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 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.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, Purulia DEDICATION Cover REVIEW 14, Ramnath Biswas Lane, Offered unto the Kolkata - 700 009 divine hands of my most compassionate Prasenjit Chakraborty and revered Gurudev Composed by : Sisir Goswami, Pradip Mondal, Printed by : Annapurna Graphics Sri Sri Paramahansa 53A, Surya Sen Street, Ground Yogananda Giri Maharaj Floor, ‘Tower Plaza’ Kolkata 700 009 - Bidyananda Price = Rs. 60.00 OR ON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 1am an insignificant entity; my life has been plain and simple, Even then, the divine enlightenment received by me with the help of meze 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 splendour of peace and bliss amidst aifictions and distress, resistance and hindrances Uhave 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 Jeading 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 { have lived, I have experienced this at ‘every moment of my existence. It is He who stays intimately hear Us at every stage of our life. Iu is He who pervades as, the life force in all beings- sev mipiv/It is He, who is the Lord of the body, mind and soul of mine, yourself and exerybody clsc, It is He who is the knowledge, who is worth knowing and who is knewable - worshippable by ail beings in every manner. The prime duty of human existence is to know Him. In conclusion, I convey the blessings of Sri Guru, T 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 Englist version of the "Jeevansmrit’” published first on 9th Apr 2002, needed to be re-edited. This contemplation got concerted im Aprit hereafter. Consequently, !was asked to undertake the task of re-editing. Accordingly, the concerned Press was contacted. They, however, had certain difficultes in the beginning in tracing back readily the Master File-copy of the matters prinied in the book and initially published. By constant persuaston with them, the requisite manuscript could be obsained tt the third tweek of May 2004. The task of re-editing the existing English tersion of the book commenced since then. Al first, the original Bengali version and the Brglish translated version thereof were thoroughly gone through mare than once page by page, paragraph by paragraph, tine by line and word by word. Comparison of the English version was ‘nade thereafter with the original Bengali version composed by none other than Swami Bidyananda Giryi himself. In the process, the justifiability of desiring the existing English tersion for being re-edited was clearly understood. Itneeds to be mentioned at the outset that the translators of the first edition of the book deserve commendation and Gadmiration for the good work performed by them, The ential performance of any such work ts the reat difficult task, Once thisis done, improvement thereupon by revision or modification becomes comparatively easier. in re-editing the book, Thave ‘actually performed this easier task. While re-editing, the chief aim was directed to the proper appreciation of the thought, smagination, significance, implication and the essence of Swari's writings in origina rather than merely transliterating the (ext, It needs, however, to be confessed ai this siage that it's beyond my capability to comprehend the depth of the ner realisation of Swarj, as manifested in his exeellont expressions in the origimal Gutohnooraphy in Bengal. My attempt mn this regard must, therefore, be suffering from obvious fittations. Whatever has been done is, thevefore, based on my inadequateunderstanding, though hacked with sincerity and to the best of my humble capacity In order to achweve the aboue-stated goal. it has net heen ossible to keep the modifications to the minimum, despite attempts, On the contrary, the revisions made are quite extensive. While it may not be feasible to acquaint the readers through this editorial with ali the changes. modifications and revisions, its at the seme time felt ineurabent to apprise them, For their benefit and understanding, al jeast the salient features of the changes made. Changes have been made 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 effort goen thereto. Insofar as the ge-up 18 concerned, the design of the cover page has been improved. The quaitty af 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 heen used in the printing of the book. The titles of the chapters have been arranged more prominently at the centre of a page jad of in the left margin as in the existing book. Twenty four coloured photographs in replacement of the existing fourteen hlack and white ones have been inserted. The page meant for dedicating the book by the revered Swami has been totally redesigned, improved upon und printed in red. An Index Page has been introduced. Ali the chapters have been serially huinbered, Paragraphing has been extensively revised; large paragraphs have been made smatter. The Sanskrit werses, their Enghsh transliterations and meanings have all heen arranged completely in a different manner in order to render them spicuous. The last Chapter “Conclusion” has been specially, designed with @ view to presenting the concluding precious nerios of holy advice of the great Swamiji 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 inchuding the unnumbered anes from 124 te 160, in regard to the contents part. it needs to be mentioned at the very outset that the chapter “Kumbha Mela in the yoar 1964” appraring in the existing English version was not found cluded in the onginal Rengali autobiography of Sweamayi, On enguiry, it was learnt that thts particular chapter, though ‘omitted in the Bengali version, was included ai a later stage wn the English edition at the instance of Swamijt. In having reteined the said chapter as chapter XIX in the present re edited version, the title thereof has been moayfied as “The Kurbha Fair ii The Year 1464." Likeveise, the headings of atl the chapters have been modified by using capital letters at the beginning of each word therein. In some of the chapters, partial modification has heen done by changing a word ar twa and retaining the oiher words as they are. In respect of a few other chapters, the entire heading had to be changed References to ail these changes ory being made in a sort of ready reckoner on the next page by mentioning the numbers of the chapters as given in the present re-edited book, tn the absence of any such number in the existing version. Chap. | Heading As Changed As No. As | Appears In InPre-| The Existing sent Edition Rev. Eda, a Our Pamity Gur Our Family Preceptor and Priest And 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. Perfarmance -(1) NAB. : This chapter in the existing edition running into 18 full pages have been divided into threo different chapters, i.e. VIL, VII and IX, in keeping with the pattern introduced in the original Bengalt version. Chapters Vill and IX in this revised edition appear as “ashram Life : Erosion Of Karma Through Performance- (2) and (2) respectively. x Few months A Few Months i South India South 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 that, 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 | 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. I stepped out with my small baggage by remembering God. My mental determination was co go out, whatever might be the outcome. 19- i at this incident. This affirmed my fait 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. 1 told my younger brother, ‘Well, I 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 ! left, } also got necessary money from the family members without asking for - 1 was deeply moved ta perceive the glo1 to protect His devotee’s onour. I was blessed to get the direct evidence that my worship, are not mere clay idols, entities of sui eT-cons but personified yusness ever-ai d and the forms of parents, iicestral 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 consciousess through the deities. I realised through this incident of about seventy that God was ever conscious, true and 20 veevansminhi aoragarrar: apttoni Perla mart FE eae: ¢ Raat Bagh cadts Faketel® ator it kankshantah karmanam siddhim yajanta tha devatah kshipram hi manushe loke stddhirbhavatt karmaja. (Gita - 4/12) my life the infinite blessings of Lord Shiva were imited only to this sole incident. I 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 I refer only to one more such event. Through this incident, Lord Shiva ‘advanced my life on a pre-determined track. It was 1934 AD. I was on travel. 1 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 I ‘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 cxperienced the Supreme Truth, She was almost illiterate. She had not studied any book, But people wondered at her strong and ived 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 one asked her wom she worshipped, Mother used to reply, “[ worship.myself.” a 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 highly 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 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 Yozanandaji. “Twas spending my days mei environment of Rikhia. During this period, 22 Jeevansmirthi experienced 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. Allon a sudden, my elder brother Debendra Chandra Dey wrote to me an earnest letter to return home. I 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. 1 took shelter under Lord Vaidyanath and earnestly prayed ta 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 il disturb you; confinement of family life is not for Later, i came to know that the bride’s family had yor 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 ies are the representatives of God and they possess divine power. So it is said in the Gita - arg wawarts & dar wary a: 1 Wee aera: a: Tear I devan bhavayatdnena te dev bhavayantu vah parashparam bha vayantah 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 Brahmachatya Vidyalaya. From my boyhood, | 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 les 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 extraordinary , 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Jeevansmirthi Swami Yogananda was the son of Sri Bhagabaticharan Ghosh and Srimati Gnanaprabha Devi who were the disciples of the Great Yogi Sri Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashaya of Benaras. His parents were both highly elevated practitioners of Yoga. From his very young age, Swami Yogananda used to be absorbed in the practice of Yoga due to his yearning for God-realisation. His renunciation, dependence on God and life full of spiritual practice was a model life, exemplary for every Yogi to follow. Swami Yukteswar Giriji, one of the principal disciples of Sri Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashaya was the Guru of Swami Yogananda. Having engaged himself in severely austere practices in accordance with his Guruji’s instructions, Yoganandaji attained within a very short period the ultimate level of Yoga, the state of cosmic consciousness. Later, under the command of his Guru, he preached the message of Yoga, particularly the ‘Kriya Yoga’ in America and other different countries of the world and was adored asa great and majestic person. Endowed with a saintly heart since the very childhood, Yoganandaji was not contented merely in drinking the nectar of Yoga himself, but drew his classmates, colleagues and all friends to the path of spirituality. He had the infinite capability of inspiring everyone to divine love. Many of his renunciate good friends welcomed him as their leader. Yoganandaji had a profound interest in holy company and education in particular. So he became active in setting up a Gurukul Brahmacharya Vidyalaya on the principles of the ancient vedic methods. The school was founded first in Calcutta with the help and assitance from Maharaja Manindra Chandra Nandy and thereafter it was shifted to the office building of Maharaja Manindra Chandra Nandy at the Village Dihika on the bank of the river Damodar 26 vJeevansmirthi near Asansol. Studies, sports and games, free and facile movements as also the plain and simple living of the preceptors and the disciples and their pure love and affegtion commenced in a peaceful and serene environment under the open sky there. The School was shifted ultimately to the spacious garden house of the Maharaja at Ranchi due to several reasons and particularly to save the students from malarial infection. The Brahmacharya Vidyalaya started functioning at Ranchi since March, 1918. Within a short time the reputation of the school spread far and wide as a result of untiring endeavour of Swami Yogananda and the sincere cooperation rendered by his devotee di: les and co-workers. Thereafter Swami Yoganandaji left for America in 1920 with the larger objective of preachi Having _handec the efficient he used to control the distance. ~“Tehas been narrated earlier that there was a branch of this Brahmacharya Vidyalaya at Deoghar in Bihar. I taught in that Ashram-Vidyalaya for six months on completion of my college studies. After the great earthquake in Bihar in 1934, eturned to Calcutta. In Calcutta I joined a big publication house. During my leisure in between the work assignments, | started contacting the ex-students of the Ranchi institution. During this period, I got aquainted with Sri Shailendravijay Dasgupta, Sri Shailesh Mohan Mazumder (later known as Swami Shuddhananda Giri), Sri Nanigopal Mazumder and others. They were ‘all students of the Brahmacharya Vidyalaya and devotees of Swami Yoganandaji. 1 also met Swami Satyananda Giriji, Prine’ Brahmachi Vidyalaya. I noticed the impression of Guruku} Culture in the disposition and behaviour of them all. In their noble association I was spending my days meri a7Jeevansmirthi One day I gathered from them that Swami Yogananda would be returning to India in August 1985 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, I embraced him as my revered Guru From my young days I 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 sou] 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 disciples welcomed 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. wird During this period, one day I reached there with * po 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-sacrifi I felt gratified at the sight Of the feet of my ever-coveled and the most beloved person. 28 Mahamuni Babaji Maharaj (The Paramestht Guru) Yogiraj Sri Sri Shyamacharan Lahiri Mahashaya (The Parapar Guru)Srimat Swami Paramhansa Yogananda. he Beloved Gurudev and \dia & S.R.F, America). Bidyananda Gi‘Swam! Krishna Jeevans) irthi He got an insignificant person like me seated near him with great affection like a dear and near one. I felt as if he was my own for several births, I returned afler 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 my life like an infallible call and ‘Mantra’ from him. I 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 left for his heavenly abode. At this heart rending news, Swamiji tushed to Puri, With a broken heart he made al arrangements for the ‘Mahasamadhi’ of his beloved 29Jeevansmirthi Guryji_and also for ‘Sadhu Bhandaras.’ He arranged for the management of the Puri Ashram and placed the ity on Swami Sevananda Giri. « My Diksha got deferred gradually ‘as Swamiji became very busy with multitude of jobs. On one day, J learnt that Swamiji had gone to Mumbai and from there he would leave for America by ship. He would not return to Calcutta. “ I 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 I 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. After 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 wil have it today itself. This evening there will be a Satsanga in a house ‘at Tollygunge. You come along with me. You will have your Diksha af the place of the Satsanga.” I 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. | received the knowledge of conducting an integrated life. I was litiated in ‘Kriya Yoga’, a highly elevated religious practice of the saints and sages of India. 30 Jeevansmirthi From the ancient times, many reli practitioners adopted this yogic techniq traditionally passed down from a Guru to his disci 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 me restlessness. My life became blessed on obtaining this Kriya Yoga, the directly perceptible religious knowledge. [ 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 us practice is the light for life, while Guru is ighthouse. The Mantra given in the Diksha is the everything in life, the Guru's advice is the see all_attainments in life, the secret key to_self- Yealisation and the infallible code of conduct for attaining immortality. The purpose of Di attain complete liberation by developing God- €onsciousness and to integrate the life on the 31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. I 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 ualoaded the entire respon: 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 efor wer 0% | abr a TI wee T MALT I 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, sha nau bhunaktu sahabiryam karababahai. Tejashwinabadhitamastu, Md bidwishabahai. Om Shantih, Shantih, 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