Autobiography Chapter 34, Part 4: Lahiri Mahasaya’s Kriya Initiation Ceremony

This episode covers the next part of chapter 34 from: “As I remained silent in awe, my guide made a sweeping gesture…”  to “...Put your hand there and receive whatever food you desire.” This episode continues Lahiri Mahasaya's experience with Babaji's materialised palace. We examine how Babaji manifested a jewelled palace from cosmic rays to fulfil Lahiri's past life desire for a golden palace, with detailed discussions about the philosophical implications of what constitutes matter and reality. We explored Paramahansa Yogananda’s commentary on karma, particularly the four definitions of karma from Bhagavad Gita, and how Lahiri's experience fit into these categories. The conversation covered the palace's purpose as a testing ground for Lahiri's initiation into Kriya Yoga, the mystical nature of the initiation ceremony, and the eventual dematerialisation of the palace when Lahiri's desire was fulfilled.  00:00 Introduction; 0:40 Prior Episode; 1:15 Transitoriness; 16:20 Desire extinguished; 26:50 Kriya Initiation; 46:15 Dematerialised; 56:55 Looking Ahead. Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 34 from: “I touched the broad, empty bowl; hot buttered luchis, curry…”  to “... liberation is dependent on inner, rather than outer, renunciations.” #autobiographyofayogi  #autobiographylinebyline  #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS