Lahiri Mahasaya, originally known as Shyama Charan Lahiri, was one of the greatest teachers of all time, who hailed from Banaras and was a model of a balanced life that could lead to the highest exalted states. Lahiri Mahasaya was a homeowner, like most people, but he was able to raise his levels of consciousness to reach the realization of God, even in the midst of the monotony of daily life.
Lahiri Mahasaya was the first disciple of the incomparable saint, Mahavatar Babaji, and was himself a teacher of Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri, who in turn was a tutor of Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda, the autobiographical author of a yogi.
This classic autobiography details the major events in Lahiri Mahasaya’s life, one of which boggles the minds of readers even today. The ‘wrongly sent’ telegram which led to Lahiri Mahasaya being taken to Ranikhet and his aimless wanderings in the Himalayan rocks which led to his spectacular encounter with Babaji, is now a legend. His interactions with Babaji are very inspiring to all who are lucky enough to read Yogi’s autobiography.
Lahiri Mahasaya’s life exemplified the virtues of a balanced and focused approach to the realization of God. He has also inspired millions through his amazing feats that have uplifted the lives of his simple followers like Ramu, a blind devotee and Abhoya, a childless lady. A British man who was his employer also benefited from Lahiri Mahasaya’s spiritual prowess as his ailing wife magically recovered, even though she is thousands of miles away.
However, the most immediate and serious contribution to the life of the great saint was his pivotal role in reviving the lost science of Kriya Yoga through the blessings of Mahavatar Babaji. Lahiri Mahasaya became the precursor and the main hero of the subtle spread of the all-important Kriya Yoga technique among modern-day truth seekers.
Yoganandaji who founded the Yogoda Satsanga Association in India and Self-Realization Fellowship was inspired by Paramguru Lahiri Mahasaya. Even as a child in his dear mother’s arms, he was blessed by the great teacher who said memorably, “My little mother, your son will be a yogi. As a spiritual mover, he will carry many souls into the kingdom of God.”
Yoganandaji’s teachings revolve around the philosophy of the great scriptures, the Bhagavad Gita and the scriptures, and are beautifully encapsulated in his lessons on how to live as well as his numerous publications. His focus on the need for all human beings to have a direct personal experience with God is the core of his message to the masses. It was Lahiri Mahasaya who paved the way for these historical teachings to find their way into the hearts of ordinary men and women when he implored Babaji to allow him to impart knowledge of Kriya Yoga to all serious devotees.
The birthday of Lahiri Mahasaya (Avirbhav Divas) falls on the 30th of September and Mahasmadi’s on the 26th of September.
The fact that millions today follow the path of Kriya Yoga in this modern age is a testament to the life of the great yogavatar of India, Lahiri Mahasaya, who saw humble beginnings in the small town of Gurni but became known as one of the most supreme saints who ever lived on this earth. More information: yssi.org
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