Yogananda Podcast

This episode covers the next part of chapter 12: 
“Sri Yukteswar chose the following morning...”  
to  
“...minimum passing grades from time to time.”   

Summary: 

Mukunda received a transforming Kriya Yoga initiation, which is different this time because of the authority of the initiator: Swami Sri Yukteswar. We talk about how this applies to modern Kriya initiates and importance of the role of SRF/YSS to sincere devotees around the world. When he returns home, he is warmly welcomes by his family, and we draw on stories from Mejda that relate how Kriya transformed Mukunda into Paramahansa Yogananda.  

This episode covers the start of chapter 12 to: 
“...blessing my infancy, had guided my steps to this hour.” 

Summary: 

A profound start to one of the longest chapters of the book, ranking amongst the most influential and memorable written. We discuss our expectations as well as the detailed breakdown of Mukunda’s pleas and Sri Yukteswar’s eventual acquiescence. There are many hypotheticals discussed here, listeners are encouraged to comment to add some richness to our discussion.  

This episode covers the next part of chapter 11 from:: 
“A half hour later Jitendra and I were...” 
to 
“...an attractive invitation to revisit the hermitage.” 

Summary: 

Mukunda and Jitendra embark on their journey with an unlikely promise from Ananta regarding becoming a disciple! Jitendra starts his doubting straight away (a theme for this chapter) and quickly regrets it when the divine hand caters for the pair “in a hurry”. Is Indian cuisine unmatched? Gauri Ma gives Paramahansa Yogananda a meal to remember!  

1:07 No final security; 
10:40 Ananta to be Mukunda's disciple; 
19:34 Sceptical Jitendra; 
27:25 The first miracle; 
42:27 The Lord works-in a hurry, too! 
50:03 A sumptuous repast. 

This episode covers the long footnote at the end of chapter 10.  Summary:  The footnote has so much depth that it is easy to gloss over in our eagerness to start the fun next chapter. However, hidden in-between the lines of this page Paramahansa Yogananda has planted some ancient truths that have shaped our path, cosmic chants and overall lineage over millennia. Although on first reading it is seems quite heavy, we do our best to make it digestible enough for our study.  

This episode covers the next part of chapter 10 to: 
“”Gurudeva!” The divine face was the one...” 
to 
“...Strength mingled subtly with gentleness.” 

Summary: 

Finally! Mukunda finds his Guru Swami Sri Yukteswar – we consider this to the the most important part of the book yet, but why? What is it about this relationship that gets our spiritual juices racing? We try to answer this question amongst the backdrop of this awesome episode, where Paramahansa Yogananda’s elation is matched by Sri Yukteswar’s – who has once again found “His Own”. We highly recommend listening to Brother Anandamoy’s pertinent talk on Loyalty before consuming this episode – a link can be found below.  

0:00 Preamble; 
2:00 Setting some Guru context; 
13:05 Mukunda finds gold; 
30:00 A Guru's highest joy; 
45:45 What is the Guru's purpose? 
50:47 Sri Yukteswar’s outer appearance. 

This episode covers the next part of chapter 10 to: 
“With doubled zest I awaited...” 
to 
“...this lesson in a Banaras hermitage!” 

Mukunda is shaken up by the austerity of Swami Dayananda attitude toward food, life and God. Fasting must be an important part of spirituality for Paramahansa Yogananda to use his own example and expound the timeless eastern philosophy by covering so many pages on the topic. Swami Dayananda uses a small flaw in young Mukunda’s temperament to churn out more essential training for him, and by extension: us.    

0:00 Fasting; 
30:59 The Tao; 
45:34 Footnote; 
49:40 The Te of Dayananda 

Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 10 from: 
“The sole treasure which had accompanied me...” 
to 
“... A few eager steps and I was at his feet.” 

This episode covers the next part of chapter 10 to: 
“I was pleased that my new home...” 
to 
“... I completed a twenty-four-hour fast.” 

This short part of the autobiography that covers life in Bharat Dharma Mahamandal ashram holds many lessons for young Mukunda. He has good reason to request clarifications from the ashram’s head Dayananda, who takes the opportunity to iron out a few wrinkles to ensure Mukunda is ready for his long sought after meeting with Sri Yukteswar.  

0:00 Lauren’s surprise;  
3:30 A new life in an ashram; 
11:50 Mukunda's divine complaint; 
22:30 Renounce your father's wealth; 
31:40 Curb your hunger. 

Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 10 from: 
“With doubled zest I awaited...” 
to 
“...this lesson in a Banaras hermitage!” 

This episode covers the next part of chapter 10 to: 
“In my new dignity, I was now openly planning...” 
to 
“...His fair face had a Buddhalike composure.” 

Mukunda is finally free to renounce his family home for a life in a Banaras hermitage, Sri Bharat Dharma Mahamandal, in pursuit of his life goal. Before he does that, he shows us the way to detach ourselves from familial attachments and responsibilities while keeping the Highest goal of our minds. We enhance the narative with additions from Sananda Lal Gosh’s book “Mejda” and Swami Satyananda’s book “Paramhansa Yoganandaji As I Have Seen And Understood Him”. 

0:00 Preamble;  
2:00 Leaving Home; 
18:08 Having an avatar sibling; 
36:30 Family Plea; 
50:10 Cordial Greeting 

Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 10 from: 
“I was pleased that my new home...” 
to 
“... I completed a twenty-four-hour fast.” 

This episode covers the first part of chapter 10 to: 
“...cadavers is a shortcut to a high school diploma!” 

Chapter 10 may rightly be considered the best chapter in the book, principally because of the first meeting (in this lifetime) between disciple and Guru. We discuss what this chapter and title means for us. This episode then focuses on the start of the chapter – the best attitude toward faith and gratitude when concerned with education.  

0:00 Title and expectations; 
8:25 Exam stress is Maya; 
24:22 Necromancy over scholarly pursuits; 
35:20 God sends help; 
56:28 Don't forget Sanskrit; 
1:07:20 Gratitude. 

Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 10 from: 
“In my new dignity, I was now openly planning...” 
to 
“...His fair face had a Buddhalike composure.” 

This episode covers the last section of chapter 9 from: 
“Trying with poor words to do justice...” 
to the end of the chapter. 

A wonderful chapter is concluded with Mukunda paying more homage to the great Master Mahasaya. Paramahansa Yogananda is in a reflective mood as he writes lovingly about all those saints that crossed his path and we delve into what that means to us. We also discuss the absolute vs. the personal aspect of God, and the benefits of worshiping the latter form. We end with a reflection on the chapter and look ahead to one of the most important chapters in the book.  

0:00 Preamble on pilgrimage; 
2:50 Prophesy of writing this book; 
9:25 Reconciliation of opposites; 
18:20 God as Joy; 
22:25 Footnote on St. John of the Cross; 
30:35 In God's eyes nothing is large or small; 
37:25 Pictures in the chapter; 
40:35 Last days of Master Mahasaya; 
43:15 Chapter reflections and looking ahead. 

Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the first part of chapter 10 to: 
“...cadavers is a shortcut to a high school diploma!” 

This episode covers the next section of chapter 9 from: 
“Little sir, you were disappointed in that...” 
to 
“...were sympathetically drunk with God.” 

A spiritual alcoholic is born! Mukunda continues his journey with the great Master Mahasaya, who generously rewards him with an experience of the great motion picture of life, which leaves both he and the Master in an intoxicated state of joy. It takes a Paramahansa Yogananda to describe this ‘inexpressible ecstacy’ as succinctly and perfectly as it is here.  

0:00 Preamble 
2:00 The ultimate bioscope; 
37:23 God is in your temple (also). 

Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the last section of chapter 9 from: 
“Trying with poor words to do justice...” 
to the end of the chapter. 

This episode covers the next section of chapter 9 from: 
“Hand in hand, the saint and I walked...” 
to 
“...that the hall was again illuminated.” 

The divine romance between Master Mahasaya, Mukunda and Merciful Mother is the main content for this episode. Important themes of the impartiality of the Guru, benefits of being non-critical and group meditation are also discussed. The first bioscope proves to be somewhat dull, but perhaps this was prelude for magic to come?  

0:00 Divine Mother’s promise and deliverance; 
12:10 Lack of devotion at the temple; 
36:55 The abysmally dull bioscope.  

Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next section of chapter 9 from: 
“Little sir, you were disappointed in that...” 
to 
“...were sympathetically drunk with God.” 

This episode covers the next section of chapter 9 from: 
“Let us go tomorrow to Dakshineswar...” 
to 
“...that the hall was again illuminated.” 

Ramakrishna Paramahansa was influential not only in India and Hinduism in general, but to our guru Paramahansa Yogananda and paramguru Sri Yukteswar in quite nuanced ways. We share some highlights from the Gospel of Ramakrishna Paramahansa as they are relevant for this section of the Autobiography, especially where Guruji pays tribute to the great saint who is so well known for his devotion to Divine Mother. 

01:15 A Christlike Master - Ramakrishna Paramahansa; 
20:25 Samadhi through Kali Ma; 
34:45 Divine Mother everywhere stays 
47:22 To Scribe; 
54:47 Ramakrishna links to SRF; 
59:47 Mahasamadhi of Ramakrishna and taking on Karma. 

Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next section of chapter 9 from: 
“Hand in hand, the saint and I walked...” 
to 
“...that the hall was again illuminated.” 

This episode covers the next section of chapter 9 from: 
“His role in the world was humble...” 
to 
“...egotistical consideration could gain foothold.” 

Master Mahasaya did not become world famous as did his brother disciple Swami Vivekananda but his subtle influence and dedicated service allowed many near-by souls to flower. His humility is experienced in beautiful terms both through his actions and through Paramahansa Yogananda’s description of their fellowship.  

1:15 An ideal education; 
31:00 Saintly but not Yogananda's Guru; 
50:15 Evading Mukanda's garland. 

Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next section of chapter 9 from: 
“Let us go tomorrow to Dakshineswar...” 
to 
“... considered his thoughts to be his own.” 

This episode covers the next section of chapter 9 from: 
“My steps were eager as I returned...” 
to 
“...met with sweet acquiescence?” 

The divine to-and-fro between Master and disciple is both spiritually motive and comical. We uncover many subtle lessons in this section such as introspecting on how eager we are to meditate, the personal preference of each devotee’s conception of the divine and the universality of Divine Mother.  

0:00 Summary of the chapter so far; 
2:00 The vision of Divine Mother; 
25:00 Mukunda's desire; 
38:00 Doubts and revelations 

Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next section of chapter 9 from: 
“His role in the world was humble...” 
to 
“...egotistical consideration could gain foothold.” 

This episode covers the the start section of chapter 9 from: 
“Little sir, please be seated...” 
to 
“...my grievous hurts and final healing.” 

Master Mahasaya and Mukunda kick off the chapter with some beautiful fellowship, you would be forgiven if you thought it was between Guru and disciple! Paramahansa Yogananda gets into the mood of the devotional sentiment expressed in Ramakrishna Paramahansa lineage of eminent saints. Univeral Mother or Divine Mother is the main subject of this section of the chapter, or rather the distinct lack of immediate connectivity between Her and Mukunda!    

0:00 The mystical title; 
4:45 Angelic Master Mahasaya; 
12:05 The effect; 
28:53 The plea; 
38:40 The answer; 
49:00 50 Amherst Street. 
 

Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next section of chapter 9 from: 
“My steps were eager as I returned...” 
to 
“...met with sweet acquiescence?” 

This episode covers the last section of chapter 8 from: 
“Years later Bose’s pioneer plant findings...” 
...to the end of the chapter. 

Bose’s findings are further substantiated by the progress of time and research. His (and Paramahansa Yogananda’s) revolutionary thought no doubt influenced the eminent personalities in science of today, whether they know or acknowledge it formally. Tagore’s tributary poem to the sage garners an emotional response on us, both of devotion and patriotic feelings toward India. The mammoth footnote on the Vedas is broken up in some detail allowing it to be more easily assimilated, both intellectually and spiritually, drawing further inspiration from Guruji’s writings on the complex subject matter. 

01:52 Worldwide acclaim; 
16:33 Tagore poem; 
31:42 Footnote; 
55:36 Reflections on the chapter and looking ahead. 
 

This episode covers the next section of chapter 8 from: 
“I visited the research centre again...” 
To 
“...fertility of his genius ever be exhausted?”. 

Mukunda gets to visit Bose’s research centre and is given a personal tour of the state-of-the-art instrumentation with practical demonstrations. We discuss what each of the discoveries mean for us in our day-to-day lives and for humanity. Reva joins us as we navigate our way through this technical subject matter. 

1:30 Lab experiments on a fern; 
20:38 Likening trees to the human body; 
24:18 Experiments on metals; 
34:20 Don’t worry about contemporaneous rewards; 
52:40 Big pharma and diet. 
 

Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the last section of chapter 8 from: 
“Years later Bose’s pioneer plant findings...” 
...to the end of the chapter. 

This episode covers the next section of chapter 8 from: 
“In time the leading scientific societies of the world...” 
To  
“...synonym of India, confounding Time and the historians alike?” 

We explore the lasting legacy of Indian scientist Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose, a passionate advocate for India's scientific heritage. Bose envisioned global scientific collaboration, opening his institute and research to scientists worldwide, and urged Indians to excel in all knowledge domains. Tune in to be inspired by Bose's remarkable journey and vision! 

1:13 Speech continues; 
16:40 Bose Lab success; 
35:20 Innovation, altruism and acceptance; 
53:55 Pursuit of Truth. 

Links discussed in the podcast: 

This episode covers the next section of chapter 8 from: 
“The telltale charts of my crescograph...” 
To  
“...regarding gain and loss, success and failure, as one.”   

Bose tells Mukunda of the crescograph’s discoveries on the emotional nature of plants and matter and the unity among them. The Bose institute opens and we begin to delve into Bose’s speech which “might have issued from the lips of one of the inspired ancient rishis.” 

1:00 Stimuli and the emotional nature of plants; 
23:10 Poetic imagery; 
27:25 Flowers; 
34:00 The Bose Institute; 
48:35 Bose’ Speech. 

Links discussed in the podcast: 

Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next section of chapter 8 from: 
“In time the leading scientific societies of the world...” 
To  
“...synonym of India, confounding Time and the historians alike?” 

This episode covers the start of chapter 8: 
To  
“...natural realms long uncommunicative.” 

We welcome back Reva as we reflect on the start of chapter 8, which introduces India’s great scientist Jagadish Chandra Bose. Mukunda (Paramahansa Yogananda) exemplifies the benefits of an active curiosity and a thirst for knowledge, going far beyond the narrow limits of the school corridors. The scientific approach and need for experimentation for all parts of our lives is a beautiful theme for this episode —and chapter.   

This episode covers the last section of chapter 7 from: 
“Several students put rupees in Bhaduri’s slippers...“ 
To end of the chapter. 

We welcome back Padmini as we reflect on the end of chapter 7, important topics such as charity, devotion and the subtle, silent blessings of a Master. Paramahansa Yogananda includes some beautiful footnotes on St Therese of Avila and St Joseph of Cupertino, which we unpack with joy.  

This episode covers the next section of chapter 7 from: 
“Those letters come from far-off America...“ 
To 
“...The only indispensable is Love.” 

Join us for this week’s episode where Nagendra Nath Bhaduri expounds great truths, speaks a veiled prophecy, and tells a short tale of Mirabai. Paramahansa Yogananda translates one of her “ecstatic songs”. 

This episode covers the next section of chapter 7 from: 
“On my way home from school...“ 
To 
“... eyes held a hidden divine laughter” 

Nike rejoins us we reflect on the beautiful 2023 Convocation. In this episode Yogananda visits the great yogi, Bhaduri Mahasaya, who explains why he confines himself within the walls of his own home, away from the public. We discuss an example of power of delusion using a story from God Talks with Arjuna. Yogananda gives us a glimpse of the great Master's vitality and energy, and humour, despite his age and outward appearance. 

This episode covers the start of chapter 7 from: 
“I saw a yogi remain in the air...“ 
To 
“...to all the attributes of God.” 

Lux rejoins us for the Levitating Saint, another of the list of spectacular titles in the book. We talk about the great saint Bhaduri Mahasaya, his preference of seclusion and superconsciousness. Mukunda’s inquisitive nature and love for pilgrimages is discussed and lessons for our own lives are drawn out. 

This episode covers the next section of chapter 6 from: 
“Amidst piercing sound-explosions...“ 
To 
The end of the Chapter.   

The life-changing event prompted Soham Swami to redirect his focus from the dangerous realm of tiger taming to a more introspective and profound path – the taming of his inner beasts. The intense confrontation with Raja Begum led him to realize the significance of a true Guru who helps him to overcome material desires and open the doors to the soul.

This episode covers the next section of chapter 6 from: 

“The Tiger Swami made this confession...“  
To  
“... Chandi also was raptly mute.” 

Join us as we explore how the Tiger Swami is invited to the royal palace to fight the tiger. We detect more silent, remote reflection on the Swami’s part as he elaborates on more of his inspiring life story. The clever prince gets his way as the Swami prepares for the battle royale. Interspersed in this compelling narrative are yet more nuggets of wisdom, ‘chiselled for the ages’.  

This episode covers the next section of chapter 6 from: 

“Mind is the wielder of muscles...” 
To 
“...credulous victim of a deluded fanatic.” 

We explore the power of the mind over the body as the Tiger Swami shares his journey from physical weakness to spiritual strength. He emphasises the importance of mental vigour in overcoming challenges and taming our inner passions. However, a prophetic warning forces him to reconsider his path. 

This episode covers the start of chapter 6 from: 

The start of the chapter... 
To 
“... Chandi and I listened respectfully” 

We start unravelling chapter 6, starting from its intriguing title and why Tiger’s are of such interest to society at large. This short but sweet section has plenty of life lessons that warranted further exploration, Paramahansa Yogananda weaves in fascinating topics such as overcoming bodily discomforts, sustaining peace, patience, Hong Sau, and calmness vs fierceness.  

This episode covers the last couple of pages of chapter 5 from: 

“My sister Uma met me as I entered the door...” 
To 
The end of the chapter 

This section covers how the “Perfume saint” produces fragrances and materialises tangerines out of thin air. Years later, Paramahansa Yogananda understood by inner realiation how Gandha Baba accomplished his materializations. We discuss why the method should be beyond the reach of the world’s hungry hordes, why you should steer clear of hypnotism and the wonderful sufi mystic: Abu Sa'id Abu'l-Khayr.  

This episode covers the next 40 paragraphs of chapter 5 from: 

“The sage and I were present in the Calcutta Kalighat Temple...” 
To 
“... encounters the day had brought forth.” 

Join us for a joyous episode where we take a deep-dive into Mukunda’s encounter with an acquaintance, his meeting with the “Perfume Saint”, and all the hilarity, demonstrative astral powers, and wisdom that ensues. 

This episode covers the first 17 paragraphs of chapter 5 from: 

“To everything there is a season,” 
To 
“.. whose beauty alone should lure him.” 

Discover the profound wisdom behind the statement, “there is a time and purpose for everything”. Join us as we explore Paramahansa Yogananda’s quest for a guru, encounter with intriguing sages, and the teaching and transformative power of self-analysis and compassion. Get ready to unlock the secrets of Kali Ma, divine timing, inner peace, and personal growth in this mesmerising episode. 

This episode covers the last 14 paragraphs of chapter 4 from: 
“A Christlike miracle by Lahiri Mahasaya...” 
To 
“...Kebalananda taught me a diviner syntax” 

In this episode, we explore a miraculous incident in the presence of Lahiri Mahasaya and Swami Kebalananda. Ramu, a blind disciple, approached the guru seeking sight. With unwavering faith and guidance, Ramu's vision was restored within a week, allowing him to witness the beauty of the world for the first time. These miracles exemplify Lahiri Mahasaya's selfless surrender to the Prime Healing Power and the lasting impact of his teachings. Join us as we delve into the transformative experiences, focussing on the term ‘Christlike’, karma, humility, Edwin Arnold and a review of Chapter 4.  

This episode covers the next 14 paragraphs of chapter 4 from: 
“At home in Calcutta, Father touchingly...” 
To 
“... Lahiri Mahasaya and of a number of his disciples.” 

In this podcast episode, we follow a young Mukunda’s encounter with Swami Kebalananda, a disciple of Lahiri Mahasaya, who becomes his Sanskrit tutor. As their bond deepens, Mukunda discovers Swami Kebalananda's profound spiritual wisdom and the transformative experiences he had with his guru. Lahiri Mahasaya's teachings emphasize the practice of Kriya Yoga as a path to liberation and the direct experience of the divine. Join us to explore the student's journey, the power of Kriya Yoga, and the presence of God in personal practice and devotion. 

A few unlikely set of circumstances brought us together for this Monastic visit, we snuck away from the venue to huddle, review and reflect. Chris received his blessed Kriya Yoga deeksha (initiation) after years of devoted practice of the teachings. The Monastic visit was attended by Brother Sevananda, Brother Nikhilananda, Brahmachari Klaus as well as devotees from across the UK and Europe.

This episode covers the next 17 paragraphs of chapter 4 from: 
“Deeming it advisable to leave Hardwar at once...” 
To 
“...but in the stomachs of tigers!” 

In their pursuit of a divine encounter, our two remaining travellers find themselves in a police station, longing to escape captivity and seek the enlightened sage of the Himalayas. In this episode, we delve into the policeman’s miraculous story about a sadhu who displayed great yogic powers. 

This episode covers the next 24 paragraphs of chapter 4 from: 
“At the station we bought tickets to Burdwan...” 
to 
“... A premonition of capture weighed on my mind.” 

Our three heroes – Mukunda (Paramahansa Yogananda), Amar and Jatinda embark on their pilgrimage despite yet more ominous signs. We enjoyed unwrapping this amusing section of the chapter, Guruji weaves into the narrative timeless spiritual gems such as truthfulness, overcoming doubt with faith and infinite compassion.  

This episode covers the first 8 paragraphs of chapter 4 from: 
“Leave your classroom on some trifling pretext...” 
to 
“... straps from my English-made sola topee (helmet).” 

Paramahansa Yogananda flexes his linguistic muscle to the already captivated reader with a marked change in writing style— one of fast paced adventure, intrigue and comedy. We discuss our expectations for this chapter, the details surrounding Mukunda’s careful planning, baggage allowance and unholy leather stained Himsa.   

This episode covers the last 12 paragraphs (and footnote) of the chapter 3 from: 
“Pranabananda’s face was suffused with divine light.” 
to 
“...Alas, two bodies are not yet for me!” 

Swami Pranabananda elucidates more of his exchanges with the divine Lahiri Mahasaya and subsequently blesses Mukunda and reveals, to his utter delight, that he will indeed become a Paramahansa Yogananda. In between there are important topics of discussion such as the Pranab Gita, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras and our first “ask us anything” topic: Astral Bangals.