Shri Lahiri Mahasaya
This whole thing of doing more Kriya is such an interesting thing – I want to touch on it, because sometimes I think we think too often that Kriya is some magical thing – that it’s like you are putting some money in a machine and pulling the lever and the answer comes out if we just mechanically do some Kriyas, but it’s much more than that.
What Kriya does is it puts us into the uplifted state of consciousness. If we do it correctly, that’s where all answers are where solutions are found. That is why Swami Kriyananda talked about the superconscious state as a solution state because it’s the intuitive state and through intuition we find answers.
Lahiri Mahasaya Arrives in Ranikhet
After several days of travel, Shyamacharan reached Ranikhet, a secluded and serene location. At the time, the Public Works Department, under British governance, was engaged in road construction projects to improve communication in the region. Enchanted by the pristine environment, snow-capped peaks, and tranquil surroundings, Shyamacharan would often take evening walks after finishing his work.
The First Meeting with the Babaji
One evening, while on his usual stroll with sepoys and peons, Shyamacharan heard someone calling his name from a distance. He soon saw a young Sadhu standing atop a small mountain, beckoning him. The sadhu descended and said, “I knew you would come this way, so I have been waiting for you. My cave is at the top of this mountain. Come to my cave tomorrow after your office work.”
Memories from a Past Life
That night, Shyamacharan could not stop thinking about the encounter with the Sadhu. Although he had heard stories of robbers disguised as sadhus, he was puzzled by how the monk knew his name. The next day, after finishing his work, Shyamacharan set out alone to meet the sadhu, walking through a dense forest. However, he lost his way and, unsure of where to go, sat on a rock in confusion. Suddenly, he heard the monk’s voice calling, and following the sound, he reached the cave.
The sadhu asked, “Shyamacharan, do you recognize me? This is where you practiced intense meditation in a previous life. This tiger skin mat and water pot belong to you. Don’t you remember?” Though intrigued, Shyamacharan could not recall anything and asked for forgiveness. The sadhu responded, “Mahamaya has made you forget, but don’t worry, you will remember everything.” He touched Shyamacharan, and a thunder-like energy coursed through his body, awakening memories of his past lives. Shyamacharan recognized the sadhu as his Guru from a previous birth.
“Meditate unceasingly, that you quickly behold yourself as the Infinite Essence, free from every form of misery.”
― Swami Shri Lahiri Mahasaya
Shyamacharan was initiated into Kriya Yoga by his Guru in a cave in the Dronagiri mountain, under the Dwarahat range, 15 miles from Ranikhet. This initiation marked the beginning of a new era in the world of self-realization, as the ancient science of Kriya Yoga, previously hidden, was now destined to benefit millions of householders and ascetics alike.
After his meeting with his Guru in Ranikhet, Shyamacharan was transferred to various places, eventually settling in Danapur. During his time there, he practiced rigorous Kriya Yoga in secret, ensuring that no one knew of his nightly routine. He continued his Kriya practice diligently, never allowing laziness to take hold, and despite his intense meditation, he remained physically strong.
One day, Shyamacharan noticed that his superior officer (Sahib) was distressed and inquired about his troubles. The Sahib explained that his wife, who was in England, was gravely ill. Moved by compassion, Shyamacharan entered a room and began intense meditation. After some time, he emerged and assured the Sahib that his wife would recover, and he would soon receive news confirming this. The Sahib, skeptical, dismissed the prediction.
