Who is Lahiri Mahasaya from Autobiography of a Yogi and what is their importance?

Lahiri is a great master who studied under an avatar. It is said that Lahiri's eyes were always half-closed as he peered into eternal bliss. He seemed to have direct access to divine knowledge and was able to call forth information rather than simply memorizing scripture. He was able to guide others' thoughts so that they could arrive at the right answers for themselves. Lahiri was considered a perfected soul, who was able to direct healing energy powerful enough to give vision to the blind and raise the dead.