miraclesyogi
SriVishuddhanandGandhbaba
contents
MahatapasviShriKumarswami2
ParamhansaYogananda31
Dr.PaulBrunton39
Rishisinghgherwal56
miraclesyogi
miracles yogi
Miracles Yogi
contents
MahatapasviShriKumarswami2
ParamhansaYogananda31
Dr.PaulBrunton39
Rishisinghgherwal56
MahatapasviShriKumarswami3
62
77
111
Mahatapasvi Shri Kumarswamiji
Inhispreviouslife,HisHolinessMahatapasviShriKumarswamijiwasin Gyanganj(Jnanganj)AshramintheHimalayas.HisnamewasSwami KshemanandathenandhisGuruwasParamhansaSwamiNemananda Ji.InJnanganjAshramtherearetwobranches–YogaandScience. SwamiKshemanandaJiwasastudentinYogabranch.Inthislife,asShri Kumarswamiji,hewasincloseandcontinuouscontactwithGyanganj Ashram.GyanganjAshramhasmanyadeptsworkingforthebenefitof mankindandthewholeuniverse.Tomentionafewnamesofthe adeptsofGyanganjAshram–ParamhansaMahaTapaJiMaharaj, ParamhansaBhriguRamaJi,ParamhansaNemanandJi,Paramhansa AbhayanandJi,ParamhansaJnana-nandaJi,Paramhansa VishuddhanandaJi.TherearemanyBhairavis(womenadepts)too– UmaBhairavi,ShamaBhairavi,JnanaBhairavietc.WhileParamhansa MahaTapaJiMaharajisheadofJnangangAshram,UmaBhairaviishead ofmedicalunitofJnanganjAshram. ParamhansaVishuddhanandJiGandhababaisHisHolinessShri Kumarswamiji’sGuru-bandhu(brother-disciple)fromhispastlife. Towardstheendofhisthislife,ShriKumarswamijiconsultedwithhis GurudevaandtheadeptsfromGyanganjAshram;forhisSadhana (penanceandspiritualpractices)inthislifewasnotcompleteandasked themwhatshouldbenextcourseofactiontherefore.Theadeptsasked ShriKumarswamijitobuildatemplewithhisownmoneyandplacethe spiritualpowerwhichhehadaccumulatedinhis50-yearslong penanace.AtthemandateoftheadeptsfromGyanganjAshram,Shri KumarswamijibuiltDivyaDevalaya,theDivineTemplein1995at Tapovan,Dharwad.TheDivineTempledoesnothaveanyimageoridol ordeity.Ithas7mantraswrittenonthewallwhichholdsShriSwamiji’s spiritualpower.TheadeptsalsotoldShriKumarswamijithatthey wouldsendoneoftheiradepts(Siddha-purush)fromJnanganjtoreside intheDivineTemple.AccordinglyShriKumarswamiji’selderGuru-bandhu,ParamhansaShriVishuddhanandJiGandhbabahascometo stayintheDivineTempleatDharwadinhissubtlebody. TheDivineTempleismaintainedinstrictaccordancewiththeruleslaid bytheadeptsfromJnanganjashram. Sri Gandhbabaji – birth and Childhood
ThereisasmallvillagebythenameofBandulsituatedfourteenmiles north-eastofBurdwaninthestateofWestBengal(India)nearaplace calledBhandar-dihi.Therelived,sinceaverylongtime,a ChattopadhyayaBrahminfamily,well-knownfortheirpiety,areligious wayoflifeandhospitality.Inthisfamilywasborn,in1853,asontoShri AkhilChandraChattopadhyayaandhiswifeShrimatiRajRajeshwari Devi.Thewholeatmosphereatthetimeofhisbirthwassupremely calm,theairgentleandfragrantandeverythingaroundlookingatits bestsothatitappearedasifnaturetoowasrejoiningandextremely happyatthebirthofthisgreatsoul.Fromitsverybirth,thebaby exhibitedextraordinarymagneticattractionforhisparentsandvisitors throughhischaringfeatures,smileandgrace.Heimpressedeveryone
Mahatapasvi Shri Kumarswamiji
Inhispreviouslife,HisHolinessMahatapasviShriKumarswamijiwasin Gyanganj(Jnanganj)AshramintheHimalayas.HisnamewasSwami KshemanandathenandhisGuruwasParamhansaSwamiNemananda Ji.InJnanganjAshramtherearetwobranches–YogaandScience. SwamiKshemanandaJiwasastudentinYogabranch.Inthislife,asShri Kumarswamiji,hewasincloseandcontinuouscontactwithGyanganj Ashram.GyanganjAshramhasmanyadeptsworkingforthebenefitof mankindandthewholeuniverse.Tomentionafewnamesofthe adeptsofGyanganjAshram–ParamhansaMahaTapaJiMaharaj, ParamhansaBhriguRamaJi,ParamhansaNemanandJi,Paramhansa AbhayanandJi,ParamhansaJnana-nandaJi,Paramhansa VishuddhanandaJi.TherearemanyBhairavis(womenadepts)too– UmaBhairavi,ShamaBhairavi,JnanaBhairavietc.WhileParamhansa MahaTapaJiMaharajisheadofJnangangAshram,UmaBhairaviishead ofmedicalunitofJnanganjAshram. ParamhansaVishuddhanandJiGandhababaisHisHolinessShri Kumarswamiji’sGuru-bandhu(brother-disciple)fromhispastlife. Towardstheendofhisthislife,ShriKumarswamijiconsultedwithhis GurudevaandtheadeptsfromGyanganjAshram;forhisSadhana (penanceandspiritualpractices)inthislifewasnotcompleteandasked themwhatshouldbenextcourseofactiontherefore.Theadeptsasked ShriKumarswamijitobuildatemplewithhisownmoneyandplacethe spiritualpowerwhichhehadaccumulatedinhis50-yearslong penanace.AtthemandateoftheadeptsfromGyanganjAshram,Shri KumarswamijibuiltDivyaDevalaya,theDivineTemplein1995at Tapovan,Dharwad.TheDivineTempledoesnothaveanyimageoridol ordeity.Ithas7mantraswrittenonthewallwhichholdsShriSwamiji’s spiritualpower.TheadeptsalsotoldShriKumarswamijithatthey wouldsendoneoftheiradepts(Siddha-purush)fromJnanganjtoreside intheDivineTemple.AccordinglyShriKumarswamiji’selderGuru-bandhu,ParamhansaShriVishuddhanandJiGandhbabahascometo stayintheDivineTempleatDharwadinhissubtlebody. TheDivineTempleismaintainedinstrictaccordancewiththeruleslaid bytheadeptsfromJnanganjashram. Sri Gandhbabaji – birth and Childhood
ThereisasmallvillagebythenameofBandulsituatedfourteenmiles north-eastofBurdwaninthestateofWestBengal(India)nearaplace calledBhandar-dihi.Therelived,sinceaverylongtime,a ChattopadhyayaBrahminfamily,well-knownfortheirpiety,areligious wayoflifeandhospitality.Inthisfamilywasborn,in1853,asontoShri AkhilChandraChattopadhyayaandhiswifeShrimatiRajRajeshwari Devi.Thewholeatmosphereatthetimeofhisbirthwassupremely calm,theairgentleandfragrantandeverythingaroundlookingatits bestsothatitappearedasifnaturetoowasrejoiningandextremely happyatthebirthofthisgreatsoul.Fromitsverybirth,thebaby exhibitedextraordinarymagneticattractionforhisparentsandvisitors throughhischaringfeatures,smileandgrace.Heimpressedeveryone
asasouldescendedfromthehigherworld.Inconsiderationofhisvery simpleinnocentnaturehisparentscalledhimBholaNath–Bholain Sanskritmeansinnocent. Baba’sbirthplaceatBondul Glimpses of Greatness FromhisverychildhoodBholanathgaveevidenceofuncommon spiritualandmoralgifts.Heexhibitedgreatstrengthofcharacter, determination,untiringstrengthandfearlessness.OnceBholanathwas severelyreprimandedbyhisuncleChandranathfornofault.This uncalled-forreprimandtouchedBholanath’ssensitivitytothecore.His self-consciousnesswasaroused.Hethoughtthatsinceamanisonlyan instrumentinthehandsofGod,therealdoerbeingGodhimself,sothe reprimandthathisunclehadgivenhimmustreallybethedoingofShri ShyamSunder,thedeity.Sothinking,hetookholdoftheidolofShyam SunderfromhisPuja-room,claspedittohischestandjumpedintothe house-pondwithaviewtocommitsuicidefortheinsultmetedoutto himbyGodthroughhisuncleChandranath. Butthewonderofwondershappened.Thepondwasfullofdeep water.NeverthelesswhicheverwayBholanathmoved,thewater becameshallowandneverreachedabovehisknees.EvenBholanath wassurprised.Soonitwaseveningtimeandthelampinthepuja-room waslighted.ItwasdiscoveredthattheidolofShriShyamSunderwas missing.Asearchforitstarted.Whenthesearch-partycametothe pond,theywerewonderstrucktowithnessthescene.Theytook BholanathwiththeidolofShyamSundertothehousewithgreat jubilation.HerewasyetanotherexampleofBholanath’sbeliefthatGod alonewasthedoerofeverything.
Complete change in the way of life
Oneday,inabout1866A.D.orso,whenBholanathwasabout13years old,hewascomingdownthestepsfromtheroofofhishouse. Accidentallyhesteppeduponthedogsittingatthefootofthestairs. Thedoginstantlybithim.Itwasamaddoganditspoisonsoonspread throughoutthebodycausingexcruciatingpain.Thepainbecame intolerablesomuchsothatBholanathstartedcrying,hisbodytwisting, turningandsmarting.Notreatmentprovedtobeofanyavailand finallyeverybodylosthopeofBholanath’slife.Hindusbelievethatif onebreatheshislastonthebankofthepiousriverGangaorinits stream,hegetssalvation.AccordinglyBholanath,havingdespairedof hislife,oneeveningstartedtreadingtowardsthebankoftheGanga (Gangaghat)withaviewtoputanendtohislifethere,ashisendnow seemedcertain. Baba’sresidenceatBondul
asasouldescendedfromthehigherworld.Inconsiderationofhisvery simpleinnocentnaturehisparentscalledhimBholaNath–Bholain Sanskritmeansinnocent. Baba’sbirthplaceatBondul Glimpses of Greatness FromhisverychildhoodBholanathgaveevidenceofuncommon spiritualandmoralgifts.Heexhibitedgreatstrengthofcharacter, determination,untiringstrengthandfearlessness.OnceBholanathwas severelyreprimandedbyhisuncleChandranathfornofault.This uncalled-forreprimandtouchedBholanath’ssensitivitytothecore.His self-consciousnesswasaroused.Hethoughtthatsinceamanisonlyan instrumentinthehandsofGod,therealdoerbeingGodhimself,sothe reprimandthathisunclehadgivenhimmustreallybethedoingofShri ShyamSunder,thedeity.Sothinking,hetookholdoftheidolofShyam SunderfromhisPuja-room,claspedittohischestandjumpedintothe house-pondwithaviewtocommitsuicidefortheinsultmetedoutto himbyGodthroughhisuncleChandranath. Butthewonderofwondershappened.Thepondwasfullofdeep water.NeverthelesswhicheverwayBholanathmoved,thewater becameshallowandneverreachedabovehisknees.EvenBholanath wassurprised.Soonitwaseveningtimeandthelampinthepuja-room waslighted.ItwasdiscoveredthattheidolofShriShyamSunderwas missing.Asearchforitstarted.Whenthesearch-partycametothe pond,theywerewonderstrucktowithnessthescene.Theytook BholanathwiththeidolofShyamSundertothehousewithgreat jubilation.HerewasyetanotherexampleofBholanath’sbeliefthatGod alonewasthedoerofeverything.
Complete change in the way of life
Oneday,inabout1866A.D.orso,whenBholanathwasabout13years old,hewascomingdownthestepsfromtheroofofhishouse. Accidentallyhesteppeduponthedogsittingatthefootofthestairs. Thedoginstantlybithim.Itwasamaddoganditspoisonsoonspread throughoutthebodycausingexcruciatingpain.Thepainbecame intolerablesomuchsothatBholanathstartedcrying,hisbodytwisting, turningandsmarting.Notreatmentprovedtobeofanyavailand finallyeverybodylosthopeofBholanath’slife.Hindusbelievethatif onebreatheshislastonthebankofthepiousriverGangaorinits stream,hegetssalvation.AccordinglyBholanath,havingdespairedof hislife,oneeveningstartedtreadingtowardsthebankoftheGanga (Gangaghat)withaviewtoputanendtohislifethere,ashisendnow seemedcertain. Baba’sresidenceatBondul
ButtheAlmightyhadsomeotherplansforBholanath.Onreachingthe bankhesawaSanyasitakinghisbathintheriverGanga.Hewasstruck withwondertoseethatacolumnofwaterwouldriseupwhenthe Sanyasiwouldemergefromthewaterandwouldgodownwithhisdip underthewaterandcuriouslythephenomenonwasrepeatedwith everydip.TheSanyasispottedBholanathandcalledouttohimina deepsweetvoicesaying,”Mydearchild,whyareyousoupsetwiththe excrutiatingpain?Justwaitaminute.Iwillcureyouofthisinnotime.” Andsosaying,hegotoutofthewaterandcametotheboyonthebank andplacedhishandontheboy’shead.Bholanathfeltasifaslabofice hadbeenplacedonhisburninghead.Heexperiencedgreatrelief,all theunbearablepainvanishedandhopeofliferevivedinhimonce again.ThereaftertheSanyasipulledoutaherbfromtheshrubsonthe bankandgaveittoBholanathtochewandtoldhimthatthewhole poisonofthemad-dog-bitewillbenowexpelledfromhisbodywithhis urineandhewillbecomeperfectlyfitandhealthyonceagain.Healso assuredhimofalonglifeandtoldhimthathewill,induecourseof time,becomeafamousYogi.Thereafterhetoldhimtoreturnhome. BholanathfeltgreatreverenceandgratefulnessstowardstheSanyasi. ThethoughtoftakinginitiationfromtheSanyasiandlivingwithhim, theonewhohadbestowedanewlifeonhim,cametohismind. Apprehensively,Bholanathexpressedhisintensedesirebeforehis reverentmother.Surprisinglythemothergavehimpermissiontogo withtheSanyasi.TheSanyasitaughtoneYogasan(yogicposture)to Bholanathandgavehimabij-mantra.Healsotoldhimthathewasnot hisGuru.Forthepresentheshouldstayathome,practicetheasanand mantra.Thesewillpurifyhismindandbody.Induetime,heshallcome andtakehimtohisGuru. ByandbytwoyearspassedyettherewasnotraceoftheSanyasi. BholanathusedtovisitashopinBurdwanmarketforpurchasingday-to-dayrequirements.OnedayheheardastoryaboutastrangeSanyasi andthisrevivedhisoldmemory.HelongedtogoandseetheSanyasi andheobtainedhismother’spermissionandwenttoBandulwithhis friendHaripada.OnreachingtheirdestinationtheymettheSanyasiin themorning.Bholanathreverentlymadeobeisanceandhisfriend Haripadadidthesame.BholanathrequestedtheSanyasitotakehim alongwithhimthistimeaspromisedearlier.OnenquiryBholanath explainedtotheSanyasithatHaripadawasanintimatefriendofhisand hetoowasveryearnesttostaywithandundertheguidanceofthe SanyasiwasnootherthanthegreatSiddhaYogiSwamiNimanand ParamahansaofthesecretGyanganjYogashraminTibet.Heasked thembothtocometohimintheevening.Itisonlythroughthe Almighty’sextremegraceandcompassionthatoneoutofamillion succeedintheirgoalofself-realizationwhichthesetwoyouths, BholanathandHaripada,setforthemselvesthatday. AllsetforthegreatjourneytoGyanganj,theSanyasiaskedthemto confirmiftheywerestillkeentoaccompanyhimwhichtheydid withouttheslightesthesitation.Heonceagainemphaticallyreiterated tothemallthepit-falls,difficultiesandsufferingslikelytobe encounteredontheway.Thereupon,SwamiNimanandtiedcloth
ButtheAlmightyhadsomeotherplansforBholanath.Onreachingthe bankhesawaSanyasitakinghisbathintheriverGanga.Hewasstruck withwondertoseethatacolumnofwaterwouldriseupwhenthe Sanyasiwouldemergefromthewaterandwouldgodownwithhisdip underthewaterandcuriouslythephenomenonwasrepeatedwith everydip.TheSanyasispottedBholanathandcalledouttohimina deepsweetvoicesaying,”Mydearchild,whyareyousoupsetwiththe excrutiatingpain?Justwaitaminute.Iwillcureyouofthisinnotime.” Andsosaying,hegotoutofthewaterandcametotheboyonthebank andplacedhishandontheboy’shead.Bholanathfeltasifaslabofice hadbeenplacedonhisburninghead.Heexperiencedgreatrelief,all theunbearablepainvanishedandhopeofliferevivedinhimonce again.ThereaftertheSanyasipulledoutaherbfromtheshrubsonthe bankandgaveittoBholanathtochewandtoldhimthatthewhole poisonofthemad-dog-bitewillbenowexpelledfromhisbodywithhis urineandhewillbecomeperfectlyfitandhealthyonceagain.Healso assuredhimofalonglifeandtoldhimthathewill,induecourseof time,becomeafamousYogi.Thereafterhetoldhimtoreturnhome. BholanathfeltgreatreverenceandgratefulnessstowardstheSanyasi. ThethoughtoftakinginitiationfromtheSanyasiandlivingwithhim, theonewhohadbestowedanewlifeonhim,cametohismind. Apprehensively,Bholanathexpressedhisintensedesirebeforehis reverentmother.Surprisinglythemothergavehimpermissiontogo withtheSanyasi.TheSanyasitaughtoneYogasan(yogicposture)to Bholanathandgavehimabij-mantra.Healsotoldhimthathewasnot hisGuru.Forthepresentheshouldstayathome,practicetheasanand mantra.Thesewillpurifyhismindandbody.Induetime,heshallcome andtakehimtohisGuru. ByandbytwoyearspassedyettherewasnotraceoftheSanyasi. BholanathusedtovisitashopinBurdwanmarketforpurchasingday-to-dayrequirements.OnedayheheardastoryaboutastrangeSanyasi andthisrevivedhisoldmemory.HelongedtogoandseetheSanyasi andheobtainedhismother’spermissionandwenttoBandulwithhis friendHaripada.OnreachingtheirdestinationtheymettheSanyasiin themorning.Bholanathreverentlymadeobeisanceandhisfriend Haripadadidthesame.BholanathrequestedtheSanyasitotakehim alongwithhimthistimeaspromisedearlier.OnenquiryBholanath explainedtotheSanyasithatHaripadawasanintimatefriendofhisand hetoowasveryearnesttostaywithandundertheguidanceofthe SanyasiwasnootherthanthegreatSiddhaYogiSwamiNimanand ParamahansaofthesecretGyanganjYogashraminTibet.Heasked thembothtocometohimintheevening.Itisonlythroughthe Almighty’sextremegraceandcompassionthatoneoutofamillion succeedintheirgoalofself-realizationwhichthesetwoyouths, BholanathandHaripada,setforthemselvesthatday. AllsetforthegreatjourneytoGyanganj,theSanyasiaskedthemto confirmiftheywerestillkeentoaccompanyhimwhichtheydid withouttheslightesthesitation.Heonceagainemphaticallyreiterated tothemallthepit-falls,difficultiesandsufferingslikelytobe encounteredontheway.Thereupon,SwamiNimanandtiedcloth
bandagesontheeyesofeachsothattheycouldnotseeanything. Holdingoneoneithersidebyeachhand,heletthemoverforestedhills andplainsbyairroute.Thetwofeltasiftheywerewalkingona smoothsilkencarpet.Bymorningthefirstlapofthejourneywas covered.Theirbandageswereremovedandtheyfoundthemselveson topofabarrenhillockonwhichstoodagrandtemple,surroundedby hillrangesonallitsfoursides.Theyrealizedthattheyhadreached someplacefarawayfromBengal.Onenquirytheyfoundthatthey wereatthetempleofVindhya-VasiniAhsta-BhujaDeviinVindhyachal towninthedistrictofMirzapurinUttarPradeshstateofIndia.From DhakainEastBengaltheyhadthustraversedthestatesofWestBengal andBiharandapartofUttarPradesh–astretchofaboutathousand kilometres–duringthecourseofasinglenight.Thisoccurrence enhancedtheiresteemandrespectforSwamiNimanandmanyfold. TheSanyasithenaskedthetwoboystostaytherefreefromfearasno wildbeastwouldharmthemandnottolosehearttillhisreturntotake themontotheAshram.Sosayinghesuddenlyvanishedbeforetheir veryeyes.AweekpassedbeforetheSanyasiarrivedagaintotake them.HedisclosedhisnametothemasSwamiNimananda paramahansa.Asbefore,hetiedbandagesovertheireyesandtook thembothwithhimtoanAshramsituatedamongstaclusterofhills abouttwentykilometresawayfromVindyachal,wheresomesaints wereresiding.HeleftthetwochildrenatthisAshramandhimselfwent awaytosomeotherplace.Hereturnedafteranotherfivedaysandthis timetookthechildrenwithhimbytheairroute.Onreachingthe destinationthebandagesweretakenofftheireyes.Theyfoundthatit wasmorningandtheyhadreachedacharmingcelestialplaceonaplain surroundedonallsidesbysnow-coverehighhillranges,calm,majestic andpeaceful.Onenquiry,theyweretoldbySwamiNimanand,”Thisis thenormallyinaccessibleandsecretYogashramsituatedinthemidstof themid-asianhighlands,Tibet,knownbythenameofGyanganj Yogashram.AfterastayofninetotendaysattheAshram,Bholanath andHaripadawerebothpresentedbySwamiNimanandbeforeHis ReverentHolinessShriMahatapa,forinitiation.ShriMahatapafirst transmittedspiritualenergyintoeachoneofthembyplacinghishand ontheirheadsandthereaftergaveBij-mantratoeachofthem.Bothof themthusbecameGuruBhaisofSwamiNimanand,whowasanearlier discipleofMahatapaMaharaj.” Baba’s Personality ThePersonalityofYogirajVishuddhanandParamahansa-Shri VishuddhanandParamahansadeva’sphysicalbodywasextraordinary, hisspiritualpracticeswerewonderfulandhiswayoflifeexceptionalin manyways.Hischaracterwasspotless.Hehadastrictsenseof discipline,regularityandadherencetorulesandregulations.Hewas verykind-heartedandconsiderate.Hepossessedaverykeenintellect andwouldaccomplishjobswithdexterityandskill.Hehadan independentnatureandhisbehaviourwithallwasalwaysvery charmingandcourteous.Hewasaself-realizedYogiofexemplary character.Veryrarelyintheworldtoday,doyoucomeacrossapure andpioussoullikehim,inwhomyoufindaverybalancedmixtureof grandeurcoupledwithextremecompassion.Hehadreachedthevery climaxinallthreeYogasofKarma,Gyan&Bhaktiandfinallyattained Prem.Throughveryausterespiritualpracticesandtheextraordinary
bandagesontheeyesofeachsothattheycouldnotseeanything. Holdingoneoneithersidebyeachhand,heletthemoverforestedhills andplainsbyairroute.Thetwofeltasiftheywerewalkingona smoothsilkencarpet.Bymorningthefirstlapofthejourneywas covered.Theirbandageswereremovedandtheyfoundthemselveson topofabarrenhillockonwhichstoodagrandtemple,surroundedby hillrangesonallitsfoursides.Theyrealizedthattheyhadreached someplacefarawayfromBengal.Onenquirytheyfoundthatthey wereatthetempleofVindhya-VasiniAhsta-BhujaDeviinVindhyachal towninthedistrictofMirzapurinUttarPradeshstateofIndia.From DhakainEastBengaltheyhadthustraversedthestatesofWestBengal andBiharandapartofUttarPradesh–astretchofaboutathousand kilometres–duringthecourseofasinglenight.Thisoccurrence enhancedtheiresteemandrespectforSwamiNimanandmanyfold. TheSanyasithenaskedthetwoboystostaytherefreefromfearasno wildbeastwouldharmthemandnottolosehearttillhisreturntotake themontotheAshram.Sosayinghesuddenlyvanishedbeforetheir veryeyes.AweekpassedbeforetheSanyasiarrivedagaintotake them.HedisclosedhisnametothemasSwamiNimananda paramahansa.Asbefore,hetiedbandagesovertheireyesandtook thembothwithhimtoanAshramsituatedamongstaclusterofhills abouttwentykilometresawayfromVindyachal,wheresomesaints wereresiding.HeleftthetwochildrenatthisAshramandhimselfwent awaytosomeotherplace.Hereturnedafteranotherfivedaysandthis timetookthechildrenwithhimbytheairroute.Onreachingthe destinationthebandagesweretakenofftheireyes.Theyfoundthatit wasmorningandtheyhadreachedacharmingcelestialplaceonaplain surroundedonallsidesbysnow-coverehighhillranges,calm,majestic andpeaceful.Onenquiry,theyweretoldbySwamiNimanand,”Thisis thenormallyinaccessibleandsecretYogashramsituatedinthemidstof themid-asianhighlands,Tibet,knownbythenameofGyanganj Yogashram.AfterastayofninetotendaysattheAshram,Bholanath andHaripadawerebothpresentedbySwamiNimanandbeforeHis ReverentHolinessShriMahatapa,forinitiation.ShriMahatapafirst transmittedspiritualenergyintoeachoneofthembyplacinghishand ontheirheadsandthereaftergaveBij-mantratoeachofthem.Bothof themthusbecameGuruBhaisofSwamiNimanand,whowasanearlier discipleofMahatapaMaharaj.” Baba’s Personality ThePersonalityofYogirajVishuddhanandParamahansa-Shri VishuddhanandParamahansadeva’sphysicalbodywasextraordinary, hisspiritualpracticeswerewonderfulandhiswayoflifeexceptionalin manyways.Hischaracterwasspotless.Hehadastrictsenseof discipline,regularityandadherencetorulesandregulations.Hewas verykind-heartedandconsiderate.Hepossessedaverykeenintellect andwouldaccomplishjobswithdexterityandskill.Hehadan independentnatureandhisbehaviourwithallwasalwaysvery charmingandcourteous.Hewasaself-realizedYogiofexemplary character.Veryrarelyintheworldtoday,doyoucomeacrossapure andpioussoullikehim,inwhomyoufindaverybalancedmixtureof grandeurcoupledwithextremecompassion.Hehadreachedthevery climaxinallthreeYogasofKarma,Gyan&Bhaktiandfinallyattained Prem.Throughveryausterespiritualpracticesandtheextraordinary
graceofDeities,heacquiredcompleteknowledgeofallthetruthsand realitiesoftheinnerandouterworldsandthereafterattainedthe supremestateofself-realization. Baba’s body Asaresultofausterepractice,Babadidnotneedtoinhalethepolluted airfromtheoutsideatmosphere.Hewouldratherbreatheself-purified airfromwithinhisbodyandthattoothroughhisnavelandnotthrough thenoseaswehumansnormallydo.Hisbodyhadbeenhighlypurified andthatiswhytheairinsidehisbodywaspuretoo.Hisbodyalways emittedthePadmaGandha(lotusfragrance)continuously.Thisstageis reachedwhenoneattainstheabilitytoconfinethemovementofhis breaththroughSushumnaNadi.Thereafterone’sbody,breathand mindallgetpurifiedseriallyoneaftertheother.Baba’sperspiration andfaecesmatterwerealsofulloffragrance,unlikeours.Atthetime ofworshipthewholeworship-roomusedtogetfilledwithlotus-fragrance.Hisbodywassurchargedwithelectromagneticcurrentof suchhighintensitythatpoisonousinsectslikewasps,hornets,black-bees,mosquitosetc.woulddieinstantlytheybithim.Onceadisciple putaquestiontoBaba,”Baba,isthereanydifferencebetweenaYogi’s bodyandthatofanordinaryperson?Seeminglytheylooksomuch alike.”Babajustpushedhishandthroughawallwhichwasquitea distanceaway,byjustelongatinghisarmandhishandwasvisibleon theothersideofthewall.Similarlyonanotheroccasion,adisciple, afterobtainingspecialpermission,waspressingBaba’slegs(Baba wouldnotnormallyallowanybodytotouchhisfeetorbody).Suddenly quiteafew‘sphatics’,transparentcrystalballsoozedoutofBaba’slegs. Babapushedthesebigcrystalballsbackintohislegsthroughthetiny poresofhisbody. Baba’s Gaze Throughtheintensityofhisgaze,hesetablazethesilksheetlyingon theshouldersoftheastrologer-punditduringhisstayatBurdwan.Also aShiva-LingacrystalbroughtbyaSadhutotestBaba’sYoga-Shakti couldnotwithstandBaba’sgazeandwasblowntopieces.Onanother occasion,Babaextractedthechronicdiseaseofaverysickperson throughhisgaze.WhenhefixeditontoaBanalinga,theBanalinga couldnotwithstandtheintensityofBaba’sgazeandburst. Baba’sresidenceathisnativeplace,Bondul Baba’s Food Babausedtoeatonlyonceinaday,atabout10a.m.,afterthemorning BhogandAratioftheDeitieswasover.Ifforanyspecialreasonhe failedtotakehismealsbythistime,heusedtoforegohismeals altogetherforthatday.Hisfoodusuallyconsistedofrice,mungor chanadal,cookedalongwithrawpapayainit.Amongstvegetableshe
graceofDeities,heacquiredcompleteknowledgeofallthetruthsand realitiesoftheinnerandouterworldsandthereafterattainedthe supremestateofself-realization. Baba’s body Asaresultofausterepractice,Babadidnotneedtoinhalethepolluted airfromtheoutsideatmosphere.Hewouldratherbreatheself-purified airfromwithinhisbodyandthattoothroughhisnavelandnotthrough thenoseaswehumansnormallydo.Hisbodyhadbeenhighlypurified andthatiswhytheairinsidehisbodywaspuretoo.Hisbodyalways emittedthePadmaGandha(lotusfragrance)continuously.Thisstageis reachedwhenoneattainstheabilitytoconfinethemovementofhis breaththroughSushumnaNadi.Thereafterone’sbody,breathand mindallgetpurifiedseriallyoneaftertheother.Baba’sperspiration andfaecesmatterwerealsofulloffragrance,unlikeours.Atthetime ofworshipthewholeworship-roomusedtogetfilledwithlotus-fragrance.Hisbodywassurchargedwithelectromagneticcurrentof suchhighintensitythatpoisonousinsectslikewasps,hornets,black-bees,mosquitosetc.woulddieinstantlytheybithim.Onceadisciple putaquestiontoBaba,”Baba,isthereanydifferencebetweenaYogi’s bodyandthatofanordinaryperson?Seeminglytheylooksomuch alike.”Babajustpushedhishandthroughawallwhichwasquitea distanceaway,byjustelongatinghisarmandhishandwasvisibleon theothersideofthewall.Similarlyonanotheroccasion,adisciple, afterobtainingspecialpermission,waspressingBaba’slegs(Baba wouldnotnormallyallowanybodytotouchhisfeetorbody).Suddenly quiteafew‘sphatics’,transparentcrystalballsoozedoutofBaba’slegs. Babapushedthesebigcrystalballsbackintohislegsthroughthetiny poresofhisbody. Baba’s Gaze Throughtheintensityofhisgaze,hesetablazethesilksheetlyingon theshouldersoftheastrologer-punditduringhisstayatBurdwan.Also aShiva-LingacrystalbroughtbyaSadhutotestBaba’sYoga-Shakti couldnotwithstandBaba’sgazeandwasblowntopieces.Onanother occasion,Babaextractedthechronicdiseaseofaverysickperson throughhisgaze.WhenhefixeditontoaBanalinga,theBanalinga couldnotwithstandtheintensityofBaba’sgazeandburst. Baba’sresidenceathisnativeplace,Bondul Baba’s Food Babausedtoeatonlyonceinaday,atabout10a.m.,afterthemorning BhogandAratioftheDeitieswasover.Ifforanyspecialreasonhe failedtotakehismealsbythistime,heusedtoforegohismeals altogetherforthatday.Hisfoodusuallyconsistedofrice,mungor chanadal,cookedalongwithrawpapayainit.Amongstvegetableshe
particularlypreferredochcha(verysmallkarela),zamikand,kashiphal orsitaphal,brinjal,patalorparwalandninuaortorai.Beforepartaking hisfood,hisfirstmorselwouldinvariablybeabitof‘KumariPrasad’. Thismightconsistofoneortwobatashas,oneortwopiecesofbanana, arasogullaorchamchamorabitofbundiorkhir–anyoneortwoof thesepickedoutofleftoverfromthepattal(plateformedofbigleaves oftrees)ofaKumariaftershehadfinishedeatingplusalittlehalwaof Gopalji’sBhog.Babaconsidereda‘Kumari’tobethetruemanifestation onthisearthofGodmother,‘Jagadamba’. Baba’s Sleep Babawouldgotosleepat9.00p.m.exactlybythewatchandgetupat 11.00p.m.Heusedtosaythatsleepduringthesetwohoursismost refreshingandsound.Itisequaltofourhourssleepfrom11.00p.m.to 3.00a.m.andequaltosixtoeighthourslaterduringdaytime.After awakingat11.00p.m.,hewouldattendthecallofnature,brushhis teeth,massageoilontohisbodyandtakeabath.Thereafterfrom 11.30p.m.till3.30a.m.hewouldsitonhisAsanandperformhisKriya worship.Thenhewouldtakeyetanotherhalfanhourormoreto descendfromthatexhaltedsupersensuousstateoftrancetothe normalhumanplane,whenhewouldbeinamoodandliketoconverse withdisciplesanddevotees. His Nature Babawasverysimple-hearted.Hisnaturewaslikethatofachild,fullof innocence,love,humility,straightforwardness,truthandhonesty. Therewasnotaniotaofdeceitorconceitinhim.Hewasevergentle andcourteousinbehaviourandfamiliarityalwaysbroughthimcloserto you.Hewasverykindandcompassionateparticularlytowardsthepoor andthoseindistress.Besidesbeingverygenerousathearthehada verycharitabledisposition. Baba’s truthfulness Babawasinflexibleinhisoppositiontountruth.Heisneverknownto havespokenaliethroughouthiswholelife.Headvisedhisdisciples alsonevertotakethelineofuntruth,irrespectiveoftheconsequences. Butifanytruthwasunpleasant,headvisedagainststatingit,suggesting silenceinsuchcases.If,however,afacthadtobestated,‘Truthand nothingbuttheTruth’washismotto.Hewouldsaythatonceonegot establishedinTruth,anything,thereaftercomingoutofhismouth, wouldhappenexactlyasuttered.Hischaracterwasspotlessandhis conductexemplary.
particularlypreferredochcha(verysmallkarela),zamikand,kashiphal orsitaphal,brinjal,patalorparwalandninuaortorai.Beforepartaking hisfood,hisfirstmorselwouldinvariablybeabitof‘KumariPrasad’. Thismightconsistofoneortwobatashas,oneortwopiecesofbanana, arasogullaorchamchamorabitofbundiorkhir–anyoneortwoof thesepickedoutofleftoverfromthepattal(plateformedofbigleaves oftrees)ofaKumariaftershehadfinishedeatingplusalittlehalwaof Gopalji’sBhog.Babaconsidereda‘Kumari’tobethetruemanifestation onthisearthofGodmother,‘Jagadamba’. Baba’s Sleep Babawouldgotosleepat9.00p.m.exactlybythewatchandgetupat 11.00p.m.Heusedtosaythatsleepduringthesetwohoursismost refreshingandsound.Itisequaltofourhourssleepfrom11.00p.m.to 3.00a.m.andequaltosixtoeighthourslaterduringdaytime.After awakingat11.00p.m.,hewouldattendthecallofnature,brushhis teeth,massageoilontohisbodyandtakeabath.Thereafterfrom 11.30p.m.till3.30a.m.hewouldsitonhisAsanandperformhisKriya worship.Thenhewouldtakeyetanotherhalfanhourormoreto descendfromthatexhaltedsupersensuousstateoftrancetothe normalhumanplane,whenhewouldbeinamoodandliketoconverse withdisciplesanddevotees. His Nature Babawasverysimple-hearted.Hisnaturewaslikethatofachild,fullof innocence,love,humility,straightforwardness,truthandhonesty. Therewasnotaniotaofdeceitorconceitinhim.Hewasevergentle andcourteousinbehaviourandfamiliarityalwaysbroughthimcloserto you.Hewasverykindandcompassionateparticularlytowardsthepoor andthoseindistress.Besidesbeingverygenerousathearthehada verycharitabledisposition. Baba’s truthfulness Babawasinflexibleinhisoppositiontountruth.Heisneverknownto havespokenaliethroughouthiswholelife.Headvisedhisdisciples alsonevertotakethelineofuntruth,irrespectiveoftheconsequences. Butifanytruthwasunpleasant,headvisedagainststatingit,suggesting silenceinsuchcases.If,however,afacthadtobestated,‘Truthand nothingbuttheTruth’washismotto.Hewouldsaythatonceonegot establishedinTruth,anything,thereaftercomingoutofhismouth, wouldhappenexactlyasuttered.Hischaracterwasspotlessandhis conductexemplary.
Simplicity of Nature Babarelatedastoryofhisownstupidityasfollows:”Iwasnoless foolishthanthepoetKalidas.Kalidaswascuttingthatverybranchof thetreeonwhichhewassitting;myperformancewasevenashade betterinstupidity.”Itwaslikethis:”OncequiteafewofusSanyasis hadgoneinagrouptoVindhyachalhills.Onedaywesawaripemango onthebranchofamangotree,ontopofthehill.Quiteafewofus spotteditsimultaneouslyandallrushedtothetreeandclimbedup. Withoutathoughtofconsequences,Iwasthefirsttoleapfromthe branchtocatchholdofthemango,butcamecrashingdownontothe rockyfloorfiftyfeetbelowandbecameunconscious.WhenIregained consciousness,IfoundmyselfbeingflownovertheVindhyachalhillsby myGuruSwamiBhriguramParamahansa.Seeinghim,Igotabit frightened.Heplacedmethereandcalledme‘astupidfool’fortheway Ihadbehaved.Ijustkeptquiet.Thenheaskedmetoeatthemango. OnfirstimpulseIrefused.Atthis,hesaid,”Butwhynot?Wasitnotfor thisverymangothatallthisuntowardincidenthastakenplace?Now eatitup.”IdidasIwastold.Owingtothefallfromthetreeontothe rocks,Ihadreceivedmanycutsandbruisesonmybodyandthighs. Afterapplyingointmentontomywounds,hesaid,”Nowpromisethat youwillnotrepeatsuchastupidthingagain.”Ireplied,”Butwhynot?I shalldosoagain.”Hewasaghastathearingmyreplyandjustkept staringatme.Seeinghimwonder-struck,Ijustsaid,”Sir,Icanaffordto bestupidagain.Afterall,nothinghashappenedtome.Andaslongas youaretheretoprotectme,Iseeabsolutelynoreasonformetobe afraidofanything.”DadaGurudeva,SwamiBhriguramlaughedand afterplacinghishandofblessingovermyhead,heleft.Thisshowshow stupidlystraightforwardandsimple-mindedBabaVishuddhanandwas.
Baba’s Devotion to Duty – Karma
Babawasagreatexponentofextremeone-pointeddevotiontodutyas perthetenetsoftheShastras,andproperconductineverysphereof life.Hewasneversatisfiedwithmereshowmanshipbutwantedsincere serviceandunfailingapplicationtoone’sKarmaorKriya.Babausedto say,”Unlessyoudoyourdutyassiduously,noamountofreadingthe Shastras,evenforamillionofyears,isgoingtogiveyouGyan (knowledge).Scripturescanonlyshowyouthewaybutyoushallreach yourgoalonlybytreadingityourselfsincerelyandsteadily,bitbybit. Youcanchangeyourdestinyevenbydintofpersistentarduous practice.Unceasingeffortisofinestimablevalue.Yogabhyasisthereal purposeoflifeandcontinuouseffortinthatdirection,therealKarma.” Baba’s Non-Attachment AspertheordersofhisGuru,MaharshiMahatapa,Babaadoptedthe lifeofahouseholder.Butduringhiswholelifetimehenevergot engrossedinworldliness(materialism)andfalseattachment.Hekept himselfmentallyalooffromallattachmenttoworldlybeingsofthings. Hiswifeborehimtwosonsandadaughter.Theeldersonwasnamed DurgadasandtheyoungerHaridas.Intheyear1911,alittleafterthe
Simplicity of Nature Babarelatedastoryofhisownstupidityasfollows:”Iwasnoless foolishthanthepoetKalidas.Kalidaswascuttingthatverybranchof thetreeonwhichhewassitting;myperformancewasevenashade betterinstupidity.”Itwaslikethis:”OncequiteafewofusSanyasis hadgoneinagrouptoVindhyachalhills.Onedaywesawaripemango onthebranchofamangotree,ontopofthehill.Quiteafewofus spotteditsimultaneouslyandallrushedtothetreeandclimbedup. Withoutathoughtofconsequences,Iwasthefirsttoleapfromthe branchtocatchholdofthemango,butcamecrashingdownontothe rockyfloorfiftyfeetbelowandbecameunconscious.WhenIregained consciousness,IfoundmyselfbeingflownovertheVindhyachalhillsby myGuruSwamiBhriguramParamahansa.Seeinghim,Igotabit frightened.Heplacedmethereandcalledme‘astupidfool’fortheway Ihadbehaved.Ijustkeptquiet.Thenheaskedmetoeatthemango. OnfirstimpulseIrefused.Atthis,hesaid,”Butwhynot?Wasitnotfor thisverymangothatallthisuntowardincidenthastakenplace?Now eatitup.”IdidasIwastold.Owingtothefallfromthetreeontothe rocks,Ihadreceivedmanycutsandbruisesonmybodyandthighs. Afterapplyingointmentontomywounds,hesaid,”Nowpromisethat youwillnotrepeatsuchastupidthingagain.”Ireplied,”Butwhynot?I shalldosoagain.”Hewasaghastathearingmyreplyandjustkept staringatme.Seeinghimwonder-struck,Ijustsaid,”Sir,Icanaffordto bestupidagain.Afterall,nothinghashappenedtome.Andaslongas youaretheretoprotectme,Iseeabsolutelynoreasonformetobe afraidofanything.”DadaGurudeva,SwamiBhriguramlaughedand afterplacinghishandofblessingovermyhead,heleft.Thisshowshow stupidlystraightforwardandsimple-mindedBabaVishuddhanandwas.
Baba’s Devotion to Duty – Karma
Babawasagreatexponentofextremeone-pointeddevotiontodutyas perthetenetsoftheShastras,andproperconductineverysphereof life.Hewasneversatisfiedwithmereshowmanshipbutwantedsincere serviceandunfailingapplicationtoone’sKarmaorKriya.Babausedto say,”Unlessyoudoyourdutyassiduously,noamountofreadingthe Shastras,evenforamillionofyears,isgoingtogiveyouGyan (knowledge).Scripturescanonlyshowyouthewaybutyoushallreach yourgoalonlybytreadingityourselfsincerelyandsteadily,bitbybit. Youcanchangeyourdestinyevenbydintofpersistentarduous practice.Unceasingeffortisofinestimablevalue.Yogabhyasisthereal purposeoflifeandcontinuouseffortinthatdirection,therealKarma.” Baba’s Non-Attachment AspertheordersofhisGuru,MaharshiMahatapa,Babaadoptedthe lifeofahouseholder.Butduringhiswholelifetimehenevergot engrossedinworldliness(materialism)andfalseattachment.Hekept himselfmentallyalooffromallattachmenttoworldlybeingsofthings. Hiswifeborehimtwosonsandadaughter.Theeldersonwasnamed DurgadasandtheyoungerHaridas.Intheyear1911,alittleafterthe
establishmentoftheAshramatBondul,Babalosthiswifeandthesame yearhismotheralso.Andsoonafter,helosthissonHaridasandthe daughteralso.Thedeathofasinglecloserelativecausessomuch mentalagonyandhereBabahadtofacethedeathofwife,mother,son anddaughter,fourofthem,inquicksuccession.Thiscouldhaveturned anyhumanbeinginsane,butBababorethelossesandgriefwithgreat fortitude.TakingitallveryphilosophicallyasthewilloftheCreator,he didnotallowhismentalequilibriumandtranquilityofmindtobe disturbedandkeptcalmandcomposed.Heprovedtothehilt,the dictumoftheShastrasthat”Onewhohasattainedself-realizationisno longeraffectedbythesadhappeningsandgriefsofthisworld.”Such wasBaba’snon-attachment.
Baba’s Implicit Faith In the Veracity of the Shastras (scriptures)
ShriBabahadimplicitfaithintheveracityoftheShastras.Heusedto emphaticallystatethateverywordofwhatwasstatedintheHindu Shastraswastrue.Itisonlytothosewhofailtointerpretthem accuratelyattimes,thatsomestatementsmadethereinappeartobe wrong.WheneveranybodybroughtanyapparentincongruitytoBaba’s notice,hewouldprovetheveracityoftheShastrasbypractical demonstrationandremovethelastiotaofdoubtfromhsimind. Baba’s Compassion Oncewhenaskedabouthisrelationshipswithhisdisciples,i.e.,Guru-Shishya-Sambandh,Babasaid,”Itisthesameasbetweenfatherand son.Ikeepwatchoveryouatalltimes,saveyoufrompitfallsand accidents,cureyourdiseases,helpyououtfromdifficultsituationsand amallthetimeengagedinfortheringyourspiritualprogress.”
Baba’s Main Teachings
Onecannotattaindivinitywithoutdevotionandpurelove.Real devotiongivesrisetotruelove.Butpurpose-orienteddevotionforthe fulfillmentofadesirecanneverleadtotruelove.Infact,itiswrongto termitas‘devotion’.Everyaspirantshouldkeepawayfromthissortof devotion. Evolutionoftrueknowledgeisessentialfortheachievementofreal devotion.Theknowledgederivedfromthestudyofscriptureisempty purposelessknowledge.Trueknowledgeisnotacquiredtillthemind (Chitta)getspurifiedandmindpurificationdependsontheappropriate performanceofreligiousritesandKriya. OnewhoimplicitlyfollowstheKriyaprescribedbytheGuruwith devotion,steadiness,regularityandfaith,whilekeepinghisconduct
establishmentoftheAshramatBondul,Babalosthiswifeandthesame yearhismotheralso.Andsoonafter,helosthissonHaridasandthe daughteralso.Thedeathofasinglecloserelativecausessomuch mentalagonyandhereBabahadtofacethedeathofwife,mother,son anddaughter,fourofthem,inquicksuccession.Thiscouldhaveturned anyhumanbeinginsane,butBababorethelossesandgriefwithgreat fortitude.TakingitallveryphilosophicallyasthewilloftheCreator,he didnotallowhismentalequilibriumandtranquilityofmindtobe disturbedandkeptcalmandcomposed.Heprovedtothehilt,the dictumoftheShastrasthat”Onewhohasattainedself-realizationisno longeraffectedbythesadhappeningsandgriefsofthisworld.”Such wasBaba’snon-attachment.
Baba’s Implicit Faith In the Veracity of the Shastras (scriptures)
ShriBabahadimplicitfaithintheveracityoftheShastras.Heusedto emphaticallystatethateverywordofwhatwasstatedintheHindu Shastraswastrue.Itisonlytothosewhofailtointerpretthem accuratelyattimes,thatsomestatementsmadethereinappeartobe wrong.WheneveranybodybroughtanyapparentincongruitytoBaba’s notice,hewouldprovetheveracityoftheShastrasbypractical demonstrationandremovethelastiotaofdoubtfromhsimind. Baba’s Compassion Oncewhenaskedabouthisrelationshipswithhisdisciples,i.e.,Guru-Shishya-Sambandh,Babasaid,”Itisthesameasbetweenfatherand son.Ikeepwatchoveryouatalltimes,saveyoufrompitfallsand accidents,cureyourdiseases,helpyououtfromdifficultsituationsand amallthetimeengagedinfortheringyourspiritualprogress.”
Baba’s Main Teachings
Onecannotattaindivinitywithoutdevotionandpurelove.Real devotiongivesrisetotruelove.Butpurpose-orienteddevotionforthe fulfillmentofadesirecanneverleadtotruelove.Infact,itiswrongto termitas‘devotion’.Everyaspirantshouldkeepawayfromthissortof devotion. Evolutionoftrueknowledgeisessentialfortheachievementofreal devotion.Theknowledgederivedfromthestudyofscriptureisempty purposelessknowledge.Trueknowledgeisnotacquiredtillthemind (Chitta)getspurifiedandmindpurificationdependsontheappropriate performanceofreligiousritesandKriya. OnewhoimplicitlyfollowstheKriyaprescribedbytheGuruwith devotion,steadiness,regularityandfaith,whilekeepinghisconduct
andcharacterpureandaboveboardatthesametime,isboundto achievetrueknowledge(Jnan).Yogiscallthisaforesaidactionitselfas yoga.Asagainstthis,toengageyourselfinothertypesofworkisnot YogaandthatdoesnotconducetoChittapurificationeither.Henceif onekeepshisconductandcharacterunblemishedandapplieshimself wholeheartedlyinthepracticeofYoga,steadfastlywithoutabreakfor alongtime,heisboundtoachievemind-purificationandself-realization.Theknotintheheartgetsunfastened,alldoubtsvanishand aggregatedilleffectsofKarmasofinnumerablepreviousbirthsget anihilated.
Some of Baba’s Teachings and Instructions
1.PerformtheKriya(religiouscommandment)givenbytheGuru regularlyandimplicitlyaccordingtohisinstructionsandallshallbe well.ThegraceofGodisboundtodescendonyouinduetime. 2.Giveupself-praiseandtalkingillofotherscompletely.Thesetraits areveryharmful.Neverwastetimeinthese. 3.Whentragediesandill-timesovertakeyou,increaseyourmantra-japa,bothintermsoftimeandnumber. 4.Nevertrustanybodyinahurry.Testhimthoroughlyfirst,elseyou willbeduped. 5.Everybitandparticleofthisworldisagainstyourinterest.Youare youronlyfriendandwell-wisher.Sodependonyourowneffortsand donotlookuptoothersforhelpastheyarelikelytofailyouinyour timesofneedanddistress. 6.DuringyourSadhana(spiritualendeavour)constancyandregularity inpracticeareofprimeimportance.Readingofscripturesisonlydry intellectualgymnastics.DramatisedBhaktiisalsonotBhaktiinthereal sense.TrueJnanandrealBhaktiareveryprestigiousanddifficult-to-attainstagesinspiritualadvancement.Thesedevelopautomatically oneaftertheother,onlyafterconstantandregularausterespiritual practiceoveralongperiod. 7.TodependsolelyonthegraceofGodisnotanactofwisdom.Grace isnodoubtverysublimeandisalsobeingshowereduponusby Mahashaktiallthetime.Withoutitthereisnohopeofour advancementtowardssalvationeither.Butthisgracecanonlybe attainedthroughconstantpracticeofYogicKriyawhichcanleadtothe attainmentofeventheunattainable. 8.Donotletanythingeverworryyou.”I(yourGuru)amalwaysthere withyou.”AfterperformingyourKriyaproperlyforsometime,youwill
andcharacterpureandaboveboardatthesametime,isboundto achievetrueknowledge(Jnan).Yogiscallthisaforesaidactionitselfas yoga.Asagainstthis,toengageyourselfinothertypesofworkisnot YogaandthatdoesnotconducetoChittapurificationeither.Henceif onekeepshisconductandcharacterunblemishedandapplieshimself wholeheartedlyinthepracticeofYoga,steadfastlywithoutabreakfor alongtime,heisboundtoachievemind-purificationandself-realization.Theknotintheheartgetsunfastened,alldoubtsvanishand aggregatedilleffectsofKarmasofinnumerablepreviousbirthsget anihilated.
Some of Baba’s Teachings and Instructions
1.PerformtheKriya(religiouscommandment)givenbytheGuru regularlyandimplicitlyaccordingtohisinstructionsandallshallbe well.ThegraceofGodisboundtodescendonyouinduetime. 2.Giveupself-praiseandtalkingillofotherscompletely.Thesetraits areveryharmful.Neverwastetimeinthese. 3.Whentragediesandill-timesovertakeyou,increaseyourmantra-japa,bothintermsoftimeandnumber. 4.Nevertrustanybodyinahurry.Testhimthoroughlyfirst,elseyou willbeduped. 5.Everybitandparticleofthisworldisagainstyourinterest.Youare youronlyfriendandwell-wisher.Sodependonyourowneffortsand donotlookuptoothersforhelpastheyarelikelytofailyouinyour timesofneedanddistress. 6.DuringyourSadhana(spiritualendeavour)constancyandregularity inpracticeareofprimeimportance.Readingofscripturesisonlydry intellectualgymnastics.DramatisedBhaktiisalsonotBhaktiinthereal sense.TrueJnanandrealBhaktiareveryprestigiousanddifficult-to-attainstagesinspiritualadvancement.Thesedevelopautomatically oneaftertheother,onlyafterconstantandregularausterespiritual practiceoveralongperiod. 7.TodependsolelyonthegraceofGodisnotanactofwisdom.Grace isnodoubtverysublimeandisalsobeingshowereduponusby Mahashaktiallthetime.Withoutitthereisnohopeofour advancementtowardssalvationeither.Butthisgracecanonlybe attainedthroughconstantpracticeofYogicKriyawhichcanleadtothe attainmentofeventheunattainable. 8.Donotletanythingeverworryyou.”I(yourGuru)amalwaysthere withyou.”AfterperformingyourKriyaproperlyforsometime,youwill
yourselfrealizethetruthofmystatement.Ishallseethatallyour legitimatewishesarefulfilledandyouareneverinwant. 9.Tobringamoodofcalmreposeinthemindbeforeyoustartyour meditationfirstinvitethefollowingthought:”Theworldwasthere beforeIwasbornanditwillbethereevenafterIamgone.So,nothing reallydependsonme,hencewhyshouldIbeinastateoftension?Itis onlywithcalmconsciousnessthatIcanhelpmyselfandhelpothers. TheDivineremainscalmdespitealltheturmoilsintheworld.Itisthe Divinesparkinme,presentasmysoul,thatsustainsme.Letme concentrateonthat.Letmegetafewmomentsofleavefromthe demandsofmybody,fromthedesiresofmylifeandfromthe restlessnessofmindandenterintomysoul–mytrueSelf.Letpeace andcalmsustainme.” 10.Iamawareofeachandeverythingthatyoudo,sonevertryto deceivemebytellinglies. 11.Electricalenergygetsaccumulatedparticularlyinthefore-fingerof therighthand,whichshouldnotthereforebeusedforrubbingteethor pointingoutthedirection,elseitleadstounneccessarywasteofthe accumulatedelectricalenergy. 12.Spiritualprogressdependsupontheloftinessofcharacter.Never hurtanybody’sfeelings.Keepyoursensesundercontrolandfollowthe truthinbody,mindandspeech.KeepunswervingfaithintheGuruand bepatient,compassionateandforgiving. 13.DearSon,allyourhappinessorsufferingisaresultofyourearlier deeds.Donotaddfurthertothese.Giveupdoingbadandunholy deedsnowatleast,sothatyoudonotcreatenewsins,the consequencesofwhichyouwillhavetosufferinfuture. 14.YoudevelopinterestintheKriyathroughconstantpractice,so muchsothatinduecourseoftimeyouwillnotbeabletogiveitup evenifyouwillwantto.Inthebeginning,youwillhavetoforceyourself tositforyourKriya,butlateryouwillstartfeelinggreatlyperturbed wheneveryouarenotabletodoso.TheGurucanonlyadviseyou, explaintoyouanddemonstratethetechniquetoyoubuttheactual performancewillhavetobedonebyyouandyoualone.So,foryour ownbenefit,getdowntothepracticeofKriyawholeheartedlyand arduously;onlytalkingwillnothelp.Onceyougetfirmlyestablishedin thepracticeofKriya,youwillnotbeabletoleaveitthereafter. 15.ThroughthepracticeofKriya,keepmeditatinguponthe‘Mother’in yourheartallthetime;theMotherwhoisthesourceofallCreation, directlyperceptible.Motherwhocannototherwisebeachievedeven throughYogaandissuperiorevento‘Brahma’andistherealitybehind thepsychologicalmanifestationoftheSupremeEmotion.Insteadof gettinginfluencedbyexternalemotions,alwayskeepyourmindin
yourselfrealizethetruthofmystatement.Ishallseethatallyour legitimatewishesarefulfilledandyouareneverinwant. 9.Tobringamoodofcalmreposeinthemindbeforeyoustartyour meditationfirstinvitethefollowingthought:”Theworldwasthere beforeIwasbornanditwillbethereevenafterIamgone.So,nothing reallydependsonme,hencewhyshouldIbeinastateoftension?Itis onlywithcalmconsciousnessthatIcanhelpmyselfandhelpothers. TheDivineremainscalmdespitealltheturmoilsintheworld.Itisthe Divinesparkinme,presentasmysoul,thatsustainsme.Letme concentrateonthat.Letmegetafewmomentsofleavefromthe demandsofmybody,fromthedesiresofmylifeandfromthe restlessnessofmindandenterintomysoul–mytrueSelf.Letpeace andcalmsustainme.” 10.Iamawareofeachandeverythingthatyoudo,sonevertryto deceivemebytellinglies. 11.Electricalenergygetsaccumulatedparticularlyinthefore-fingerof therighthand,whichshouldnotthereforebeusedforrubbingteethor pointingoutthedirection,elseitleadstounneccessarywasteofthe accumulatedelectricalenergy. 12.Spiritualprogressdependsupontheloftinessofcharacter.Never hurtanybody’sfeelings.Keepyoursensesundercontrolandfollowthe truthinbody,mindandspeech.KeepunswervingfaithintheGuruand bepatient,compassionateandforgiving. 13.DearSon,allyourhappinessorsufferingisaresultofyourearlier deeds.Donotaddfurthertothese.Giveupdoingbadandunholy deedsnowatleast,sothatyoudonotcreatenewsins,the consequencesofwhichyouwillhavetosufferinfuture. 14.YoudevelopinterestintheKriyathroughconstantpractice,so muchsothatinduecourseoftimeyouwillnotbeabletogiveitup evenifyouwillwantto.Inthebeginning,youwillhavetoforceyourself tositforyourKriya,butlateryouwillstartfeelinggreatlyperturbed wheneveryouarenotabletodoso.TheGurucanonlyadviseyou, explaintoyouanddemonstratethetechniquetoyoubuttheactual performancewillhavetobedonebyyouandyoualone.So,foryour ownbenefit,getdowntothepracticeofKriyawholeheartedlyand arduously;onlytalkingwillnothelp.Onceyougetfirmlyestablishedin thepracticeofKriya,youwillnotbeabletoleaveitthereafter. 15.ThroughthepracticeofKriya,keepmeditatinguponthe‘Mother’in yourheartallthetime;theMotherwhoisthesourceofallCreation, directlyperceptible.Motherwhocannototherwisebeachievedeven throughYogaandissuperiorevento‘Brahma’andistherealitybehind thepsychologicalmanifestationoftheSupremeEmotion.Insteadof gettinginfluencedbyexternalemotions,alwayskeepyourmindin
communionwiththeMother.Onceyouareabletostayinthatstate, thereisnothingfurthertobedone. 16.Whileyouareinthephysicalbody,youcannotbutbedoingone thingorother.Thenwhynotengageyourselfinthepursuitofsuchan actaswillabsolveyourallbindingactionsforalltime.Attheexact momentsofsunriseandsunset,sitdownforyourKriyadailywithout fail.Evenifyourmindisnotsteady,donotbotheraboutit.Learnto dependsolelyonyourGuru,thennodemonwillbeabletodoany harmtoyou–becertainaboutit. 17.Mydiscipleswillnotbebornagainandthuswillnothaveto undergothesufferingsinamother’swombagain.MyelderGurudeva ShriBhriguramjiParamahansadevahascreatedanabodeforthem wheretheyshallallreside,aftertheirdeathinthisworld. 18.Thefirstrequirementforspiritualadvancementischaracterwhich mustbekeptunblemishedandnextcomelightmealsandlesssleep.As youprogressinyourKriyathelasttwocomebythemselves.Peaceand tranquilityisthenaturaloutcomeofspiritualpractice. 19.Youacquirerichesandpropertyasaresultofyourpastactions. Whatisordainedinyourdestiny,thatmuchyouwillcertainlyget.But evensoitisnotwisetositbackaboslutelyinactive.Youmustmakeall effortstoprocurethem. 20.Everythingiswithinyourveryself.Onlyithasbecomeoverladen withdirtandfilthasanoutcomeofundesirabletendenciesand associationsofpreviouslives.Onceyouareabletogetridofthat covering,youwillbeabletoseeandrecognizeyourrealself.Justas youcannotseeyourfaceinamirrorcoveredwithdirtandtodosoyou havetocleanthemirrorbyrubbing,wipingandwashing,soalsoonce youkeeprubbingoffthedirtofthemindthroughtheconstant repetitionoftheGuru-given-mantra,themindwillbecomepurifiedin duecourseandthenyouwillbeabletoseeyourrealselfonceagain. Theaforesaid‘rubbing,wipingandwashingofthemind’isreallythe YogabhyasKarmaviztheincessantfrictionbetweenthemantraandthe mindthroughconstantrepetitionoftheformer.Getupearlyinthe morningatabout3.30or4.00a.m.andtrytodoyourKriyaupto sunrisefortwotothreehoursatonestretchandsoalsointheevening, daily.Intheeveningstartabouthalfanhourbeforesunsetand continueforanhourandahalfbeyondit.Besidesthis,makeitahabit tomentallyrepeatthemantraatallothertimesalsowhileyouare workingwithyourhandsetc.inthecourseofyourjob.Donotwaste yourtimeonotheruselessthings.Yourjapashouldco-ordinatewith therhythmofexhalationandinhalationofbreathcalledAjapaJap. 21.ItisnotpropertotellanybodyaboutyourKriya,orvisionofany deity,oranyspiritualdream.Anydiscussiononthesesubjectsmay inhibitfurtherexpositionsofasimilarhealthyexperiencesandmay evenproveharmful.Theseindicationsareonlyprecursorstocoming eventsandstabilizationofcertaingoodatributesinaperson.Insuchan
communionwiththeMother.Onceyouareabletostayinthatstate, thereisnothingfurthertobedone. 16.Whileyouareinthephysicalbody,youcannotbutbedoingone thingorother.Thenwhynotengageyourselfinthepursuitofsuchan actaswillabsolveyourallbindingactionsforalltime.Attheexact momentsofsunriseandsunset,sitdownforyourKriyadailywithout fail.Evenifyourmindisnotsteady,donotbotheraboutit.Learnto dependsolelyonyourGuru,thennodemonwillbeabletodoany harmtoyou–becertainaboutit. 17.Mydiscipleswillnotbebornagainandthuswillnothaveto undergothesufferingsinamother’swombagain.MyelderGurudeva ShriBhriguramjiParamahansadevahascreatedanabodeforthem wheretheyshallallreside,aftertheirdeathinthisworld. 18.Thefirstrequirementforspiritualadvancementischaracterwhich mustbekeptunblemishedandnextcomelightmealsandlesssleep.As youprogressinyourKriyathelasttwocomebythemselves.Peaceand tranquilityisthenaturaloutcomeofspiritualpractice. 19.Youacquirerichesandpropertyasaresultofyourpastactions. Whatisordainedinyourdestiny,thatmuchyouwillcertainlyget.But evensoitisnotwisetositbackaboslutelyinactive.Youmustmakeall effortstoprocurethem. 20.Everythingiswithinyourveryself.Onlyithasbecomeoverladen withdirtandfilthasanoutcomeofundesirabletendenciesand associationsofpreviouslives.Onceyouareabletogetridofthat covering,youwillbeabletoseeandrecognizeyourrealself.Justas youcannotseeyourfaceinamirrorcoveredwithdirtandtodosoyou havetocleanthemirrorbyrubbing,wipingandwashing,soalsoonce youkeeprubbingoffthedirtofthemindthroughtheconstant repetitionoftheGuru-given-mantra,themindwillbecomepurifiedin duecourseandthenyouwillbeabletoseeyourrealselfonceagain. Theaforesaid‘rubbing,wipingandwashingofthemind’isreallythe YogabhyasKarmaviztheincessantfrictionbetweenthemantraandthe mindthroughconstantrepetitionoftheformer.Getupearlyinthe morningatabout3.30or4.00a.m.andtrytodoyourKriyaupto sunrisefortwotothreehoursatonestretchandsoalsointheevening, daily.Intheeveningstartabouthalfanhourbeforesunsetand continueforanhourandahalfbeyondit.Besidesthis,makeitahabit tomentallyrepeatthemantraatallothertimesalsowhileyouare workingwithyourhandsetc.inthecourseofyourjob.Donotwaste yourtimeonotheruselessthings.Yourjapashouldco-ordinatewith therhythmofexhalationandinhalationofbreathcalledAjapaJap. 21.ItisnotpropertotellanybodyaboutyourKriya,orvisionofany deity,oranyspiritualdream.Anydiscussiononthesesubjectsmay inhibitfurtherexpositionsofasimilarhealthyexperiencesandmay evenproveharmful.Theseindicationsareonlyprecursorstocoming eventsandstabilizationofcertaingoodatributesinaperson.Insuchan
