A soul who has transcended all past karma, all identification with anything other than God alone, and is fully liberated in God, but chooses to return to earth to help others. In the book, Conversations with Yogananda (conversation #87), Swami Kriyananda quotes Paramhansa Yogananda as saying that an avatar is “a full manifestation of God,” with “divine power to shower blessings, generally, on all mankind.” Those who still have some past karma of their own to work out, return primarily to help their own disciples. These saints, called jivan muktas(“freed while living”), are able to uplift a few, but cannot carry innumerable disciples to God. Those, on the other hand, who return without any karma of their own, having become param muktas (“fully liberated”) in a former life, come as avatars. Whoever comes to them for help can be saved, though his salvation is not necessarily immediate.” On another occasion, Swami Kriyananda asked Yoganandaji whether he (Yoganandaji) was an avatar. “It would take such a one,” he replied quietly, “to bring a mission of this importance.”
Question from PVss: Are spiritual gurus like babaji helping mankind in reducing corruption.What role they play in such cases? So many people are tortured in Kashmir and it has became a highly dangerous place to live.Is god turning a deaf ear to the plights of people there?
The story of the sage who revived the science of Kriya Yoga — as revealed by Lahiri Mahasaya, Paramhansa Yogananda, and other saints.
Question from Rush: This is more of a technical question. In Autobiography of a Yogi, Chapter 33, Sri Yukteswarji says that Babaji’s “spiritual state is beyond human comprehension” and that “one attempts in vain even to picture the avatar’s attainment. It is inconceivable.” I am assuming that Sri Yukteswarji is saying that even he himself cannot picture Babaji’s attainment. But I know that…
Question from Sana: Hi, I have heard that one can walk on water with the power of thoughts. Is it true? I have no intentions to try this stunt but just curious. Can indeed science be defied with the power of thoughts? Can one defy gravity with powerful thoughts? I have heard this many times but thought of confirming with you all since…
Question from Cody Massey: I’ve been reading the Bible and there are more than a few terms I’m confused about. Is there a difference between the Son of Man and the Son of God? And I think circumcision is an allegory but I don’t understand. Could someone help me?
Question from John C: Namaste. I believe PYji has described experiencing the state of oneness with God as infinite & eternal, but also as ever-expanding, unending, ever-new; the latter seems to suggest the notion of space/time; but I’m also under the impression that God as Spirit/Absolute/Sat-Chit-Ananda is beyond space/time? Perhaps related: Are all spiritual Masters/Gurus (such as of PY’s lineage) in exactly the same…
Question from Vinay: Hi, I read this conversation in Autobiography of a Yogi between Sri Yukteshwar and Yogananda where Yogananda accepts his discipline on the condition that his guru reveal God to him. After a long verbal tussle, he accepts it. I want to ask that when Sri Yukteshwar knew that Yogananda was a God realized soul, why did this conversation take place?…
