Guru Purnimaa 2023 Discourse by Gurudev Dr. Sudhin Ray

Guru Purnima 2023

Gurudev’s Speech in Bangla

English Translation of Gurudev’s Speech

Amidst this sweltering heat, your willingness to hear about Kriya Yoga is truly admirable. My Gurudev (Shri Maheshwari Prasad Dubey) often mentioned that during winter, the practice of Kriya happens seamlessly; however, in the summer, practicing Kriya presents more difficulties.

The techniques of Kriya that you’ve received, which Lahiri Baba shared with the world, can bring results if practiced consistently. Lahiri Baba also mentioned that when someone regularly practices Kriya or similar techniques, their willpower can become so strong that they can accomplish impressive things on their own.

Sometimes, I’ve had discussions with my Gurudev about whether practicing certain techniques and spiritual practices actually bring about any meaningful results for the practitioners. I’ve questioned that any outcomes depend solely on a person’s mental state, which is influenced by their three “Gunas” (qualities of nature), making it a subjective experience rather than a universal truth. This led me to think that not everyone might need to be given the specific “Kriya” technique.

In response to my doubts, Gurudev explained that the people who seek initiation into the “Kriya” practice are not ordinary individuals. Their interest in yogic practices has not developed suddenly; instead, it is rooted in a deep longing for personal growth and the liberation of their souls across multiple lifetimes. This enduring desire is what drives them to continuously seek out these techniques.

Lahiri Baba has explained how spiritual evolution or salvation can be achieved through Kriya, emphasizing the significance of Pranayama techniques. He believed that by practicing Pranayama correctly, individuals could observe changes within themselves.

Pranayama involves extended and rhythmic breathing cycles. Its purpose lies in harmonizing the divided aspects of our life force or “prana.” By birth, our prana resides in Brahmarandhra, divided into five components: pran, apan, vyan, samana, and udana. Regular Pranayama practice accumulates and unifies these divided aspects. The ultimate goal is to reach Brahmarandhra, where prana becomes stable.

Prana exists in two states: restless and stable. Restless prana gives rise to desires and thoughts, while stable prana enhances willpower and consciousness. Consistent Pranayama practice aims to attain this stable state. This state enables individuals to distinguish between restless and stable prana, leading to better self-awareness.

Lahiri Baba encourages all practitioners of Kriya to strive for this state. Once achieved, individuals experience fewer obstacles. However, the attainment of this state depends on an individual’s dedication, faith, and devotion.

We are born with a mixture of positive and negative qualities. We often find ourselves drawn to negative aspects, perhaps because we doubt the effectiveness of positive traits. Yet, if we manage to embrace these positive qualities, a cascade of positive changes can unfold.

One day, someone approached me and stated, “The practice of Kriya lacks devotion. I find greater joy in sitting before an idol, engaging in worship rituals, and performing my puja. This brings me immense happiness.”

Indeed, this happiness is understandable, as it is imbued with the power of Maya—the illusory nature of existence. Maya exerts its influence due to our transactional approach to the divine, wherein devotion is pursued for personal gain. However, a profound transformation occurs when an individual progresses along the path and establishes in Kutastha. Gradually, the practitioner begins to witness their own illuminated form, progressing to perceive a triangular shape representing the interplay of the three Gunas (modes of nature). With unwavering focus, the seeker may even glimpse Para Prakriti—the ultimate power of the divine.

Fundamentally, attaining a state of presence in Kutastha has the potential to enhance one’s willpower, but the actual outcome depends on the practitioner’s individual endeavors. Many individuals express a longing for the Grace of the Guru. In this context, ‘Grace’ signifies establishing firmly in Kutastha. Consequently, under Guru’s grace, various powers spontaneously arise within the practitioner. The term ‘Guru’ refers to the ‘Para Prana’—the vital force behind all life forces, as affirmed by the Upanishads: “Sa U Pranasya Prana,” signifying the one who embodies the very essence of life itself. Gradually, this essence starts to reveal its manifold manifestations.

Furthermore, some practitioners become so consumed by devotion through their connection to Kutastha that surrender becomes automatic.

The insights I have shared today encapsulate the essence of Kriya Yoga. Each person should introspect their current state and seek guidance from his Guru, asking, “Please enlighten me about my circumstances, the obstacles holding me back, and the path to further advancement.” Those who carry these inquiries within them will naturally discover the answers and attain a state of grace. I will conclude my words as the temperature is causing discomfort to many gathered here. If you have queries related to Kriya, feel free to meet me or call me, as my responses will be tailored to your situation. Remember, your journey is unique to you.

HIndi Translation of Gurudev’s Speech

मैं देख रहा हूँ कि किस प्रकार आप लोग इस भीषण गर्मी में भी क्रिया योग के बारे में कुछ सुनने के लिए बैठे हुए है । मेरे गुरुदेव (श्री माहेश्वरी प्रसाद दुबे) अक्सर एक अच्छी बात कहा करते थे कि “शीतकाल में क्रिया का अभ्यास अच्छा होता है, गर्मी में क्रिया का अभ्यास करना अधिक कठिन होता है”।

आपको जो ये क्रिया पद्धति मिली है, जिसको लहिड़ी बाबा ने जनमानस के साथ साझा किया है, यदि इसका नियमित रूप से अभ्यास किया जाए, तो इसके द्वारा उचित परिणाम प्राप्त किए जा सकते हैं। लहिड़ी बाबा ने यह भी कहा कि जब कोई व्यक्ति नियमित रूप से क्रिया या इसी तरह की पद्धतियों का अभ्यास करता है, तो उनकी इच्छाशक्ति इतनी मजबूत हो जाती है कि वे इसके द्वारा आश्चर्यजनक काम कर सकते हैं।

कभी-कभी, मैं अपने गुरुदेव के साथ क्रिया योग को लेकर चर्चा किया करता था ” कि क्या वास्तव में क्रिया योग आदि पद्धतियों के अभ्यास से किसी का कल्याण हो सकता है ?”। मेरा मानना था कि किसी व्यक्ति को साधना का परिणाम केवल उसके मानसिक स्थिति के कारण ही मिलता हैं, जिसमें उनके तीन गुणों का विशेष प्रभाव रहता है, जिससे यह साधनागत अनुभव उसके स्वयं के होते है जो सर्वसामान्य के लिए एक समान नहीं हो सकता । जिस कारण मैं उनसे पूछा करता था कि सब को क्रिया योग दीक्षा देने की आवश्यकता ही क्या है ।

इसके उत्तर में गुरुदेव ने कहा था कि जो लोग तुम्हारे पास दीक्षा के लिए आते है वो साधारण लोग नहीं है, उनकी योग साधना में रुचि अचानक नहीं आई है; बल्कि यह उनकी आत्मविकास के पथ पर अग्रसर होने और मुक्ति की गहरी इच्छा के कारण है, जो कई जन्मों की उनके खोज को परिणाम है जो उनको बार बार इस पथ पे खींच लाती है।

लहिड़ी बाबा ने कहा है कि क्रिया के माध्यम से आध्यात्मिक विकास या मुक्ति संभव है, जिसमे उन्होंने प्राणायाम तकनीकों को महत्व दिया है। उन्होंने कहा है कि प्राणायाम को सही तरीके से अभ्यास करके, व्यक्ति, स्वयं में होते हुए परिवर्तनो को देख सकता है।

प्राणायाम का अर्थ साँस-प्रश्वास को गहरा करना है । इसका उद्देश्य हमारे जीवन शक्ति या “प्राण” को स्थिर करना है। जन्म से ही हमारा प्राण ब्रह्मरंध्र में स्थित होता है, जो पांच भागों में विभाजित रहता है: प्राण, आपान, व्यान, समान और उदान। नियमित प्राणायाम के अभ्यास से इन विभाजित पञ्च प्राणो को ब्रह्मरंध्र में एकत्रित किया जाता है दूसरे शब्दों में प्राणायाम का अंतिम लक्ष्य ब्रह्मरंध्र में प्राण को स्थिर करना है ।

प्राण की दो अवस्था है : स्थिर और चंचल । चंचल प्राण के कारण इच्छाएँ और विचार उत्पन्न होते है, जबकि स्थिर प्राण इच्छाशक्ति और चेतना के प्रति सजग कराता है । नियमित प्राणायाम का उद्देश्य चंचल और स्थिर प्राण के बीच की भिन्नता को पहचानना है, जिससे हम बेहतर आत्म-जागरूकता हो सके।

लहिड़ी बाबा, सभी क्रियावानो से इस स्थिति की प्राप्ति के लिए प्रयासरत रहने के लिए कहा कहते थे । एक बार यह स्थिति प्राप्त होने पर, बाधाएँ स्वतः कम हो जाती हैं। हालांकि, इस स्थिति की प्राप्ति, व्यक्ति की समर्पणशीलता, श्रद्धा और भक्ति पर निर्भर होती है।

हम सकारात्मक और नकारात्मक गुणों के साथ जन्म लेते हैं। मानव होने के नाते, हम अक्सर नकारात्मक पहलुओं की ओर ज्यादा आकर्षित होते हैं, शायद इसलिए कि हम सकारात्मक गुणों के प्रभाव की प्रभावशालीता पर संदेह करते हैं। हालांकि, अगर हम सकारात्मक गुणों को अपनाने में सफल हो जाते हैं, तो जीवन में सकारात्मक परिवर्तनों की एक प्रक्रिया प्रारंभ हो सकती है।

एक दिन, किसी ने मेरे पास आकर कहा, “क्रियायोग में भक्ति का कोई स्थान नहीं है। मुझे तो मूर्ति के सामने बैठकर उसकी विधि पूर्वक पूजा करके ही अधिक आनंद प्राप्त होता है।”

पूजा में आनंद का अनुभव होना स्वाभाविक है, क्योंकि यह भी माया शक्ति के अंतर्गत है। माया शक्ति का प्रभाव इसलिए रहता है क्योंकि हम प्रभु से कुछ चाहने-पाने की अभिलाषा रखते है । हालांकि, जब कोई व्यक्ति निर्विकार होकर साधना मार्ग पर आगे बढ़ता है तो वह कूटस्थ में स्थिति प्राप्त करता है, थोड़ी स्थिति पक्की होने पर उसको स्वयं के सूक्ष्म शरीर के दर्शन होते है । धीरे-धीरे उसे एक त्रिकोणाकार आकृति दिखाई देती है, यही उसके तीनो गुणों की स्थिति है । अच्छी तरह से ध्यान केंद्रित करने पर साधक को आगे परा प्रकृति या योगमाया के भी दर्शन होते है ।

मूल रूप में, कूटस्थ में स्थिति पक्की होने पर व्यक्ति की इच्छाशक्ति का विकास होता है, लेकिन यह स्थिति साधक के व्यक्तिगत प्रयासों पर निर्भर करता है। कभी कोई आकर कहता है “गुरुदेव कृपा कीजिये”। यहां , ‘कृपा’ का अर्थ ‘कूटस्थ’ में स्थापित होना है। परिणामस्वरूप, गुरु की कृपा होने पर यह स्थिति आती है और साधक के भीतर स्वतः ही विभिन्न शक्तियाँ उत्पन्न होती हैं। ‘गुरु’ शब्द का अर्थ ‘परम प्राण’—जो सभी के प्राण है , जैसा कि उपनिषदों ने कहा है: “स उ प्राणस्य प्राणः ,” अर्थात जो इस चराचर जगत का प्राण है । इस स्थिति की प्राप्ति के बाद कोई संशय शेष नहीं रहता है ।

कभी-कभी ऐसा भी देखा जाता है कि किसी साधक की कूटस्थ में स्थिति होने पर वह भक्ति भाव में इतना डूब जाता है कि उसका समर्पण स्वयं ही हो जाता है ।

आज मैंने आपके साथ क्रिया योग की मूल बातें साझा किया है। प्रत्येक व्यक्ति को अपनी वर्तमान स्थिति का आत्म-मनन करना चाहिए और फिर अपने गुरु से मार्गदर्शन प्राप्त करने के लिए ऐसे प्रश्न पूछने चाहिए , “कृपया मुझे मेरी स्थिति के बारे में ज्ञान कराये, मेरे साधना में प्रगति क्यों रुक गई है, मैं और किस तरह से आगे बढूं , कृपया मुझे उचित मार्ग दिखाकर प्रेरित करें।” जो साधक इन प्रश्नो के साथ आगे बढ़ते हैं, उन्हें इनके उत्तर स्वतः प्राप्त हो जाते है और गुरु कृपा को प्राप्त करते है ।

बढ़ता हुआ तापमान सबके लिए कष्टकारक है इसीलिए मैं अपनी वाणी को अब विराम देता हूँ । यदि आपके पास क्रिया से संबंधित प्रश्न हैं, तो मुझसे आकर मिले या टेलीफोन के माध्यम से संपर्क करे , क्योंकि मेरे उत्तर आपके लिए आपकी परिस्थितियों के अनुसार होंगी, जो सर्वसामान्य के लिए नहीं है।

Glimpses from Lahiri Mahashay’s Life

Glimpses from Lahiri Mahashay’s Life

The Illustrations from the life of Shree Lahiri Mahashaya was first published in the 3rd Edition of Anweshan, July 2020. We are publishing the same in the web format so that devotees can once again drink the nectar of divinely intoxicated events of Lahiri Baba’s life.

The Call of Destiny

Lahiri Mahashay Got Transfer Letter

Shyamacharan got employed in the Public Works Department at the age of 23. He started off his employment at Ghazipur (Uttar Pradesh), after which he was transferred for work to various places like Mirzapur, Buxar, and Gorakhpur. In November 1868, Shyamacharan received a transfer order to Ranikhet (then a remote town in the Almora district in the Himalayas) as a Head Clerk. A week later, he left for Ranikhet, leaving behind his wife and children with his acquaintance in Varanasi.

In Ranikhet

Lahiri Mahashay Reached Ranikhet

After a journey of several days, Shyamacharan reached Ranikhet. At that time Ranikhet was a secluded place. The PWD department, which was under then the British government, was carrying out the road construction project for better communication in the hilly terrains. The serene surroundings, pristine environment, and snow-capped peaks could fascinate anyone and Shyamacharan too was enthralled by the extraordinary beauty of Nature. Every day therefore after finishing his daily work, he used to go out for an evening stroll.

The First Meeting with the Master

One day, like every evening, he was on an outing to a quiet place, with some sepoys and peons. Suddenly Shyamacharan felt that someone was calling out his name from a distance. After moving a little further, he saw a young monk, standing atop a small mountain, calling out his name. Seeing Shyamacharan, the monk came down. He told Shyamacharan, “I knew you will come this way, so I was waiting for you at this place. My cave is on the top of this mountain. Come to my cave tomorrow after finishing your office work. “.

Memories from Past Life

After returning to his tent, Shyamacharan spent the entire night thinking about meeting the monk. He had heard how robbers in secluded places rob travelers in the guise of monks. He kept wondering how that monk knew his name. He spent his entire night in this dilemma.

Shyamacharan finished his work early on the second day and set out alone to meet the monk. The path leading to the mountain was through a thick forest. After walking a few miles, Shyamacharan forgot the way. The realization that he was on the wrong track, diminished all his chances of returning to the camp before dark.

Unable to choose the right path, the directionless Shyamacharan sat on a block of rock. Then he heard a voice “Shyamacharan, come here”. Chasing the voice, he reached a cave located at the top of the mountain, where he saw the same monk standing there.

“Shyamacharan did you recognize me?” The monk asked. “This is the same place where you have practiced intense meditation. This tiger skin mat and water pot belong to you. Don’t you recognize these things?”, the monk inquired. Surprised Shyamacharan was unable to remember anything. He replied, “O revered one, I am failing to remember anything; please forgive me”.

The monk then said to Shyamacharan, “Mahamaya made you forget everything but don’t worry, you will recall everything”. After uttering these words, he touched Shyamacharan in a certain way and a thunder-like energy ran through Shyamcharan’s body. After a while, Shyamacharan was able to remember his past lives and recognized the monk as his Guru in his previous birth.

The Initation into Kriya

Shyamcharan’s initiation into Kriya Yoga took place in a cave in the Dronagiri mountain under the Dwarahat mountain range, 15 miles from Ranikhet. After Shyamcharan’s initiation, a new chapter in the world of self-realization began. Shyamacharan was not alone who benefited from this ancient science of Kriya Yoga, but millions of householders and ascetics were too destined to receive this nectar in the coming years.

The Initial Days of Sadhana

After meeting his master in Ranikhet, Shyamacharan was transferred to several places and eventually got posted at Danapur. During his stay in Danapur, he practiced rigorous kriya. During this time, he was so discreet that no one knew about his routine. After finishing the office, he continued to practice Kriya in the quietness of the night. He never let laziness overpower him. This is the reason that an intense practice of meditation could not make him physically weak.

The Kriya yoga technique taught by his Guru became the foundation of Shyamcharan’s life.

In the coming days, after crossing various steps of Sadhana, he was about to transform from a normal householder to Yogiraj, the exponent of Kriya yoga.

Yogiraj: The Ever Compassionate One

One day Shyamacharan, seeing his Sahib (reporting officer) worried, enquired about his agony. He came to know that Sahib’s wife was unwell in England and that her condition was so serious that it was difficult to save her life. Yogiraj, the ocean of mercy was moved by seeing the helplessness of his Sahib. Shyamacharan entered an empty room and went into intense meditation.

After some time Shyamacharan came out of the room and informed Sahib that his wife was now doing well, and he would get her news soon through a letter. The British Sahib did not believe Shyamacharan who had by now become the famous Pagla Babu (the mad one) because of his aloofness. After a few days, the British Sahib received his wife’s letter from England and to his surprise found the content of such letter matched exactly with the words of Shyamacharan.

After a few months, the British Sahib’s wife came to Danapur from England and incidentally one day came to the office with her husband. That was the day when she saw Shyamacharan. She then told her husband that it was that great person, Shyamacharan, who stood by her death bed and it was only by his blessings that she survived the clutches of death.

Sahib too became overwhelmed with reverence by becoming aware of Yogiraj’s supernatural abilities.

Yogiraj’s Meeting with Tailang Swami

The famous homeopathic physician of Varanasi, Gopalachandra Bandopadhyay was a disciple of Yogiraj. Gopal Babu sometimes used to visit the famous saint Tailang Swami, also known as the walking Shiva of Varanasi. One day Gopal Babu along with some of his friends requested Yogiraj to meet Tailang Swami.

Yogiraj agreed. A few days later, Gopal Babu along with Yogiraj reached Panchganga Ghat Ashram to meet the Swami. At that time, Tailang Swami was surrounded by many of his disciples. Shyamacharan was wearing a dhoti-kurta. On seeing him, Tailang Swami got up, ran, and embraced Yogiraj with a big hug. After the greeting was over, both the Mahayogis remained calm and stood for some time in silence. Tailang Swami’s devotees were amazed to see his actions, as he always used to sit in silence.

After some time Yogiraj bid farewell to Tailang Swami. After he left, the devotees asked him the reason for his excitement. The always silent Tailang Swami replied on a slate, “By remaining a householder, He has realized the supreme truth which Ascetics seek by renouncing everything – even their loincloth!”. After this incident, Shyamacharan’s fame spread far and wide.

Kashimoni Devi’s Realization about Yogiraj

Kashimoni Devi was not fully aware of the heights of spiritual progress achieved by her husband in yoga practice.

One day, she woke up at midnight. Unable to find her husband nearby, she started searching for him with the help of a lamp. She saw that in a corner of the house her husband (Yogiraj) was levitating in the void in Padmasana (lotus posture).

Seeing this remarkable feat of her husband, tears started flowing from her eyes. She sat down with folded hands near him and prayed for his forgiveness. She did not know how many mistakes she had committed knowingly and unknowingly over these days.

After some time Yogiraj returned to his normal state. After apologizing for her mistakes, Kashimoni expressed her desire to be initiated in Kriya Yoga. She received initiation from Yogiraj the next day.

Prarabdha: Yogiraj’s Teaching About Life

Yogiraj, accompanied by one of his devotees, Krishnaram used to go every morning to Rana Mahal Ghat to take bath. On that day also, like other days, Yogiraj was returning home after finishing his bath through the narrow streets of Kashi. While walking, he suddenly asked Krishnaram to tear a piece of cloth. Krishnaram could not comprehend his Guru’s word. Both kept walking when just a few steps ahead a brick fell off suddenly from the roof of a house at Yogiraj’s feet that injured his toes due to which blood started oozing. Yogiraj quickly tore some cloth from one part of his garment and started tying his finger, in which he was helped by Krishnaram.

After this incident, Krishnaram asked Yogiraj with folded hands – ” O venerable one if you had a premonition that a brick is going to fall, why didn’t you move from that place? You wouldn’t have got hurt then”.

To this Yogiraj said to Krishnaram with a mysterious smile, “Things do not happen this way. If I had withdrawn that time, then at some other time I would have had to repay this loan with interest. Whatever is destined will have to be borne and the sooner it exhausts, the better.”

The Mystery Behind Yogiraj’s Lone Photograph

Yogiraj did not like his publicity. For this reason, he never agreed to be photographed. However, some devotees decided that it was necessary to have a photo of Gurudev so that the devotees who were staying away could feel the proximity of the Guru through his picture. When Yogiraj came to know that a photographer had been hired, he told his devotees, “What will you do by getting me photographed? In the future, you will abandon your Kriya practice and just worship my image “. However, the devotees remained adamant and eventually, Yogiraj had to agree.

A skilled photographer named Gangadhar came to click the photograph of Yogiraj. In those days, the plate camera was in practice. Finally, Yogiraj sat in front of the camera for getting clicked. So Gangadhar Babu, the photographer, clicked his photo, after which he developed the plate for the picture.

To his surprise, there were pictures of everything within the frame that was captured except Yogiraj’s picture. At first, Gangadhar thought that maybe there was a problem with his camera, that is why Yogiraj’s picture did not get captured, but even after several attempts, the picture could not get captured by the camera. On seeing this, exhausted, Gangadhar prayed to Yogiraj to remove the effects of his illusion (Maya), otherwise, the devotees would be deprived of his picture.

Finally, Yogiraj agreed with a smile, and this time Gangadhar succeeded in taking the photo. Presently, the picture of Lahiri Baba that we are familiar with, is the same picture that was captured by Gangadhar Babu. Apart from this, no other actual captured pictures of Yogiraj are available anywhere.

The Omniscient Master

Once again, Abhaya (a disciple of Lahiri Baba) comes to the Guru’s feet with a wish to become a mother. “Give me a boon so that my newborn survives this time”, she expresses her desire to Yogiraj.

Yogiraj said in a calm voice, “Listen, you will give birth to a girl child, and she will live, but for this, you will have to follow one of my instructions and make sure that there is no mistake in obeying it.”

A light ray of hope arose in her heart. Abhaya thought that if her omniscient guru blesses her, the impossible can become possible. She says in a gratitude-filled voice to her Guru, “I will do as you command”.

The benevolent Shyamacharan said to his disciple Abhaya, “The girl will be born in the first hour of the night. Shortly before the birth of the daughter and till sunrise, you have to keep a lamp lit in the delivery room. But be careful that the lamp should not get extinguished.”

In due course, Abhaya gave birth to a beautiful girl. A lamp was lit as per Gurudeva’s instruction in the delivery room.

But towards the fag end of the night, due to the fatigue of childbirth, Abhaya fell asleep. By this time, the oil in the lamp was about to exhaust and the lamp was almost dousing.

At that time, an astounding incident took place in the maternity room. The door of the room opened with a loud thud. This loud sound broke Abhaya’s sleep. With astonished eyes, she saw that the compassionate Gurudev was standing at the door of the room. She saw Gurudev pointing towards the lamp and saying, “Look Abhaya, the lamp is about to extinguish; replenish the oil at once.” The tired Abhaya got up quickly and replenished the oil in the lamp. By then the compassionate figure of Gurudeva had disappeared from there.

A stream of tears erupted from her eyes as soon as she realized her Gurudev’s benevolence by appearing in his astral body only to keep his word. Later, when Abhaya came to meet her Gurudev, she narrated the entire incident to which Yogiraj replied with a soft smile, “It is your nature not to seriously obey duties. But try not to neglect your duties in the future.”

Relevance of Gita for Kriyabans

Yogiraj Shyamacharan had instructed every Kriyaban to read Gita daily. According to him, Gita, as a true guide, helps a seeker in his spiritual quest. He compared the scripture Gita to the soul of Bharata (India).

In order to spread the message of Gita to the masses, he printed copies of Gita and distributed them amongst the Kriyabans. Yogiraj had explained the verses of the Gita in the light of Kriya Yoga. Every day many devotees and seekers used to come to his house to hear the interpretation of the Gita.

At that time, Panchanan Bhattacharya and other advanced disciples wrote those interpretations and later compiled them in a form of a book, which is available today as “Spiritual Interpretation of the Gita”.

At The Lotus Feet Of My Holy Master

Gurudev Dr. SUdhin Ray

On the eve of Guru Purnima, this 27th day of July’2018, this writer has hardly anything to offer to his Guru except his deep love for him since the entire being of this writer, as he is, and all his worldly possessions acquired till date are that of his Guru’s and therefore surrendered at his holy feet! Revered Gurudev having taken extreme pity on this writer had initiated him into Kriya Yoga on the 3rd day of July’2016 a desire that this writer cherished since 2009 after falling in deep love/communion with Yogiraj Shyama Charan Lahiri Mahasay after viewing his world-famous image and reading few of the available books on him. Since initiation, this writer has regularly been visiting his Master’s home or ashram for hearing his Master’s holy words apart from sharing his own experiences. Accordingly few excerpts of those holy words have been reproduced below as this writer’s humble offering to his Gurudev on this Guru Purnima:

1. Always motivate everyone to realize his highest potential; never demean anyone for demeaning is very easy and extremely wicked; every man has the potential to realize the Truth; Truth that he, as he exists, is Pure Consciousness/Pure Joy/Pure Love that unfortunately remains hidden by clouds of ignorance produced by his own false identifications/mages, that is, ego

2. To live moment to moment that is living just in this moment- that is not riding on the past while remaining in this moment or contemplating about future while remaining in this moment; to be blissful every moment; to be blissful now, that is this moment, for the entire time is in this now for you do not know any other space of time; only if you are blissful now, that is very this moment, will it be possible for you to remain blissful in some other space of time

3. Be wise; for wisdom and cleverness are not identical though nowadays people are found to be clever but not wise; wisdom is realizing that you are the master of this body-mind that is physical body, astral body, and mental body and never are all these three your master in either individual or collective capacity though at times you may have felt each one of them exercising its authority upon you; whereas cleverness is the art of getting one’s work done propelled by self-interest without knowing the self for whose interests the work is being done

4. To have only the minimum ego required for holding this physical body and dropping all ego of the astral and mental bodies since all ego are false that arises out of false identifications/ images that gather around a man in due course of his upbringing by the society

5. Never attempt at controlling anger, lust, greed, lethargy or envy for all methods of control are different forms of suppression which in turn is a form of violence- tacit and latent- that ultimately will do more harm than good to the individual; the only way to overcome these vices are by simply and directly observing the vices since their very inception; observation that is absolutely pure with no interference of thought- thought either of the matter observed or of any other matter and such observation being not mounted on past but observation of the very moment of the generation of anger, lust, greed, lethargy or jealousy and watching the same till its end for no thought can fully be controlled/overpowered by another thought however powerful the latter may be

6. To be Gurumay and know your Guru

7. Practising kriya regularly with full devotion in Gurudev and Lahiri Mahasay and remaining in the parawastha of kriya- a state reachable only after deep and sincere practice of kriya not describable in words but only subject to realisation- and then doing all sundry works by remaining in that state of Kriya ki Parawastha- for all works done from that state are nishkam karma

8. Being kind, loving and affectionate to everyone you meet; at the same time carrying the essential temperament for discharging your worldly duties either at the ground level or from some position of authority but never accumulating any malice deep down the heart with an intention to avenge or harm someone in future- that is MEJAJE THAKBE, MONE RAKBHE NA

9. Never engaging in any sort of competition with anyone (especially kriyaban) for each one will get results according to his own actions; instead focussing only on one’s own actions and practising kriya consistently and faithfully to have the fruits of kriya; except in emergency circumstances kriya should be practiced regularly two times a day as directed by Gurudev

10. Not expecting anything from anyone- not even from someone whom you consider to be the closest- for no one on this earth is as close to you as you yourself are- but that understanding comes only after realization of the self- till then you may not expect anything from anyone be it physical, mental or financial

11. Not simply believing in superstitions/dogmas/rituals for the sake of believing but always trying to understand the rationale behind the continuity of such belief systems and dropping them if felt unnecessary without making any fuss or engaging in any form of criticism/ condemnation for Lahiri Mahasay and all illumined masters alike have always avoided criticism; in fact they have shown the right Path to the inquisitive seekers and we shall ever remain grateful to them by whose grace we are on this Path

12. Not boasting of oneself by practising Kriya and claiming holier-than-thou as the same will definitely prevent you from delving deeper into this Path as the practice itself is not the Truth but the gateway to Truth and minimum pride in the practice itself will hinder you in realising the Truth; actually the whole gist of Kriya Yoga is stilling the mind/cessation of the mind by stilling the breath (YOGASCHITTWRITTINIRODAH: Patanjali Yogasutra 2)- that is making the body-mind vessel appropriate/fit to receive the ultimate; only a subtle mind can delve deeper into revealing the Truth that can only be known and never be described

13. If someone is wrong or appears to be incorrect in his justifications then always making/putting forth one’s points politely for bringing into picture his said mistakes but never criss-crossing him directly as it may hurt the person and prevent him from expressing himself further which may have something beneficial for all

14. This creation/evolution is very beautiful/lovable but the same can be realized only by remaining in the Parawastha of Kriya because then you will be able to visualize this whole creation coming out of nothingness and vanishing into nothingness and you as a particle of that creation has nothing much to do except discharging your worldly duties playfully and joyfully with no entanglements since all entanglements/identifications/attachments are your own self-created images and not existential; however you will not remain oblivious of your duties since the very duty then will be joy

15. Not showing off one’s wealth or knowledge for all acquired things are earthly and unreal; even those practicing kriya should avoid discussing amongst themselves their experiences as their said experiences may be just mere hallucinations/imaginations and therefore influence others in a wrong way; all such experiences must be shared with Gurudev who only can tell whether such experiences are real or imaginary and accordingly guide such kriyabans in the right direction

16. If for some actions committed in the past one feels guilty/embarrassed the same should never be discussed publicly nor should the doer condemn himself or repent for the same; at most the same may be shared with Gurudev and after deep observation the same may be forgone/ dropped completely with the right understanding for it is never too late to correct oneself on this Path

17. Though sincere kriyabans are always under the sight of Gurudev, visiting one’s Guru at his place or ashram will immensely help the kriyaban as the place where Gurudev stays has immense positive vibrations that will definitely benefit such kriyabans

18. At no cost a householder shall sacrifice his worldly duties for advancing on this Path since his family members remain dependent on him; as such following the example of Yogiraj a sincere kriyaban must maintain a balance between his worldly duties and his duties towards himself that he comes to know after getting initiated into Kriya Yoga

19. Women are the embodiment of love and are Mother and as such, they should be respected and adored by all; it is the duty of all householders especially the kriyabans to respect all women and regard them as their Mother

20. Not accepting anything at face value but questioning all and sundry with reasoning and commonsense and finding solutions to such questions without bothering Gurudev; if one practices kriya faithfully he will get all answers to his questions for all solutions lie hidden in the problems themselves- one just needs the clarity and understanding to notice them; reading lesser number of books and practising more kriya is a surer way to wisdom and Truth as all knowledge acquired from books is borrowed and never self-realised; only a self-realized man is wise as he knows the Truth.