Yogananda Podcast

This episode covers the start of chapter 35 to: 
“... Let us see whether Elias will come to save him.” 

Starting with sharing our initial impressions and expectations of this great chapter, we highlighted its connections between Eastern and Western spiritual traditions. We then delve into the nuanced relationship between John the Baptist and Jesus Christ, exploring Paramahansa Yogananda's intuition that they were the reincarnations of Elijah and Elisha. We discuss the concept of reincarnation in Christianity, its historical suppression, and its implications for understanding spiritual evolution, examining biblical passages and stories from the Old Testament, such as the mantle passing from Elijah to Elisha, and reflected on the significance of guru-disciple relationships.  

00:00 Introduction; 
1:10 Expectations from the chapter; 
7:20 Jesus honours his Guru; 
21:10 The prophecy of Elijah's return; 
26:34 Christ reveals the truth; 
35:15 The eternal bond of Guru and disciple; 
39:40 Looking Ahead. 

Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 35 from: 
“The timeless bond of guru and disciple that existed between John and Jesus...” 
to 
“... obeisance toward the guru is an ancient Oriental custom.” 

#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 34 from: 
“Burning with the enthusiasm of truth, I spoke without due thought...” 
to the end of the chapter. 

Chris and Priyank discussed Mahavatar Babaji's miraculous appearance at the devotional request of Lahiri Mahasaya. We explore the themes of humility, overzealousness, and the difference between demanding God's presence when needed vs on a whim. The discussion covered how Lahiri Mahasaya's story demonstrates that spiritual advancement doesn't require complete renunciation of worldly responsibilities, and the significance of the Kumbh Mela incident where Babaji was washing the feet of a renunciate, teaching the importance of humility over outward displays of spirituality. We finish by reflecting on the chapter as a whole.  

00:00 Introduction; 
1:00 Prior Episode; 
2:00 O ye of little faith!; 
14:40 No more; 
28:06 Doubters to believers; 
43:25 Renunciant; 
54:20 Reflections on the chapter. 

Links discussed in this episode: 
https://yogananda.com.au/dayamata/daya_mata_spirit_of_seeking_God.html 
https://yogananda.org/blog/paramahansa-yogananda-on-the-dynamic-power-of-faith 
Kumbh Mela episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/58FyWOSvI9iGlDpO5enlYF 
https://yogananda.com.au/pyr/pyr_purity.html 
 
Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the start of chapter 35 to: 
“... Let us see whether Elias will come to save him.” 
 

#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 34 frrom: 
“How remote seemed my family, the office, the world, as I…”  
to 
“...This is some daydream you have recounted.” 

This section of the chapter focuses on Lahiri Mahashaya's final moments in the hewavely Himalayas and with Mahavatar Babaji, with his plea to relax the rigid rules governing Kriya Yoga transmission. We explored how Babaji agreed to allow Lahiri to share Kriya with sincere seekers who couldn't commit to complete renunciation, reflecting a compassionate approach to spiritual practice in their current age. The discussion covered the threefold sufferings (physical, mental, and spiritual) that people experience, the requirements for Kriya initiation including the 6-month preliminary practice period, and the importance of proper guidance from monks and nuns during the application process. We also absorv Babaji's promise to assume life-after-life responsibility for initiated Kriyabans and discussed how even small spiritual practices can provide protection and benefit seekers on their path to liberation. 

00:00 Introduction; 
0:55 Prior Episode; 
1:45 Opening the door of kriya; 
16:40 Attention all SRF-YSS Students; 
32:09 Even a little practice...; 
48:26 Doubting Thomas settled in India; 
57:48 Looking Ahead. 

Links discussed in this episode: 
https://yogananda.org/request-prayers 
https://yogananda.org/kriya-yoga-lessons 

Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the last part of chapter 34 from: 
“Burning with the enthusiasm of truth, I spoke without due thought...” 
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 34 from: 
“How remote seemed my family, the office, the world, as I…”  
to 
“...This is some daydream you have recounted.” 

This episode covers the final stages Lahiri Mahasaya's initiation into Kriya yoga, where Mahavatar Babaji demonstrated materialisation abilities by creating a palace and a bowl of plenty that could fulfill any desire. We explored the philosophical implications of these miracles, comparing them to similar abilities described in other spiritual texts, and examined Lahiri's subsequent seven-day experience in Nirbikalpa Samadhi. We also discussed the significance of Lahiri's role as an ideal yogi householder in Benares, rather than remaining in the Himalayas with Babaji, emphasising that spiritual advancement is possible for those living ordinary lives with family and work responsibilities. 

00:00 Introduction; 
0:45 Prior Episode; 
2:27 The bowl of endless plenty; 
23:00 Nirbikalpa Samadhi; 
35:00 The life of a householder 
56:00 Looking Ahead. 

Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 34 from: 
“How remote seemed my family, the office, the world, as I…”  
to 
“...This is some daydream you have recounted.” 

#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 34 from: 
“As I remained silent in awe, my guide made a sweeping gesture…”  
to 
“...Put your hand there and receive whatever food you desire.” 

This episode continues Lahiri Mahasaya's experience with Babaji's materialised palace. We examine how Babaji manifested a jewelled palace from cosmic rays to fulfil Lahiri's past life desire for a golden palace, with detailed discussions about the philosophical implications of what constitutes matter and reality. We explored Paramahansa Yogananda’s commentary on karma, particularly the four definitions of karma from Bhagavad Gita, and how Lahiri's experience fit into these categories. The conversation covered the palace's purpose as a testing ground for Lahiri's initiation into Kriya Yoga, the mystical nature of the initiation ceremony, and the eventual dematerialisation of the palace when Lahiri's desire was fulfilled.  

00:00 Introduction; 
0:40 Prior Episode; 
1:15 Transitoriness; 
16:20 Desire extinguished; 
26:50 Kriya Initiation; 
46:15 Dematerialised; 
56:55 Looking Ahead. 

Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 34 from: 
“I touched the broad, empty bowl; hot buttered luchis, curry…”  
to 
“... liberation is dependent on inner, rather than outer, renunciations.” 

#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 34 to: 
“Yonder light is the glow of a golden palace...”  
to 
“...When this structure has served its purpose, Babaji will dematerialise it.’” 

Lahiri Mahasaya shows that even liberated masters must temporarily engage with cosmic delusion to maintain a physical form, with Babaji fulfilling Lahiri Mahasai's latent desire for a palace as part of his (self-imposed) karmic completion. We take a deep dive into the spiritual significance of the materialised golden palace, including its devotional features like incense, roses, and lamps, and discussed how the story relates to the concept that all creation is mind-born and sustained by God's will. We also examined the importance of proper spiritual initiation through authorised channels and discussed how the story reflects the principle that every human wish must eventually be fulfilled, whether in this lifetime or future ones.  

00:00 Introduction; 
1:25  Prior Episode; 
2:11 Beginning of the end; 
23:23 Beauty in man-made creation; 
38:51 A Babaji production; 
52:04 Looking Ahead. 

Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 34 to: 
“As I remained silent in awe, my guide made a sweeping gesture…”  
to 
“...Put your hand there and receive whatever food you desire.” 

#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 34 to: 
“As I maintained a bewildered silence, the saint approached...”  
to 
“‘The hour is midnight.’ My guide laughed softly...” 

This section of the chapter focuses on the meeting between Lahiri Mahashaya and Mahavar Babaji in the Himalayas. The conversation centred on a profound reunion where Babaji touched Lahiri Mahasaya's forehead, triggering the recall of past lifetime memories. We explored the spiritual significance of this meeting, drawing parallels to Krishna's relationship with Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita, and discussed how Babaji had been watching over Lahiri Mahasaya across lifetimes with "deathless love".  

00:00 Introduction; 
1:00 Prior Episode 
2:30 The touch that awakens 
10:00 A love beyond death; 
30:10 You need purification; 
37:10 A light at midnight; 
38:00 Looking Ahead 

Links discussed in the episode: 
Dunagiri to Gogash River: https://maps.app.goo.gl/NwTVrqP8RngiguGX7 

Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 34 to: 
“Yonder light is the glow of a golden palace...”  
to 
“...When this structure has served its purpose, Babaji will dematerialise 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 34 to: 
“... Lahiri, surely this cave seems familiar to you?” 

Summary: 

The chapter focusses on the miraculous story of Lahiri Mahashaya's meeting with his guru Mahavatar Babaji in the Himalayas, one of the most significant spiritual initiations in the book. We examine how Lahiri Mahasaya's journey from his accounting job to meeting Babaji involved multiple coincidental elements, including the location near Ranikhet Nanda Devi peak and the timing of his encounter with the voice calling his name. The group analyse Babaji's explanation of how unity consciousness allows gurus to work through all minds as transmitting stations.  

0:00 Introduction; 
1:48 Expectations from the Chapter; 
5:20 Setting of the scene; 
20:00 While out roaming your hear your name; 
34:45 The meeting of meetings; 
46:00 I remember; 
55:00 Looking Ahead. 

Links discussed in the episode: 
Dunagiri: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qrdvxeh8G4qTtJHHA 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nanda_Devi 
https://yogananda.com.au/gurus/yoganandaquotes06.html 
https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/56341262 
 

Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 34 to: 
“As I maintained a bewildered silence, the saint approached...”  
to 
“‘The hour is midnight.’ My guide laughed softly...” 

#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 33 from: 
“During my visit at Ranbajpur with Ram Gopal…” 
to the end of the chapter. 

Summary: 

This last part of the chapter covers Ram Gopal's significant meeting with Babaji and Mataji near Dashashwamedh Ghat in Benaras (Varanasi). We examined the supernatural elements of the encounter, including the appearance of light beings and the manifestation of Babaji's physical form, as well as the philosophical implications of Babaji's promise to remain physically present on Earth. We analyse the spiritual significance of bowing and reverence in Hindu tradition, discussed cross-references to Greek philosophy and biblical texts, and explored the concept of masters maintaining physical forms for specific missions. They also considered the broader implications of the chapter's themes about immortality, maya (cosmic delusion), and the nature of spiritual existence. 

0:00 Introduction; 
1:15 Prior Episode; 
2:20 Mataji; 
9:15 Flying without wings; 
26:15 Immortal promise; 
42:40 Coming back down to earth; 
1:01:40 Epic footnote; 
1:10:40 Reflections on the chapter. 

Links discussed in the episode: 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dashashwamedh_Ghat 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thales_of_Miletus 
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chiranjivi?wprov=sfla1 

Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the start of chapter 34 to: 
“...releasing the sweet seed-memories of my previous life.” 

#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 33 from : 
“Two amazing incidents of Babaji’s life are known to me…” 
to 
“…the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me”. 

Summary: 

This section of the chapter covers two dramatic stories about Mahavatar Babaji and his group of Himalayan disciples. We examined how Babaji intervened to help his devotees overcome their karma through challenging tests. The discussion included insights about karma, the nature of an avatar's omnipresence, and how Babaji maintains a physical form to serve as a concrete example of humanity's spiritual possibilities. The episode concluded with an analysis of the famous sketch of Mahavatar Babaji used on SRF altars worldwide, discussing the powerful presence and beauty captured in the image, and setting up the next episode to cover Babaji's eternal promise to remain in physical form. 

0:00 Introduction; 
1:30 Fire related injury; 
12:20 Dera Danda Uthau; 
34:50 The nature of an avatar; 
47:47 The most significant picture ever drawn; 
46:30 Looking Ahead. 

Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the last part of chapter 33 from: 
“During my visit at Ranbajpur with Ram Gopal…” 
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