Two Penniless Boys in Brindaban

chapter eleven of autobiography of a yogi this is a librivox recording all librivox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit librivox dot org saw Yogananda. Two penniless boys in Brindaban. It would serve you right if father disinherited you, Mukunda. How foolishly you are throwing away your life. An elder brother's sermon was assaulting my ears. Chitendra and I, fresh from the train, a figure of speech merely we were covered with dust, had just arrived at the home of Ananta, recently transferred from Calcutta to the ancient city of Agra.

Brother was a supervising accountant for the Bengal Nagpur Railway. You well know, Ananta, I seek my inheritance from the Heavenly Father. Money money first god can come later who knows life may be too long god first money is his slave who can tell life may be too short the leaves of time unfolded to early finality for Ananta. A few years later he entered the land where banknotes avail neither first nor last. Wisdom from the hermitage, I suppose. But I see you have left Benares. Ananta's eyes gleamed with satisfaction, yet he hoped to secure my pinions in the family nest.

My sojourn in Benares was not in vain. I found there everything my heart had been longing for. You may be sure it was not your pundit or his son. Ananta joined me in reminiscent laughter. He had had to admit that the Benares clairvoyant he selected was a short-sighted one. What are your plans, my wandering brother? Jitendra persuaded me to Agra. We shall view the beauties of the Taj Mahal here, I explained. Then we are going to my newly found guru, who has a hermitage in Serampore.

Nanta hospitably arranged for our comfort. Several times during the evening I noticed his eyes fixed on me reflectively. I know that look, I thought, of plot is brewing. The denouement took place during our early breakfast. So you feel quite independent of father's wealth. Ananta's gaze was innocent as he resumed the barbs of yesterday's conversation. I am conscious of my dependence on God. Words are cheap. Life has shielded you thus far. What a plight if you were forced to look to the invisible hand for your food and shelter.

You would soon be begging on the streets never i would not put faith in passers-by rather than god he can devise for his devotee a thousand resources besides the begging bowl that your vaunted philosophy be put to a test in this tangible world. I would agree. Do you confine God to a speculative world? We shall see. Today you shall have opportunity either to enlarge or to confirm my own views. Nanta paused for a dramatic moment, then spoke slowly and seriously i propose that i send you and your fellow disciple jitendra this morning to the nearby city of rindaban you must not take a single rupee you must not beg either for food or money you must not reveal your predicament to anyone.

You must not go without your meals, and you must not be stranded in Vrindavan. If you return to my bungalow here before twelve o'clock tonight, without having broken any rule of the test, I shall be the most astonished man in Agra. I accept the challenge. No hesitation was in my words or in my heart. Grateful memories flashed of the instant beneficence my healing of deadly cholera through appeal to Lahiri Mahasaya's picture, the playful gift of the two kites on the Lahore roof with Uma, the importune amulet amidst my discouragement the decisive message through the unknown ben my living master from the midst of life-long dreams never could i admit my philosophy unequal to any tussle on the world's harsh proving ground Your willingness does you credit.

I'll escort you to the train at once, Ananta turned to the open-mouthed Jitendra. You must go along as a witness and very likely a fellow victim. A half an hour later, Jitendra and I were in possession of one-way tickets for our impromptu trip. We submitted in a secluded corner of the station to a search of our persons ananta was quickly satisfied that we were carrying no hidden hoard our simple dhothis concealed nothing more than was necessary my friend spoke protestingly. Ananta, give me one or two rupees as a safeguard.

Then I can telegraph you in case of misfortune. Jitendra, my ejaculation was sharply reproachful. I will not proceed with the test if you take any money as final security. There is something reassuring about the clink of coins. Jitendra said no more as I regarded him sternly. Mukunda, I am not heartless. A hint of humility had crept into Ananta's voice. It may be that his conscience was smiting him, perhaps for sending two insolvent boys into a strange city, perhaps for his own religious skepticism. If by any chance or grace you pass successfully through the Vrindavan ordeal, I shall ask you to initiate me as your disciple.

This promise had a certain irregularity in keeping with the unconventional occasion. The eldest brother in an Indian family seldom bows before his juniors. He receives respect and obedience second only to a father, but no time remained for my comment. Our train was at point of departure. Chitendra maintains a lugubrious silence as our train covered the miles. Finally, he bestirred himself leaning over he pinched me painfully in an awkward spot i see no sign that are we not to have our first glimpse of the sacred wonders of rindavan i am in deep joy at the thought of treading the ground hollowed by feet of lord krishna the door of our compartment opened two men seated themselves the next train stop would be the last a surprising interest.

None of your business. Rudely I averted my gaze. You are probably flying away from your families under the enchantment of the Stealer of Hearts. I am of devotional temperament myself. I will make it my positive duty to see that you receive food and shelter from this overpowering heat. No, sir, let us alone. You are very kind, but you are mistaken in judging us to be truants from home. No further conversation ensued. The train came to a halt. As Jitendra and I descended to the platform, our chance companions linked arms with us and summoned a horse cab.

We lit before a stately hermitage set amidst the evergreen trees of well-kept grounds. Our benefactors were evidently known here. A smiling lad led us without comment to a parlor. We were soon joined by an elderly woman of dignified bearing. Garima! The princess would not come. One of the men addressed the ashram hostess. At the last moment their prayans went awry. They send deep regrets. But we have brought two other guests. As soon as we met on the train, I felt drawn to them as devotees of Lord Krishna.

Goodbye, young friends. Our two acquaintances walked to the door. We shall meet again, if God be willing. You are welcome here. Garima smiled in a motherly fashion on her two unexpected charges. You could not have come on a better day. I was expecting two royal patrons of this hermitage. What a shame if my cooking had found none to appreciate it. These appetizing words had disastrous effect on Jitendra. He burst into tears. The prospect he had feared in Vrindavan was turning out as royal entertainment. His sudden mental adjustment proved too much for him.

Our hostess looked at him with curiosity, but without remark. Perhaps she was familiar with adolescent quirks. Lunch was announced. Garima led the way to a dining patio, spicy with savory odors. She vanished into an adjoining kitchen. I'd been premeditating this moment. Selecting the appropriate spot on Jitendra's anatomy, I administered a pinch as resounding as the one he had given me on the train. Doubting Thomas, the Lord works in a hurry, too. The hostess re-entered with a punkah. She steadily fanned us in the oriental fashion as we squatted on ornate blanket seats.

Ashram disciples passed to and fro with some thirty courses. Rather than meal, the description can only be sumptuous repast. Since arriving on this planet, Chitendra and I had never before tasted such delicacies. Dishes fit for princes indeed, honored mother. What your royal patrons could have found more urgent than attending this banquet, I cannot imagine. You have given us a memory for a lifetime. Silenced as we were by Ananta's requirement, we could not explain to the gracious lady that our thanks held a double significance. Our sincerity at least was patent.

We departed with her blessing and an attractive invitation to revisit the hermitage. The heat outdoors was merciless. My friend and I made for the shelter of a lordly kadamba tree at the ashram gate. Sharp words followed. Once again Jitendra was beset with misgivings. A fine mess you have got me into. Our luncheon was only accidental, good fortune. how can we see the sights of this city without a single peace between us and how on earth are you going to take me back to anantas my words not bitter were accusatory how short is human memory for divine favors no man lives who has not seen certain of his prayers granted i am not likely to forget my folly in venturing out with a madcap like you be quiet ytendra the same lord who fed us will show us rindavan and return us to agra a slight young man of pleasing countenance approached at a rapid pace halting under our tree he bowed before me it is scarcely possible for an indian to pale but jitendra's face was suddenly sickly i politely forsaken figures under this very tree oneless, smiling at the eager face before me, an inward obeisance cast me at the defined feet.

Dear friends, will you not honor my home for a visit? You are kind, but the plan is unfeasible. Already we are guests of my brother in Agra. At least give me memories of touring Vrindavan with you. I gladly consented. The young man, who said his name was Pratap Chatterjee, hailed a horse carriage. We visited Madana Mohana Temple and other Krishna shrines. Night descended while we were at our temple devotions. Excuse me while I get a sandesh. Pratap entered a shop near the railroad station. Chitendra and I sauntered along the wide street, crowded now in the comparative coolness.

Our friend was absent for some time, but finally returned with gifts of many sweetmeats please allow me to gain this religious merit pratap smiled ple far exceeded necessity we sought out a secluded spot near the station pratap i will instruct you in the kriya is your chintamani, I told the new student. The technique, which as you see is simple, embodies the art of quickening man's spiritual evolution. Hindu scriptures teach that the incarnating ego requires a million years to obtain liberation from maya. This natural period is greatly shortened through Kriya Yoga.

Just as Jagadish Chandra Bose has demonstrated that plant growth can be accelerated far beyond its normal rate, so man's psychological development can be also speeded by an inner science. Be faithful in your practice, you will approach the guru of all gurus. I am transported to find this yogic key long sought. Pratap spoke thoughtfully. Its unshackling effect on my sensory bonds will free me for higher spheres. The vision today of Lord Krishna could only mean my highest good. We sat in silent understanding then walked slowly to the station joy was within me as i boarded the train by stifled sobs from both my companions.

The journey once more found Jitendra in a welter of grief, not for himself this time, but against himself. How shallow my trust! My heart has been stoned. Never in future shall I doubt God's protection. Midnight was approaching the two cinderellas sent forth pennil had supposed ananta spoke with a spiritual enthusiasm never before noticeable Understand for the first time your indifference to the vaults and vulgar accumulations of the world. Late as it was, my brother insisted that he receive Diksha into Kriya Yoga. The guru, Mukunda, had to shoulder the responsibility of two unsought disciples in one day.

Breakfast the following morning was eaten in a harmony absent the day before. I smiled at jitendra you shall not be cheated of the taj let us view it before starting for white marble dazzling in the sun it stands a vision of pure symmetry the perfect setting is dark cypress glossy lawn and tranquil lagoon the interior is exquisite with lace-like carvings inlaid with semi-precious stones delicate wreaths and scrolls emerge intricately from marbles brown and violet. Illumination from the dome falls on the cenotaphs of Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, queen of his realm and his heart.

Enough of sightseeing. I was longing for my guru. Jitendra and I were shortly traveling south by train towards Bengal. Mukunda, I have not seen my family in months. I have changed my mind. Perhaps later I shall visit your master in Calcutta. By local train, I soon reached Serampore, 12 miles to the north. A throb of wonderment stole over me as I realized that 28 days had elapsed since the Benares meeting with my guru. You will come to me in four weeks. Here I was, heart pounding, standing within his courtyard on the quiet Ray Ghat lane.

I entered for the first time the hermitage where I was, heart-pounding, standing within his courtyard on the quiet Ray Ghat lane. I entered for the first time the hermitage where I was to spend the best part of the next ten years with India's Jayaanvatar incarnation of wisdom.