The life of Paramhansa Yogananda, a renowned yogi and spiritual teacher, is filled with extraordinary encounters and profound insights. One such experience, recounted in his autobiography, illustrates the transformative power of spiritual practice and the interconnectedness of all beings. This story, involving a meeting with Swami Pranabananda, a saintly figure who seemingly possessed two bodies, offers a glimpse into the mystical realm and the profound depths of human consciousness.
The Journey to Banaras
At the young age of twelve, Yogananda, driven by an insatiable thirst for spiritual knowledge, expressed his desire to travel to Banaras, a city revered as a center of learning and spirituality. His father, a man of liberal views, granted his request, providing him with travel tickets, a small sum of money, and two letters. One was addressed to his friend, Kedarnath Babu, and the other to Swami Pranabananda, a yogi known for his advanced spiritual practices.
Yogananda’s father believed that Swami Pranabananda, who resided in Banaras, could help him locate Kedarnath Babu. He also emphasized the immense opportunity for learning from Swami Pranabananda, describing him as someone who had attained “extraordinary heights in yoga.”
The Meeting with Swami Pranabananda
Upon arriving in Banaras, Yogananda, eager to meet Swami Pranabananda, made his way to the yogi’s residence. He found the door open and entered a large hall where he saw a man, strong and robust, seated in deep meditation. Yogananda was struck by the radiant glow emanating from the man’s face.
Swami Pranabananda, sensing Yogananda’s presence, spoke, addressing him as “Baba Anand,” a name that Yogananda had not yet revealed. This immediate recognition, without any introduction, left Yogananda astonished. Swami Pranabananda, after receiving the letter from Yogananda’s father, assured him of his help in finding Kedarnath Babu.
The Mystifying Conversation
The conversation then took an unexpected turn. Swami Pranabananda revealed that he received two pensions: one from Yogananda’s father, a former employer, and another from “the Supreme Father, the Divine.” Yogananda, bewildered, inquired about this divine pension, wondering if God literally sent money from the heavens.
Swami Pranabananda, with a smile, explained that the divine pension was the “unceasing, limitless peace” he had attained through years of meditation. This state of profound serenity had freed him from worldly desires and attachments.
Swami Pranabananda further elaborated on the arduous journey of controlling the mind, stating that it “does not easily become our servant.” He emphasized the need to tame the mind, to break free from its incessant wandering and restlessness.
The Mystery Deepens
Just as the conversation ended, Swami Pranabananda fell silent, plunging the room into an inexplicable stillness. Yogananda, concerned about finding Kedarnath Babu, wondered how they would proceed in this silent state. However, Swami Pranabananda, without breaking his silence, declared that Kedarnath Babu would arrive within half an hour.
Yogananda, perplexed, was unable to comprehend how this could be possible. There had been no communication, no message sent, yet Swami Pranabananda seemed to know with certainty that Kedarnath Babu was on his way.
The Arrival of Kedarnath Babu
True to Swami Pranabananda’s words, half an hour later, a man appeared at the entrance of the hall. Yogananda, confirming his identity, inquired about his sudden arrival. Kedarnath Babu, equally bewildered, recounted a strange experience.
He had been bathing in the Ganges when Swami Pranabananda materialized before him, requesting his presence at the yogi’s home. Kedarnath Babu, after agreeing, was guided by an invisible force, seemingly led by Swami Pranabananda, to the yogi’s residence.
The Unfathomable Truth
Yogananda, piecing together the events, was left astounded. He had witnessed Swami Pranabananda in deep meditation for the entire duration, yet Kedarnath Babu insisted on seeing him at the Ganges. How could one person be present in two places simultaneously?
This realization, the possibility of a single being inhabiting two bodies, was both awe-inspiring and unsettling. Yogananda, seeking an explanation, turned to Swami Pranabananda, who, with a gentle smile, simply stated that “the entire universe is manifesting from one source.” This reality, he explained, is not hidden from a true yogi, who can transcend the limitations of space and time.
The Power of Meditation
Swami Pranabananda, in an effort to dispel Yogananda’s anxieties, shared another profound insight. He recounted his journey of spiritual transformation, describing his relentless pursuit of meditation even while working a demanding job.
Through years of dedicated practice, he attained a state of profound peace, a connection with the divine, which he referred to as the “divine pension.” This experience, he shared, freed him from the clutches of the mind, bringing him lasting joy and freedom.
The Transformative Power of Yoga
Swami Pranabananda’s words resonated deeply with Yogananda. The experience left him with a profound sense of awe and wonder, a realization of the boundless potential of human consciousness. He understood that the journey of yoga, a path of self-discovery and spiritual awakening, could lead to extraordinary states of being, transcending the limitations of the physical world.
The story of Swami Pranabananda, a tale of two bodies, serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of all beings. It highlights the transformative power of meditation and the potential for human consciousness to transcend the limitations of the physical realm.
The Significance of the Story
Yogananda’s encounter with Swami Pranabananda is a testament to the power of spiritual practice. It underscores the following key points:
- The interconnectedness of all beings: The ability of Swami Pranabananda to be present in two places simultaneously highlights the interconnected nature of reality. The universe, according to Swami Pranabananda, manifests from a single source, suggesting that all beings are ultimately connected.
- The transformative power of meditation: Swami Pranabananda’s attainment of profound peace through years of meditation demonstrates the transformative power of this practice. Meditation, by quieting the mind and connecting us with our inner selves, can lead to a state of lasting happiness and freedom.
- The importance of self-discipline: Swami Pranabananda’s commitment to meditation even while holding a demanding job exemplifies the importance of self-discipline in spiritual practice. By prioritizing our spiritual growth, we can achieve profound transformation, even amidst the challenges of everyday life.
This story, a tale of two bodies, is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary potential that lies within each of us. It encourages us to explore the depths of our consciousness, to embrace the journey of spiritual practice, and to realize the interconnectedness of all beings.