Babaji and Paramahansa Yogananda
Paramahansa Yogananda (1893 – 1952 A.D) was the chief disciple of Sri Yukteswar. On the direction of Babaji, Sri Yukteswar deputed Paramahansa Yogananda to America to spread the awareness and systematically teach Kriya Yoga there. Thus, bowing to the directions of the Guru, Paramahansa Yogananda became a great pioneer in introducing the yoga based philosophies of eastern mysticism to the West. He chose such a unique way in which the Christian dominated society of the West could readily appreciate and integrate Kriya Yoga into their very belief system. His book titled “Autobiography of a Yogi” has inspired millions around the world and the book, considered as the modern spiritual classic, has been translated into over twenty languages. The book is widely used as a text and reference work in colleges and universities.
It was only through Yukteswar’s disciple Paramahansa Yogananda that the world came to know much about the miracles of Babaji and his sacred mission. All that Paramahansa Yogananda was able to gather from his master Sri Yukteswar was a treasure of information and astonishing facts of life, which he scribed and brought to the light of the world. One who is virtuous to go through the above book would experience the immortal nectar of India’s Sanathana Dharma and find that the eternal laws of truth has been stored in the golden chalice. The book would virtually drag reader to the unseen, unheard and unexplored arena of life and shred the otherwise materialism filled learned but egotistical.
Now Allopathic and Homoeopathic Hospitals, liberal Arts, Business and Medical colleges are also associated with the organization. Sri Paramahansa Yogananda had trained over 100,000 persons, including eminent people of his times, in Kriya Yoga Sadhana. Hundreds of monks and nuns live in Self Realization Fellowship monasteries in Southern California, carrying on his memorable work by serving lay devotees through church services in SRF temples, study centers, correspondence courses and publications.
Annual International Conference, a parliament of World Religions and Yoga, is organized, which provide a forum for leaders of all spiritual traditions to share their teachings with the public.
Also a Medical College with Hospital and a Research Institute has been developed near Athanoor, Tamil Nadu where the works of the Siddhas will be applied in a clinical setting at this facility.
Sri Paramahansa Yogananda left his body on March 7, 1952. His body manifested a phenomenal state of immutability. His body was delivered 20 days later from the mortuary and the physical appearance of Sri Paramahansa Yogananda, just before the bronze cover of the casket was put into its position, was the same as it had been so on he attaining mahasamadhi. Also was there any sign odor of decay emanating from it at any point of time during its preservation. The testimony issued by Los Angeles Mortuary Director speaks volumes of this rare phenomenon. One would be humbled by the experience and baffled by the apparent omniscience of Sri Paramahansa Yogananda, posing an ordinary outlook, when he has proved that death had no power of disintegration over this incomparable devotee of God. |
