During the summer of 1895 his stalwart body developed
a small boil on the back. He protested against lancing; he was working
out in his own flesh the evil karma of some of his disciples. Finally
a few chelas became very insistent; the master replied cryptically:
"'The body has to find a cause to go; I will be agreeable to whatever
you want to do.'
"A short time later the incomparable guru gave up his body in
Benares. No longer need I seek him out in his little parlor; I
find every day of my life blessed by his omnipresent guidance."
Years later, from the lips of Swami Keshabananda, {FN36-6} an
advanced disciple, I heard many wonderful details about the passing
of Lahiri Mahasaya.
"A few days before my guru relinquished his body," Keshabananda told
me, "he materialized himself before me as I sat in my hermitage at
Hardwar.
"'Come at once to Benares.' With these words Lahiri Mahasaya
vanished.
"I entrained immediately for Benares. At my guru's home I found
many disciples assembled. For hours that day {FN36-7} the master
expounded the GITA; then he addressed us simply.
"'I am going home.'
"Sobs of anguish broke out like an irresistible torrent.
"'Be comforted; I shall rise again.' After this utterance Lahiri
Mahasaya thrice turned his body around in a circle, faced the north
in his lotus posture, and gloriously entered the final MAHA-SAMADHI.
{FN36-8}
"Lahiri Mahasaya's beautiful body, so dear to the devotees, was
cremated with solemn householder rites at Manikarnika Ghat by the
holy Ganges," Keshabananda continued.
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