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

This episode covers the next part of chapter 35 from:
“If a disciple neglected any of his worldly obligations, the master would...”
to
“... Evidently the master’s blessing was a necessary ingredient”

This section of the chapter covers Lahiri Mahasaya’s intriguing secular approach to including Muslims, Christians, and people of various faiths into Kriya Yoga practice in the 1890s. We explored how Lahiri Mahasaya maintained his Brahmin caste status while breaking social barriers by accepting students from different religious backgrounds, emphasizing that preparation and readiness were more important than faith background for Kriya initiation. We also have a discussion of how Kriya Yoga fits within the broader paths of yoga (Bhakti, Karma, Jnana, and Raja Yoga).

00:00 Introduction;
1:00 Prior Episode;
2:24 The barbs that nobody fled;
17:45 Brinda Bhagat, who could not deliver the letters;
40:30 The fragrance, and the refusal;
58:26 A pension, and an oil that would not distil;
1:11:40 Looking Ahead;
1:12:15 Panchanan Bhattacharya.

Links mentioned in this episode:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Umz_yN2vY8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6atoS1XS2GA&t=4s
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swami_Bhaskarananda_Saraswati
https://balanandaashrams.org/in/sri-sri-balananda-brahmachari-maharaj-ji/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayurveda

Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the last part of chapter 35 from:
“Lahiri Mahasaya’s handwriting and signature, in Bengali script, are shown...”
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 35 from:
“A significant feature of Lahiri Mahasaya’s life was his gift of Kriya...”
to
“...I have already initiated you, in a dream,’ Lahiri Mahasaya replied.”

This section of the chapter covers Lahiri Mahasaya’s intriguing secular approach to including Muslims, Christians, and people of various faiths into Kriya Yoga practice in the 1890s. We explored how Lahiri Mahasaya maintained his Brahmin caste status while breaking social barriers by accepting students from different religious backgrounds, emphasizing that preparation and readiness were more important than faith background for Kriya initiation. We also have a discussion of how Kriya Yoga fits within the broader paths of yoga (Bhakti, Karma, Jnana, and Raja Yoga).

00:00 Introduction;
1:15 Prior Episode;
1:40 Universal;
15:20 Act now;
23:10 Follow your path faithfully;
39:27 Meditation has the answers;
45:55 The Master's Omnipresence;
55:10 Looking Ahead.

Links mentioned in this episode:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninety-five_Theses
https://yogananda.com.au/pyr/pyr_self-realization.html#self
https://yogananda.com.au/gurus/yogananda_quotes31meditation.html#meditation
https://www.kriya.org/guru/shrimat-bhupendranath-sanyal-mahashaya/en
https://yogananda.com.au/lessons.html

Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 35 from:
“If a disciple neglected any of his worldly obligations, the master would...”
to
“... Evidently the master’s blessing was a necessary ingredient..”

#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 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.”

This section discusses Mahavatar Babaji and Lahiri Mahasaya’s part in the great spiritual renaissance they initiated, including the powerful story about an English superintendent who witnessed Lahiri performing a healing miracle for his critically ill wife. We explored the practical aspects of meditation and making time for spiritual practice despite busy lives. We also studied the famous photograph of Lahiri Mahashaya in lotus posture and discussed the significance of having dedicated spaces for meditation.

00:00 Introduction;
0:26 Prior Episode;
1:05 The Babaji divine love connection;
22:40 From Sickness to Health;
41:16 Be in the world, but not of it;
1:05:22 Lahiri Mahasaya Picture;
1:10:56 Looking Ahead.

Links mentioned in this episode:
https://yssofindia.org/teachings-library/educating-the-youth-in-paramahansa-yoganandas-how-to-live-principles
https://www.ysei.edu.in/
https://www.bengalitolaintercollege.com/History.aspx
https://www.yoganiketan.net/reader/books/srimad-bhagavad-gita.html

Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 35 from:
“A significant feature of Lahiri Mahasaya’s life was his gift of Kriya...”
to
“...I have already initiated you, in a dream,’ Lahiri Mahasaya replied.”

#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 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