Embark on a journey of transformation with Kriya Yoga. Discover healing, inner peace, and spiritual awakening through my experience with Paramahansa Hariharanandaji.
Miracles may seem like far-off wonders, but for many, they manifest in profound, life-changing experiences. I found myself captivated by the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda through his book, An Autobiography of a Yogi. Yogananda (Yogananda's famous quotes), originally named Mukunda Lal Ghosh, was a remarkable figure who introduced Kriya Yoga to the Western world.
The Impact of Yogananda
Born in 1893, Yogananda was instrumental in bridging Eastern spirituality and Western thought when he arrived in the United States in 1920. His teachings not only changed individual lives but also contributed to a broader understanding of yoga as a spiritual science. During his years in the United States, Yogananda returned to India in 1935 after fifteen years of dedicated work, meeting influential spiritual figures along the way.
Meeting Great Souls
During his 1935 visit to India, Yogananda encountered several significant figures, including Ramana Maharshi, Anandamoyi Ma, and Mahatma Gandhi. He recognized the universal significance of Kriya Yoga as a scientific foundation that transcends religious boundaries. Notably, he initiated Gandhi and several of his followers into Kriya Yoga, further solidifying the practice's importance.
The Legacy of Hariharanandaji
One of Yogananda's close disciples was Paramahamsa Hariharanandaji, who continued to spread the teachings of Kriya Yoga after Yogananda's passing in 1952. Hariharanandaji was a remarkable spiritual master committed to the path of Kriya Yoga. His teachings emphasized inner transformation and the pursuit of divine connection, guiding countless seekers on their spiritual journeys.
A Personal Connection to Kriya Yoga
My own journey into Kriya Yoga began in the 1990s when I was part of the Bangoer family from Suriname, descendants of Indian contractors who had migrated to Suriname. My girlfriend's parents were passionate followers of Yogananda’s successor, Hariharanandaji. They were eager to share this spiritual legacy with me and informed me that Hariharanandaji would soon visit the Netherlands for an event. This felt like the right time for me to embrace Kriya Yoga through initiation.
Picture: Swami Hariharanandaji (Hansavedas Fellowship)
The Initiation Ceremony
The initiation ceremony took place in a sacred Hindu temple in The Hague, just days before Hariharanandaji's visit. The cost of the initiation included five fruits, five flowers, and one hundred Dutch guilders, a currency still in use at that time. I remember walking into the temple, a sense of reverence filling the air. The initiation, guided by Peter van Breukelen (Swami Petronella), was conducted in a serene atmosphere, with several aspiring participants present.
The Atmosphere of Reverence
The ambiance in the temple was thick with a calm silence, setting the stage for a profound spiritual experience. During the initiation, Peter pressed his fingers gently on my eyelids, inviting me to behold the holy light. As we engaged in the sacred ceremony for several hours, he shared that Hariharanandaji would be visiting the Netherlands soon and wished to meet our group. I felt both excited and nervous at the prospect of meeting such a revered figure.
A Warm Family Welcome
When I returned home that evening to a warm dinner with my girlfriend’s family, they expressed their enthusiasm about Hariharanandaji’s imminent visit. Their excitement was infectious, and after much encouragement, I decided to attend the gathering. The following Saturday, we arrived at the assembly hall in Houten, near Utrecht, filled with eager participants.
The Gathering in Houten
As I entered the hall, I was struck by the sight of hundreds of people dressed in white, sitting cross-legged in devotion. Suddenly, a diminutive figure in an orange suit and a red woolen hat appeared on stage. To my surprise, I struggled to suppress laughter at this “little man” in his colorful attire. Yet, as he took his place at the podium, a deep sense of reverence enveloped the room.
A Light-hearted Encounter
The swami began his sermon, which Peter translated into Dutch for the audience. In the midst of his talk, he playfully asked, “Peter, shall I go? They won’t see me if their eyes are closed!” The audience erupted in laughter, and in that moment, he transformed the atmosphere from serious to light-hearted, creating a warm sense of community.
The Blessing of Initiation
After his sermon, Hariharanandaji invited attendees to approach him for blessings and to kiss his ring. Then, he called forward those of us who had been initiated just days before. I felt a wave of anxiety wash over me; I wasn't sure if I had the courage to step forward. But when our eyes met, something shifted within me. Without fully understanding how, I found myself walking toward the stage and sitting cross-legged on the rug in front of him.
A Moment of Transformation
As I settled on the rug, I felt as if the swami had taken hold of my will. He approached me, looking directly into my eyes with a warm smile. “How tense you are! Let go of that tension,” he said playfully. I admitted that it was challenging for me to relax due to some physical discomfort. He laughed, then placed his hands on my hips and shoulders, and in that instant, something miraculous happened. A wave of relaxation washed over me, and the pain I had been holding onto dissipated completely.
The Ongoing Influence of Kriya Yoga
This profound moment left an indelible mark on my soul. I realized that the swami’s presence alone had the power to heal and uplift. It was a reminder of the transformative potential of spiritual connection. After our encounter, I felt lighter, both physically and emotionally. My initiation into Kriya Yoga and my encounter with Hariharanandaji became pivotal moments in my life.
A Lifelong Journey
Since that day, Kriya Yoga has been a guiding force, providing me with tools to navigate life’s challenges and deepen my connection with the divine. I believe that there are many paths leading to our ultimate destination, and each person’s journey is unique. While I have explored various spiritual practices, the teachings of Kriya Yoga continue to resonate with me profoundly.
Gratitude and Reflection
My gratitude for the experiences and teachings I have received remains strong, and I often reflect on that day with Hariharanandaji. In sharing my story, I hope to convey the beauty of spiritual encounters and the transformative power of practices like Kriya Yoga. Whether through moments of laughter, profound healing, or the simple act of sitting in the presence of a holy person, miracles can manifest in myriad ways.
Conclusion: The Power of Connection
My connection to Hariharanandaji and the teachings of Kriya Yoga will forever be etched in my heart, guiding me on my journey toward spiritual awakening. If you have had similar experiences or moments of transformation in your own spiritual journey, I would love to hear about them. The beauty of these stories lies in their ability to inspire and uplift others, creating a tapestry of shared experiences that enrich our understanding of the divine.
