Autobiography Chapter 33, Part 1: Mahavatar Babaji

This episode covers the start of chapter 33 to: “…could Christ indeed be followed except in the overarching Spirit?” Summary: The meeting focused on discussing Chapter 33 of "Autobiography of a Yogi" by Paramahansa Yogananda, which introduces the character of Babaji. The participants, including Chris, Priyank, Michael, and Lauren, explored Babaji's significance as an avatar, his mysterious presence in the Himalayas, and his connections to other spiritual masters like Jesus and Omar Khayyam. They examined Yogananda's interpretation of Omar Khayyam's poetry and its spiritual meaning, discussing how Western interpretations often miss the deeper mystical content. The group also touched on the concept of avatars and different levels of spiritual liberation, including the terms Siddha, Jivan Mukta, and Paramukta as described in the text. The discussion concluded with a preview of upcoming episodes that would delve deeper into Babaji's mission and experiences. 0:00 Introduction; 3:09 Expectations from the chapter; 9:22 Mahavatar Babaji; 26:05 Rubaiyat and Omar Khayyam; 39:30 Freedom; 43:30 Looking Ahead. Links discussed in this episode:  https://www.holydham.com/stories-related-to-badrinath/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dashavatara Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 33 from: “Krishna, Rama, Buddha, and Patanjali were among the ancient Indian avatars…” to “…he occasionally accepts fruits, or rice cooked in milk and clarified butter”. #autobiographyofayogi  #autobiographylinebyline  #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS

This episode covers last part of chapter 32 from: “Very scanty information about the life of Lahiri Mahasaya and his universal doctrine…”  to the end of the chapter. Summary: The last section of chapter 33 focuses on the biography of Lahiri Mahasaya. We explore the details about Lahiri Mahasaya's life, including his birth in 1828, his traditional Brahmin upbringing, and his eventual meeting with his guru Babaji in the Himalayas at age 33, which marked the revival of Kriya Yoga. The discussion included insights about Hindu traditions, spiritual practices, and the symbolic connections between the Ganges river and the flow of Kriya Yoga into the world. The episode concluded with reflections on how Guruji's storytelling conveys profound spiritual truths in an engaging way, setting the stage for the upcoming chapter about Mahavatar Babaji. 0:00 Prior Episode; 1:47 Swami Satyananda; 4:45 Yoga in the West; 12:15 Shyam Charan Lahiri; 42:10 Material wealth; 53:30 The whole picture of Lahiri Mahasaya; 1:02:05 Ganga and Bhagirath; 1:12:15 Reflections on the chapter. Links discussed in this episode: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satyananda_Giri https://www.yoganiketan.net/historical-books/scriptural-commentaries/ Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the start of chapter 33 to: “…could Christ indeed be followed except in the overarching Spirit?”  #autobiographyofayogi  #autobiographylinebyline  #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS

This episode covers the next part of chapter 32 from: ““Yogananda,” he said with unusual gravity...” to “... vital to man’s happiness and to a nation’s longevity.” Summary: Swami Sri Yukteswar's profound prophecy and teachings about the Dwapara Yuga (atomic age) and the need for global unity make up the core of this episode. We explore the significance of Lahiri Mahasaya’s prediction that an account of his glorious life would be written 50 years after his passing, which came true with the 1945 publication of Yogananda's Autobiography of a Yogi - autobiography. We also examined the concept of a "League of Human Hearts" as an alternative to the League of Nations or United Nations, emphasising that true peace requires recognising humanity's common divine heritage rather than just intellectual understanding. The discussion also covered India's enduring civilisation through centuries of foreign rule, with references to the biblical story of Sodom and Gomorrah to illustrate how the presence of righteous souls can protect a nation from destruction. 0:00 Prior Episode; 2:23 The Prophesy; 14:00 The Atomic Age and Cosmic Law; 28:45 The League of Human Hearts; 33:30 India’s answer to imperturbable and enduring existence; Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the last part of chapter 32 from: “Very scanty information about the life of Lahiri Mahasaya and his universal doctrine…”  to the end of the chapter. #autobiographyofayogi  #autobiographylinebyline  #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS

This episode covers the next part of chapter 32 from: “Another disciple came in; I asked him to remain in the house....” to “...he had to cure Rama of death, a disease usually final!” Summary: This section of the chapter continues the story of Rama's resurrection and the teachings about faith and following one's guru. The discussion centred on how Swami Sri Yukteswar's friend Rama appeared to have died from Asiatic cholera but was later brought back to life through a miraculous healing involving castor oil administered by Lahiri Mahasaya. We explored the spiritual significance of the seven drops of oil, the role of faith versus doubt, and how Lahiri Mahasaya used the situation to teach important lessons about guru-disciple relationships and the power of divine faith.  0:00 Expectations from the chapter; 5:00 The son of God; 15:45 A similar miracle; 31:05 Rama's severe test; 42:15 At death' door; 51:07 Looking Ahead. Links discussed in the episode: https://yogananda.org/blog/pranayama-for-controlling-emotions https://yssofindia.org/newsletter/May20/index.html https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yama https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ajamila Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 32 from: ““Yogananda,” he said with unusual gravity...” to “... vital to man’s happiness and to a nation’s longevity.” #autobiographyofayogi  #autobiographylinebyline  #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS

This episode covers the start of chapter 32 to: “...a lover of quiet, now he had attained the utter stillness of death.” Summary: This first part of the chapter covers the resurrection story of Rama, which mirrors the biblical story of Lazarus. The group examined Sri Yukteswar's interpretation of Jesus's reference to being the "Son of God" and explored how this concept relates to divine consciousness within humans. We read and analyzed the biblical story of Lazarus's resurrection from John 11, followed by the account of Rama's similar resurrection performed by Lahiri Mahashaya. The discussion included insights about faith, testing, and the relationship between guru and disciple, with particular emphasis on how Rama's faith remained strong even when faced with his apparent imminent death from cholera. 0:00 Expectations from the chapter; 5:00 The son of God; 15:45 A similar miracle; 31:05 Rama's severe test; 42:15 At death' door; 51:07 Looking Ahead. Links discussed in the episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e-OXgunuz_4 http://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product-category/self-realization-magazine/ http://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/the-second-coming-of-christ-2/ https://yoganandasite.wordpress.com/2019/10/31/i-will-be-a-son-of-god-yogananda-and-jesus/ https://members.yogananda-srf.org/SelfService/Prayers/PrayerRequest.aspx https://yogananda.com.au/dayamata/daya_mata_purpose_of_tests.html Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 32 from: “Another disciple came in; I asked him to remain in the house...” to “...he had to cure Rama of death, a disease usually final!” #autobiographyofayogi  #autobiographylinebyline  #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS 

This episode covers the last part of chapter 31 from: “Faith in the automatic adjustments of righteousness...” to the end of the chapter. Summary: This last section of the chapter continues the themes of revenge and divine justice. Paramahansa Yogananda offers a fresh interpretation on divine retribution rather than seeking personal vengeance align with biblical (and Jesus Christ’s) messages, particularly about not resisting evil and forgiving others. The discussion included detailed examination of Jesus's triumphant entry into Jerusalem and his confrontation with the Pharisees, followed by an in-depth look at Shankari Mai Jiew, a 112-year-old living disciple of Swami Trailanga who lived an extraordinary life of spiritual practice. The episode concluded with reflections on how the chapter serves as a testament to Guruji's focus on highlighting other spiritual masters rather than himself, and how the biblical references helped deepen the participants' understanding of the spiritual principles being discussed. 1:03 Prior Episode; 3:15 Retribution; 20:23 Destiny; 33:40 Shankari Mai Jiew; 57:05 Reflections on the chapter Links discussed in the episode: https://www.trailangaswami.in/shankari-mai-jiew Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on start of chapter 32 to: “a lover of quiet, now he had attained the utter stillness of death....”  #autobiographyofayogi  #autobiographylinebyline  #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS 

This episode covers the next part of chapter 31 from: “On many occasions the swami was seen to drink, with no ill effect...” to “...The sinner, healed by Trailanga’s words, slunk feebly away.” Summary: This section of the chapter explores Trailanga Swami’s mastery over the body and mind, including his ability to drink poison, walk on water, and remain unbothered by extreme heat, and we look at the dottect lines connecting these capabilities to Hindu mythology and scripture. Paramahansa include Trailanga Swami’s interactions with authorities in Banaras due to his practice of remaining nude, and a dramatic story where he demonstrated his powers by drinking poisoned lime mixture intended to harm him. We also examined biblical references and interpretations of divine justice, particularly regarding the story of Elisha and the she-bears, discussing how spiritual mastery allows for instant manifestation of karmic consequences. 0:00 Prior Episode; 2:18 Living by Divine Consciousness; 18:20 Police antics; 24:52 The sinister trickster; 44:50 Looking Ahead. Links discussed in the episode: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manikarnika_Ghat https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samudra_Manthana https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lady_Justice Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the last part of chapter 31 from: “Faith in the automatic adjustments of righteousness...” to the end of the chapter.  #autobiographyofayogi  #autobiographylinebyline  #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS

This episode covers the next part of chapter 31 from: “One of Lahiri Mahasaya’s disciples, the venerable Kali Kumar Roy...” to “...awakening of the seven cerebrospinal centres constitutes the true path to the Infinite.” Summary: Lahiri Mahasaya offers a unique case study for our own habits on sleep and meditation, and we review Paramahansa Yogananda's teachings on transcending sleep through advanced Kriya Yoga practice. We examined the symbolism of the staff of Brahma and the link to the seven chakras concluding with a discussion on the life and teachings of Trailanga Swami, a contemporary of Lahiri Mahasaya who was known for his miraculous powers and spiritual wisdom.  0:00 Prior Episode; 2:45 Sleepless Saint; 24:12 Dandi Swami and seven Chakras; 29:14 Improbable Initiation; 47:10 Christ-like Saint, Trailanga Swami; 55:20 Looking Ahead. Links discussed in the episode: http://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/mans-eternal-quest-2/ https://youtu.be/ZIxNgQ-CwPo?si=hwUuGmGWDfnOqI60 https://yogananda.com.au/pyr/pyr_kundalini2.html https://www.trailangaswami.in/31-teachings-of-sri-trailanga-swami https://www.trailangaswami.in/sri-trailanga-swami-miracles-and-stories  Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 31 from: “On many occasions the swami was seen to drink, with no ill effect...” to “...The sinner, healed by Trailanga’s words, slunk feebly away.” #autobiographyofayogi  #autobiographylinebyline  #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS

This episode covers the next part of chapter 31 from: “On the following day I returned to her home and enjoyed...” to “... in 1935, when I made enquiry, she was still living.”. Summary: This section of the book explores stories about Lahiri Mahashaya's disciples, particularly discussing a miracles surrounding one particular devotee named Abhoya for whom a train was stopped in its tracks, and another story about her having previously lost eight children but successfully gave birth to a ninth child who survived thanks to grace. We share our own personal experiences with keeping guru images in various locations like cars and workplaces, and discussed how these images can provide protection and spiritual connection. 0:00 Prior Episode 1:40 Photograph for protection; 16:50 Faith that stops a train; 29:35 Your coming child will live; 38:00 Master helps us succeed; 42.14 Looking Ahead. Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 31 from: “One of Lahiri Mahasaya’s disciples, the venerable Kali Kumar Roy...” to “...awakening of the seven cerebrospinal centres constitutes the true path to the Infinite.” #autobiographyofayogi  #autobiographylinebyline  #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS

This episode covers the next part of chapter 31 from: “My guru asked me to receive initiation into Kriya...” to “...for sharing with me her wondrous experiences”. Summary: This section of the chapter focuses on the spiritual significance of taking Kriya initiation and the role of a guru in one's life. We explore the unique experiences of Srimati Kashi Moni, the wife of Lahiri Mahashaya, examining the question of whether one needs a guru for liberation and the dilemma of making ambitious promises to a guru.  0:00 Prior Episode 01:43 Diksha Initiation; 33:33 Marriage to a Guru; 1:05:00 Looking Ahead. Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 31 from: “On the following day I returned to her home and enjoyed...” to “... in 1935, when I made enquiry, she was still living.”. #autobiographyofayogi  #autobiographylinebyline  #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS