I Become a Monk of the Swami Order: Selections from “Autobiography of a Yogi” by Paramahansa Yogananda (vegetarian), Part 1 of 2

Today’s show is dedicated as a celebration of the birthday of the Venerated Enlightened Master, Paramahansa Yogananda (vegetarian). In 1920, Paramahansa Yogananda founded the spiritual organization Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF), and before that in 1917, the Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (YSS). Both still serve as instruments for spreading the teachings of the beloved Master.

Today, we are delighted to present Chapter 24, “I Become a Monk of the Swami Order” from the book “Autobiography of a Yogi” by Paramahansa Yogananda (vegetarian).

“‘Master, my father has been anxious for me to accept an executive position with the Bengal-Nagpur Railway. But I have definitely refused it.’ I added hopefully, ‘Sir, will you not make me a monk of the Swami Order?’ I looked pleadingly at my guru. During preceding years, in order to test the depth of my determination, He had refused this same request. Today, however, He smiled graciously. ‘Very well; tomorrow I will initiate you into swamiship.’ He went on quietly, ‘I am happy that you have persisted in your desire to be a monk. Lahiri Mahasaya often said: “If you don’t invite God to be your summer Guest, He won’t come in the winter of your life.”’ ‘Dear master, I could never falter in my goal to belong to the Swami Order like your revered self.’ I smiled at Him with measureless affection.

‘He that is unmarried cares for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: but he that is married cares for the things of the world, how he may please his wife.’ I had analyzed the lives of many of my friends who, after undergoing certain spiritual discipline, had then married. Launched on the sea of worldly responsibilities, they had forgotten their resolutions to meditate deeply. To allot God a secondary place in life was, to me, inconceivable. […]”

“The new name received by a swami thus has a twofold significance, and represents the attainment of supreme bliss (ananda) through some Divine quality or state-love, wisdom, devotion, service, yoga-and through a harmony with nature, as expressed in her infinite vastness of oceans, mountains, skies. The ideal of selfless service to all mankind, and of renunciation of personal ties and ambitions, leads the majority of swamis to engage actively in humanitarian and educational work in India, or occasionally in foreign lands. Ignoring all prejudices of caste, creed, class, color, gender, or race, a swami follows the precepts of human brotherhood.

His goal is absolute unity with Spirit. Imbuing his waking and sleeping consciousness with the thought, ‘I am He,’ he roams contentedly, in the world but not of it. Thus only may he justify his title of swami-one who seeks to achieve union with the Swa or Self. It is needless to add that not all formally titled swamis are equally successful in reaching their high goal.”