For devotees and spiritual seekers of this path, there is hardly a more meaningful day in history to celebrate than the day of the birth of Lahiri Mahasaya, September 30th. And this week, whether in ceremony or Seva day, we at Ananda will honor the legacy of that world-changing guru who wore the garb of an unassuming accountant in Benares, and whose impact continues to shape the course of history to this day.
Shyama Charan Lahiri, as he was known before being given his spiritual title, was a married householder with sons, earning a modest living as an accountant for the railway. In those days, a man of his type was not permitted to learn the ancient techniques of spiritual liberation, and only those willing to renounce everything, including family and worldly employment, were permitted to learn.
Thus it was into this world in 1861 that the great Mahavatar Babaji bestowed his former disciple with the gift of Divine Sight, and revealed to him his own latent spiritual greatness. However, having had the life experiences of a householder in his current incarnation, Lahiri Mahasaya, the “great-minded one,” had boundless compassion for all those spiritually thirsty souls whose karma brought them to the householder path, and asked that the ancient restriction on Kriya Yoga be lifted that they too might be allowed to practice the liberating technique of kriya meditation.
He also demonstrated God’s universal love by giving Kriya to all, regardless of religious affiliation or social status, and also organized study groups, supported education, and held regular scripture discourses that he referred to as his “Gita Assembly.” He was the perfect embodiment of nishkam karma, “action without attachment,” and not only preached but showed that daily sadhana and right attitude can free one from the threefold suffering of body, mind, and soul, while one still serves family and society.
As Ananda devotees we may not think twice about living in spiritual community, practicing kriya, and serving God as a householder, but on this day we can say a silent prayer of gratitude to the one whose compassion and Self-realization made it possible for millions today to seek God in their own lives. Lahiri Mahasaya was, and is, a beacon of hope for spiritually thirsty souls who know deep down that there is more to life beyond what the senses show us.
On this auspicious occasion, my birthday wish for all of you is that you may be re-inspired to dive deep in the liberating ocean of your Kriya practice, to serve all as extensions of your own higher Self, and to deepen your attunement to God and Guru. May we all grow in Divine understanding, compassion, and true happiness, and thus honor the legacy of the Great One who opened the door to the lives we now live. Blessings to you.