One of the most fantastic and beautiful stories in Paramhansa Yogananda’s Autobiography of a Yogi tells of Lahiri Mahasaya’s initiation into Kriya Yoga by his Guru, Mahavatar Babaji.
To this day, the Kriya ceremony at Ananda is performed just the way Yogananda did it, and is patterned after the way Lahiri Mahasaya received, and gave, initiation into Kriya.
Kriya Yoga, in order to be wholly effective, must be received not only intellectually (in written or spoken form), but vibrationally, in the form of initiation.
People who are interested in Kriya Yoga often miss the importance of the Guru-Disciple relationship, which forms an essential part of the path of Kriya. In fact, a close reading of Autobiography of a Yogi reveals the thread of the Guru-Disciple relationship running through the entire book, from the very first sentence to the very last (read those two sentences and see!).
The spiritual “highlight” of the book—the fulfilment of Yogananda’s lifelong search for divine union, or Samadhi —is finally reached only with the help of his Guru, Sri Yukteswar (as told in the chapter An Experience in Cosmic Consciousness, linked below).
After many years of Kriya practice, and observing hundreds of other Kriya yogis, I have seen that attunement to the Guru makes the difference between receiving extraordinary benefits from your practice, vs. merely ordinary results, or no results at all. I’ve seen firsthand the truth of this statement by Swami Kriyananda:
It isn’t enough merely to receive good teachings and good techniques, or take Kriya Yoga initiation and then, as many people have done, figure that they can safely leave the line of gurus.
Those who merely practice a meditation technique receive some benefit, but not nearly as much as what is possible through attunement to a guru.
I’ve even seen people who were highly advanced become bogged down through rejecting the higher of these realities. That is, they chose techniques over attunement with the guru.
Marble statue of the Yogi Christ, Hansa Mandir, Ananda Village, Christmas 2008
That attunement comes in many ways, but an important and obvious one is keeping a strong connection with other long-time disciples of Yogananda and our line of Kriya Gurus.
In that regard, I have seen that people who keep that connection alive gain the most—specifically those who visit Ananda centers, or stay it touch via phone or email, or the many talks and offerings on the Ananda website. I’m quite sure that the same holds true for all other Kriya lineages and paths.
Swami Kriyananda has written, in regard to Kriya: “Guidance from the guru is not only helpful: It is essential.”
Recently I heard him say that attunement to the Guru is most important, and Kriya (as a technique) only secondary. Of course, Kriya yogis also gain that attunement through deep Kriya practice. Lahiri Mahasaya once said that practicing the techniques of Kriya, as taught by the Guru, draws the grace and help of the Guru.
So, if you are interested in receiving Kriya Yoga, or getting the most from your Kriya practice, understand that the greatest progress is made when it is combined with discipleship and attunement to the Guru. Here is one way that it can be done, as offered by Yogananda in The Essence of Self-Realization:
“To tune in to the guru’s consciousness, visualize him in the spiritual eye.Mentally call to him there. Imagine his eyes, especially, gazing at you. Invite his consciousness to inspire your own. Then, after calling to him for some time, try to feel his response in your heart.
The heart is the center of intuition in the body. It is your ‘radio-receiver.’ Your ‘broadcasting station’ is situated in the Christ center between the eyebrows. It is from this center that your will broadcasts into the universe your thoughts and ideas. Once you feel an answer in the heart, call to the guru deeply, ‘Introduce me to God.’
I should title this blog: It’s a Small World, since reports are now coming in about Swamiji Kriyananda’s return to India and his talk to a packed crowd in Delhi.
But, I just wanted to share a few more photos with you of Swami’s visit in America and also photos of our beautiful fall colors.
This year has been unusual. We had rain and cold temperatures, then it warmed up and the result was an extra long season of autumn leaves. The colors at Crystal Hermitage were spectacular.
I hope you enjoy them. Bless you all and Happy Thanksgiving!
Today at the India International Centre (IIC) in Delhi, India, Swami Kriyananda launched his book, Hope for a Better World! (To listen to Swami Kriyananda’s talk, click on the play button below)
The event was presented by Ananda Sangha in collaboration with the IIC. It was hosted by Sri (Honorable) D. R. Kaarthikeyan, former Director of the CBI (Indian equivalent of the American FBI). The chief guest was the Honorable Dr. Kapila Vatsayan, eminent scholar and member of Parliament, and Chairperson of the IIC.
It is said that a country is known by those whom its people consider great. It is gratifying in India to witness high-ranking dignitaries such as Sri Kaarthikeyan and Dr. Vatsayan sincerely honoring Swamiji and his life’s work for his guru. (They are shown below holding the new book.)
Over 500 people attended the event–further proof that India prizes, and recognizes, great spiritual teachers.
The event began with introductions by Yogacharayas Dharmadas and Nirmala, the Spiritual Directors of Ananda Sangha India. Then Sri Kaarthikeyan introduced Dr. Vatsayan, who declined to speak before Swamiji with the words, “I want to listen to him. Everybody is waiting for him!” Sri Kaarthikeyan then introduced Swamiji, who stood to speak.
Swamiji spoke about the quest of all people for true happiness. He pointed out the hard times we are now facing and how they point to Yogananda’s solution of intentional communities. He emphasized the need to act according to dharma (righteousness). After reading an excerpt from Hope for a Better World!, he concluded:
“I would like to ask all of you think seriously about what I’ve said here–to think seriously about God being your true purpose in life–even if you don’t see it that way now. Because sooner or later, nothing works! Satan has one promise he always keeps:
“He disappoints you.
“Nothing you can do ever works, except finding God.”
At the end of Swamiji’s talk, Dr. Vatsayan stood. She began, “After Swamiji has spoken, it would require the arrogance of ignorance to open one’s mouth. I have come to hear, and to receive. And Swamiji, you have given.” She went on to express gratitude and praise for Swamiji’s words, and his book.
At the close of her remarks, Swamiji surprised us all by singing a song, “God! God! God!” (set to the words of Yogananda’s poem).
Swamiji indeed has given us hope for a better world, and has shown us the way to it achieve it–both outwardly, and in our own selves.
(Notes: We are preparing a video of the event for television broadcast (on the AASTHA Channel), and will soon make it available on-line. (To listen to Swami Kriyananda’s talk, click on the play button below):
Although Hope for a Better World! was published previously in America and Europe, this edition represents the first printing of the book by Ananda Publications, India. Thanks to Lisa Clark for these photos.)
Today Swami Kriyananda arrived back to his home in Gurgaon, India, just outside of Delhi. Swamiji had been away for about 10 months–his longest absence since moving to India. He spent that time getting needed rest and working on important projects (writings, interviews, lectures) in his homes in America and in Italy.
Swamiji doesn’t think of his “home” according to the common interpretation of the word. For, as he wrote in his song, “Home is a Green Hill”:
Often I dream that life is a play;
Laughter forever, and skies never gray.
But when I’m silent, freed from all care,
I discover my home’s everywhere.
Nevertheless, it is a joyful reunion for us all whenever Swamiji returns.
Here is the crowd waving to him as he pulled up to our main building, “Ashram House”.
His body was feeling quite tired from the flight, and we expected him to say hello to us from the car. Then he said, “I’m going to get out and greet you.” Steve helped him out of the car, and he stood before us.
“I’m getting to be an old man,” he said, chuckling. “Nice to see you all.”
As he got back in the car, a Bengali devotee asked him how he was feeling.
“khub bhalo,” he replied. (Very well.)
He added in Hindi, “main bahut khush hoon.” (I am very happy.)
Tomorrow (Sunday) Swamiji is scheduled to give a lecture to hundreds of people at the prestigious India International Centre in Delhi. Swamiji constantly demonstrates his dedication to his guru by his unending service in Yoganandaji’s name. Yet Swamiji’s body is feeling understandably fatigued after the journey. What we can all offer, in gratitude for all that he has done for the world, is to add our prayers that he regain his strength for tomorrow.
(Click the above for a larger version. Thanks to Lisa Clark for the photos.)
I’ve been on this path for almost 30 years and I’m just beginning to realize how much my consciousness has been changed by the teachings of Yogananda and the guidance and influence of Swami Kriyananda.
“How would he respond in this situation?” has become part of my thinking, and it is a remarkably easy way to keep myself centered and joyful. I have had the opportunity to know Swami Kriyananda, and observe him in many situations, but you can also get to know him through his music, his writings and his talks.
Recently, I was spending a great deal of time in the hospital, at my mother’s bedside. I’m a former nurse and my sister and I were actually providing all the hands-on care, short of dealing with the IV machine.
I would arrive in the wee hours of the morning, shortly after my sister went home to rest, and the nurses would welcome me with smiles. But one morning I came in through the E.R. entrance at 4am and the guard reluctantly called the floor for permission to let me through. The head nurse said no.
I got on the phone and kindly pleaded with her for “permission” to be with my mother. She was concerned I would disturb the other patients and I offered to sit in the waiting area if there was a problem, and she eventually agreed.
When I reached my mother’s room I tiptoed in and sat at her side, silently checking her breathing and the machines. The charge nurse came in and challenged me, giving every indication that if I left the room she would not let me back in. I was kind, but firm about staying put.
As I sat there in the dark, I considered the alternatives. I could accept the challenge and see the nurse as an adversary, then face a battle for bedside rights during the rest of my mother’s stay. Very unpleasant, and dangerous for my mother.
But when I visualized Swami Kriyananda in the same situation, I knew that was not what he would do. I prayed for guidance and understanding. I saw clearly that the nurse was really a loving soul, who had given her life in service to others. Perhaps she was surprised by our presence and didn’t like surprises. I knew from my own nursing experience that families are not always assets in patient care.
I prayed for her understanding, I asked God to bless her with calmness and I poured out my heartfelt gratitude for her skill and attention on behalf of all the patients. Then I refused to put any more negative energy into the situation.
The next night, she walked into the room while my sister and I were present and my mother was awake. After asking if I was the same person she had asked to leave the night before, she offered a sincere and sweet apology. I was stunned and touched, as she stood in front of my sister and mother, within earshot of the other patient, and said there was no excuse for her behavior.
I looked her in the eye, as Swami Kriyananda would, and told her we were very grateful for her concern and pleased with the care that was being provided. As we discussed my mother’s condition, she seemed to have a sudden inspiration and offered to move her to a private room that was becoming available later that night.
She personally made sure the move happened before her shift was over and treated us with loving-kindness during the rest of our stay. The ER guard also inexplicably changed, greeting me with a cheerful smile and escorting me through like an old friend, regardless of the hour.
Swami Kriyananda always treats others as souls, with the highest potential. Every time I remember to do the same, grace flows through the situation and I can feel God’s presence. Try thinking like him, and see the positive changes that will come, because you have opened the door to the highest within yourself.
We had a beautiful, quiet afternoon at Crystal Hermitage to honor Swami Kriyananda’s life of discipleship.
Words and photos are not enough to express the gratitude we all felt for Swamiji’s life and what he has done for us. His contribution has been worldwide, but at the same time so deeply personal for each one of us. It is impossible to thank someone enough for helping us become closer to God.
His books, music, lectures, and the example of his life of service to God and Guru, his life of service to us is something we tried to honor yesterday.
Sixty years ago (yesterday) Swamiji knelt before Paramhansa Yogananda and said, “I want to be your disciple.”
Swami said his life changed for the better in that moment.
Today Swamiji spoke to hundreds of our spiritual family in the amphitheater at The Expanding Light.
I have never seen Swamiji use notes for a talk, but it appeared that he didn’t want to forget any of the important topics that he covered today.
He shared his life with Master. He shared the instruction and insight he received. It was quite amazing.
It was broadcast live and it will be on the web. It is long; one hour and forty minutes, but worth every second.
Yesterday, Swamiji led the noon meditation at The Expanding Light. It was wonderful: a wordless, blissful tribute to our guru and the joy of discipleship.
This afternoon is an open house at Crystal Hermitage. Hopefully, I will be able to post some photos from that event later.
God Bless you all. I will keep you in my thoughts throughout this weekend.
