{FN33-5} This incident reminds one of Thales.
The great Greek philosopher taught that there was
no difference between life and death. “Why,
then,” inquired a critic, “do you not die?”
“Because,” answered Thales, “it
makes no difference.”
{FN33-6} “Verily, verily, I say unto you, If
a man keep my saying (remain unbrokenly in the Christ
Consciousness), he shall never see death."-John
8:51.
MATERIALIZING A PALACE IN THE HIMALAYAS
“Babaji’s first meeting with Lahiri Mahasaya
is an enthralling story, and one of the few which
gives us a detailed glimpse of the deathless guru.”
These words were Swami Kebalananda’s preamble
to a wondrous tale. The first time he recounted
it I was literally spellbound. On many other
occasions I coaxed my gentle Sanskrit tutor to repeat
the story, which was later told me in substantially
the same words by Sri Yukteswar. Both these
Lahiri Mahasaya disciples had heard the awesome tale
direct from the lips of their guru.
“My first meeting with Babaji took place in
my thirty-third year,” Lahiri Mahasaya had said.
“In the autumn of 1861 I was stationed in Danapur
as a government accountant in the Military Engineering
Department. One morning the office manager summoned
me.
“‘Lahiri,’ he said, ’a telegram
has just come from our main office. You are to
be transferred to Ranikhet, where an army post {FN34-1}
is now being established.’
“With one servant, I set out on the 500-mile
trip. Traveling by horse and buggy, we arrived
in thirty days at the Himalayan site of Ranikhet.
{FN34-2}
“My office duties were not onerous; I was able
to spend many hours roaming in the magnificent hills.
A rumor reached me that great saints blessed the region
with their presence; I felt a strong desire to see
them. During a ramble one early afternoon, I was
astounded to hear a distant voice calling my name.
I continued my vigorous upward climb on Drongiri Mountain.
A slight uneasiness beset me at the thought that I
might not be able to retrace my steps before darkness
had descended over the jungle.
“I finally reached a small clearing whose sides
were dotted with caves. On one of the rocky ledges
stood a smiling young man, extending his hand in welcome.
I noticed with astonishment that, except for his copper-colored
hair, he bore a remarkable resemblance to myself.
“‘Lahiri, you have come!’ The saint
addressed me affectionately in Hindi. ‘Rest
here in this cave. It was I who called you.’
“I entered a neat little grotto which contained
several woolen blankets and a few KAMANDULUS (begging
bowls).
“‘Lahiri, do you remember that seat?’
The yogi pointed to a folded blanket in one corner.
“‘No, sir.’ Somewhat dazed
at the strangeness of my adventure, I added, ’I
must leave now, before nightfall. I have business
in the morning at my office.’
