening, | arrived at the secluded Ashram of the Shankaracharya. Some of the Ashram workers were sitting outside. By conversing 62 Jeevansmirthi with them, I came to know that the Shankaracharya would not come out at that time. So an audience with him would not be possible on that day. On hearing this I got depressed and sat there itself with a heavy mind. Seeing me sitting gloomily like that, one of the devotee-workers went inside and reported about me to the Shankaracharya. He informed that he would be coming to the ‘Nat Mandir’ (hall in front of the main temple) at 5 P.M. He instructed me to wait for him at the ‘Nat Mandir’. At that infinite grace of the great soul, my mind ‘bowed down to him in gratiude and reverence. As per the custom there, I took off my shirt, put around a wrapper and reaching at the ‘Nat Mandir’ sat down there. One generous devotee gave me some bananas and told me to offer the fruits to the Shankaracharya while bowing down to him. How can I explain this as anything other than being the super-natural grace of God and Sri Gurudev! I was even more fortunate, as incidentally it was a specially holy day, being the last day of the Bengali month ‘Pausha’. Gradually more devotees assembled there to have an audience with the Shankarachary At the appropriate time. the Shankaracharya. embodiment ef wisdom, appeared in the ‘Nat Madir’ leaning on a stick. One by one the devotees bowed down to his feet with offerings of fruits and flowers Following a few devoiees, | also prostrated at his holy feet. The God-man, omniscient, all-seeing Shankara jooked at me and gestured me to sit down. Finding that so many people were standing, | felt embarassed to sit He gestured again. Seeing me standing even thereafter, a devotee of the Shankaracharya spread a mat beside him and said to. me, ‘Shankaracharyaji has commanded you. Do please sit down.’ I bowed my head to all the devotees there and took my seat at the feet of the Shankaracharya with folded hands. The 63Jeevansmirthi devotees were coming in an endless flow, bowing down and expressing their reverence. Shankaracharyaji himself was reciting from the scriptures. In between accepting homages from the devotees and reciting scriptures, Shankaracharyaji started talking to me in Hindi. He enquired my whereabouts. I introduced myself as a disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda Giriji. He immediately said, “Paramhansa Yogananda, the founder of S.R.F (Self Realisation Fellowship) in America ? I know him very well. We enjoyed good company together at the Kalighat temple of Goddess Kali in Calcutta.” Thereafter he talked to me like a very dear one-how my Guru had established the SRF in America with enormous toil. On hearing Shankaracharyaji, it appeared as if he possessed much more information than us on that matter. In the meantime, the evening set in. The temple bells reverberated, Shankaracharyaji left his seat to bow down himself to the idol of the first Shankaracharya in the temple and then came hack. He told me about his travel in North India, the tales of the saints and monks. In my mind 1 started contemplating. “Revered father! You are telling mere stories. Do please speak about some spiritual philosophy.” The omniscient, all pervading Shankara teplied to my mental soliloquy. “What to speak about religious philosophy! The lives of the great saints are themselves religious philosophy, the total manifestation of spiritual doctrines. It is in their lives that God manifests Himself.” I was overwhelmed with astonishment hearing that spontaneous reply from him. At that time, a baby elephant came in front of the Shankaracharya and started moving an incense stick holding it in the trunk, as an act of homage to him. From time to time Shankaracharyaji was putting dozens of bananas in the mouth of the elephant. We 64 | Jeevansmirthi were spell-bound to see this and the temple arena echoed with blissful joy, the kymnody and eulogising songs by the devotees. I was oblivious of the time and had not noticed when it was past seven o’ clock. It was a winter night and I had to walk down three miles to the Dharmashala. I was thinking of leaving the place Again Shankaracharyaji clearly read my mind and said, “Yes, the night has advanced. You are to go quite far. ‘What happened at that moment was a great wealth and a great moment of my life. One devotee bowed ‘down to the Shankaracharya and put down a garland of basil wood pieces around his neck. Shankaracharyaji wrapped the garland around his head. An intense desire then arose in my mind. I thought if I could get the garland from the Shankaracharya as a gift, I would be convinced that his blessings would reign in my life in an unwavering and steady manner. The omniscient great saint came to know of my unuttered prayer. At the time of my departure I bowed down to him and sat with folded hands. He placed a pomelo and my coveted garland on my hand. My joy and surprise knew no bounds on receiving these gifts. In my life, | had never earlier got such direct grace from an illuminated person. Glory to the Shankaracharya! Kanchipuram was known to be the Benaras of South India, With the blessings from the living idol, the embodiment of wisdom of that holy place, | set out for Madurai to See the world famous Meenakshi temple. This temple was incomparable in its beauty and glamour, and in its fine arts. | got extreme satisfaction in seeing intensely the temple and by circumabulating it. From there I went to see the temple at Rameswaram established by Sri Ramchandra Rameswaram is a small island neas the coast, adjacent to the mainland. The temple was at the one end of the island on the bank of the Indian Ocean.Yeevansmirthi The main land of India and the Rameswaram island were separated by the unfathomable waters of the sea. It was a wonderful experience to travel a distance of three/four miles by train on the concrete-built raillines over the sea. I was ecstatic to see the idol of Lord Shiva at Rameswar. Then I sew the jetty from where Shri Ramchandra advanced towards Lanka, It was an enjoyable sight to see the arrangement of carrying the passengers on cither side to and from Sri Lanka, by boarding the entite train on a ship. With a contented heart | returned to Madurai. From Madurai I boarded a train for Kanyakumari The Kanyakumari temple is situated at the confluence of the Indian Ocean and the Arabic Sea at the farthest south-west end. I stayed there for a few days. My mind used to be filled with joy and contentment by watching the greeting of the deity the morning and the evening and also by prostrating on the scarlet feet of the goddess mother. After Kanyakumari, it was the turn to go to Madras. First I caught the train for Mysore. Mysore was the Kingdom of an ancient Hindu dynasty. The beauty and affluence of Mysore increased in recent times. The temple of Goddess Kali at Mysore was very famous. In 1936, Gurudev Paramahansaji had visited the place and performed Sat Sanga. He spent about a month under the great hospitality in the palace of the Prince of Mysore. He delivered speeches on Yoga in various assemblies; the intelligentsia of Mysore were deeply chermed at the magnificence of his knowledge and wisdom, Fifteen miles from the Mysore city was the Vrindavan Gardens, a very beautiful spot. I spent a few days in the city and then went to see the Shringeri monastery founded by the first Shankaracharya. On reaching the monastery, I got an accommodation in its guest house. | met the then Shankaracharya and performed Sat Sanga with him. He showered his grace on me by several advices on the spiritual journey. 66 Jeovansmirthi In the Shringeri monastery I remained intrespective. I remembered the life of the first Shankaracharya. At the mere age of seven, he became proficient in all scriptures. Shankara, matchless in wisdom in the entire world, was sharp not only in insipid knowledge; he attained the highest altar of wisdom and spread the magnificence of his knowledge throughtout his life. He was an exponent of the wisdom of non-duality and the founder of the ‘Dashnami’ ascetic order. He established four monasteries at the four corners of India to spread and extend the eternal religion (Sanatana Dharma). The incharge of each monastery is called a ‘Shankaracharya’. These monasteries are the Gobardhan monastery at Puri in the East, the Joshimath in the Himalayas in the North, the Dwaraka math in the west and the Shringeri math in the South. ‘The four Shankaracharyas presiding over the four monasteries at the four corners of the country are still uphalding and protecting the glory of the eternal Hindu religion in the world. The non-dual Brahma as expounended in the Vedanta is the highest spiritual philosophy of Sanatan Dharma. The direct perception of Brahma is the only supreme knowledge, the path for the ultimate liberation. A few days were spent mersily in the Shringeri monastery and then I bade farewell to the monastery, after bowing down to the feet of the Shankaracharya. A very amusing incident took place on the previous day of my departure. A spiritual practitioner in the monastery considered himself to be a great Yogi. He knew that I was a disciple of Paramhansa Yoganandaji. One day he asked me if | knew “Trotak’. (constant gazing at an object - a spiritual practice). 1 replied in the affirmative. Then, as a sort of challenge, he said, “Do please gaze at my eyes.” With all modesty, Ureplied, “You see, I practice the Yoga only as a spritual discipline as conferred by my Guru. I have not come for any competition.” But the Yogi was not 07Jeevansmirthi ready to spare me. I had no option but to sit face to face with him and stare at his eyes. After about a minute, a fly suddenly perched on his eye and he jumped out of his seat sounding discomfort. It appeared as if he felt ashamed and left the place. The merciful God saved me from the embarrassment and shattered the futile vanity of the Yogi. This proved that man does not have the power to retain even a little bit of energy. Out of no reason, man thinks himself superior in wealth, prestige or knowledge and oppresses himself with egotism As a wandering monk, I was sct to move from one place to other. From Shringeri, my goal was to reach Kannangarh. | reached the Ashram of the famous ascetic Swami Ramdas to sce him. He was present in the Ashram. I got obliged by seeing him. I stayed in his Ashram for four days. Every evening I attended the holy assembly (Satsanga). It was euphoric to listen to the prayers, songs, religious chantings and sermons. I infinitely enjoyed the company of the simple and amiable Swami Ramdas. While leaving the Ashram, | saluted him and prayed for his blessings. With two outstretched hands, he said, “All the blessings are upon you.” The onus of managing the Ashram was on Mataji Krishna Bai, a highly dedicated disciple of the Swamiji. Even today, I remember her sweet deportment. In later days, she became the Ashram chief and was known as the Gurumata. I saluted her also and left the Ashram. From the extreme end of South India, 1 decided to travel towards Central India. I thought of going to the famous pilgrim centre at Omkareswar on the banks of the river Narmada. On reaching there, I lodged in the Ashram of Shri Shri Sitaramdas Omkarnathji, a famous ascetic from Bengal Omkareswar was like a small island. It was located atop a hill surrounded with big trees amidst deep sylvan beauty. At the bottom, deep blue water of the Narmada was flowing solemnly. The beauty of it as 68 Jeevansmirthi viewed from the top was something only to be seen and it beggared description. ‘The Shiva temple of Omkareswar was on the bank of the river. It was one of the effulgent lingas of the twelve ‘Uyotirlingas’. Within the temple complex was the Ashram of Sri Gobindapada, the Guru of the first Shankaracharya. On the other side was the Ashram of Omkarnathji. The residences of the priests forming a small hamlet was nearby. Accommodation was sparse in the Ashram of Omkarnathji. There were only two or three hutments. Even then the ascetics there provided a small hut for me with great warmth and care. The desolate hut was almost in the middle of the island. All around, there were innumerable trees. The solitude of the hut within the dense forest was exactly as liked. The river Narmada was a little away. T used to spend the entire day in worry-free meditation in complete isolation Tused to have my ablution in the cool and pure water of the Naramada and I would go to the noon. I have not forgotten even today the divine memory of the food I took for the few days in that Ashram. There is no end to the number of persons to whom I had already narrated about that food. The extraordinary taste of the food is not to be forgotten. But the course was very simple, containing only boiled rice, pulse soup and some boiled vegetables! Milk or curd was not served. The pulse cooked by the Brahmin Cook was quite delicious; but the manner in which he served food was still more enjoyable. He brought the same pulse again and again, waving his hand with a smile, but each time it seemed as if he was serving some other new curry. I had the experience at that time of how important the sweetness of the mind of the server was along with that of the food stuff. I spent three weeks at Omkareswar on the bank of the Narmada. During the said period, I felt the 69veevansmirihi incomparable glory of mother Narmada, which is being narrated now, There was no fear from wild animals at Omkareswar. The place was so lonely that no chirping of even a single bird was audible either in daytime or at night. Even then, living in complete isolation in that desolate hut with no sound at all sometimes created fear in my mind. One morning, I was sitting in a yogic posture in the hut and was contemplating for going to the Narmada for a bath. Somebody knocked at the door at that time. Opening the door I saw a fair complexioned youth with slightly long hair on the head, wearing a loin cloth and an outer garment with a light wrapper on his body with a bag hanging from his shoulder. 1 asked the reason for his coming. He replied that he had come to practise meditation and expressed his desire to spend a few days in my hut. | expresed the difficulty in performing austere practice by both in the same hut. Besides. the priest had allotted the hut for my practice alone. Without entering into any argument, he enquired in immaculate Hindi if any shelter could be available at some other place there. I said, “there is a Shiva temple yonder and you could stay there if you so wish.” On saying this, 1 got ready to go to the Narmada for a bath. | also escorted the stranger saint to the Shiva temple. One of the door panels of the temple was broken. Secing this, the saint expressed reluctance to stay there. Then I told him to wait at the temple and went to the river for bathing, While going, I thought to take the saint to my cottage. | thought that it would be better for practising spiritual austerity together in the company of a renunciate ascetic. Whatever fear and apprehension I had would also be removed. After taking my bath I returned to the Shiva temple. As soon as he saw me from a distance, he said, “I will stay here itself. Don’t worry. There is nothing to fear in this place.” I returned to my cottage with a worry-free mind. All fears from my mind were dispelled by thinking that 70 Jeevansmirthi an ascetic would be practising spiritual meditation nearby. About fifteen days passed like this. With a mind free from worries twas engrossed in meditation. But surprisingly, I could not see the ascetic any more. Later I asked the known monks there if they had seen that fair complexioned Yogi. All of them smilingly said, ‘These are all strange dalliances of mother Narmada. Such great souls are often visible here, but the very next moment they are no more to be found.” Then I could understand the mystery. I had the strong conviction that the ascetic was none other than the great Sri Sri Babaji Maharaj of the Dronegiri cave of Ranikshet, the Guru of the great Yogi Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashaya. He appeared out of compassion to dispel my fear in staying alone in the solitary hut. My conviction was strengthened by further thinking about his divine countenance, his attire and age. Alas! What a fool I was! I could not recognize my supremely adorable Gurudev. In the midst of infinite gloom { had the only consolation that it was my great fortune at least to see him and obtain his grace. My days were spent in the lap of mother Narmada in calm meditation and spiritual practices in thi manner. [ then decided to go to the ancient town of Ujjaini, the capital of the King Vikramaditya on the banks of the river Shipra. The Mahakaleswar Shiva, one of the effulgent twelve lingas existed there Ujjaini was the abode of literature and culture practised by Barahamihir, Bhababhuti, Kalidas. It was a small town. The holy Kumbha Fair is celebrated here on the banks of the river Shipra at an interval of twelve years. From all the corners of India and different countries of the world, devotees and spiritual seekers rush there to taste the nectar of the holy company of great saints and ascetics. 71Jeevansmirthi Even today many ancient temples are still cxisting there. The remains of many hermitages sanctified with the meditation of saints and seers can also be seen even today. I spent a few days by worshipping the Mahakaleswar Shiva to my heart’s content. I enjoyed the sylvan beauty on the banks of the river Shipra by wandering about and saw the hermitages existing intermittently at that place. The cave of Bhartrihari, once a highly renunciate saint of the royal origin, as cescribed in the book, “Vairagya Shatakam” was a special place there to see Ujjaini, with its calm and charming environment, was thus liked very much. It was time for my return. Before leaving the place, I went to the temple and prostrated at the lotus feet of the Mahakaleswar. ‘Thereafter | set out for Nasik, a great pilgrimage place on the river Godavari. XI. Travel To The Chaturdham In The Himalayas Reminiscences of my travel in South India kindled my memory of my earlier travel in the mountains of the Himalayas, considered as the abode of God. I had visited the ‘Chaturdham’ (Four very sacred places for pilgrimage) in the Himalayas. The delight and the self-confidence gained by me out of that travel is undescribable. From my boyhood, I had a strong inclination to travelling. With the slightest opportunity, I used to go out for destinations, far or near, with meagre resources. Hills and rivers always attracted me. It was not possible for me not to respond to their calls. ‘At Lakhanpur I was so preoccupied in building the school and the Ashram that I could not go to any far off place. Meanwhile, India became free from the shackles of long subjugation on 15th August, 1947, This created enormous enthusiasm and fervour in everyone’s mind. My mind also swayed in delight with the hilarity of the entire country. I had a long cherished desire to see the Himalayan mountains, to take bath in the holy waters of Gangotri and Gomukn, the sources of the mighty rivers- the Ganges and the Yamuna and to see the ancient famous temples of Kedarnath and Badrinath. The moment I sounded of this travel, Brahmachari Animanandaji (Later Swami Satchidanandaji) agreed to accompany me on this tour. We two set out in the middle of May. We reached Hardwar first. There we lodged at the Bholagiri Ashram. The saints and hermits of the Northern India had a special respect and reverence for Sri Bholagiriji. After he left his 73Jeevansmirthi mortal body, Swami Mahadevananda Giri Maharaj of Bengal became the in-charge of the Ashram. In those days many other great scholars, workers and wise personalities stayed in that Ashram. They were all worthy disciples of Bholagiriji Maharaj. Among them, Swami Vishweshwaranandaji, Vishuddhanandaji and Virajanandaji etc. were famous. By staying in that Ashram I got acquainted with the ideals of an ascetic life. Despite having many Brahmacharis and the attendant workers, the very old head of the Ashram, Mahadevananda Giri Maharaj used to sit in the Kitchen for cutting vegetables for cooking. His hands trembled; still he used to work with everybody. I used to be surprised to see that. Tears of delight roll down my cyes even today when Irecall the sweet behaviour of Vishuddhanandaji with affection and like a dear and near one. I found that if anyone would start serving him by waving a fan in the midst of heat, he would suddenly take away the fan and would overwhelm all in the assembly by fanning himself. In his earlier life, he was 2 co-worker of the great revolutionary sage Sri Aurobinda. Having gained the company and the proximity of such persons, | got tremendous inspiration in my life. Vishuddhanandaji Maharaj made all arrangements for our travel to the Himalayas within a few days. He first sent me to the Kailash Ashram at Hrishikesh with a letter of introduction. At the moment of our departure, he presented me very affectionately a travelling stick. He said, “This stick has visited ‘Chaturdham’ four times. Take this with you. You will not face any difficulty on the road. Many persons had discouraged me saying that with my weak physique it would not be possible for me to walk up and down such a long distance in the difficult terrain. But I had an unwavering determination charged with enthusiasm and spiritual fervour. With the sanctified stick I felt further 74 Jeevansmirthi encouraged. Full of joy and gratitude, | prostrated at the feet of Vishuddhanandaji. It appeared as if I got in my hand a living companion with me. The grace of Vishuddhanandaji for this humble self overflowed. He filled me with his hearty blessings. In those days the sanits could collect their food free from the controlled price shops at the stopover spots on the journey route. I was not then initiated formally as 2 Brahmachari On that day itself Vishuddhanandaji named me as “Brahmachari Shivananda.” He also gave me a letter of introduction in my new name so that I could get free ration at the stopover places. With a new vigour, I proceeded towards Hrishikesh along with Brahmachari Animanandaji. At the Kailash Ashram, we collected the necessary permits and on an auspicious day, our journey to the Himelyas commenced. The day of our journey would remain unforgettable in my life as the great Vedantic scholar and 2 man of profound wisdom Shrimat Devi Giri Maharaj also commenced his journey as our leader. He was to go to Uttarkashi. I could not imagine that I would be privileged with his audience and company in this manner. We travelled some distance by bus and then waiked for a day to Dharasu On the two days of travel and rest, Devi Giriji conducted spiritual discourses. His great soul had realised cosmic consciousness and had attained the supreme level of Vedantic wisdom. Many spiritual practioners of high order received knowledge and advice from him. Devi Giriji, who was a renunciate saint and extremely indifferent to the material world, never liked to come down to plains from the foot-hills, of the Himalayas. Once he agreed to go to Benaras at the invitation of Shri Shri Anandamayee Maa, but did not agree to take the route therefor via Mussouri from Uttarkashi. He said, “Those places are for enjoying materialistic desires.” He was such a renunciate great saint. 758 :Jeevansmurthi I was enchanted at the rare fortune of walking along with him. He also graciously kept special watch 0a tWo of us. The advices from him consoled our mind and soul. We used to be oblivious of the difficulties involved in the journey, From Dharasu, Debi Giriji ‘Maharaj proceeded towards Uttarkashi and we moved towards Yamunotri. The Himalayas are the kings of the mountains. We were taken aback at the very sight of it. My long cherished dream to see the Himalayas was going to be fulfilled. The vastness, the elegance, the meditative beauty of the Himalayas were only to be seen and cannot be described in words. It is not my intention to write here a travelogue on the Himalayas. Many famous writers and travellers have already narrated it in detail. | would not, therefore, make a similar attempt. But I would like to say that the Himalayas appeared to me as the vast manifested form of Lord Krishna herself. He has Himself said in the Gita, Sthabaranaim Himalaya. The vast stretch of the Himalayas bedecked with the grandeur of Srikrishna was the holy seat for the spiritual world from the anicient times, and a very sanctifed pilgimage. The great sage and godman Vyasdev preached the messages of the Vedas, the Vedantas, the Upanishads and the Mahabharata from a cave in the Himalayas. The sages and ascetics spread the divine light of spiritual consciouness to the people of different countries from the innermost caverns of the Himalayas. Parshurama, Dronacharya, Kripacharya taught the kings and princes the super natural weaponry on the lap of the Himalayas. Gautam Buddha got the first illumination of divine wisdom in the foothills of the Himalayas. It is said that Jesus Christ got the light of Oriental wisdom in the Himalayas itself, which he preached later to the different countries of the occidental world. The great Pandavas left their mortal bodies in the Himalayas to 76 Jeevansmirthi merge with Srikrishna. The Ganges and the Yamuna, the two holy rivers came out by bursting the breast of the Himalayas with the aim of washing away the sins of the world. Several crore of human beings of the world are obliging themselves by cleansing their sins in the holy water of the Ganges and the Yamuna. Shankaracharya, after preaching the invaluable doctrine of non-duality, entered Mahasamadhi (merging with the Infinite) at the bossom of the Himalayas. Another vastly learned great Yogi of the modern world, Swami Vivekananda attained tremendous power to stir the world after his austere spiritual practices in the Himalayas. He spread the rare Indian wisdom of non-duality in America. He made the vast expanse of the world reverberate with the praising words of the victory of the spiritual wisdom of India. In the present era, Kriya Yoga, the ancient yogic practice of India, is being spread and disseminated with great cordiality throughout the entire world. Shri Shri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashaya, a householder yogi of Benaras got the knowledge of Kriya Yoga in the middle of the last century in a cave at the Dronagiri mountain in the very Himalayas at Ranikshet area. The omniscient great sage Sri Sri Babaji Maharaj residing in caves summoned Sri Sri Shyamacharan and initiated him in the practice of Kriya Yoga. Shyamacharan then arranged to disseminate this knowledge of esoteric yogic practice of the Himalayan yogis to one and all of the spiritual aspirants, Following the same line, Paramhansa Yogananda Giriji, a disciple in the lineage of Lahiribaba, attended the religious convention at the Boston city in America in 1920 and spent about thirty years there for spreading the essence of Kriya Yoga. Now a days the travails of the Himalayan journey have been mitigated. Buses ply upto Kedarnath, Badrinath and other difficult places. Pilgrims now 17Jeevansmirthi travel to the different places in the Himalayas remaining seated in a bus. But at the time we made our journey, trekking by foot was the only option. We reached at different pilgrim spots only by walling. As the danger and labour of that journey were terrible, so were the limitless joy, enthusiasm and thrill. The path was uneven and rugged. There were ups and downs and somewhere it was extremely narrow. One had to walk as if with one’s life resting on his palm. Sometimes, the limbs were almost paralysed in extreme cold; darkness descended before the eyes and the feet trodded up or down only at the rythmic sound of sticks falling on the rocky path. The energy to resume the journey with full enthusiasm could be gained by taking rest somewhere for sometime and by drinking the cold water of the springs on the wayside Every traveller could perceive the invigorating power and glory of the Himalayan environment and the spring water. Nobody had to remain helpless on the way. I really felt the Himalayas as a physical form of Lord Krishna, the manifestation of the infinite glory of the Supreme Soul, the Supreme Brahma. Even the wild animals of the dense forest did not bear any ferocity towards the pilgrims. Theft and robbery were non-existent; nor were the travellers subjected to injustice and tyranny. The Himalayas were as if the direct abode of Brahma. I had in my hand the stick blessed by Vishuddhananda Maharaj. My feet never slipped any day anywhere. I never fell down, nor did I face any difficulty. I continuously walked for thirty six days from one holy place to the other along the mountain trails. I witnessed the direct evidence of the fact that even a lame man could climb a mountain peak with the grace of the Almighty. I myself also got that evidence. My friends never believed that with my weak body I would be able to return to Hardwar in 78 Jeevansmirthi good health and physique after visiting the four sacred places deep inside the difficult mountains. But with the grace of the Supreme Soul, the God and the Mountain Monarch Himalayas, I could return safely and happily on completion of my journey. Not only persons with weak heaith lise me travelled in the Himalayas; but I also saw even the physically handicapped persons traversing the difficult terrain by the grace of God with unwavering trust and self- confidence. I met one devotee on the way. One of his legs could not touch the ground; it hanged. He was also going to have a darshan of Badrinath. He positioned his legs like those in a lotus posture. His beddings were fastened on his back and he travelled up and down supporting with both his hands with a thudding sound. A stick was hung from his shoulder. In that condition he used to lift himself from the ground by supporting on two hands and then hop ahead along the ups and downs of the uneven path. We all looked at him in astonishment. We could not extend any help. Whenever asked for, he just smiled it away. He told, “I had completed the Chaturdham. thrice; this is the fourth time.” While taking rest at some stopover place, reaching earlier, we found him arriving there on the next day. He reached Badrinath within two or three days of our arrival. We were all amazed and got the direct proof of the saying of the sages that by the God’s grace a lame could also cross over the mountains. By surrendering completely to the Supreme Lord and owning Him as everything in life, even a dumb man can talk and a lame man can-climb the mountain peaks by His grace. What is humanly impossible becomes possible by the grace of God. ‘The Himalayas are, therefore, the vast form of the Supreme Soul of Srikrishna. God Vasudeva, the Supreme Brahma, exists gracefully with his innumerable eyes, thousands of hands and feet and 79Veevansmirthi countless ears. Spiritual meditation in the Himalayas was like virtually practising spiritual austerity, sitting on the lap of Srikrishna Himself and the greatest repose under this carefree shelter The thunderous sounds of the Himalayas were the resonance of the spiritual sound ‘Aum’. The Himalayas were ever reverberating with the Aum sound. The practising ascetic got engrossed in the cosmic sound effortlessly. It is this cosmic sound of Aum which was Srikrishna, the Supreme Brahma. The scriptures have narrated, Tasya vachakah Pranabah. The cogitation, the listening to and the meditation of the cosmic word “Aum” are the greatest ascetic practices. The entire universe is nothing but the expanse of this Aum. The human soul is the seed of the cosmic word, “Aum”. Man can attain complete self-realisation by practising the worshipping of Aum. Self-realisation is the ultimate goal of spiritual practice, the best means for ultimate liberation. Aum, Aum, Aum. bd Cg Py 80 XII. A Few Days In The Naimisharanya Work done for pleasing God is like performing a “Yagna.” When work is done for one’s own comfort, it becomes the cause of attachment. Hence doors of liberation are opened when work is done for the satisfaction of God. Mind sometimes gets tired even in the midst of selfless work for service to mankind. In such moments, one finds some freshness, away from the known environment. This also provides the opportunity of assaying oneself with the touchstone of dependence on God. In between the busy work schedule of the Ashram and the Vidyalaya, I once set out to see the unique place of spiritual meditation at the Naimisharanya From ancient ages, the Naimisharanya has been the holy place for worshipping and performing spiritual discipline by the sages and the hermits. Srikrishna dwaipayan Vyas left his mortal body there itself. His tomb still existed there. At the period of ‘Chaturmasya’, the Bhagabat was read there daily This practice had been being followed since very ancient times-since the time of Shukdeva, son of the great sage Vyasdeva. A number of saints were engrossed in religious austerities there in the huts of the Narada Ashram. There was also an Ashram of Sri Sri Ananda Mayee Maa and a place for charitable supply of food. ‘At the Naimisharanya,.I got a cottage in the ‘Annachhatra,’ out of the courtesy of Srimat Swami Paramenandaji, General Sceretary of Maa Anandamayee Ashram. I stayed there for a few cays. The Naimisharaya was a highly sacred place of 81Jeevansmirthi austere, religious practice, a concourse for practising meditation of God, reverberating with the sound of the one letter of the name of Brahma. The place was full of beautiful trees. The forest sesounded with the running of the deer and the call of the peacock. The river Gomati flowed with a great speed in its serpentine course. There were two shrines, one of Lord Shiva and the other of Goddess Lalita. I used to visit both the temples quite often while staying in the Naimisharanya. In the temple of the Goddess, one day a desire crept in my mind to get the ‘Prasad’ of the divine mother. But | could not express my desire to the temple priests out of hesitation. But surprisingly the Divine Mother read my mind. The founder of the habitat I was occupying, visited me once. We got mutually introduced. He requested me for staying in the cottage as long as I wished. One day he offered some sweetmeats to the Mother Goddess Lalita in her temple and brought a plate full of Prasad for me. My mind became full of joy and gratitude to perceive the supernatural grace of the Divine Mother who kindly arranged for the Prasad to fulfil my unspoken yearning. | prostrated mentally on her crimson feet. I feel a rapture of joy whenever I remember the grace of the Supreme Being bestowed on me at every step of my life Thus, a few days were spent de! in the Naimisharmya. Thereafter it was the turn to return to the Ashram of Sri Guru from the forest and commence the chapter of offering myself anew on the altar of Karma. I remembered that work created attachment; but selfless service loosen the ties. Whoever does good selfless work with no desire for the fruit, does not develop bondage in the material world Pg Pg ” 82 XII. My Initiation To Sannyas (Monkhood) On completion of my tour to South India, I returned to the Ranchi Ashram. The authorities again requested me to take over the charge of the Brahmacharya Vidyalaya. But I did not like to assume the responsibility again. So I did not agree and moved to Lakhanpur. I started leading my lonely life in the solitary ‘Nirgun’ Cottage at Lakhanpur Ashram. That cottage existed there much before the Yogoda Ashram had been established. A monk named Swami Nirgunananda once stayed in that cottage. He was a disciple of the Brahmagna Maa. Later, he left for some other place. The Yogoda authorities built a permanent Gurumandir while 1 was staying in the Nirgun cottage. After the Gurumandir was built, the altar of Gurudev Paramahansa Yogananda was consecrated there. Arrangement was made for daily worshipping and weekly congregation in the Gurumandir. A room ‘was also built adjacent to the temple. I started staying in that room. On Ist November, 1956, the Purulia district was formally attached to the State of West Bengal. Prior to thet, Purulia was a part of Bihar. On 2nd November, some high officials of the West Bengal Education Department visited Lakhanpur for inspection of the vidyalaya. At that time, Lakhanpur Yogoda Satsanga Kshirodamoyee Vidyapith (School) earned a wide fame and recognition. It was known to all as a model educational institution. The officials of the State Education Department, therefore, selected 83Jeevansmirthi Lakhanpur to discuss the means of spreading education in the Purulia District. They returned happily after collecting various data and information by detailed discussions. Just after a month, Sri Girish Chandra Majumdar, a very famous social worker of Purulia and an ardent follower of Mahatma Gandhi, came to the Lakhanpur Ashram along with Sri Dhirendra Mohan Sen, the then Director of West Bengal State Education Department. They met me. I was then leading an indifferent renunciate life abstaining from active work. Sri Sen was a person totally devoted to the noble task of spreading education throughout his life. He requested me for helping in the expansion of education. I could not say ‘no’ and consented by my silence. A new chapter for intense work ushered in for a renunicate like me. An institution named ‘Pallibharati’ was set up for spreading education in the Purulia District. Shri Girish Chandra Majumdar became the Secretary of the institution and I was made the President. Even after having had abstained from active work, once again I got entangled in it. More work was left for me, who had hun all work. Realising that one cannot be devoid of work just by taking a decision to renounce work, I engaged myself to intense activities. Through the institution Pallibharati, the Nistarini College, a Polytechnic School. the Junior Basic Training Institute and several Junior and Scnior Basic schools at different villages were opened one by one. This created a tremendous response in the rural areas of Purulia. The villagers became interested and motivated to gain education Lakhanpur Vidyapith was upgraded to a Higher Secondary School. Studies progressed in all the three streams - Agriculture, Arts and Science. The Government gave a grant of twenty thousand rupees to the Yogoda Authorities for opening one more Junior Basic school at Lakhanpur. There were two 84 Jeevansmirthi primary schools in Lalchanpur village at that time. The villagers protested against opening the third school as that might lead to unhealthy competition. ‘The two existing schools were for the boys. |, therefore, proposed to set up a school for the girls with the fund. The girls were deprived of primary education till then. The DI. very gladly agreed to the proposal. With due permission from the Government, the Junior Basic school under the management of the Ashram was converted to a primary school for girls only. This created a wide response among the girls in the surrounding aseas. Gradually the number of girl students increased in such a way that the school had to be upgraded the very next year from a Junior Basic school upto class V to a Senior Basic school upto class VIII. A grant was also received from the Government ior building a girls’ hostel for the students. I realised the infinite grace of the Guru. It appeared as if Paramhansaji himself was establishing the school for the girls and arranging for all its requirements according to his king. Earlier, on many occasions, none was available even for lighting the lamp in the evening at the Gurumandir. But now, there was continual arrival of teachers and fresh students, as if attracted by Gurudev himself. Since the commencement of the girls’ school, daily morning and evening prayers, worshipping the Guru and Lord Shive, celebration of the religious festivals like hivaratri,” ‘Gucu Purnima’ and ‘Srikrishna Janmashtami' went on smoothly. Every Saturday holy congregation or Satsanga was held. The birth anniversary of Paramhansa Yoganandaji started being celebrated every year on the 5th January. Today, even after 2 lapse of long forty years, service to the guests and invitees, and all these pujas, prayers and festivals have been being performed regularly in this holy Ashram of Sri Guru. In the minds of th people, reepect and love towards the Yogoda Satsanga asJeevansmirthi Girls’ school and the activities of the Ashram authorities were increasing day by day. In October, 1958, Sri Daya Mata. President of the Self Realisation Fellowship (the main organisation of Yogoda Satsanga) visited India from America. In india she first stayed in the Yogoda Math at Dakshineswar. She summoned me to meet her and accordingly I went to Dakshineswar. The moment we met. she first enquired why till then I was not initiated in monkhood (Sanayas). Daya was a co-disciple sister full of compassion in her body and mind and a noble soul. I replied forcefully, Who is the saint in our institution having the proper authority to administer monkhood initiation or Sannyas? From whom would Thave the initiation after Paramahansaji had left his body? It is my misfortune that he could not come to India.” Dayamata became thoughtful, affectionately patted my back and remained silent. Later we talked on many things, but the subject of monkhood was na more discussed Dayamata decided to go to Ranchi on 15th January, 1959 to see the Brabmacharya Vidyalaya of our Gurudev. She had come to India with that desire as the chief purpose. She was not aware that the Brahmacharya Vidyalaya had lost its past glory. Having come te know of this desire of Dayamata, Sti Prabhas Chandra Ghosh and Brahmachari Prakash Das (Swami Atmananda Giri on later days), Secretary of Yogoda Satsanga Society, became very worried. They called me. I went to Calcutta and met them, After careful consultation, it was decided that all would escort Dayamata first to Lakhanpur Ashram on 14th January. After visiting the schools at Laishanpur, she would set out for Ranchi the next afternoon. In those days the Lakhanpur Vidyapith had a high reputation, Lakhanpur Vidyapith and the Girls’ school were founded on the ideal of the Ranchi Brahmacharya Vidyalaya. Therefore, by inspecting 86 Jeevansmirthi these schools, Dayamata would get an idea about the ideal of the Brahmacharya Vidyalaya. We kept ourselves prepared with the workers charged with enthusiasm. There was no arrangement in the Lakhanpur Ashram befitting the stay of an honourable resident of America. But we were ready for the reception of Dayamata with our sincere love and heart-felt devotion. On 14th January afternoon, Dayamata reached Lakhanpur Ashram with her entourage. She was accompanied by Sri Prabhs Chandra Ghosh of Calcutta, Brahmachari Prakash Das, Sri Binay Narayan Dubey (Later known as Swami Shyamananda Giri), Brahmachari Brahmenanda and the residents of the Ashram in America - Anandamate, Revatimata and Brother Kriyananda, Dayamata was received unostentatiously but with all cordiality by offering her a garland and was escorted to the Ashram. After taking rest for sometime, a Satsanga was held in the mango grove in front of the Ashram. Shri Hirelal Chand, Headmaster ef the Vidyapith and Sri Girish Chandra Majumder, a renowned social worker of Purulia, formally welcomed Dayamata and the other guests and invitees. Dayamataji offered her respect to Gurudey Paramhansaji and then enchanted all by her well thought out speach. Qn the next day from morning to noon, the villagers arrived in groups to salute and convey their love and respect to Dayamata and other guests. The merry festivities at Lakhanpur Ashram came to an end, when Dayamata left for Ranchi alter lunch. Dayamate also took me to Ranchi with her. A royal reception was provided to Dayamataji and her entourage at Ranchi under the guidance of Sri Ramkishore Roy, one of the Diretors of Yogoda Satsanga Society. She inspected the Brahmacharya Vidyalaya on the next day. She was perturbed to see the condition of the School at that time. With a heavy 87Jeevansmirthi heart, she said to me, “It is you who have to take over the charge of Ranchi Brahmacharya Vidyalaya again.” Though unwilling, | had to take the responsibility as a disciplined worker of Gurudev’s Ashram. Every week, I had to go to Lakhanpur to oversee the running of the school and the Ashram there. Thus | busied myself in the supervision function at both the places at Ranchi and Lakhanpur. ‘Three to four months passed out like this. Then one day I received a letter from Dayamata. She had written that she had talked with the Shankaracharya Sri Krishna Tirtha Bharati of Puri Gobardhan Math and arranged for my initiation in the monastic order along with Brahmachari Ravi Narayan Maharaj of Puri Yogoda Ashram. She wanted to know if I was agreeable to be initiated by the Shankaracharya, Who was going to loose the rare opportunity of initiation from the Shankaracharya himself? 1 immediately consented. Alter a few days, I received the call from the Shankaracharya to meet him. Without any delay, 1 arrived at his feet. After the meeting and troduction, he decided to formally initiate myself’ and Sri Ravi Naravan as monks on 27th May, 1959 gt ‘QupPuri Ashram. ad fot informed about my initiation into monkhood to any of my friends or relatives. During the summer vacation of the Ranchi school, I proceeded to Puri for my initiation into the very acred monastic order. The rituals were completed in two days, as per the stipulations in the scriptures under the direction of Srimat Shankaracharya. Shankeracharyaji himself graciously came to our Puri Yogoda Ashram and initiated myself and Ravi Narayanji as monks (Sannyasis) in the memorial temple of our great Guru Sri Yukteswar Giri Maharaj. During the initiation rituals, he worshipped us as the Lord Narayan. We became gratified. He also gave recognition to Dayamata as a Lady Saint (Sannyasin] 88 Jeevansmirthi at that time. Dayamata, Sri Prabhas Chandra Ghosh, Brahmachari Brabmananda, Sri Binay Narayan Dubey and many devotees and respectable persons of Puri attended our initiation ceremony. Ravi Narayanji and myself were given the monastic names of Swami Hariharenanda Giri and Swami Bidyananda Giri respectively. Our relatives and friends did not know about our initiation to Sanayas. Photos of our initiation ritual and that of Sri Shankaracharyaji were published in the newspaper ‘Ananda Bazar.’ By seeing that, our friends and relatives came to know about our initiation in the monastic order. The kind-hearted, God-man Shankaracharyaji, as a representative of our departed Guru Paramhansa Yogananda, made us monks to engage ourselves in selfless service for the welfare of all In the Gita itis said : reronghie. a Parcar Pree: | Seeds Tem amar rere 1 asaktabuddhih sarvatra jitatmd vigatasprihah naishkarmyasiddhim paramam sannyasenad- higacchati (Gia 18/49) This is the ultimate attainment of mendicancy. Surrendering myself to God and to the lineage of the Gurus, I hada rebirth, My journey in the new path of a renunciate commenced. Cg HK bd 89XIV. Once Again In The Arena Of Activities At Lakhanpur After entering in the monastic order, twenty years of life were spent in the light and shade of the active workfield. The Vidyalaya at Ranchi had to be rebuilt Swami Satchidanandaji and Brahmachari Shuddhanadaji, a disciple of Swami Atmanandaji were the coworkers and friends. Meanwhile/ Dayamataji removed Swami Atmandaji, the tireles and appointed Sri Binay Narayan Dubey in) fils place. H expansion activities commenced in Yogoda/ Sri Ram Kishore Roy, one of the Directors of Yogoda Satsanga at Ranchi was dissatisfied. Swami Satchidanandaji was annoyed. The workers of the Dakshineswar Math’ in Calcutta started feeling helpless. The devotees in’ Calcutta and other places became frustrated at the departure of Atmanandaji. Inspite sof my ement, Swami Satchidanandaji_ was remove to see all these changes. | also reached a state o helplessness Stage. On the other hand, activities at Lakhanpur were also on the increase. So, before the conflict of opinio; ays deepened, I handed over the enlire chargd at Ranchi to Sri Binay Narayan Dubey an Jeevansmirthi Sometime in 1963, Sri Dhirendra Mohan Sen, Head of the Education Department. West Bengal called me to meet him, He requested me to undertake the responsibility for setting up a Higher Secondary Girls’ school at Lakhanpur in the Ashram environment. I dedicated myself in the education and welfare for the women. A great enterprise of intense activities commenced. Between 1954 and 1967, quarters for twenty five teachers, a girls’ hostel to accommodate two hundrad fifty students and a two storied building for the school were built. Teachers, both male and female, arrived from different corners and started performing a great Yagna of imparting education with enthusiasm and delight in a grossly backward village. Like the Boys’ Vidyapith, in the Girls’ School also the ideals and the discipline of the Ranchi Brahmacharya Vidyalaya were integrated in the daily routine. The girl students used to leave their bed early in the morning and on completion of the routine morning cleansing and wash, participated in the prayer assembly. They took breakfast at the scheduled time. Thereafter they studied under the guidance of the teachers. At the ringing of the bell for bathing, everyone finished her bath. Thereafter, by assembling together in the dining hall, they took their meals after reciting a verse from the Gita and praying. The schoo! continued from 10 AM in the morning to 4 PM in the afternoon. After the school hours, the girl students took rest for a while in their hostel. After participating in games in the afternoon, they took tiffin and again assembled for prayer at dusk. After the prayer, they completed studies and thereafter took dinner before retiring to bed at the fixed hour. Thus, the lives of the girls used to develop amidst utmost discipline. Along with the studies, the students were taught to be self- dependent. Washing their clothes and utensils, cleaning their rooms were done by themselves. Besides these, they also learnt to serve the guests and to worship at the temples of the Guru and Shiva under 91Jeevansmirthi the supervision and guidance of the teachers. Every Saturday evening, Satsanga was held in the Gurumandir of the Ashram. Prayer, recitation, meditation, songs of God. worshipping and spiritual discourses were held in thoseGongregations. The girl students participated with great cagerness. The guardians of the students and people in general were elated and satisfied to see the disciplined running of the school. The Government was also highl pleased. While setting up the Girls’ school, I perceived the blessings of Sri Gurudev at every step and received the direct grace of Gods and Goddesses, Dayamataji, President of SRF visited Lakhanpur almost on each occasion of her visit to India since 1958. She brought the light of spiritual consciousness and the blessings of the lineage of the Gurus and the ideal way of building lives. Among all the schools conducted by the Yogoda Sat Sanga Society, Lakhanpur girls’ school is the only one, where some vestiges of the education system and ideals of Paramhansaji have been existing even today in an unblemished manner. Changes become essential with the change in time and the system of administration. The schools under Yogoda could not also be kept free from the influence of these changes. Even then the Yogoda authorities have been maintaining a special watch on the Lakhanpur schools with a view to retaining the significance of Sri Gurudev unimparied. Ihave mentioned earlier that the contribution of Sri Keshab Chandra Chowdhury, the landlord towards the building of the Lakhanpur Vidyalaya was endless. His name is to be mentioned ahead of all even in the case of establishing the Girls’ School. He donated the necessary plot of land with a large mango grove for the school. From the very outset, Sri Ashwini Kumar Chowdhury and Sri Nimai Charan Chowdhury of the lage and my younger brother in my pre-monastic life, Dipendra Nath De extended all kinds of assistance in all matters in building up the school. 92 The girl students of the Kanya Vidyalaya wi Krishnanandaji during evening prayer at Lakhanpur. 1998, With him are seen per muendicants and workers‘Sri Guru Library at Lakhanpur Ashura,The young buds of Laka lava praying before she start of class ‘Marchpast by the girl students of Lakhanper Kanya Vidyalaya, Jeevansmirthi The educated youths of the village also came forward for helping with enthusiasm. The work would have been impossible had I not got some lady teachers totally devoted to the cause of sctting up the school. It was as if Paramhansaji had selected them and assigned them in the service Srimati Chameli Sengupta is to be named first among the lady teachers who totally devoted themselves in embellishing the school. She came in July, 1959 and joined the Senior Basic School. Later, she was Promoted as Headmistress of the Girls’ School. The school was transformed into a model one due to the sincerity and efficiency of Srimati Sengupta. The manner in which she totally abstained from the comforts of family life and made sacrifice for the uplift of the girls of the rural Bengal is an extremely rare example. Ms. Radha Basu, Ms. Anjali and a few other lady teachers have been rendering their untiring service from the early days of the school till today following the footsteps of Ms. Sengupta. They are ever earnest in the various activities of the school and the hostels. Besides the school, they are also devoted to the service of the Ashram. The light of peace and discipline of the Lakhanpur Ashram thus remained alight, although the village, the town and many other Ashrams had been flooded with political turnmoils. There had been temporary commotions and hindrances, but at the end, trath, religion and peace triumphed by the grace of Guru. I could not feel how my days sped away amidst the busy schedule of the various activities of the Girls’ school and thoughts and perceptions of the Ashram, My spiritual practices continued unhindered even amidst counties prroccupations of work. I knew in my mind and soul that the attainment of God- realisation was my only goal. The service and the activities were only the means to attain that realisation. So in my mind I had the constant determination to stick to my spiritual practice uninterrupted. I observed that after my busy. daily 93Jeevansminthi schedule of intense activities, whenever I sat for meditation, my mind submerged into the deep realms of meditation although the time was short. This could not be possible but for the infinite grace of Paramhansaji. The daily schedules of the Girls’ school and the Ashram were intertwined, as if in a large family. The members were absorbed sometimes in activities, sometimes in studies, sometimes in games and at times remained absorbed in prayer and meditation, Many incidents took place. I remember one such There was a Kali temple adjacent to the Girls’ school. The temple building was dilapidated; only the foundation was left. We thought that if we could build a temple on the same foundation and install Godess Kali there, the place would then become brighter and the girls would also be delighted by worshipping and having a darshan of the mother goddess. With this thought stone idols of Lord Shiva and Goddess Kali had been brought from Benaras. Two small shrines were built in the Ashram and at the Kali temple site Swami Heriharanandgji of Puri Yogada Ashram was invited for the installation of the idols. The date and time for the divine installation were decided Hariharanandaji and some other devotees from Ranchi and Dakshineswar Math also came to the Ashram. Haribaranandaji performed the puja and the oblation of sacred fire and installed Lord Shiva in one of the two temples and Mother Goddess Kali in the other. Since then the daily puja of Lord Shiva and Goddess Kali along with that of the Guru has been continuing in the Ashram. At the outset, daily puja at the Shiva temple was done by the girls. Later, Chamelima did it in the Shiva temple and the priest of the Lord Gopala performed it at the Kali temple. A queer problem cropped up after Goddess Kali had been installed in the temple.The Divine Mother started playing supernatural games with the girls of 94 veevansmurthi the hostel. She gave darshan to many of the girls in dreams. Impression of her footprints appeared on someone's bed and sometimes on someone's clothes. There was no end of the divinity of Mother Goddess, ‘The devout people started coming from all directions to get an audience of the Divine Mother. It became difficult to conduct the daily activities of the school because of the crowd. So I silently prayed to the Divine Mother. | complained to Mother, “Mother, if you continue to manifest your divinity in this manner, it will hamper the studies of the girls. Dear Mother, I pray to thee to discontinue this spiritual dalliance; otherwise, I will take you back to Benaras and immerse thee in the Ganges.” The Divine Mother listened to this complaint of mine, the sentimental claim of her son, Within a few days ‘the divine sports of the Mother came to an end. Mother calmed down and remained satisfied with the daily religious services offered to her. Many persons cxperienced this supernatural manifestations of the Divine Mother. But mother had not blessed him, who brought her on his head from Benaras. This gave rise to sullenness in my mind against the Mother. One evening | sat in meditation at a solitary place and prayed to her, “Mother! Thou hast given audience to so many pcople, but never blessed me with Thy vision. Bless me with a little of Thy grace.” Iwas astonished and bewildered to hear the divine voice immediately, “So many mothers visit you everyday, even then you are unable to recognise the Mother.” Being overwhelmed with great astonishment, I realised that all the women, aged or small, were the parts of the Supreme Nature, epitomes of the Divine Mother. The visualisation of the Divine Mother in them was the true visualisation of the Mother. Goddess Kali only represented that Supreme Nature. My mind became saturated with the joy of divine wisdom by the grace of the Divine Mother. cg EJ m 95XV. Travel Again ‘Once again we were out on travel. Our target this time was first to visit the Guru Tirtha and thereafter, any other holy place in Western India, if possible. 1008 Sri Sankaracharyya Krishnatirtha Bharati Maharaj, our Sannyas-guru did not survive long after conferring Sannyas to Swami Hariharanandaji and myself in May, 1959. He left for his heavenly abode in 1960 in Mumbai. Thus I got deprived of having the company of such a great person of profound knowledge. For whatever little spell of time | had seen him, whatever short association I had with him at the time of my being initiated in Sannyas, the memory thereofis still fresh in my mind. Within that very short period, I realised that the relation between the Guru and his disciple in the spiritual world was akin to that between a mother and her child. I have tears in my eyes in remembrance of the deep affection and love that he had towards me. Words fail to express his boundless affection for an insignificant person like me. Trecollect that one day after taking Sannyas, I sat by his side and was pondering as to why he named me ‘Bidyananda!’ He suddenly spoke out, “Bidyananda means devoted to learning.” He knew that my life was fully devoted to the worship of Goddess Saraswati. He was a great Yogi and at the same time a profoundly wise person. His vast proficiency in the Vedic Mathematics was well-known in the entire world. One day after luach he took a little rest. We were pressing his feet and hands and he was talking to us. In course of conversation for a little while, he sank into ‘Samadhi.’ We continued pressing his body, but felt as if it was lifeless. After remaining in that state for a long time, he came to senses. 96 Jeevansmirihi After a few days of our taking Sannyas, the king of Puri invited Shankaracharyaji along with us to his palace to take Prasad of Lord Jagannath. 1 did not consider it proper to attend en invitation after only a few days of Sannyas and felt hesitant. Shankaracharyaji came to know of it and ordered, “You have to go.” So I had to go. Jagatgura Shankar sat in a car, Dayamata and Anendamata put me in the front seat. Others sat in a different car. Satsanga started in the king's palace. Sri Hariharanandaji and other saints sat in rows near Jagatguru. I sat a bit at the backside. Shankaracharyaji did not see me and asked Hariharanandaji, “Where is Bidyananda?” Hariharanandaji informed him that | sat at the back. He at once said, “No, no, he must come here.’ I got up and sat by his side. ‘The discourse was followed by lunch. It was the time to return. The front seat of Jagatguru’s car was occupied by another Sadhu; so I got into another car. Jagatguru, after entering into the car, came to know that I was in another car. He immediately called for me and put me in the front seat of his car. He thus showed extreme affection and care for this young Sannyasi. After this incident whenever Dayamata accompanied me to meet Shankaracharyaji, she used to make me sit in front of Jagatguru saying, “Take your Bidyananda” and everyone present would enjoy it with laughter. After the demise of Shankaracharyaji in 1960, 1 wished to visit the crematorium of the great compassinoate Sannyasguru of mine in Mumbai. It would then simultaneously be posible to visit the holy places like the Dwarakapith in Western India. Dayamata also came to India during this persiod. It s the year 1962, I started by the Bombay Mail. At first I got down at Nagpur. There was.an Ashram of Shankaracharyaji at that place. He used to come and stay there at times. On reaching Nagpur, I went 7Jeevansmirtht to the Ashram. It was looked after by a lady devotee. I stayed there for a day under her hospitality and then eft for Mumbai. One of the brothers of the said devotee lady stayed in Mumbai. She arranged for my stay at his house in Mumbai. Her brother was also a disciple of Shankaracharyaji. It was with his assistance that I could visit the Samadhi (grave) of Shankaracharya Krishnatirtha Bharati Maharaj and some other places of interest. I stayed in Mumbai for a day and then entrained at night for Ahmedabad and reached there on the next day. Fortunately, the Shankaracharyaji of Dwarakapith was then at Ahmedabad. I met him. He gave me an introductory letter very kindly so that I could stay at the Dwaraka Math. He himself also left for Dwaraka by train. The train was to be changed at Rajpur on the way. | entrained in the morning. Amidst rush I could not take any breakfast. I thought of taking something after getting down at Rajpur. I got up ina different train after changing the first train, but there was no chance of taking any food. I sat calmly in a compartment. A sadhu came into the compartment. He was clad in white. He came and sat by my side. Some devotee disciples also came to entrain him. In no time a devotee held before me a plate of ‘malpoa*. Iwas taken aback. The Sadhu Maharaj said, “You take it first please. I shall also have.” Iwas hunger stricken. I took to my heart’s content. | felt that it wes the land of the all merciful Lord Krishna ~ as if Lord Krishna Himself was serving the guests. My heart was filled with joy at the touch of His kindness. The Sadhu Maharaj started talking about Lord Krishna in the compartment itself. Great satisfaction filled up my mind. Time passed out in the joy of Satsanga, hearing from the saint the discourse on Srikrishna in His land. * A saucershaped sweetmeat made of flour or rice -powder fried in ghee or oil and then dipped in sugar juice. 98 Jeevansmirtht The train would reach Dwaraka at about 9.00 P.M. He got down at a station in the evening. On the eve of his departure, he directed each of the passengers for Dwaraka, “See, come and sit with this great soul, accompany him. Detraining at Dwaraka, escort him first to the Bengali Dharmashala, then go to your repective houses.” I embraced him in gratitude for this kindness. He had an Ashram in Mumbai, Truly, the passengers got me down at Dwaraka with great care, escorted me to the Bengali Dharmashala about one kilometer away and then left for their abodes. 1 felt the profound grace of Srikrishna in having such Satsanga on the way. It was quite late at night when I reached the Dharmashala. No accommodation was there in any room. So I had to pass the night sitting in the verandah. Early in the morning, I washed myscif and sat silently. I saw two sannyasis coming out from the Dharmashala at that time for morning walk. One of them was well known to me. He had been in the Ranchi Ashram for three months. Finding me in that state, he rushed to me. He came to know of the last night’s incident. He rebuked the head of the Dharamashala in anger. After all this din and bustle, he arranged for tea and breakfast. Then he escorted me to the Dwaraka Math The Dwaraka Math had a beautiful clean atmosphere. | spent seven days there. I remained engrossed in watching the puja and the Arati (act of greeting a deity by waving a lamp, fan etc. before his/ her face) of Lord Krishna at daybreak and again in the evening. I had not ever seen earlier such form, ardour and beauty of Arati. In the hall of the Math, the scenes of the battle of Kurukshetra between the Kauravas and the Pandavas were vividly decorated One day in between, I went to and saw Bhet Dwaraka. At Dwaraka it occurred to my mind that this was the land where the Supreme Lord Krishna ruled. Dwaraka witnessed the infinite glory and marvellous actions of Lord Krishna, the full incarnation of God. He filled the sky and air of Dwaraka in various forms, 99Jeevansmirt various ways, sometimes by manifestation of unparallel personal eminence and at times by radiation of miraculous power, sweetness of pure, unblemished character. Here the flora, the earth, the dust were all saturated with His divine presence After spending with great delight a week in Srikrishnadham, I left for Sudamapuri, Porbandar. Porbandar is the birth place of Mahatma Gandhi Sudama was a friend of Srikrishna and a devotee dedicated to Him. At the slightest remembrance of this poor wretched friend, Srikrishna removed all his sufferings. Holy songs on Srikrishna were going on day and night in the courtyard of Sudama, the childhood friend or Srikrishna. At Porbandar I visited to my heart’s content the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi, the founder of independent India. From there I started for the Prabhas Tirtha Prabhas was the place where the great incaration Lord Krishna ended His wordly role. He left the mortal body as if willingly having been hurt with a hunter's arrow. Prabhas was the place of the ruin of the Yadu dynasty. The great historic Somnath Temple was situated there. After independence, the temple had been rebuilt with larger dimensions. After three or four days’ stay there and visiting the place of evanescence of Lord Krishna, | left for Ahmedabad. From Ahmedabad | went to Ajmer and to the holy place of Pushkar in Rajputana. I saw Lord Brahma’s temple and other temples too on the banks of the lake and then came to Jaipur, the city of the Rajput king Mansingh. Mansingh had conquered Bengal and brought away the famous Konica Devi of Jessore whom he installed in a Kali temple at Jaipur. Bowing down at the feet of the Paramaprakriti Divine Mother Kali, 1 left Jaipur and reached Benaras via Mathura and Vrindaban. At Benaras, J took rest for a few days. Before leaving Benaras, I collected a Shiva linga and an idol of Kali for establishing them at Lakhanpur. The topic of establishment of Devi Mother and Her divine miracles have been narated earlier in details 100 XVI. Enlightenment From Transcendental Vision In the calm tranquil atmosphere of Lakhanpur Ashram, welfare work by me and my own deep ascetic Practice continued quietly and silently. 1 had the sacred resolve ta practise meditation, hidden from peoples’ eyes and with care to avoid the pompous display and outburst of ecstasy of meditaton. I had to keep vigilant eyes so that there was never any exposure of any divinity or self-publicity. Even if 1 prayed to God for some specific purpose for any individual, I did it with extreme secrecy. I prayed to God that if the desire of the concerned person would be fulfilled, he should not know of my resolute attempt On the one side was the restless rush of work and on the other was the silent undercurrent of Sadhana. ‘The bliss of meditation kept my body and mind dipped in calm tranquility. The fecling of this state lingered amidst the day’s activities and also got reflected in sleep at night. I felt the blessings at the Supreme Lord even through divine dreams. Once J had a very charming divine vision. I am narrating it now. I saw a procession with my dead body passing before me: the villagers were going along the bank of a pond, chanting all the way to the crematorium. I awoke in the course of the dream. J was not afraid though I had witnessed my own death scene. I was rather glad to realise from the said v' that the body and the sou! were different entities. The soul was the viewer, seeing its own body; the body is. mortal and the soul immortal. | pondered on this dream later, God has said in the Gita : The Body is 101