In his book, Autobiography of a Yogi, Paramhansa Yogananda describes how many great saints are almost totally unknown to the world, instead focusing their lives on deep, inner communion with God. He described a few of these saints in his book, like the “Sleepless Saint” Ram Gopal Muzumdar, and Giri Bala, the woman who never ate. But did you also know that Yogananda trained a number of secret saints Himself?
One such “Secret Saint” went by the title “Master George,” or alternatively “Doctor George” (even though he had no formal medical training) after Yogananda wrote him a letter that said that because he was a Master of Yoga he needed a title of respect like “Master” or “Doctor.” He was also called “Doctor” by many of his disciples due to having done so many miraculous healings over the years.
Dr. George had come to my attention through a book written by my Uncle Sam toward the end of his life where he vividly describes his experiences with, and the teachings of, his guru Dr. George. Sam described a highly unusual Yoga Master of profound realization who lived and taught Yogananda’s teachings in humble Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and had few disciples but much Divine Love and Joy.
And while most of what I know about life and spirituality came from two very public saints, Yogananda and Kriyananda, I have thought a lot about this concept of “secret saints” and what their example really shows all of us on the spiritual path.
Sometimes being a secret saint can mean something as simple as secretly sharing God with others, through one or more of His qualities like Love, Joy, or Calmness. Dr. George, like his guru before him, would teach that giving of oneself in Divine Service is one of the best ways to be free of ego-attachment.
In that vein, one of my most frequent and fervent prayers has been “Lord, use me as Your channel in any way I can bring thy Light more into this world.” And recently I had a wonderful example of how God can use me in just that way.
If you know me, you probably know that out of all possible physical activities in this world I consider snowboarding to be the most wonderful and joyful thing one could possibly do in a human body. However, there is a steep learning curve, and one must make it through a gauntlet of uncertainty, discomfort, and lots and lots of falling down.
With this in mind, I like to go out of my way sometimes to encourage beginners wherever I see them, that they may see the light at the end of the novice tunnel and continue toward the vast ocean of fun that awaits them on the other side of all the falling.
A couple weeks ago I saw a young girl, perhaps 10 or 12, with a bright purple snowsuit that I had seen struggling along on the slopes (as newbies do) with her dad earlier. My wife and I were finishing up a run and strapping in to head to the car for lunch, and I said to her as I passed by: “I see you little shredder, you’re crushing it out there! Keep it up!!” and I went on enjoying my day, not really thinking too much about it, just “movin’ and groovin'” as my dear brother Christian likes to say.
But then my wife joins me and says “Wow… I just heard the dad say to his daughter right after you said that ‘See honey? Some people will cheer for you, you shouldn’t listen to the one that boo’d you.'” I was almost in shock, trying to process what she just said. They did WHAT?!?? She said “yeah, I asked the dad about it because I was so shocked, and he said that one time when she fell someone went by and just went “boooo” to her, like that.” I was stunned.
And in that moment I felt that God had truly used me as His instrument to help uplift this young shredder, who had faced such negativity while trying something so new and difficult. I obviously had no idea she just went through that, but when I found out I was so happy that I listened to my inspiration to say something, because I absolutely hated the thought that anyone would be discouraging to someone learning a new skill like that.
But isn’t that how it often is in our lives? When we are down, feeling defeated, lonely, or sad, and we call on God, He sends us “the comforter,” just as Jesus said. This comfort can come in many different forms, but is always Divine Mother’s way of taking care of us as Her children.
So I also pray that all of us, as gurubais walking this path together, resolve to be “secret saints” in our own hearts every day, in one way or another. You never know what someone is going through, or what they’re needing, or what a small kindness might mean to them. It could just mean the world.