[This is a continuation of excerpts from Kamala’s (a name Master gave her meaning lotus) book The Flawless Mirror. These personal memoirs give an intimate view of Paramhansa Yogananda, or as she simply refers to him as Swami. Several of you commented on the last writing, which I always love to hear from you regarding these writings. So, in continuation of honoring Master’s birthday here is more from Kamala.]
It was in midsummer when there was a knock at our door and Swami, smiling, was there. He had come to California for his vacation, arriving at Manhattan Beach in July (1927). We felt blessed that he was with us. Mother and I were aware of his great spiritual stature, yet his simplicity of manner allowed our very special respect for him to blend naturally with the friendship he gave us. He brought an atmosphere of joyousness.
During his visit, Mother and I motored with him to Santa Barbara and stayed at our home there. The town had a very leisurely feeling at the time; no one ever seemed in a hurry, which gave a sense of tranquility that we liked. The days were lovely and warm. Swami swam at the beach. We went on some of the nearby scenic drives, which were very beautiful and were settings for spiritual inspiration.
One afternoon while driving, my Guru went into a state of Samadhi. He was outwardly still, inwardly absorbed in God—his consciousness completely interiorized. I was aware of this and when the car arrived at the house, and Mother and chauffeur went indoors, I hesitated, not knowing if he wished anyone to remain, or to be alone. So I stayed for a little while, very quiet, and then went inside. He came in later. I realized, some time after, that when he entered into a state of deep communion, a disciple was privileged to remain and meditate with him, and receive the blessing of being near.
He brought with him a harmonium—an Indian instrument with organ tones and a piano-like keyboard. He used it to accompany his chanting at our evening meditations.
Once we drove to Pismo Beach, many miles up the coast, and had dinner there. We always found Swami dear to be with, and his sense of humor was a kind that seemed to bubble over and everyone enjoyed things twice as much.
On our return drive to Manhattan Beach he told me that he had seen many of his past lives and from them he had learned that the soul would accept nothing for long that was not perfection. He said: No human being can give the joy that God can give; go to God always; give Him your life.”
During these summer days friends occasionally stopped by and met Swami. In all environments he was gracious and quiet in manner. Through this quietness he imparted a warmth and sweetness felt by all.
I asked Swami what I could do in addition to the Yogoda lessons which I followed. He told me, “Meditate longer, with greater intensity, for otherwise the mind only nibbles and no realization will come.”
He suggested that I go on a specific type of diet for a time and I did, benefitting tremendously in health and energy. He also penciled this list:
- Meditation 2. Dignity 3. Perfect Cooperation 4. Diet 5. Giving no cause of criticism 6. “Make yourself better and serve to please.” 7. Seclusion is the price of spiritual greatness.
Shortly afterward Swami left with his driver for Pismo Beach to meditate. The now-thriving little sea town was then mostly rolling sand dunes. He remained there a few days. When he returned, the chauffeur said to Mother in a perplexed tone: “I don’t know what he was doing, but he just sat out there among the sand dunes, facing the ocean, and stayed there every day, all day long.”
Swami returned after these days in God-communion with the effulgence of that time upon him, and as he came into the room I remained quiet, sensing his inner rapture. He spoke words to God, of me, precious and sacred; then said solemnly, “Only speak to me of God.” In that vibrant bliss in which he had remained in unbroken communion, it would have been painful and restricting to turn his gaze from his absorption in the Infinite to any other topic.
One facet of his true saintliness lay in his willingness and ability to meet the noisy world of constant public life and cope with every duty and yet stay permanently in the sanctuary of inner beatitude. Here, now, he could roam in the Cosmic Vastness without even a part of his mind having to turn to the multitudinous affairs of daily life. As Jesus went to the mountain top to pray, my Guru had gone by the ocean to commune with the Heavenly Father.
A few days later Swami left California. He bade us goodbye and said he would keep us in his prayers. His fall itinerary included Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Philadelphia.