October is the best month to travel anywhere in India. Monsoons are on the way out and
the landscape is green all over. This is the Shimla YSS retreat during October.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_oatrrixLo&feature=relatedhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_oatrrixLo&feature=related

My Memories of Paramahansa Yogananda

By Mary Peck Stockton

As a very young child I was introduced into the world of Self- Realization Fellowship and its beloved guru, Paramahansa Yogananda. In 1932 my mother attended one of Paramahansaji's lectures at the U. S. Grant Hotel in San Diego, California.
She was transformed by his words. Following the lecture, as was his practice, he stood at the front of the hall and received well-wishers. My mother went forward to shake his hand and, she felt, to receive a blessing. At a later meeting he healed a festered boil on her leg instantaneously. I was not present at that incident but she excitedly related it to me. She read his materials and began to meditate, which I, as an eight-year-old child, never questioned but wondered what she was "up to."

At some point, my mother began to take my brother and me to the Sunday meetings. It is not clear in my memory where we first attended services. I know that as a young child I was curious as to why we went to a church where the "minister" wore an orange robe. My brother and I had been attencling a Lutheran church near our home in San Diego. Now we went to "lectures" by Swami Yogananda - an experience very different from the sermons at our regular Sunday school. Paramahansaji repeatedly told us, "l'm nott preaching a sermon; rather,I am teaching you how to know God."

His very appearance made me feel in awe of him. He was kingly in his carriage,and stood straight always. He was full-bodied (a mark of beauty in India) and was taller than my father who was about average height. Over his ochre robe was a large scarf held in place at the left shoulder with an SRF lotus pin. His hands were soft, warm. and full. His dark hair fell in waves down to his shoulders and beyond. He had a habit of brushing his hair frorn in front of his shoulders to the back. His skin was light brown, smooth, and soft-caramel-colored and without wrinkles. At times during his lecture, he would delight the audience when, with twinkling eyes, he would say, "You can't tell how old I am." Truly, he retained his youthful countenance.

Master always preceded his lectures with the question to the congregation: "How is everyone? Are you awake and ready?" As one voice, we would answer affirmatively! He wanted no one "sleeping" while he offered God's message to them. Master's voice, well-modulated, rose and fell to express the internal feelings he projected. His voice would range from whispered phrases to a great booming volume. It certainly commanded attention and kept the listeners "awake and ready."

One day I saw him studying me. I don't believe anyone or anything escaped his interest and attention. I felt he was always watching over me, and to this day I am comforted by that thought. I also remember, distinctly, seeing a lovely young woman who was efficient and eager to abide by the Swami's directions. She went about her tasks quietly and with ease. A look of joy enveloped her countenance.
This person was Miss Faye Wright who was to become our beloved Sri Daya Mata.

Before the SRF temple in San Diego was acquired in 1943, my mother, brother, and I attended services at Encinitas every Sunday. Paramahansaji was so very pleased when the beautiful temple was built on top of the cliffs overlooking the ocean.* He wanted to share that beauty of the scene with the church attendees, and so the temple had ceiling-to-floor tinted windows that captured the view of his beloved ocean. The platform was in front of the windows.
Master sat to the right of the congregation. From that position he would play the harmonium and sing fully and passionately. He usually ended the sessions with "ln the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea....Glory, glory, hallelujah...."He sang with such gusto and feeling that it stirred all the audience as he urged us to join in. Everything he did was done with great energy, which flowed from him into the participants. His sincerity spread throughout the listerning audience, gathering all into the power and presence always evident in the room. During the meditation portion of the service he was quiet for a long time. I remember hearing him say: "Christ is here blessing you-l see you all bathed in a great light - you are blessed by being here." One would leave the services with great spiritual upliftment that would stay for a long time.

A demonstration of his generosity came home to me one Sunday in Encinitas. My mother went forward to shake his hand. She told Master that we had very little money for food. The dear saint reached into his pocket, extended his hand, and crumpled some paper money into my mother's hand. He was openly warm to all people and extended his warmth at every opportunity.

I remember, so vividly, Master's walks on the Encinitas grounds with Mr. James Lynn (Rajarsi Janakananda). Such radiance exchanged between the two of them. When I matured I began to understand the joy emanating from the pair. Their friendship was so strong, loving, and childlike in the best sense of the word. God's presence was visible in their faces as well as being felt by us who saw them together.

I was particularly impressed with the quality of people I met at SRF. They were so sincere, loving, and intelligent. In the Master's audiences one saw doctors, attorneys, professors,and a variety of people from all walks of life. As I acquainted myself with many of his followers, they became my life's role models. I find the same wonderful qualities I admired in my youth still remaining in the people I encounter in SRF today. Paramahansa yogananda was larger than life blessed all of humanity with his love and blessings.
Galli-Curci, a famous diva of the Metropolitan Opera, was a long time student and friend of Master's. She and her husband could sometimes be seen in attendance at the San Diego. My life's burning ambition at that time was to be an opera singer. I felt life would not be worth living if I couldn't get to sing proffessionally. I was in my teens and certainly bitten by the performing "bug." One Sunday Master asked me to sing at the service. "Piece of cake," I said to myself. I had been singing in public and professionally since I was five years old, so this request did not throw me. Time for the service arrived; I was directed to my place on the dais next to Master. That day Madame Galli-Gurci was in attendance.

During the meditation period Master asked me, you see him? Do you see Sri Yukteswarji?" I replied', No, but I see his Guru, the one with the full face." I had seen Lahiri Mahasaya. Master said nothing further to me. The time came for me to get up and sing. Master had said previously, "Sing only for God - not the audience." Well, that's what I thought I was doing! So I opened my mouth awaiting the first dulcet tone to be forthcoming. What came out astounded me. I sounded like a croaking frog! None of the vocal tricks I'd learned to help clear my throat worked. I tried to sing to no avail. I sat down silent and dejected.

Years later I heard the story about the disciple who asked Master to let him perform yoga postures at an SRF event, wanting egotistically to be noticed. Master permitted him to do so, but when the time came this young man found himself completely unable to do some of the exercises! * When I heard this, a big light went on in my memory, and I thought of my ill-starred performance. I started to laugh - Master was teaching me not to be ego-involved with my voice! what a hard lesson for a young girl, but one I shall never forget. Needless to say, Madame had no words of praise for me! I am still chuckling to myself now as I write this.

Master had an endearing mannerism that he used often.

He would preface remarks intended to teach a point with the little boy Brother Anandamoy on the cassette recording, "The Importance of a True Guru."

phrase, "You know...." His forefinger would be extended to emphasize what he wanted the student to learn or respond to, and his voice would rise in volume at the end of the admonition. One day during greeting time he raised the "teaching finger" and said to me: "You know, you need to lose flesh." That's all he said. I was quite
overweight in my high school days, and I knew this gem from Master should be attended to. By the end of the ensuing year I had removed sixty pounds of unwanted "flesh." I'm sure I was receiving help and support for my efforts from Master. To this day I maintain a normal weight. When Master gave direction to a disciple, one would feel not only compelled to follow the valuable advice but blessed with the ability to do so.

I corresponded with Paramahansaji and Sri Daya Mata from 1947 on. I received from them, in return, letters that gave me guidance in answer to my questions. Sad to report, I lost most of the letters from Master in a flood, as well as an autographed copy of his Autobictgraphy of a Yogi. His signature was always preceded with "Unceasing Blessings. "Sri Daya Mata has continued to offer me and my family love and guidance to this day. Herletters are filled with overpowering love that pours out and touches my heart. Whenever I have requested supportive prayers to help me through the varied tests of my life, she and SRF have always been there offering me hope, guidance, and support. Truly, Self-Realization Fellowship has shaped and guided my entire life. The final opportunity for me to see Master in person was in November of 1949. My husband and I had been offered positions in Washington State. We were traveling by car to move there permanently. I had a strong desire to stop in Los Angeles to say good-bye to Master. He was kind enough to receive me. He was always so busy and I certainly would have understood had he found it necessary to refuse me. I know truly, he watches over all his little lambs and no one is greater or less than another When I was shown to the reception room on the top floor of Headquarters he was seated in a large armchair. Mementos of his trip to India were displayed around the room. The long woven scarf, often draped over his shoulders, was placed on the back of his chair. I immediately noticed that his body and face were thinner than the time I had previously seen him. His face was very serene. A slight smile crossed his lips as I stood before his quiet presence. He asked me about rny plans for the future. As he listened patiently, another smile came forth as he told me news that, at that time, I didn't know.

He informed me I was going to have a baby boy and that he would always, spiritually, watch over him. I had not entered his room knowing I was pregnant. As I recall, he described what my baby would look like. He then asked me to send a picture of him when he was born.  Needless to say I remembered Master's words when Peter, my son, was born. I did keep my promise to send Master a picture. He did keep his promise to watch over him.

While living and working in Washington State I continued my correspondence with Paramahansaji. He was my anchor in a world that presented many tests to me. His major message throughout all was, "Meditate, meditate, meditate!" Over the years I have been helped through many major illnesses. My spirit remains undaunted because of the prayerful support I receive from Master and SRF.

In November 1983, I was facing major cancer surgery. I called SRF Headquarters for needed supportive prayer. During the period immediately following the surgery my prognosis was not good. I had lost an extremely large amount of blood. I was told that I might not live through many moredays. So I lay back in my hospital bed and gave myself completely to God, telling Him that I was ready and willing to come Home. I was fully awake and not on drugs except pain medicine when needed. When I relaxed, fixed my gaze on the spiritual eye and "let go," I began to have a life-changing experience that stays with me to this day. Because the total experience is so very personal, I shall not relate all the scenes my spirit was guided through. However, I was with Master and I knew I was safe.

It all began with music and instructions being sung to me that no one else could hear. After a short time I felt a warm, soft hand take mine and was told not to be afraid. I then saw Paramahansaji smiling and reassuring me. He asked me to go with him. Extreme peace and joy stayed with me the entire five days of this experience. I was so very happy. All the questions I had in my mind for many years were answered mentally.

As I held on to Master's hand we traveled a long, long way through dark space until I was placeced on an extremely large white wing. Other hands held me onto the wing as I was assured I would not fall. All the while singing voices were "instructing" me, and Master held firmly to my hand. He would smile and change his appearance; I said, "Master,they won't recognize you-you'd better stay the same." He laughed and appeared to me as he was in his 1920 picture wearing the turban. He said, "l like being this way most."

On the great wing I was transported from place to place. I viewed scenes, people, and actions as on a giant oval movie screen. I heard voices from the past of people I had known. I heard people praying for me by name. Each prayer was "received" as a white feather placed on the great white wing upholding me. I was shown that prayers are substance. They uphold you and your dear ones. I was taken through many experiences where I saw heavenly sights. I heard supportive comments about good things I had done throughout my life. I realized that life is one great continuum in eternity. After traveling very far I was led up to great massive heavenly gates. There were two long lines of people awaiting their "turn." As I moved up in line I heard the voice of my son, Peter, calling for me to come back. (He was not in the hospital room nor in the state of Washington. He was praying for me in California.) He told me he needed me.

Then I was asked if I wanted to come back. I said, "Yes,my son needs me." I was then told that I must bring a message back to tell specific people. That message was that we must forgive those who have hurt us. To forgive is to be forgiven! I was asked not to reveal the entire experience, but pass on the message of forgiveness. Since that time I have gone back in my life's memory, forgiven those who have hurt me, and asked forgiveness for my transgressions. Because I have done these things, I am more at peace than ever before.

This experience has changed my life. I now evaluate my actions, thoughts, and words and ask myself if I am being what God intended us to be. Peace has become mine more and more.

At this writing I am faced with more tests physically and emotionally. Master's words ring in my ear, "Meditate, meditate, meditate!" I am convinced we receive help from God, Christ, and Guru when we call on Them in prayer. Don't forget - prayers are real "things" that uphold us. I also know that one day Master will return to me with his hand extended and, at that time, I will take it happily and return to God.

The above text is available in a book called:

A Testimony of Love and Devotion by Mary Peck Stockton

Available at the below website.

http://www.consciouslivingfoundation.net/product_info.php?products_id=13793303

As a very young child I was introduced into the world of Self-Realization Fellowship and its beloved guru, Paramahansa Yogananda. In 1932 my mother attended one of Paramahansaji's lectures at the U. S. Grant Hotel in San Diego, California. She was transformed by his words. Following the lecture, as was his practice, he stood at the front of the hall andreceived well-wishers. My mother went forward to shake his hand and, she felt, to receive a blessing. At a later meeting he healed a festered boil on her leg instantaneously. I was not present at that incident but she excitedly related it to me. She read his materials and began to meditate, which I, as an eight-year-old child, never questioned but wondered what she was "up to."

At some point, my mother began to take my brother and me to the Sunday meetings. It is not clear in my memory where we first attended services. I know that as a young child I was curious as to why we went to a church where the "minister" wore an orange robe. My brother and I had been attencling a Lutheran church near our home in San Diego. Now we went to "lectures" by Swami Yogananda - an experience very different from the sermons at our regular Sunday school. Paramahansaji repeatedly told us, "l'm nott preaching a sermon; rather,I am teaching you how to know God."

His very appearance made me feel in awe of him. He was kingly in his carriage,and stood straight always. He was full-bodied (a mark of beauty in India) and was taller than my father who was about average height. Over his ochre robe was a large scarf held in place at the left shoulder with an SRF lotus pin. His hands were soft, warm. and full. His dark hair fell in waves down to his shoulders and beyond. He had a habit of brushing his hair frorn in front of his shoulders to the back. His skin was light brown, smooth, and soft-caramel-colored and without wrinkles. At times during his lecture, he would delight the audience when, with twinkling eyes, he would say, "You can't tell how old I am." Truly, he retained his youthful countenance. Master always preceded his lectures with the question to the congregation: "How is everyone? Are you awake and ready?" As one voice, we would answer affirmatively! He wanted no one "sleeping" while he offered God's message to them. Master's voice, well-modulated, rose and fell to express the internal feelings he projected. His voice would range from whispered phrases to a great booming volume. It certainly commanded attention and kept the listeners "awake and ready."

One day I saw him studying me. I don't believe anyone or anything escaped his interest and attention. I felt he was always watching over me, and to this day I am comforted by that thought. I also
remember, distinctly, seeing a lovely young woman who was efficient and eager to abide by the Swami's directions. She went about her tasks quietly and with ease. A look of joy enveloped her countenance. This person was Miss Faye Wright who was to become our beloved Sri Daya Mata.

Before the SRF temple in San Diego was acquired in 1943, my mother, brother, and I attended services at Encinitas every Sunday. Paramahansaji was so very pleased when the beautiful temple was built on top of the cliffs overlooking the ocean.* He wanted to share that beauty of the scene with the church attendees, and so the temple had ceiling-to-floor tinted windows that captured the view of his beloved ocean. The platform was in front of the windows. Master sat to the right of the congregation. From that position he would play the harmonium and sing fully and passionately. He usually ended the sessions with "ln the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea....Glory, glory, hallelujah...." He sang with such gusto and feeling that it stirred all the audience as he urged us to join in. Everything he did was done with great energy, which flowed from him into the participants. His sincerity spread throughout the listerning audience, gathering all into the power and presence always evident in the room. During the meditation portion of the service he was quiet for a long time. I remember hearing him say: "Christ is here blessing you - l see you all bathed in a great light - you are blessed by being here." One would leave the services with great spiritual upliftment that would stay for a long time.

A demonstration of his generosity came home to me one Sunday in Encinitas. My mother went forward to shake his hand. She told Master that we had very little money for food. The dear saint reached into his pocket, extended his hand, and crumpled some paper money into my mother's hand. He was openly warm to all people and extended his warmth at every opportunity. I remember, so vividly, Master's walks on the Encinitas grounds with Mr. James Lynn (Rajarsi Janakananda). Such radiance exchanged between the two of them. When I matured I began to understand the joy emanating from the pair. Their friendship was so strong, loving, and childlike in the best sense of the word. God's presence was visible in their faces as well as being felt by us who saw them together.

I was particularly impressed with the quality of people I met at SRF. They were so sincere, loving, and intelligent. In the Master's audiences one saw doctors, attorneys, professors,and a variety of people from all walks of life. As I acquainted myself with many of his followers, they became my life's role models. I find the same wonderful qualities I admired in my youth still remaining in the people I encounter in SRF today. Paramahansa Yogananda was larger than life blessed all of humanity with his love and blessings.

Galli-Curci, a famous diva of the Metropolitan Opera, was a long time student and friend of Master's. She and her husband could sometimes be seen20in attendance at the San Diego. My life's burning ambition at that time was to be an opera singer. I felt life would not be worth living if I couldn't get to sing proffessionally. I was in my teens and certainly bitten by the performing "bug." One Sunday Master asked me to sing at the service. "Piece of cake," I said to myself. I had been singing in public and professionally since I was five years old, so this request did not throw me. Time for the service arrived; I was directed to my place on the dais next to Master. That day Madame Galli-Gurci was in attendance. During the meditation period Master asked me, "you see him? Do you see Sri Yukteswarji?" I replied', No, but I see his Guru, the one with the full face." I had seen Lahiri Mahasaya. Master said nothing further to me. The time came for me to get up and sing. Master had said previously, "Sing only for God - not the audience." Well, that's what I thought I was doing! So I opened my mouth awaiting the first dulcet tone to be forthcoming. What came out astounded me. I sounded like a croaking frog! None of the vocal tricks I'd learned to help clear my throat worked. I tried to sing to no avail. I sat down silent and dejected. Years later I heard the story about the disciple who asked Master to let him perform yoga postures at an SRF event, wanting egotistically to be noticed (as told by Brother Anandamoy on the cassette recording, "The Importance of a True Guru"). Master permitted him to do so, but when the time came this young man found himself completely unable to do some of the exercises! When I heard this, a big light went on in my memory, and I thought of my ill-starred performance. I started to laugh - Master was teaching me not to be ego-involved with my voice! What a hard lesson for a young girl, but one I shall never forget. Needless to say, Madame had no words of praise for me! I am still chuckling to myself now as I write this.

Master had an endearing mannerism that he used often. He would preface remarks intended to teach a point with the phrase, "You know..." His forefinger would be extended to emphasize what he wanted the student to learn or respond to, and his voice would rise in volume at the end of the admonition. One day during greeting time he raised the "teaching finger" and said to me: "You know, you need to lose flesh." That's all he said. I was quite overweight in my high school days, and I knew this gem from Master should be attended to. By the end of the ensuing year I had removed sixty pounds of unwanted "flesh." I'm sure I was receiving help and support for my efforts from Master. To this day I maintain a normal weight. When Master gave direction to a disciple, one would feel not only compelled to follow the valuable advice but blessed with the ability to do so.

I corresponded with Paramahansaji and Sri Daya Mata from 1947 on. I received from them, in return, letters that gave me guidance in answer to my questions. Sad to report, I lost most of the letters from Master in a flood, as well as an autographed copy of his Autobictgraphy of a Yogi. His signature was always preceded with "Unceasing Blessings." Sri Daya Mata has continued to offer me and my family love and guidance to this day. Her letters are filled with overpowering love that pours out and touches my heart. Whenever I have requested supportive prayers to help me through the varied tests of my life, she and SRF have always been there offering me hope, guidance, and support. Truly, Self-Realization Fellowship has shaped and guided my entire life.

The final opportunity for me to see Master in person was in November of 1949. My husband and I had been offered positions in Washington State. We were traveling by car to move there permanently. I had a strong desire to stop in Los Angeles to say good-bye to Master. He was kind enough to receive me. He was always so busy and I certainly would have understood had he found it necessary to refuse me. I know truly, he watches over all his little lambs and no one is greater or less than another.

When I was shown to the reception room on the top floor of the Headquarters, he was seated in a large armchair. Mementos of his trip to India were displayed around the room. The long woven scarf, often draped over his shoulders, was placed on the back of his chair. I immediately noticed that his body and face were thinner than the time I had previously seen him. His face was very serene. A slight smile crossed his lips as I stood before his quiet presence. He asked me about rny plans for the future. As he listened patiently, another smile came forth as he told me news that, at that time, I didn't know. He informed me I was going to have a baby boy and that he would always, spiritually, watch over him. I had not entered his room knowing I was pregnant. As I recall, he described what my baby would look like. He then asked me to send20a picture of him when he was born. Needless to say I remembered Master's words when Peter, my son, was born. I did keep my promise to send Master a picture. He did keep his promise to watch over him.

While living and working in Washington State I continued my correspondence with Paramahansaji. He was my anchor in a world that presented many tests to me. His major message throughout all was, "Meditate, meditate, meditate!" Over the years I have been helped through many major illnesses. My spirit remains undaunted because of the prayerful support I receive from Master and SRF.

In November 1983, I was facing major cancer surgery. I called SRF Headquarters for needed supportive prayer. During the period immediately following the surgery my prognosis was not good. I had lost an extremely large amount of blood. I was told that I might not live through many more days. So I lay back in my hospital bed and gave myself completely to God, telling Him that I was ready and willing to come Home. I was fully awake and not on drugs except pain medicine when needed. When I relaxed, fixed my gaze on the spiritual eye and "let go," I began to have a life-changing experience that stays with me to this day. Because the total experience is so very personal, I shall not relate all the scenes my spirit was guided through. However, I was with Master and I knew I was safe.

It all began with music and instructions being sung to me that no one else could hear. After a short time I felt a warm, soft hand take mine and was told not to be afraid. I then saw Paramahansaji smiling and reassuring me. He asked me to go with him. Extreme peace and joy stayed with me the entire five days of this experience. I was so very happy. All the questions I had in my mind for many years were answered mentally. As I held on to Master's hand we traveled a long, long way through dark space until I was placed on an extremely large white wing. Other hands held me onto the wing as I was assured I would not fall. All the while singing voices were "instructing" me, and Master held firmly to my hand. He would smile and change his appearance; I said, "Master, they won't recognize you - you'd better stay the same." He laughed and appeared to me as he was in his 1920 picture wearing the turban. He said, "l like being this way most." On the great wing I was transported from place to place. I viewed scenes, people, and actions as on a giant oval movie screen. I heard voices from the past of people I had known. I heard people praying for me by name. Each prayer was "received" as a white feather placed on the great white wing upholding me. I was shown that prayers are substance. They uphold you and your dear ones. I was taken through many experiences where I saw heavenly sights. I heard supportive comments about good things I had done throughout my life. I realized that life is one great continuum in eternity. After traveling very far I was led up to great massive heavenly gates. There were two long lines of people awaiting their "turn." As I moved up in line I heard the voice of my son, Peter, calling for me to come back. (He was not in the hospital room nor in the state of
Washington. He was praying for me in California.) He told me he needed me. Then I was asked if I wanted to come back. I said, "Yes, my son needs me." I was then told that I must bring a message back to tell specific people. That message was that we must forgive those who have hurt us. To forgive is to be forgiven! I was asked not to reveal the entire experience, but pass on the message of forgiveness. Since that time I have gone back in my life's memory, forgiven those who have hurt me, and asked forgiveness for my transgressions. Because I have done these things, I am more at peace than ever before.

This experience has changed my life. I now evaluate my actions, thoughts, and words and ask myself if I am being what God intended us to be. Peace has become mine more and more.

At this writing I am faced with more tests physically and emotionally. Master's words ring in my ear, "Meditate, meditate, meditate!" I am convinced we receive help from God, Christ, and Guru when we call on Them in prayer. Don't forget - prayers are real "things" that uphold us. I also know that one day Master will return to me with his hand extended and, at that time, I will take it happily and return to God.

Meditation at the Self Realization Fellowship in Encinitas

http://www.sdnn.com/sandiego/2009-07-24/blog/is-that-you-god/meditation-at-the-self-realization-fellowship-in-encinitas

Dear Friends, The following inspiring account was sent to me by a devotee friend in India.
Best Regards, G J

Reproduced from Ananda Varta., VOL VII No 3

February 12, 1959, was a wonderful day in my life, for on it I met a holy personage, the joy-permeated Ananda Mayee Ma! Many years ago, in Los Angeles, California, U.S.A., my blessed Gurudev, Paramahansa Yogananda, showed me a photograph of Ananda Mayee Ma and said to me "Strive to become like her." That memory has remained these many years in my heart, and on February 12th I met at last my Ideal in the mother-form.

A small group of us came to India from America in October 1958 to look after some organizational affairs of our Yogoda Sat-Sanga Society, founded in 1918 by Paramahansa Yogananda, with headquarters at Yogoda Math, Dakshineshwar. Knowing that Ananda Mayee Ma also has an asram very near Dakshineshwar, I secretly hoped that she might visit it during my stay in Calcutta. That desire was fulfilled, for on February 12th, I attended the Saraswati Puja at her asram, filled with expectancy. As my eyes first beheld the blessed Mother, it seemed that a great dart of love went out from her and struck my heart, leaving me transfixed. 1 remained in that state for some moments, eyes locked on the Mother, feeling great waves of love surging within me.

Later our party was asked to go to an open tent where the Mother was already seated on a dais. We were motioned to sit next to her. I could not take my eyes away from her sweet face, so enchantingly full of love. My tears flowed. She tossed flowers to our party. Sri Prabhas Chandra Ghose, Vice-President of Yogoda Sat-Sanga Society, then introduced me to Ananda Mayee Ma. The Mother placed a garland of yellow flowers around my neck and I was plunged into an ecstatic state. When I opened my eyes the Mother gazed long and lovingly into my eyes. What sweetness—what blessing ! I can say no more. She is a divine being.

We were served with prasad, while the Mother rested in her room; then we were told to go to the verandah where she would see us. I touched her in deepest reverence and love, just to have the blessing of her sacred hand. She put her hand over mine and gently stroked it. It seemed that my heart would burst with the love and joy that filled it. My tears could not be stemmed in this holy presence that so tangibly reminds us of the great Universal Mother of us all.

On the morning of February 13th our party again visited the Mother. She was seated on a wooden bedstead. Our group made their pranamas and left gifts in front of her. I said, "0 Ma, we offer you these fruits and flowers on behalf of all the disciples of our Gurudev; Paramahansa Yogananda, as a token of our deep reverence for you. They are but an outward expression of the deep devotion we feel for the formless Divine Mother that dwells in you."

Later in the afternoon Ananda Mayee Ma was out walking on the lawn facing the Ganges. Some of our party went forward to take her picture. I remained in the back-ground deeply absorbed in that bliss within. As our group prepared to leave, I knelt silently on the grass, inwardly praying to the Lord within Ananda Mayee Ma for a blessing. I opened my eyes and saw her blessed tiny feet beside me. How tightly I held those feet within my mind and heart! I could not take my gaze away from them, because for months I had been inwardly crying to the Divine Mother to let me see Her Blue Lotus Feet. She had answered my prayer through Her child, Ananda Mayee Ma.

During one of our visits, I went to the main hall where the Mother meets the devotees each morning at eleven. The Mother was resting. Chitra, the young devotee who travels at times with the Mother, came and sat with us, asking questions about our work in America and about our way of life. I explained to her about our Gurudev’s training and how he had taught us to control the body and mind through yogic techniques so that we can go deep in meditation—that whenever we had stirred unnecessarily he would say: "Is your love for Divine Mother so superficial that you allow outer distractions to take your attention away from Her ?"

After a time Ananda Mayee Ma came in and took her seat on the dais. We sat quietly meditating while she listened to the people who had come for a darshan. How sweetly she smiled on each one ! At times her laughter rang out merrily. She is like a divine child.

Our party visited the asram of the Mother every day that she remained there. Later she went to Calcutta and on the evening of February 20th we went to the home where she was staying, to show her a motion picture film of herself and our Guruji, taken during his visit to India in 1936. Paramahansaji first met her then, in the Bhowanipur section of Calcutta. Later she visited him at his school for boys in Ranchi, Bihar.
Gurudev wrote a chapter about her sacred life, in his book,

"Autobiography of a Yogi." That book has now been translated into many Eastern and Western languages, and thus readers all over the world have come to know and revere Ananda Mayee Ma.

On February 21st our group attended a kirtan at the Calcutta home where the Mother was staying. Her devotee, Chitra told me that after the kirtan the Mother would see me in her room. When the chanting was over I went to her room. After a time the Mother entered, and as I opened my eyes to behold her, 1 noted her arms outstretched carrying a sari. How thankfully I received this blessing from her—one of her own cloths. She looked at me lovingly while I told her that I sought no counsel, I wanted nothing except love for the Universal Mother, to serve Her and my Gurudev until the last breath in my body. She smiled sweetly and replied, "Think of the Divine Mother in the morning, all day long, and the last thing at night." During this visit I said that I felt selfish that she had given me so much love and attention. She answered gently:

"No, that is not selfishness at all. It is selfishness when one’s attention is on the body, but your attention is fixed on this Self. It is not selfishness at all." What utter tranquility my soul felt in her presence.

Our final visit with the Mother was on February 23rd. She was to leave Calcutta early the next morning, and so a vast crowd, wishing for a darshan of her holy form, was present. The Mother had invited our group to see her at the home of a devotee. We went there and sat in front of her, meditating. I found, in Her holy and loving presence, that my consciousness became immediately withdrawn, centered upon the Beloved Mother. On this occasion, as I sat on the lawn, absorbed within, suddenly I felt a tremendous spiritual experience in my spine, centering at the heart chakra.

A feeling enveloped me of great, expanding peace, spiritual fulfillment and oneness with the Universal Mother. It seemed, too, that my heart would burst with the great surgings of love that flowed through it the sweetness of which flooded my eyes with streaming tears. After a time Chitra came up-to me and said that I might now present to Ananda Mayee Ma the offerings I had brought, red and pink roses and a silk chaddar. As I placed them at her feet, she removed from her neck a string of small rudraksha beads. She put them about my neck and said with great tenderness: "This daughter of yours ever lives in your heart."

During March and April our party from America traveled to north India. While we were in that area we made it a point to visit the blessed Mother again, this time in Rishikesh, during the "Week of Self-Restraint." How wise is the Mother to have inaugurated such a period every year, when devotees from far and near can gather about her to receive more concentrated spiritual nourishment from her motherly heart divine.

I had other opportunities to see the beloved Ma during this stay in Rishikesh, and above all, to meditate deeply in her presence. On one of these occasions I told her, "You have captured my heart." How sweet was her reply, when, like a tiny child, she said, "And I won’t give it back !"
During our visit to Rishikesh it seemed that the Mother could not do enough for us, through her wonderful devotees who looked after us. The more I saw of them the more I was impressed with their selfless spirit and devotion.

It happened that I was asked to speak before the gathering one evening. I was told that Mother would give me part of her time in the program. I was introduced to the assembly as a disciple of Pitaji Yogananda. I told the audience about Master’s limitless love for the Divine Mother, about his great task in the West to spread the message of Yoga. Then I dwelt on the duty of disciples—the duty to take up the mission of the Guru with ever-increasing zeal and selflessness. Having seen in India how devoutly saints are worshipped, I reminded the gathering that it is not enough to praise these saints and to seek their darshan; that we, the devotees and disciples, must use our lives rightly by striving to follow in their footsteps. Only by constant meditation and good actions may we become divine. The best way, by which we can truly appreciate what the great ones like my blessed Gurudev and Ananda Mayee Ma and other holy ones have to give us, is to become like them. I finished by saying that the only mission of such holy beings is to rouse in us the desire to find the Beloved within ourselves.

The next morning, after the meditation in the large hall with the Mother and her devotees, she placed around my neck a beautiful garland of roses As she gazed at me with the tenderness she showers on all, my eyes filled with tears. I was burning with the divine desire for the Divine Mother and with longing to serve my own beloved Gurudev’s work better and better, with greater humility, love and wisdom. All other thoughts were gone and my soul was afire. How can I ever forget those treasured moments spent with the Mother, and the words she uttered during our meetings, which are forever etched on my consciousness. Never can I forget her words, uttered at our last meeting, "The same spirit(bhava) that I saw in your Master, I see in you. With all of you who are devotees of Pitaji Yogananda, one feels here as if you were from his own asram." How deeply was I touched as she spoke of her regard for my Guru.

As we were leaving the asram, beholding for the last time the Mother’s soft, loving gaze, I thought of my blessed Guru, who had chosen, as an eternal example for us, this flower of divinity, Ananda Mayee Ma, through which we have beheld the spirit of the ancient, Holy India he loved so much, and which we too have come to love.

This is being forwarded from another devotee:

I found these on the internet and thought you might enjoy this picture and stories.

Our dear and beloved Sister Shanti was truly divine. Did you know she had a career in show biz before finding the teachings? She and her brother were dancers in NYC; and, she was one of the first female theatrical directors there. And, she was an airplane pilot, too! (I asked her about the latter just a month before she left her body. She confirmed the fact. Such a privilege. Like a greedy one, I count up all the minutes I was blessed to be in her presence.) She has told us that she was a sort of "litmus test" devotee, having been one of the first to enter the ashram after Master left. Those in charge knew if she remained, other true devotees would follow.

The divine way she was drawn to the path is an amazing tribute to our Gurudeva's power and unconditional love. Here follows:

Sister lived in the Hollywood Hills with her mother, and she worked as a secretary at the Ambassador Hotel. On March 7th, 1952 she was carrying on her office duties when the phone rang.

She answered it and a secretary of a movie producer called and said, "I want to speak with Paramahansa Yogananda." The moment she heard his name in her ear, she said "a gong went off in my chest and I became immediately intoxicated." She told the secretary there was no one present with that name. The name kept reverberating in her consciousness "Paramahansa Yogananda! Paramahansa Yogananda!!" Then, she said she couldn't walk straight she was so drunk with love. "I didn't know why," she once said. Her supervisor saw this behavior and questioned her:

"What's wrong with you?! You act like you're in love!!" She said: "I AM!!

I'm in love!!" But she's quick to remind us: "I didn't know what I meant!" Then the phone rang again and it was the movie producer himself: "What name did my secretary give you?"

Sister replied: "Paramahansa Yogananda!!"

"That's funny," said the producer, "that's not who I wanted. She doesn't even know why she said that name!"

Sister Shanti has told us at the end of her desk, just on the other side of the wall, was Master. He was having breakfast that morning at the Ambassador Hotel, with Ambassador Sen from India!

A few days later, when she read of Paramahansaji's passing in the newspaper, she was shocked to say the least: "I've missed him!! I've missed him!! I've waited for him all my life and I've missed him!" She said she was crushed and felt like she'd lost her best friend; but, she still didn't know why, nor did it occur to her to look up anything he might've written. "All I knew was that I'd missed him." She said she felt like a volcano inside. She routed everything and everyone out of her life; everything was different.

She was "done with all THAT!" (Her well organized life and career). But not long after, she and her mother were in a library and the AY fell off the top shelf onto her head, and she accidentally kicked it. Her mother picked it up, and the two were amazed at what they found! They both read it and visited Hollywood temple. When she entered the temple, the eloquent peace and depth there, she knew: "I've come home. I've come home."

Years ago our meditation group came down on an Easter pilgrimage and stayed for a week at the Encinitas retreat. Many of us in the group were young and exuberant. One day we all drove up to Mother Center and spent a wonderful day there. In the evening we drove back to Encinitas. Us young ones were rather excited and feeling pretty good, and since we had missed the evening meal, we thought we'd all go out for pizza. I mean, this was going to be spiritual pizza, right? So we had our meal, pretty well demolished any spirit of silence we had been keeping during the week, and generally just had a fun time. Fully sated, we returned to the retreat. It was now about 7:30 p.m. Alas, the gates were closed; worse, the gates were also locked! What to do? After much nervous debate back and forth, we realized we had only one option: we'd have to ring the bell and get Sister Shanti up. So we rang the bell and waited. Presently Sister came down from her room above the retreat office, and walked over to the gate, wearing a sort of monastic housecoat.

"All right, children, come in," she said evenly as she opened the gate. We hung our heads and solemnly trooped in and to our rooms. Not another word was said.

The next day, she led the morning meditation. At the end of the meditation, as the gong for breakfast sounded, Sister Shanti quietly said, "There are some of you with whom I would like to have a word. You know who you are. The rest of you [these were the older, wiser members of our group who had refrained from "spiritual pizza" may proceed to breakfast."

Oh, oh.

Well, you guessed it. She read us the riot act. But--and this is the beautiful part--she did it with such love and compassion. She didn't mince words: it was pretty harsh, but there was such love, such understanding! She knew we were young and exuberant and sincere, but she also knew that if we wanted to make any progress on the spiritual path, we needed to understand what discipline meant, and its value in our lives. It was one of the best satsangas I've ever been to because she was speaking directly to each of us. And at the end, she smiled, shook her head, and gave us a wink, as if to say, "Your enthusiasm is laudable; just learn to channel it in the right direction."

What a beautiful soul she was.

***********************

I met Sister only once, at a retreat in Greenfield a number of years ago.

As my turn approached to greet her in the reception line after the retreat, my mind went blank. You know how it is, we all want to say something truly heart felt and not superficial.

Well, all I could say was: "It's nice to meet you.". Her eyes beaming, she replied "And it's nice to meet you, too!"

Along with her verbal reply I felt a wonderful wave of love and "acceptance" flow over me, like the unconditional love that a mother feels for her child. My wife later made a comment at how she, too, had felt such loving acceptance from Sister. What a beautiful soul she is.

As SRF devotees, we are so very blessed to have been drawn to such a pure spiritual teaching, exemplified in the lives of many who have dedicated their lives in it's service.