Swami Yogananda Goes To America
From A Direct Disciple of Sri Yukteswar Maharaj and Personal Secretary of our Master During India Trip of 1935 and 1936.
The year 1920 what is the year of greatest transformative importance in Yogananda‘s life, where the events themselves transpired in somewhat supernatural ways. On Sunday-the day off at the ashram-school (Ranchi) — Yoganandaji was lying on his bed, resting in his quarters after the midday meal……later in day, Yoganandaji got up and went to the storage room of the ashram, where Bijoya-da in charge of supervising the meals at the ashram — and the two cooks were organizing and gathering the food stuffs to prepare the evening meal.
Standing in the doorway of the storage room, Yogananda asked Bijoy-da what was being prepared for the evening meal. But before Bijoya-da could answer, Swamiji became transfixed, looking outside the opposite window, and seconds after that he said excitedly, “Bijoy-da, I’m going to America! I saw just now that I am lecturing in front of hundreds and hundreds of white men and women.“ And immediately after saying this he quickly headed back to his room. Bijoy-da and the cooks were shocked and stupefied at Swamiji‘s exclamation.
The Ranchi train station was fairly close to the ashram and the train to Kolkata left a little before dusk. Bijoy-da saw that Yogananda was packing to leave for Kolkata. Within a short time, the students at play outside found out that their beloved “head Swamiji“ was leaving for Kolkata in order to go to America. Students and teachers crowded at Swamiji‘s door; they watched him with pained hearts as he prepared for the journey to Kolkata. As Yoganandaji walked to the station with all of the ashrams residence…. followed him, overcome with sorrow. Saying farewell to the one so dear to all the students was unbearably painful for them. Many began to cry helplessly. The teachers were also full of tears, stunned and dumb founded upon hearing from Bijoy-da what caused this sudden departure to take place out of the blue.
WRITTEN BY THE PERSONAL SECRETARY OF SWAMI YOGANANDA DURING THE TRIP TO INDIA IN 1935 and 1936. MASTER HAD AN “INDIAN” FULL TIME SECRETARY AND OF COURSE RICHARD WRIGHT THE “AMERICAN” SECRETARY. THEY DID EVERYTHING TOGETHER. NEVER SEPARATED.
After arriving in Kolkata, Yoganandaji Immediately went to his father, touched his feet and presented him with this news that he is going to America. Bhagabati Charan knew his spiritually mad and spontaneous son all too well. Once his son set his mind on going to America….. that decision was impossible to change. ….. Yogananda was all-consumed with finding a way to make it happen. After talking to his old classmates, professors, friends and well-wishers, he found out that there was an international conference of religions being held in the American city of Boston that very year, with representatives from all of the religions of the world. And very very quickly, papers to be present at that conference as a representative for India were arranged and procured. What was left now was the financial means for travel.
Yoganandaji just could not find it anywhere. During one of these days his father asked, “So! Did your God get any money for you?“ Although hurt by this question, Yoganandaji replied……“God will surely provide it.“ His father answered, “let’s see which God gets you money!“ Bewildered, Yogananda just kept going everywhere round and round as if he forgot about everything else. Since the time of the vision in the storage room at the Ranchi School, it seemed that he became oblivious to all but what the vision foretold. It was so much so that he even forgot to see the most revered and dearest one in his life – his beloved Guru Sriyukteshvarji- Who had actually prepared him from behind the scenes, step-by-step, for this very journey. But the ever-compassionate guru kept abreast of every movement of his dear disciple.
The money for travel was nowhere to be found. Yoganandaji‘s father asked for the final time, “so, did your God get you the money?“ Yogananda‘s mental state was desperate at the time. Still he gathered mental strength and said, although very softly, “God will surely give.“ By that time, Bhagabati Charan’s hand had slipped under his pillow, from where he pulled out a piece of paper and handed it to his son, saying, “here, take it.“ It was a Bank check written for a large amount. Yogananda was overcome with tears of gratitude, reverence and devotion as he embraced his fathers feet and said, “I know it was God himself who gave me this money through your hands.” With the finances secured the preparatory matters for the journey to America were completed.
Now all of his friends, relatives and acquaintances began to look for the ship schedules and fairs and such, and an America-bound ship that would soon be leaving from Kolkata itself was found right away. That ship had only one first class cabin, and it was still vacant. For the sake of time and convenience, that cabin was booked.
There was only a little time left before the ship pulled away from the port…… all the passengers were on board; and Yogananda still had no idea how big a task lie before him. Suddenly he saw that his Gurudev was walking with steady gait to the ship…. he began walking up the steps to board the ship. Feeling ….regret and thrilled with overflowing joy, as soon as Gurudev set his foot on board, Yogananda tearfully fell at his feet. The reason for regret: forgetting (to visit with his Guru during time of preparing to go to America) the ever-compassionate one who prepared him for this path all along, and at the very time of the fulfillment of his loving preparations — The remorse over this was tearing apart Yogananda‘s heart. The reason for joy: even if Yogananda forgot, his infinitely compassionate guru certainly did not forget to come to bless and encourage his dear disciple on the day of his victorious journey! Sriyukteshvarji picked up his repentant disciple and embraced him, and they both entered the cabin together. What was discussed within between guru and disciple was not possible for anyone else to know. It has been heard that Sriyukteshvarji had a copy of the book he had written — THE HOLY SCIENCE — in his hand. After the meeting of guru and disciple behind closed doors of the cabin, Sriyuktesvarji came out, directly alighted from the ship, and without speaking or looking at anyone present, walked away from the ship, boarded the waiting car ….and departed.
When Gurudev was leaving the ship, the previously mentioned book was no longer in his hand… Sriyukteshvarji was aware of every single movement and feeling of the ecstatically inclined and unworldly “child of humanity.“ The America bound ship slowly left India’s shore and began to move mid-river on the Ganges, carrying Yoganandaji towards the ocean.
The only Indian passenger on the ship was Swami Yoganandaji and on top of that, he was also the only first class passengers. Dressed in the flowing saffron colored garb of Hindu sannyasis, long haired and long bearded, he certainly stood out. …. it seemed that most of the passengers took care to avoid Yoganandaji. He realized it must be the long hair or the long beard that the passengers did not like. Many of his friends and relatives had commented to him before his journey, “you’re going abroad, you should cut your hair and shave your mustache and beard.” But he did not pay attention to any of these statements. After all he was a sannyasi, and he would go looking like a sannyasi….. when the ship anchored at the port of Eden, Yogananda wrote a letter to his friends that he had shaved his beard and mustache while docked at that port.
The passengers became especially interested in conversing with him upon discovering that he would be representing India at an international conference of religious representatives from around the world. ….other than a particularly rude couple, everyone else began to behave normally towards him. …the rude couple did not hesitate to show their distain for Yoganandaji whenever their paths crossed. They were full of the racial vanity that was unfortunately typical at that time, as they were Anglo-Indians. Yoganandaji laughed silently within and looked for a way to teach this racially vain couple a lesson.
Practically every night all passengers were served some sort of dish made of beans, which everyone grew to abhor after a while. Thinking about this predicament, Yogananda found a way to give that couple a taste of his medicine. He spoke to the ships steward and arranged to make a meal of “luchi“ (Bengali deep-fried flatbread) and “allor dom” (potato curry). Yoganandaji was an expert cook; this was one of his specialties. He personally invited all of the passengers on board to have this feast of “luchi and allor dom” — accept, very intentionally, that certain unkind couple. As the cooking began, the passengers began to smell the delicious aroma wafting from the kitchen….. The fragrance was mouthwatering to all including the rude couple, yet they were not invited! The woman of the couple kept walking past Yoganandaji, back and forth, trying to get his notice. But Swamiji behaved as if they did not even exist. The closer the time to dinner approached, the more the couple became restless. Finally, leaving aside her pride, the lady asked Swamiji, “the aroma of the meal is so wonderful. Won’t you please invite us to the dinner?“ Seeing a sort of desperation in her eyes, Swamiji laughed within himself and said, “of course, of course! Both of you are also invited. Of course you will eat with us.“ ….. from that day on the couple completely shed their racial arrogance and rude attitude, and behaved towards Swamiji with great openness and camaraderie for the remaining days on the ship.
 It was during this dinner that Yoganandaji gave the first English lecture of his life…. he had never had the opportunity to lecture in English; nevertheless, he certainly did not lack in courage to carry out his talk. …. Swamiji had said, “when I stood up to speak, everything got all confused inside my head, and for an instant I even became a bit fearful. I closed my eyes and remembered Gurudev. A good while passed in this silence. I… even heard some smatterings of derision coming from the group! Suddenly I said ‘Jai Guru!’ (Glory to Guru) and forced myself to open my mouth. I don’t remember how long I spoke. It seemed like I was speaking effortlessly and fluently as if it was coming out automatically from within. When I finished speaking and took my seat, a roar of applause went up. Everyone kept saying that the talk was very powerful and profound.“ Yoganandaji enjoyed the remaining days of the journey…, getting to know and becoming friends with the passengers on the ship.
FROM MASTER’S INDIAN SECRETARY DURING 1935 – 1936 INDIA VISIT
After arriving in America, Yoganandaji went to the conference of world religions in Boston. He was highly praised for his lecture by prominent attendees there. As far as his work in America the most noteworthy person he came to know was the eminent and wealthy Dr. Lewis, who was also a citizen of Boston. It was he who began the first Yogoda Satsanga in Boston. He was initiated by Yoganandaji into the practice of Kriya Yoga as well (Dr. Lewis was also the first American Kriyaban). From this time on, this affluent, generous and dedicated beings love, devotion and reverence towards Yoganandaji remained unbroken. Dr. Lewis was supportive of all Yoganandaji‘s endeavors, giving enthusiasm and aiding him in his work. Yoganandaji worked to spread the message of yoga to Americans in many cities, but he could not quite get it established in America. He adhered to the renunciate mentality of the sannyasis in order to remain detached from the American way of life. He was not able to earn enough to meet his basic needs. For almost 2 years, his father had to send him 250 Rupees a month from India. (And he lived with Dr. and Mildred Lewis and family during most of this time. The first SRF/YSS publications were put together from the Lewis family kitchen table!).
Meet Captain Rashid!!! Yogoda Organization Goes Full Force!
Swami Yogananda, living a life reflecting the austere philosophy of sannyasis – non-attached attitude towards money – The Yogoda work was not succeeding… in America. In America, the mark of success was/is financial prosperity……..But Swamiji was not interested in these American ways of doing things; thus, the process of being established was extremely slow — even negligible. Right when the state of affairs was kind of desperate, Captain Rashid, Yogananda’s young friend-disciple whom he had met on the ship during return journey from Japan (several years before) – suddenly appeared. Although Captain Rashid was born in Indian, his behavior and attitude was completely western (and he always hung out with people in the highest of social circles) He had a great love for Swami Yoganandaji.
He came to know about Swamiji‘s state of affairs in America. Captain Rashid said, “Swamiji! You’ll have to forget about the Indian ways of austerity and moving in this snail-like pace. You are in America now…..You will have to master the ways and rules of this country……or it would be much better for you to return to India.“
Swamiji asked Rashid if he would like to help him….Rashid happily said he would take full responsibility for building the organization. After captain joined Yoganandaji in his work the propagation methods changed completely. He expertly arranged all of the necessities for high end level propagation — renting the best halls….. advertising in the most respected newspapers ……. Putting up posters with color pictures of Swamiji from street corner to street corner….. charging a proper entrance fee for the lectures.
Right from the start, Carnegie Hall in New York was rented for a lecture. The rental cost for this hall was high. The entrance fee was set at one dollar. Captain had done all of this on his own and THEN informed Swamiji. Swamiji was shocked…. Yoganandaji said, “Rashid! What have you done?….. If we can’t pay the rental fee, we will have to go to jail!“. Rashid said, “ Swamiji what are you saying? If we have to go to jail, then we will continue with Yogoda Satsanga right from jail itself!” As it turned out there was not even space enough for a seed to be squeezed into the hall during the lecture, and Swamiji gave a beautiful talk… after all the expenses,…. they had made a few thousand dollars. The next day, an article came out in a respected newspaper heralding Swamiji and his lecture. Of course, behind this too (the newspaper article) was Rashid’s skillful maneuvering. The name of “Yogoda” spread throughout America, and Swami Yogananda was in high demand as lecturer, receiving invitations from many cities and institutions. Money also began to come in abundance, and Yogoda centers were established in several cities.
Swami Yogananda was now well established in American society. Every day people looked at him basically as a wealthy man worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. At this time – in 1925 – he visited the city of Los Angeles…. One day he visited an immense hotel on top of a large hill named Mount Washington. …this large hotel had been established by three friends who had formed a business partnership. Because of conflicts in interest among the partners, the hotel was closed for business and the entire property, including furnishings and land, was ready to be sold… Swamiji had said to us that as soon as he set foot in the building, he immediately knew that the place belonged to him. ….. his assistants made arrangements to acquire the 16 acre property. The enormous hotel was purchased for $45,000. …. The entire peak of the mount …..was within the boundaries of this property. The headquarters of the Self-Realization Fellowship …. was established at the center in Mount Washington. Yoganandaji’s happiness knew no bounds….. he had established a permanent structure from where Kriya yoga could be spread.
 
Swami Yogananda went on to travel the whole of the United States, bringing lectures, teaching Yogoda classes and establishing new centers. By this time he was renowned in America for being a master speaker. He was counted among the very best lecturers in the country. His compelling voice, beautiful and effortlessly flowing language, and speech, full of spiritual feeling drew listeners in droves, sometimes spilling out of the hall and standing on the street, listening to the talk through loudspeakers mounted outside on the wall. Once, in the city of Miami, he gave talks every day for a week. Crowds kept packing the hall. Certain white religious leaders became envious of this phenomenon. With heavily racist tones, they conspired to bring a false accusation against Swamiji and took the case to a court of law. Swamiji arrived in court on the day of trial – radiant, magnetically attractive in form, with beautiful yet incisive eyes brimming with virtue. When those eyes cast their gaze on the judge, the magistrate could not withstand its power. “Away with that!” He said. Swamiji was cleared of all charges and walked away in dignity with the highest respect of the court.
Because of the increase in amount and complexity of the work in America the need arose to bring more helpers from India….. former graduate and founder of the students board of the Brahmacharya Vidyalaya,…. Brahmachari Jotin… initiated into the Swami Order by his guru Yoganandaji, after which he was known as Swami Premananda. From that time in 1928 until the present day (1984), he has lived in America (began the very 1st SRF Church in WA D.C.) He is a man of great accomplishment (Note: he is the person who gave the main eulogy at Masters Memorial service AND was for years a member of the SRF Board of Directors as one of the Vice Presidents, written several high level spiritual books) ….there were several others who took up the responsibilities of different centers set up by Yoganandaji’s mission such as Sri Nerode in Miami, Sri Ranendra Kumar in Cincinnati and Indianapolis and Sri Khagen in St. Louis. There were many American devotees who were also given responsibilities for running different centers, such as Dr. Lewis in Boston, Dr. Rowan in Cleveland, Alice Gabler in Salt Lake, (Dr. George, Oliver Black, Mother Hamilton in Seattle, Kamala Silva….) However many of the participating branches previously mentioned are no longer connected in an official way to the main center.
Master Comes To America. Part 9
Swami Yogananda went on to travel the whole of the United States, bringing lectures, teaching Yogoda classes and establishing new centers. By this time he was renowned in America for being a master speaker. He was counted among the very best lecturers in the country. His compelling voice, beautiful and effortlessly flowing language, and speech, full of spiritual feeling drew listeners in droves, sometimes spilling out of the hall and standing on the street, listening to the talk through loudspeakers mounted outside on the wall. Once, in the city of Miami, he gave talks every day for a week. Crowds kept packing the hall. Certain white religious leaders became envious of this phenomenon. With heavily racist tones, they conspired to bring a false accusation against Swamiji and took the case to a court of law. Swamiji arrived in court on the day of trial – radiant, magnetically attractive in form, with beautiful yet incisive eyes brimming with virtue. When those eyes cast their gaze on the judge, the magistrate could not withstand its power. “Away with that!” He said. Swamiji was cleared of all charges and walked away in dignity with the highest respect of the court.
Because of the increase in amount and complexity of the work in America the need arose to bring more helpers from India….. former graduate and founder of the students board of the Brahmacharya Vidyalaya,…. Brahmachari Jotin… initiated into the Swami Order by his guru Yoganandaji, after which he was known as Swami Premananda. From that time in 1928 until the present day (1984), he has lived in America (began the very 1st SRF Church in WA D.C.) He is a man of great accomplishment (Note: he is the person who gave the main eulogy at Masters Memorial service AND was for years a member of the SRF Board of Directors as one of the Vice Presidents, written several high level spiritual books) ….there were several others who took up the responsibilities of different centers set up by Yoganandaji’s mission such as Sri Nerode in Miami, Sri Ranendra Kumar in Cincinnati and Indianapolis and Sri Khagen in St. Louis. There were many American devotees who were also given responsibilities for running different centers, such as Dr. Lewis in Boston, Dr. Rowan in Cleveland, Alice Gabler in Salt Lake, (Dr. George, Oliver Black, Mother Hamilton in Seattle, Kamala Silva….) However many of the participating branches previously mentioned are no longer connected in an official way to the main center.
….. In order to be able to give the message of Kriya Yoga to large numbers of seekers, Yoganandaji set up a way to spread the teachings through the written medium (lessons mailed to a devotee each week) which became known as “Praecepta Lessons”….. A very influential American movement known as “Christian Science“ gained its popularity …. in spreading its philosophy by teaching lessons via this very method. To propagate the teachings of Kriya Yoga Yogananda followed the same procedure set previously by Christian Science. As the philosophy spread to all parts of the globe the income for the organization also grew immensely, because there was an initial fee to receive the lessons and each lesson also had a separate cost. In 1935, Yogananda said that his Kriya Disciple‘s or students in America exceeded 150,000. It is needless to say that this amount of discipleship could have only happened through the above mentioned lessons in print mailed to devotees each week.
….. Yoganandaji was thought of as a wealthy man by ordinary Americans. The ashram had around six automobiles, and petrol guzzling cars such as the Pullman (RV) could only be afforded by persons of considerable means. And when a person is wealthy, hordes of people show up to follow and praise him. Now whenever Yogananda would go to hotels and such places many such people would follow him around.
…..to be continued |
