"
Swami Satyananda was told by a devotee that, unable to go to Benares,
the man had nevertheless received precise KRIYA initiation in a
dream. Lahiri Mahasaya had appeared to instruct the chela in answer
to his prayers.
If a disciple neglected any of his worldly obligations, the master
would gently correct and discipline him.
"Lahiri Mahasaya's words were mild and healing, even when he was
forced to speak openly of a chela's faults," Sri Yukteswar once
told me. He added ruefully, "No disciple ever fled from our master's
barbs." I could not help laughing, but I truthfully assured Sri
Yukteswar that, sharp or not, his every word was music to my ears.
Lahiri Mahasaya carefully graded KRIYA into four progressive
initiations. {FN35-15} He bestowed the three higher techniques only
after the devotee had manifested definite spiritual progress. One
day a certain chela, convinced that his worth was not being duly
evaluated, gave voice to his discontent.
"Master," he said, "surely I am ready now for the second initiation."
At this moment the door opened to admit a humble disciple, Brinda
Bhagat. He was a Benares postman.
"Brinda, sit by me here." The great guru smiled at him affectionately.
"Tell me, are you ready for the second technique of KRIYA?"
The little postman folded his hands in supplication. "Gurudeva," he
said in alarm, "no more initiations, please! How can I assimilate
any higher teachings? I have come today to ask your blessings,
because the first divine KRIYA has filled me with such intoxication
that I cannot deliver my letters!"
"Already Brinda swims in the sea of Spirit.
Pages:
414
415
416
417
418
419
420
421
422
423
424
425
426
427
428
429
430
431
432
433
434
435
436
437
438