Yogananda Podcast

This episode covers the last part of chapter 37 from: 
“Because of Father’s generous cheque, I was able to remain in America...” 
to the end of the chapter. 

In today’s discussion we focus on the financial challenges Swami Yogananda faced after purchasing the Mount Washington property, including a story from Phil Goldberg's book about a large “unexpected” donation from a devotee. We read and interpreted excerpts from George Washington's farewell address and Walt Whitman's poetry, linking them to Yogananda's vision of spiritual destiny for America and the blending of East and West. We also found a relevant poem from Yogananda's "Songs of the Soul" and discussed a photograph of him with President Coolidge, noting the historical context of immigration laws at the time. We shared personal reflections on the chapter, highlighting themes of faith, authenticity, and the universal nature of spiritual practice and concluded by sharing our favourite lines from the text, emphasizing the importance of God's guidance and the impact of Yogananda's early lectures on thousands of Americans. 

0:00 Introduction; 
0:55 Prior Episode; 
2:40 Bill Day at Mt Washington; 
8:40 Washington's Farewell Address; 
17:07 Whitman Addresses the Mother; 
26:00 A Prophecy of Countless Saviours; 
30:25 Yogananda with President Calvin Coolidge; 
37:50 Reflections on the chapter. 

Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the start of chapter 38 to: 
"...I am with you heart and soul in your practical ideals of education.” 

#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 37 from: 
“Because of Father’s generous cheque, I was able to remain in America...” 
to 
“Whispers from Eternity, with a preface by the famous singer, Mme. Amelita Galli-Curci.” 

This section of the chapter focusses on Swami Yogananda's early years in America and his transcontinental tour. We discuss the financial support Yogananda received from his father, which allowed him to stay in the U.S. and teach spiritual truth. Guruji’s 1924 tour took himfrom Boston to Alaska, with public lectures in major cities, and the establishment of the American headquarters at Mount Washington in 1925. The group shared a tender postcard from Sri Yukteswar expressing joy at Yogananda's success. We highlighted three books Yogananda wrote during that decade: Songs of the Soul, Scientific Healing Affirmations, and Whispers from Eternity, and each participant read a favourite passage.  

0:00 Introduction; 
0:25 Prior Episode; 
1:55 Early years in the US; 
13:19 Mt Washington, Vision, Sri Yukteshwar; 
17:35 Years sped by; 
21:55 Songs, Whispers and Healing Affirmations; 
27:41 Pictures; 
34:41 Looking Ahead and closing prayer. 

Links from the episode:  
Awake, minute 38 on Guruji’s tour - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaVJjToPpAA 
Awake, minute 31 on the procurement of Mother Center - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbTEooeIZrA 
Brother Chidananda’s recent video on Mother Center: https://www.youtube.com/live/zcuEW3duNzM?si=wKkbS4jpT8FD2dTx 
Awake, minute 36 on Galli-Curci - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5U6mANt0BrM 
 
Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the last part of chapter 37 from: 
“Because of Father’s generous cheque, I was able to remain in America...” 
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 

yogananda,podcast,autobiography of a yogi,srf,yss,meditation 

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/ 
 
Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 37 from: 
“Because of Father’s generous cheque, I was able to remain in America...” 
to 
“Whispers from Eternity, with a preface by the famous singer, Mme. Amelita Galli-Curci.” 

#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 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 

This episode covers the next part of chapter 36 from: 
“You, Swamiji, have a part to play in the coming harmonious exchange between...”  
to 
“...infuse greater divine faith in a wide circle of men who learn the story.” 

Please note, we made a slight mistake with the order of text, I hope you will forgive us: Sri Yukteswar’s Holy Science assignment and the conversation with Lahiri Mahasaya about Sri Yukteswar’s meeting with Babaji.  

The episode focusses on Babaji's interest in the West and his interactions with Sri Yukteswar regarding the same. We discuss the need of sending a disciple to the West for yoga dissemination, and the spiritual vibrations in the West during the late 19th century that attracted many seeking souls. We also analysed Babaji's message to Lahiri Mahasaya about his life's power running low, debating whether this indicated Lahiri was entering a samadhi state or simply reacting humanely to profound news about his impending death. We try to understand the intriguing elements of why Babaji prevented Sri Yukteswar from recognizing him during their first meeting, with theories suggesting it was to maintain intellectual engagement rather all consuming devotion. The conversation also covered Sri Yukteswar's assignment to write "The Holy Science" book comparing Christian and Hindu scriptures. 

0:00 Introduction; 
0:30 Prior Episode; 
1:20 Yogananda is chosen; 
11:30 Tell your guru of your paramguru; 
23:22 Write a book; 
39:56 Death may be at thy door; 
1:01:30 Looking Ahead 

Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on 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.” 

#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 36 to: 

“...base its religious beliefs on the unshakable foundations of yogic science.” 

Chapter 36 features the first and only appearance of all four gurus in the book. We explored the significance of the Kumbh Mela festival, where Sri Yukteshwar met Mahavatar Babaji under a sacred tree, though he didn't recognize Babaji at the time due to Babaji's ability to prevent specific thoughts from arising in others' minds. We also examined Babaji's teachings about finding wisdom like a wise ant that seizes only the sugar and leaves the sand untouched, discussing how this metaphor applies to discerning spiritual truth amidst life's imperfections.  

0:00 Introduction; 

1:34 Expectations from the chapter; 

3:55 The Kumbha Mela; 

23:28 The Disguised First Meeting with the Master and Swamiji; 

34:48 Be like the wise ant; 

42:05 The East and West; 

49:29 Looking Ahead; 

Links mentioned in this episode:  

https://open.spotify.com/episode/58FyWOSvI9iGlDpO5enlYF 

https://www.youtube.com/live/wJSbq4YRkpc 

Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 36 from: 

“You, Swamiji, have a part to play in the coming harmonious exchange between...”  

to 

“...infuse greater divine faith in a wide circle of men who learn the story.” 

#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 35 from: 
“Lahiri Mahasaya’s handwriting and signature, in Bengali script, are shown...”  
to the end of the chapter. 

As we examined the beautiful Bengali lettering and signature from Lahiri Mahasaya, we review the scientific foundation of yoga mudras like Shambhavi Mudra, which involves fixing the gaze between the eyebrows without blinking. Lahiri Mahasaya's teachings on the Bhagavad Gita and Mahabharata set the tone for the age, where modern science has confirmed ancient yoga practices dating back thousands of years. The conversation covered Paramahansa Yogananda’s approach to sharing miraculous stories, noting his discrimination in what to include in his writings, and emphasized the universal nature of Lahiri Mahasaya's teachings that transcended religious boundaries.  

0:00 Introduction; 
0:42 Prior Episode; 
1:25 Lahiri Mahasaya’s Handwriting; 
13:03 Knot-points; 
21:14 Passion and bondage; 
38:36 Kriya Mathematics; 
45:20 New Hope; 
1:00:00 Reflections on the chapter. 

Links mentioned in this episode:  
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nataraja 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pashupati_seal 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Carlyle?wprov=sfla1 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sartor_Resartus?wprov=sfla1 
 

Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the first part of chapter 36 to: 
“...base its religious beliefs on the unshakable foundations of yogic science.”  

#autobiographyofayogi  #autobiographylinebyline  #paramahansayogananda 
Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India 
#SRF #YSS