The Inspiring Example of Lahiri Mahasaya
Nayaswami Pranaba shares this beautiful inspiration about the great kriya yoga master. Recorded at the Temple of Light at Ananda Village, September 2023.
ABOUT LAHIRI MAHASAYA
A master of yoga and disciple of the great Mahavatar Babaji, Lahiri Mahasaya lived as an accountant and family man by day, and great guru by night. He never slept, instead spending all night instructing his disciples. He is best known for reviving Kriya Yoga, an ancient meditation technique previously only known by those of the highest spiritual advancement. Now all sincere spiritual seekers can learn and practice this sacred art. Early Life Lahiri Mahasaya was born September 30, 1828 in the village of Ghurni.
The boy Lahiri, whose given name was Shyama Charan, was often observed sitting under the sands in the posture of a yogi, his body completely hidden except for the head. Lahiri received instruction in Sanskrit, Bengali, French, and English. Applying himself to a close study of the Vedas, the young yogi listened eagerly to scriptural discussions by learned Brahmins. Shyama Charan was a kind, gentle, and courageous youth, beloved by all his companions. In 1846 Shyama Charan Lahiri was married to Srimati Kashi Moni. Two saintly sons, Tincouri and Ducouri, blessed the union. At the age of 23, in 1851, Lahiri Mahasaya took the post of accountant.
Babaji and Kriya Yoga It was in his thirty-third year in 1861 that Lahiri Mahasaya saw fulfillment of the purpose for which he had been reincarnated on earth. A divine decree, resting beyond the gaze of human beings, works mysteriously to bring all things into outer manifestation at the proper time. He met his great guru, Babaji, near Ranikhet, and was initiated by him into Kriya Yoga. “Angelic guru, as you have already favored mankind by resurrecting the lost Kriya art, will you not increase that benefit by relaxing the strict requirements for discipleship?” I gazed beseechingly at Babaji. “I pray that you permit me to communicate Kriya to all seekers, even though at first they cannot vow themselves to complete inner renunciation.” “Be it so. The divine wish has been expressed through you.” With these simple words, the merciful guru banished the rigorous safeguards that for ages had hidden Kriya from the world. “Give Kriya freely to all who humbly ask for help.”
Find out more at https://www.lahiri-mahasaya.org/
