Autobiography Chapter 32, Part 4: Shyama Charan Lahiri Mahasaya

This episode covers the next part of chapter 37 from: “The eve of my departure for the United States found me in Sri Yukteswar’s holy presence...” to “and we may ask all alike to follow and obey it.” Paramahansa Yogananda's final blessings from Sri Yukteswar before departing for the USA in 1920 was a incredibly tender moment. We discuss this and his struggles with English during his first public talk on the ship City of Sparta, and his maiden speech at the Boston Congress on October 6, 1920. We covered Sri Yukteswar's wisdom about embracing the best qualities of both Eastern and Western cultures, Yogananda's prayer for help with his English presentation, and how he received divine guidance to deliver a successful 45-minute talk that won him lecture invitations across America. The episode also explored the correct pronunciation of Yogananda's name, the significance of his hybrid Eastern-Western attire at the Congress, and the positive reception of his speech on "The Science of Religion", which was later published by Self-Realization Fellowship. 0:00 Introduction; 0:35 Prior Episode; 1:26 Yukteswar's final blessing; 18:32 The first talk in English; 39:15 First speech in Boston; 45:15 Picture of the congress delegates; 47:09 Looking Ahead. Links from the episode: https://archive.org/details/scienceofreligioyoga Awake Podcast minute 14: https://youtu.be/dm8x7Yte0tc?si=dP-IYBuNjTxzGxr0 Bro. Jayananda: https://www.youtube.com/live/2ZZVhByIrac?si=glGvItQbFk5ABEhX https://bostoncentersrf.org/footsteps-tour/in-the-footsteps-of-yogananda-map/

This episode covers the next part of chapter 37 from: “As I went about my preparations to leave Master and my native land...” to “an artist to draw, for this book, a true picture of the Yogi-Christ of modern India.” This section of the chapter is about Swami Yogananda's initial reluctance and his intense prayer for divine assurance, which culminated in a visit from Mahavatar Babaji. We analysed the significance of Babaji's appearance, his personal instructions, and the prophecy that Kriya Yoga would spread worldwide. The conversation also touched on themes of materialism in the West versus India, the nature of divine communication, and the emotional impact of Yogananda's experiences. We also speculated about the secret prophecies Babaji shared and the meaning behind his benediction. 0:00 Introduction; 1:00 Prior Episode; 1:50 Early morning in Calcutta; 20:15 A knock at the Garpar Road Door; 26:55 Prostrate before the deathless Guru; 41:16 Rooted to the floor at the doorway. Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 37 from: “The eve of my departure for the United States found me in Sri Yukteswar’s holy presence...” to “and we may ask all alike to follow and obey it.” #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 37 to: “Surely the Lord will bring us together once more.” Swami Yogananda makes his preparations to travel to America. We explore how he received divine assurance from his guru Swami Sri Yukteswar and material support from his father for his journey. We examined Yogananda's vision of Western faces and his announcement to the Ranchi school about his plans, noting the historical significance of his invitation to speak at the International Association for Religious Freedom congress in America. We discussed Yogananda's concerns about speaking English and his father's initial resistance to his son's plans to leave for America, highlighting the emotional challenges of parental sacrifice for spiritual calling. 0:00 Introduction; 0:30 Expectations from the chapter; 1:35 Goodbye to Ranchi School, for now; 16:24 Blessings from Sri Yukteswar; 26:00 Blessings from the human father; 44:55 Looking Ahead. Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 37 from: “As I went about my preparations to leave Master and my native land...” to “an artist to draw, for this book, a true picture of the Yogi-Christ of modern India.” #autobiographyofayogi #autobiographylinebyline #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS yogananda,podcast,autobiography of a yogi,srf,yss,meditation

This episode covers the last part of chapter 36 from: “That was oneof my last visits to Banaras to see my guru...” to the end ofthe chapter In this episode we explored the events surrounding LahiriMahasaya's Mahasamadhi, including his refusal of medical treatment for a boil,his deliberate and symbolic act of leaving the body, and the significance ofhis householder cremation rites. We examined the concept of a true guru takingon disciples' karma and the importance of inner attunement for receivingguidance. The group delved into the resurection(s) of Lahiri Mahasaya to threedisciples in different cities, drawing parallels to the resurrection of JesusChrist and the story of Kabir. We reflected on the emotional and devotionalimpact of these narratives, the unity of Eastern and Western spiritual paths,and the overarching theme of transcendence beyond physical death. 0:00 Introduction; 0:43 Prior Episode; 1:15 Body finds a cause to go; 7:40 Mahsamadhi; 22:25 Resurrection; 37:27 Am I not with you Forever?; 44:44 O grave, where is thy victory?; 49:00 Reflections on the chapter. Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes onthe start of chapter 37 from: to “Surely the Lord will bring us together oncemore.” #autobiographyofayogi #autobiographylinebyline #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogiawake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS

This episode covers the next part of chapter 36 from: “I soon left Banaras, and set to work in Serampore on the scriptural writings requested by Babaji...” to “... a voice like a celestial flute, Babaji disappeared into the hidden radiance.” This section of the chapter focuses on Babaji's interest in the West and the writing of "The Holy Science" book by Sri Yukteswar. We discusses how Sri Yukteswar suddenly developed Sanskrit poetry skills after meeting Babaji, allowing him to write the book that reconciles Eastern and Western teachings. We examined the cultural significance of offering refreshments to gurus and how Sri Yukeswar's excitement caused Babaji to disappear, teaching the importance of maintaining stillness and peace in spiritual encounters. The conversation included detailed analysis of Sanatan Dharma versus Hinduism, the concept of Aryavarta, and the practical nature of vegetarianism and human biology. 0:00 Introduction; 0:42 Prior Episode; 1:30 Night work in Serampore; 19:15 A morning bath at Rai Ghat; 26:48 Sweetmeats and an empty tree; 41:50 In Lahiri Mahasaya's Parlour; 56:00 Looking Ahead. Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the last part of chapter 36 from: “That was one of my last visits to Banaras to see my guru...” 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