In this article I would like to address this question in the context of disciples of Paramhansa Yogananda, author of the spiritual classic, “Autobiography of a Yogi.” While these thoughts can be easily applied in other situations, it’s easier for me to be more specific doing it this way. Hopefully, what I have to offer isn’t limited to those disciples who happen also to be members of Ananda worldwide (as I am) but can apply to disciples of Yogananda whether affiliated or unaffiliated with any organization dedicated to Yogananda’s teachings.
Yogananda is not in the body. Even if he were, unless you or I lived in Los Angeles, I’m not sure the result would be any different. Nonetheless, a guru in the body is a different reality for those of us who are also in the body! It just feels different.
However, even during his lifetime, he had others initiate, counsel, or correspond with students and disciples on his behalf. Swami Kriyananda, then a young monk during the last three and a half years of Yogananda’s life, stated that Mt. Washington was like a hotel: people checking in and out. Not everyone, in other words, who came to Yogananda in the body established a discipleship relationship with him. Thousands came to his barnstorming lecture tours around the country, but few became dedicated disciples, whether as monks or nuns or living outside his ashrams.
When therefore we read the inspiring lives of direct disciples such as Rajarshi Janakananda, Sister Gyanamata, Oliver Black, Dr. Lewis, Daya Mata, Swami Kriyananda and others we encounter a form and spirit of discipleship that is deep and meaningful but, for most of us, unreachable. They had direct, personal relationships with Yogananda.
Having said the obvious I want to add that while having one’s guru in the body is obviously a great blessing, it CAN be confusing. There he is with what seems like a personality, opinions, foibles even, and specific relationships with other people. There usually appears to be a hierarchy of closeness around such great souls. Some disciples are perceived as “close” and others, not. This can create doubt, jealousy and confusion among the close group members.
Yogananda himself stated that the animals (rats, mice etc) on the grounds of his ashram weren’t necessarily advancing spiritually by virtue of their physical proximity to an enlightened being!
Discipleship is based on the concept of “attunement.” This is a nebulous and a perhaps vague yardstick but it is a measurement of resonance, of openness, and willingness, and depth of connection with the spirit, the teachings and the specific instructions given to one by the guru (if any, personally).
Among the monastic disciples at Mt. Washington there were plenty who didn’t stay very long; others who grumbled (some more than others), and then there were those who, as Sister Gyanamata put it, said “Yes” and “made it snappy!”
So it is also, in its own way, with you and me. As disciples of Yogananda, we are given meditation techniques: how dedicated are we to their practice? When we practice them, how good is our concentration, our technique, our devotion? How deep are our meditations?
And in daily life, how often during the day do we think of, or chant to, our guru, invoking his presence and guidance even in the small details of the day?
In our service to the guru’s work, how open and willing and dedicated are we? How creative and joyful are we? How harmonious are we with other disciples? Do we judge them? Do we judge ourselves?
Nonetheless, who can deny the difference between a direct and personal relationship with a true guru and a discipleship relationship with a guru no longer in the body! Let us remember, however, that the guru isn’t personal in the egoic and normal sense of how we are with one another. Indeed, the very impersonal nature of a God-realized guru is such that, like a surgeon, he will not spare you pain if it contributes to your soul freedom. He won’t do that however unless you are courageously open to his help.
Besides, how would you or I know a “true guru?” There are false gurus and even without frauds there are plenty of high souls who are not yet fully liberated. And how would WE know one if we met one?
“Blessed are the pure of heart for they shall see God!” As we are purified in the journey towards Self-realization we attract to ourselves the lessons and the teachers that we need. I know full well why, though I was born in 1950 while Yogananda was still in the body, I did not get to be a direct disciple in this lifetime: I wasn’t ready yet.
There’s no point in bemoaning the lack of an incarnate guru in one’s life. “When the disciple is ready, the guru appears.” That is the truth.
In the meantime, we have plenty of spiritual work to do. Don’t imagine that it would be easier if Yogananda was here with you. I assure you, it would not. The stories that the direct disciples tell are proof of that!
In the context of the worldwide work of Ananda and its member-disciples, we can “practice” discipleship in our relations with one another. We can practice cooperation with one another in our guru-seva (service); we can be open, respectful and willing in respect to Ananda leaders and appointed coordinators; consulting with them at important times in our lives; we can be generous in our support of the guru’s work; we can make fellowship (“satsang”) with other disciples a priority in our life; we can study the teachings with one another, sharing insights and inspiration, supporting one another’s spiritual journey.
The most important “practice” we can do is inward, deepening our attunement: calling on Yogananda during the day and being faithful and regular in our sadhana (meditation practices of prayer and meditation). We can practice renunciation of personal desires (self-discipline, moderation in all things, and even-mindedness) and devotional self-offering to God and guru. We can affirm faith in God amidst the challenges of life. Such are the grist of the soul’s mill in its journey towards freedom. These would be as true in the incarnate presence of the sat (“true”) guru as much as here and now.
Krishna (in the Bhagavad Gita) promises “To those free from the carping spirit I bestow wisdom divine.” Complain not, friend, for what seems like Yogananda’s absence from your life. See that what you have been given (at Ananda) is guru’s grace and guru’s presence. As the story is told of a future monk who in the late 1950’s asked a saint if that saint was his guru and the saint replied, “No, Yogananda is your guru” and the future monk responded complainingly, “But Yogananda is dead!” the saint retorted sternly “Yogananda’s not dead, YOU’RE DEAD!”
Be of good cheer, friend, Yogananda (Jesus and other avatars) are omnipresent and now ever willing to be your friend and guide. Call on their grace, their presence, their guidance.