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Source: The Hindu (http://www.the-hindu.com)

 

Guru, the perfect channel of God

 

CHENNAI, JULY 20. Guru Purnima, the full moon day dedicated to

the Guru, honours both the form of the Guru and his hidden power

of grace. On this day the Guru's benediction is especially

abundant. It is said that meditation on one's Guru on this day

draws the accumulated grace of all true masters anywhere. Guru

Purnima also signifies the pure love of God expressed in its full

effulgence through the perfect channel of the Guru. It was this

divine love that was freely expressed and fully manifested in

Paramahansa Yogananda, Guru and founder of the Yogoda Satsanga

Society of India and the Self-Realization Fellowship in Los

Angeles.

 

``Apart from his charm which was no doubt the index of the soul

he possessed, Paramahansaji's deep affection and love for

humanity - including even those unfriendly and reluctant to share

in his faith - gave him a stature among his fellow beings which

would be difficult to match,'' said Sri Mulk Raj Ahuja. As the

last in the line of great spiritual masters like Mahavatar

Babaji, Lahiri Mahasaya and Swami Sri Yukteswar, Yogananda, the

incarnation of love or ``Premavatar'', spread the message of God-

communion as a divine dispensation.

 

Known as Mukunda Lal Ghosh before initiation, he was born on

January 5, 1893 in Gorakhpur, India, into a well-to-do and devout

Bengali family. He had a remarkable childhood and it was evident

to those around him that he was extraordinary. His search for a

Guru ended at the feet of Swami Sri Yukteswar of Serampore, who

was one of the foremost disciples of Lahiri Mahasaya. After 10

years of spiritual training he took the formal vows of the Swami

Order in 1915. Yoganandaji began his life's work with the

founding, in 1917, of a ``how-to-live'' school for boys - the

Yogoda Satsanga Ashram and Brahmacharya Vidyalaya at Ranchi,

Bihar - where modern education methods were combined with yoga

training and instruction in spiritual ideals. It was in 1920 that

the true international scope of Paramahansa Yogananda's work

began when he founded the Self-Realization Fellowship to

disseminate his teachings on the ancient science and philosophy

of Yoga.

 

Irrespective of religious affiliation one will benefit from his

scientific instructions which are founded on the original Raja

Yoga of Lord Krishna and Patanjali. In the lessons are explained

the essential laws of life. The lessons offer practical wisdom

for everyday living, guidance on attaining balance in life in a

world of uncertainties, and how to find increasing joy and

fulfilment in one's spiritual efforts.

 

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