Lahiri Mahasaya

Disciple of Babaji and Guru of Sri Yukteswar

"Early in their married life, my parents became disciples of a great master, Lahiri Mahasaya of Banaras (...)  Lahiri Mahasaya left this world shortly after I had entered it.  His picture, in an ornate frame, always graced our family altar in the various citites to which Father was transfered by his office.  Many a morning and evening found Mother and me meditating before an improvised shrine, offering flowers dipped in fragrant sandalwood paste.  With frankincense and myrrh as well as our united devotions, we honored the divinity that had found full expresion in Lahiri Mahasaya. Lahiri Mahasaya's fair features, of a universal cast, hardly suggest to what race he belonged.  The joy of God-communion is slightly revealed in his enigmatic smile.  His eyes, half open to denote a nominal interest in the outer world, are also half closed, indicating his absorption in inner bliss.  Oblivious of the poor lures of the earth, he was fully awake at all times to the spiritual problems of seekers who approached for his bounty." Paramhansa Yogananda, Autobiography of a Yogi