Among the many thrilling spiritual possibilities shared in the Autobiography of a Yogi, surely one of the most captivating is the idea of a “second pension.” Paramhansa Yogananda learns about this pension from Swami Pranabananda, aka the “saint with two bodies,” when he visits the holy city of Benares at the age of twelve. The exchange between the exalted swami and the young Yogananda, depicted in the book, is delightfully charming:
“You know, I am enjoying two pensions. One is by the recommendation of your father, for whom I once worked in the railroad office. The other is by the recommendation of my Heavenly Father, for whom I have conscientiously finished my earthly duties in life.”
I found this remark very obscure. “What kind of pension, sir, do you receive from the Heavenly Father? Does He drop money in your lap?” He laughed.
“I mean a pension of fathomless peace—a reward for many years of deep meditation. I never crave money now. My few material needs are amply provided for. Later you will understand the significance of a second pension.”
How Swami Pranabananda received the Second Pension
The possibility of receiving a second pension of fathomless peace is bound to be extremely enticing to every reader of the Autobiography. According to Swami Pranabananda, however, one can only qualify for it “by the recommendation of the Heavenly Father.” In sharing the following awe-inspiring account of his own journey, the Swami Pranabananda gives us invaluable insight into how we, too, may obtain this most peculiar “recommendation:”
“I will tell you how priceless is a guru’s help. I used to meditate with another disciple for eight hours every night. We had to work at the railroad office during the day. Finding difficulty in carrying on my clerical duties, I desired to devote my whole time to God. For eight years I persevered, meditating half the night. I had wonderful results; tremendous spiritual perceptions illumined my mind. But a little veil always remained between me and the Infinite. Even with super-human earnestness, I found the final irrevocable union to be denied me. One evening I paid a visit to Lahiri Mahasaya and pleaded for his divine intercession.
“‘Angelic Guru, my spiritual anguish is such that I can no longer bear my life without meeting the Great Beloved face to face! I see Thee materialized before me in a physical body; bless me that I may perceive Thee in Thine infinite form!’
“Lahiri Mahasaya extended his hand in a benign gesture. ‘You may go now and meditate. I have interceded for you with Brahma.’
“Immeasurably uplifted, I returned to my home. In meditation that night, the burning Goal of my life was achieved. Now I ceaselessly enjoy the spiritual pension. Never from that day has the Blissful Creator remained hidden from my eyes behind any screen of delusion.”
Steps to become “eligible” for the Second Pension
A careful reading of these two excerpts allows us to sift out four key criteria that Swami Pranabananda fulfilled in order to qualify for the second pension. In his own words these are:
- Conscientiously finishing one’s earthly duties in life: This is the essence of Karma Yoga and the very first qualification Pranabananda mentions for receiving the second pension.
- Many years of deep meditation: This is the essence of Dhyana Yoga – the second qualification mentioned by Pranabananda.
- A “spiritual anguish” such that one can no longer bear life without meeting the Great Beloved face to face: This intense yearning for God is the essence of Bhakti Yoga.
- Appealing to the Guru for Divine Intercession: Swami Prananbananda calls the Guru’s help “priceless.” The guru is one who has achieved union with the fountainhead of all wisdom. He holds in his hand the keys to the Divine Kingdom. Seeking shelter with one’s guru, therefore, is the deepest practice of Gyana Yoga, the yoga of wisdom. The wise disciple strives to perfect his attunement with the guru, and, upon succeeding, finds, just as Swami Prananbananda did, that the Blissful Creator can no more remain hidden “behind any screen of delusion.”
When studied carefully, this list reveals to us how Swami Pranabananda qualified for the second pension by uniting the four classical paths of yoga. The unified practice of these paths, Paramhansa Yogananda explained to his students, constitutes Raja Yoga, the Royal Highway to Self-Realization.
A pension, by definition, begins on the eve of retirement. Raja Yoga trains the spiritual aspirant to eventually “retire” his ego, thereby qualifying him for the second pension. All true saints, having “retired” from ego-consciousness, receive this pension, which is everlasting and can be enjoyed “ceaselessly.”
The Path of Kriya Yoga qualifies us for the ceaseless Second Pension
In a later chapter (Founding a Yogi School in Ranchi) when the swami visits Paramhansa Yognanada’s school, Yogananda confirms with him the ‘ceaseless’ nature of the second pension:
The body of Pranabananda, which had appeared so well and strong during my amazing first visit to him in Benares, now showed definite aging, though his posture was still admirably erect.
“Swamiji,” I inquired, looking straight into his eyes, “please tell me the truth: Aren’t you feeling the advance of age? As the body is weakening, are your perceptions of God suffering any diminution?”
He smiled angelically. “The Beloved is more than ever with me now.” His complete conviction overwhelmed my mind and soul. He went on, “I am still enjoying the two pensions—one from Bhagabati here, and one from above.” Pointing his finger heavenward, the saint fell into an ecstasy, his face lit with a divine glow—an ample answer to my question.
The path of Kriya Yoga laid out by Paramhansa Yogananda is essentially the path of Raja Yoga made practical.
In the same visit to Yogananda’s school, Swami Pranabananda lovingly admonishes Yogananda’s father to deepen his practice of Kriya:
“Bhagabati, what are you doing about yourself? Don’t you see your son racing to the Infinite? You recall how often our blessed guru used to say: ‘Banat, banat, ban jai.’ So keep up Kriya Yoga ceaselessly, and reach the divine portals quickly.”
We also by being diligent travelers on the path of Kriya Yoga can reach the divine portals quickly, win the Heavenly Father’s recommendation, and enjoy the second pension ceaselessly!
-Brahmachari Sagar
26 Comments
:-)
Once we have retired our ego, do we have to be careful that it does not come back? It sounds like once we are free we stay free. I hope so. Thanks for posting.
Blessings and Love,
Maria
Hi Maria,
One can’t fall from the highest state of samadhi, according to the yogis. So it is indeed permanent :-)
Thank you Sagarji, deep insightful article. Reminded me of your sought after classes here. Fond memories, thank you once again.
thanks sagar for this beautifully comprehended chapter. More than anything, always getting down to a few major spiritual precepts from AY encounter. Please keep writing these :). Joy!
It was so nice to see your commentary so beautifully presented – valuable. I am wondering if I, too, should learn by this repeat knowledge and adopt. Love & regards to you and yr mom.
Sagarji, Truly well explained.. thank you so much….
Profound, cogent and practical! As always, loved your writing.
Always a blessing to read your commentaries of deep insight. Thank you.
So nice to receive much encouraging and inspiring blog . How can I thank you SAGAR JI ? You are my mentor and guide .
Beautifully written!
Beautiful ?
Charming and inspiring! Thank you for the thoughtful article, Sagar. May we all enjoy that second pension soon!
How do we know if we have completed the earthly duties? Sagar the article is great. I miss your company. Jai Guru
Dear Captain,
That question is always hard to answer. I think one needs the guidance from a guru to find out what one’s duties for this life are, and then again to know when they are finished. . . . In the meantime, balancing our outer duties with deep meditation and quality time deepening one’s spiritual life seems like a good practice to keep up
Sagar
I don’t expect much in the way of social security or pension, so it is all the more important for me to keep practicing! Given the choice, I’d rather have the 2nd pension anyway. This piece brings to mind the affirmations in Scientific Healing Affirmations, “God is my own inexhaustible Divine Bank. I am always rich…”
Hi sagar,
This post clarifies to a large extent the thoughts I’ve been wresting with and answers seemingly difficult to understand facts , while shining light on the inner truth and eternal quest to want to know life. Thank you for putting it out there and simplifying.
Its a great help!
In divine friendship,
Manshweta
Namaste Sagar ji,
Thank you .. very well explained.
Regards
Sanjay
Dear Sagar ,
Thank you for sharing the four points. You have explained these very beautifully. This will help me to strive towards to receive the ultimate pension.
Mahesh
Hi,
Very nice and clear story.
It seems to be a long path.
Regards,
Florentina
Insightful thoughts on the “second pension”
I wish to know if it can be achieved soon after the Kriya yoga. Or do we have to wait for a long time
Thanks and warm wishes
Abraham
Hi Abraham
It depends on the sincerity and intensity of our efforts :-) generally speaking it is a long-term proposition.
Sagar
This is indeed a precious goal to look forward to. Thank you Br Sagar for such an inspiring article giving us that confidence and devotion to drive us to dive into our inner selves even more so.
Joy to all🌺🙏
Hı Sagar it is absolutely true that overcoming ego desires actually brings great freedom in our relationships in addition to incessant lightness and happiness which drives you ör puta you to right course of action
Dear Sagar
Can you give me some links to find more about PranavanandJi. I am looking for some books or online reading links.
Regards
Hitesh Kumar
Hi Hitesh
I am not aware of books that share more about Pranabanandaji. However, Swami Kriyananda’s “Visits to Saints of India” is a nice read to learn more about Indian saints that he visited. “The New Path” by Swami Kriyananda is a great book, too, as it talks about Swami Kriyananda’s life with Yogananda with many, many stories and experiences.
Sagar