The Bible mentions the three wise men giving baby Jesus some gifts. If Mahavatar Babaji, Lahiri Mahasaya and Swami Sri Yukteshwar were the three wise men who visited Jesus when he was born, do we know what the gifts they gave to baby Jesus?
—German Valencia, United States
Dear German Valencia,
Yes, Swami Kriyananda recounts that he was with Yogananda at his desert retreat called “29 Palms” when the Master dictated that the Three Wise Men were indeed Mahavatar Babaji, Lahiri Mahasaya, and Swami Sri Yukteswar.
As a youth Jesus paid a return visit to the Three Wise Men, to study under them, living in India. Later he returned to Israel to carry out his mission.
That is as much as we know from Yogananda — a daring claim, of course. But what were their gifts? The Bible describes them as “treasures”, three very precious gifts: “Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”
Yogananda confirms these three gifts, explaining that they were “symbolic gifts,” and that “They were the traditional gifts given in India to the newborn.” He adds, however, that in this special situation of the Three Wise Men visiting Jesus, they had further deep meaning:
Gold: a symbol of appreciation for the great value of liberating truth that Jesus brought.
Frankincense: a symbol of devotion and heart love to the Master who is a channel for God.
Myrrh: a symbol of recognition of the bitter trial and sacrifice which were required of Jesus in fulfilling his divine mission.
All the best,
jayadev
