Strive to make each meditation memorable, deeper, and more profound. Do not limit God-experience in any way, for the In- finite is indeed just that—infinite! Explode the little box your The Cross and The mind has placed you in; soar upon waves of Light in the ex- pansive ocean of Spirit. Yogacharya David Hickenbottom Lotus Journal

Can medicine or mind heal the In all matters you should

disease of a dead man? Why submit to the will of God. It not? Because Life Force is the is no good grumbling and September 2014, Vol. 15 No. 3 only supreme, invariable power feeling worried. The object by which any or all methods of of all spiritual practices is to healing can be made effective. remain calm by resigning to Dedicated to the Realization of God and Service to Him in All Forms A method of healing is the will of God in all cir- inferior or superior insofar as cumstances. Ours is to play it is capable of rousing or our part well in this life, stimulating the inactive Life with full faith in God. Our Force in any diseased body real success lies in living part, thus electrocuting the such a life. Therefore disease. Therefore, all Ramdas advises you not to methods of healing are really be dispirited. You are entire- indirect ways of rousing the ly in the hands of God. Life Energy, which is the real Those who trust in Him are and direct healer of all diseases. never lost. Paramhansa Yogananda Swami Ramdas

Mother Hamilton and Marge Ranney (1916–2014) September 23 is Mataji’s Jayanti & December 27 is Papa’s Sannyas Day The Cross and The Lotus Journal Page 35 The Cross and The Lotus Journal is published by Center News

Baptism of Aurelia Rose Jones The Cross and The Lotus Publishing Mount Vernon, WA, U.S.A. We are happy to welcome another little soul to our spiritual Website: www.crossandlotus.com family. Aurelia Rose Jones was born on November 3, 2013. She E-mail: [email protected] was baptized by Yogacharya David on June 29, 2014. Her parents, Briana & Scott Jones, big sister, Lillian and several members of her family were in attendance as well as the Seattle church group. The cross and lotus symbolizes the unity between East and West. The lotus is the sign of illumined consciousness, the thousand petal lotus of the crown chakra. The cross is the L– R: Lillian, Scott, symbol of the body surrendered to the will of God. Following the way of the cross results in Aurelia, Briana and the resurrection of illumined consciousness. Yogacharya David

The Cross and the Lotus, symbol of man. East and West blended, join hand in hand. Marching toward the infinite light and life divine. Calendar of Events Lift up your eyes and see the star, Sept. 22 Fall Equinox (7:29 p.m. PDT) descending from heaven where e’er you are. Be filled with the peace and ecstasy of God’s almighty love. 23 Mother Krishnabai’s Birthday (1903) Aum-Amen. 24 Rosh Hashanah (sundown)–ends sundown on Sept. 26 The Reverend Yogacharya Mother Hamilton 26 Lahiri Mahasaya’s Mahasamadhi Day (1895) 30 Lahiri Mahasaya’s Birthday (1828) Oct. 3 Yom Kippur (sundown)–ends sundown on Oct. 4 © 2014 The Cross and The Lotus Publishing is dedicated to the publication of materials that promote God-realization. Our spiritual lineage begins with Jesus Christ and Babaji and flows 12 Swami Satchidananda’s Mahasamadhi Day (2008) down to us through Lahiri Mahasaya, Swami Sri Yukteswar, Paramhansa Yogananda and 13 Thanksgiving Day (Canada) Yogacharya Mother Hamilton. Nov. 12 Swami Satchidananda’s Birthday (1919) The Reverend Yogacharya David Hickenbottom continues this lineage with the help and 27 Thanksgiving Day (U.S.A.) support of many sincere devotees. We are dedicated to realizing God and serving devotees of Dec. 16 Hanukkah (sundown)–ends sundown on Dec. 24, 2014 every race, color, creed and religion. 21 Winter Solstice (3:03 p.m. PST) Mother Hamilton often said she was the product of two fully illumined Masters, her own 25 Christmas Day, Mother Hamilton’s Birthday (1904) Guru, Paramhansa Yogananda, and Swami Ramdas. We therefore feature articles about Swami Ramdas and Anandashram. We bow to the feet of Saints and realized Masters of all 27 Swami Ramdas’ Sannyas Day (1922) religions. Journal Editors: Larry & Cate Koler Page 34 The Cross and The Lotus Journal The Cross and The Lotus Journal Page 3 Dear friends, From the Master’s Kitchen Sickness, old age and ultimately death One of the recipes originally published in Master’s Lessons are the great mysteries of life. When such events are ubiquitous, then why call them Different Stuffed Celery mysteries? It is because these difficult Peanut butter: 2 tbsp. times elicit questions that elude answers. Parsley: 1 tbsp., minced Ignorance of these answers produces suf- Tomato pulp: 1 tbsp. fering. Onion: minced We come to know this life has divine origins, yet suffering in life seems to fly Mix together 2 table- in the face of a loving Creator; life taken spoons peanut butter, 1 ta- on the surface appears as a series of blespoon each of the finely meaningless and unrelated events. However, when examined minced parsley and toma- deeply, all of life is known to be a divine creation; it is absolute- to pulp. Add a little minced onion if desired. Mix well and stuff ly meaningful and everything is connected. This has been attest- in tender stalks of celery. ed to by saints and spiritual masters around the globe and from Comments from our C&L chef, Angela Victory every religion. September brings hungry kids home To discover this hidden truth one must see past the veil of ob- from school and peanut butter snacks are scurity that prevents one from discovering the verity of the ages. popular. This reminded me of a grown-up Then life, with all of its beguiling and bewildering faces of good version of an old classic. I am going to and evil, pleasure and pain, highs and lows can be experienced play with the recipe a bit more—making it with a new degree of wisdom otherwise unknown. This spiritual more like spicy peanut sauce, a little less wisdom gives a new perspective on all of life, including change thick—with healthy crunchy celery sticks. of life circumstances such as going from health to sickness, from A portable snack with all natural ingredi- plenty to lack, as well as the approach of death. ents for clean eating. Think of packing this From a human standpoint the seeking of pleasure and the up before you leave the house and sitting avoidance of pain is a primary driver in life. Even delayed grati- down to your lunch break, chanting and fication, such as passing down one’s wealth can be pleasurable thinking of Master. through anticipation of future happiness for oneself or others. The spiritual seeker also pursues happiness, however it is O Thou Who art Lord of the harvest, pleasure derived neither from the senses nor from this world. The Giver Who gladdens our days, Since the body will become sick, grow old and die, there is noth- Our hearts are for ever repeating ing in this world that can promise unending bliss—only com- munion with divine Spirit may fulfill this deep need of the soul. Thanksgiving and honour and praise. Amen Therefore the spiritual seeker is considered the wisest of human John White Chadwick, 1840-1904 beings, the most discriminating and ultimately the most fulfilled. The worldly have denounced spiritual seeking as escapism, or an Page 4 The Cross and The Lotus Journal The Cross and The Lotus Journal Page 33 unwarranted hatred of human pleasures; however this is not the ties of the present moment in your center. Work up to one mi- case with true seekers. nute in the pose. To come out, straighten the right leg and relax There have been those practitioners of past and present who your arms. When you are ready, swivel the feet to the left for the are mentally unbalanced who go beyond dispassion for this other side. Finish by stepping the right foot forward to Mountain world and violently eschew sensory derived pleasures, even tor- pose, where you began. Sense any changes in your body, mind, turing the body; however, in many cases these are not true spir- and soul. itual seekers but unbalanced minds working out their own agen- Benefits: Increases stability, strength and balance. Opens the da. The discriminating mind recognizes the superior virtues of chest for easier breathing and improves circulation. Alleviates spiritual experience and the allure of sensory experience fades in depression and fatigue, and can slim the waistline! Jai Ram! Na- importance. Now Divine Will is revealed in the stillness of the maste. body and mind of the seeker and that takes precedence over the simple desire to satiate the senses. This transformation from human to Divine is usually a gradual one, with the ardent devotee learning to turn away from the con- stant demands of the sense-driven mind and attuning itself to the higher, true guidance of the Divine Mind. There may be a long period of time in which the sense attractions impinge on the calm mind, and therefore a struggle for mastery commences. From the outside materialistic perspective this can seem an unwarranted struggle. However, when the prize of Self-realization is under- stood and its benefits fully appreciated, the struggle is consid- ered little in comparison to what is gained. With full realization the towering spiritual insight understands that the body will go through changes, but Soul is forever un- changed. The senses may experience delights and tortures, but the realized one may have ever-new joy bubbling from a hidden spring within—without reference to human happiness or want. Even death of the body is put into perspective, knowing that ever -present Soul is not born, nor does it die. In the Vedas, the ancient spiritual scriptures of India, God is described as Satchidananda: Sat is eternal existence, Chid is awakened consciousness, and Ananda is ever-new bliss; and hu- mankind has those same qualities. For most people this eternal existence, consciousness and bliss is dormant, but that does not diminish the fact that all souls are innately endowed with the ca- pacity to know this true Self. Briana and Lillian in Warrior Pose Page 32 The Cross and The Lotus Journal The Cross and The Lotus Journal Page 5 The Buddha, when leaving his palace to start his spiritual Yoga and Health search, found everyone in the kingdom asleep; he slipped the Warrior II Pose (Virabhadrasana II) moorings of the world while others dreamt. There are more and By Briana Jones more souls beginning to awaken to their higher nature, even when most of humanity continues to sleep. A worldly dreamer Come Arjunas, and bring forth your inner qualities as a warri- will wonder, “Why are you bothering to awaken, should you not or in this pose of strength, courage and resilience. Amid the out- be satisfied with your dream world?” But for intrepid seekers, er and inner storms of life, Warrior II will help you to the dream world will just no longer do. stand your ground with steadiness and ease. “Arise! Awake!” proclaimed the God-man Krishna to the Props: Hard, even, slip free floor surface, yoga mat optional. awakening Arjuna. Forsake your dream in which you see your- self as a human actor only. Rise up to the supernal vision of who I AM, and therefore who you are as well. Awake from your slumber of spiritual indifference and uncover the mystery of what you are meant to be! Know in every cell of your being that the real You does not get sick, grow old or die! The real You is none other than Satchidananda!

In the company of the Holy, I contemplate the Name of Mountain Pose the Lord, Har, Har. I am in peaceful poise and bliss, day and night; the seed of my destiny has sprouted. I Practice: Stand tall in Mountain pose (Tadasana) and take a deep breath, gathering your full strength and focus. have met the True Guru, by great good fortune; He has Step your feet wide, about 3-4 feet apart. Turn out your right no end of limitation. Taking His humble servant by the foot and turn in your left foot about 30 degrees. Spread your hand, He pulls him out of the poisonous world-ocean. arms wide and shift your tail bone directly underneath you. Turn Birth and Death are ended for me, by the Word of the to gaze out over your right fingertips while keeping your back Guru’s Teachings; I shall no longer pass through the arm directly behind. Find a focus point at eye level and take a deep inhalation. Exhale and allow the shoulders to soften down door of pain and suffering. Nanak holds tight to the as you bend your right knee, aligning it over your second toe. Sanctuary of his Lord and Master; again and again, he Adjust your stance to fit your body. Draw your torso back, di- bows in humility and reverence to Him. rectly over the pelvis and press evenly into both feet. Allow your - from Guru Granth Sahib, the Sikh Holy Book breath to soften out any rigidity in the pose. Let go of the past behind you, be fearless in your forward gaze, and feel the quali- Page 6 The Cross and The Lotus Journal The Cross and The Lotus Journal Page 31

Letter to a Devotee Memories of Mother Dear ______, From letters Marge Ranney wrote to the group while she was We are wishing you well and hope that it is going smoothly traveling with Mother for you and all there. It is wonderful to hear from you and I want Saturday, Nov. 11, 1967 you to know that you and your family have been in our thoughts When I returned for bed, Mother got up to fix Her hair, and a and prayers. Your question about your ongoing relationship with complete reviewing of all the events of the day. At 3:00 a.m. it a beloved one who has recently left the body is an important one was time to turn off the lights. At 5:00 a.m. She awoke again to for all those who have lost someone dear. Of course we know tell me to gargle, as my throat was bothering me—I was sound that the soul continues its journey after the death of the body. asleep—and to tell me God had given Her the answer to Dick’s There is no doubt that ______’s connection with God means that question: “What is your answer to the belief in many Gods?” he was blessed in this life and his life hereafter. With the great Answer: Know ye not that ye are Gods? God the Father— ones there to escort him into his new life he is assured of happi- Godhead, and we as individual cells of His body, become Gods, ness and fulfillment, freed now from a physical body that was no as in truth we are when we erase our idea of separation and be- longer working. come one with Him.” For you to think of your dear one with love is natural and January 31, 1967, India good. So where is the line in which your thought of him can be- come problematic? The answer has to do with attachment. To Mother and I have become so much a part of Indian life it is as release him to his new life is essential; to be attached to him can if we had been born to it. We feel as if we had always worn sa- hold you and him back. rees and dread the day when we will have to wear anything else. They are so beautiful and so graceful and we each tie them with Your loved one has been such a big part of your lives, so it is ease. Besides they are so comfortable…no girdles…no stock- natural that you would keenly feel his absence. Your first ings…no shoes, only chappels. It is truly wonderful. Maybe we thought in the morning would be of him, all through the day you will wear them in America. will expect to see him sitting in his chair, thinking about what he needs. The human brain makes you think of him—even as you August 25, 1967 have for so many years. Expo World’s Fair, Montreal, Quebec As time goes by you begin to adjust to his absence, although Even though it was raining again, we went to Expo to have there will always be the loss of his physical presence in your lunch with Renu and Mukta as this was our last day in Montreal. lives. However, if you are not gradually adjusting to his death, As Mother turned, she saw my head uncovered and quickly then it is a sign of attachment. asked me to pull up my rain cap. In reflex, without thinking, I Attachment results from unfulfilled desire, fear, and guilt; it dropped my jacket in a mud puddle as I carefully pulled the cap prolongs sadness, anger and obsessing on your loss. You can over my head. We all laughed as I recovered my seer sucker measure your attachment by the amount of time you think of him jacket but suddenly, as I inspected it, I could scarcely believe my during the day. Is your sadness gradually decreasing? On the eyes. It was completely dry and had not a single spot of mud. positive side, do you feel increasing joy in thinking of God? Can Such is the protection of the Guru! you, in your heart, lovingly let him go on to his new life? Do you Page 30 The Cross and The Lotus Journal The Cross and The Lotus Journal Page 7

By Connie Meisner: know deep down that God and the masters are seeing to his I only had the pleasure of meeting Marge a few times. The needs now? That he has freedom of movement and health, and first time was at the Hornby Island Retreat which was hosted at that his smile is brighter than ever? Phyllis Victory’s home. I remember the smiling face of Marge Of course you will think of ______, love him and send him all wherever I glimpsed her as she spoke with other devotees attend- your good wishes, but you will do so without attachment and ing. with no idea of holding him back from his new journey. The next meeting that I recall was when David and Carla got May God and the masters ever bless you and lift you into their married. Again, the beautiful smile both was what drew me to sublime, divine consciousness so that you may have deep, abid- her side wanting to be near the inner light shining forth. I had the ing peace and the pure bliss of God. opportunity to talk to Marge on both of those occasions and the With all love, focus both times was of God and the spiritual path home. Yogacharya David ************* By Rebecca Barnowe: I am sorry that I never had the privilege of meeting with God is the friend of silence. We need to find God and Marge whom Mother dearly loved and held in high esteem, for He cannot be found in noise and restlessness. See how the bright Light in Spirit, which guided her whole existence for nature, the trees, the flowers, the grasses grow in per- untold years to the very end. It always felt that she was oversee- ing the generations to come and blessing each with the zeal to fect silence—see the stars, the moon and the sun, how embrace God, no matter what each faced in his life. This is re- they move in silence. The more we receive in silent markable, when I think upon it...like best wishes granted from prayer, the more we can give in our active life. above for all time…and beyond time. - Mother Teresa ************* By Raul Becerra: First my condolence to the Ranney family. I didn’t know In Memoriam Marge Ranney but—as with many disciples that I didn’t know— Swami Narayanananda Giri left the body after a massive heart there is a bond that all Mother’s disciples have, and a common attack on July 30 and was received by Mother Ganges. drive to know the Self, a Love of the Self that Mother instilled in Many of us who have visited Anandashram remember Swami us all: that universal love and devotion that we all have and had N. as Shenoy, from his pre-Sannyas days, when he attended in those very blessed, special moments with our Guru! I don’t Swami Satchidanandaji and was in charge of ashram media. He recall ever meeting Marge but I wish I had. Marge was and is always beamed a warm smile on all and was more than happy to very blessed that she was able to go to India with Mother. Just make copies of the ashram music and videos he and others had how many of us would like to have taken that trip with her— produced. I was very happy to see his smiling face during my Marge, what a blessing you had and have! May you have left this last visit this January as he had been spending most of his time world on the wings of Love, back to the Self. Rest in Peace & in Rishikesh where he had taken Sannyas. May Swami Naraya- Love. Om Sri Ram. nandaji rest on Papa’s lotus feet forevermore! - C.K. Page 8 The Cross and The Lotus Journal The Cross and The Lotus Journal Page 29 member how easy it was to be with her. Our age difference seemed to have no impact on our relationship. It was simply a friendship that was taken up again in a fashion worn comfortably from many lifetimes in each other’s company. It was a great privilege to know her this time around and I miss her very much. *********** By Cate Koler: I have such fond memories of Marge which span many years. I first met her a couple of times at David and Lorraine’s when she was visiting them in Seattle but didn’t get to know her well until after Larry met her in Calcutta and we began to go and stay with her in California where she lived for six months of the year. She was such a wonderful hostess and so generous of her time. I Beyond Religion remember visiting all of the SRF sites with her and several trips An Excerpt from a Talk Given by down to Prem & Sheela’s for Thursday night bhajan. (She and Prem were so fond of each other and it is interesting that they The Reverend Mother, Yogacharya M. Hamilton both left the body in the same year.) in Seattle on September 27, 1981 Marge was so enthusiastic about life and so much fun! Alt- [Bible reading: Colossians 1, 1-20] hough she was in her 80s we all had trouble keeping up with her. Making Truth Sterile I remember particularly the wonderful time we had when David was with us and another time with Swami Vishwananda. I also My subject this morning is entitled Beyond Religion…. Al- saw Marge a couple of times at Anandashram. ways we talk about going within and becoming acquainted with the real you, which is to say, God through Christ in you. There The last time we saw her was a few years back at the nursing are many religious paths and more are coming into existence all home where she was living. By this time she was well into her of the time. It seems that everybody wants to be a spiritual teach- 90s and had dementia. She was so glad to see us but couldn’t er, a guru, before they have even learned how to be a disciple. remember our names. We tried to bring up subjects or people The word guru, as most of you know, is he or she who comes to she could relate to but mostly we drew a blank except of course lead you out of the darkness, into the Light. And such a one must when mentioning her son, David and daughter-in-law Lorraine. have picked up his own cross, which is his body, and followed At one point we asked if she remembered Mother. “Oh, yes!” the way of the Christ, by whatever name they want to call him, she said. And then a little later we realized there was something in order to realize their oneness with God. It cannot be attained else she remembered: Om Sri Ram—“it has such a nice tune,” in a moment. she said. And so, therefore after every great teacher comes, a church, an Dear Marge, you touched the heart of so many people in the organization, a particular teaching is built around them. The U.S. and India and gave of yourself wholeheartedly to whomev- master doesn’t do this, only the disciples who follow afterwards. er you met. You never waivered in your quest to know the Truth. And gradually, as time goes on, the disciples feel that they can Mother’s and all the saints’ blessings on you forevermore! Page 28 The Cross and The Lotus Journal The Cross and The Lotus Journal Page 9 By Reverend Larry Koler: change what the master said and maybe make it a little more I first met Marge in February of 1996, during a trip to Calcutta beautiful, a little better—cut-out a little here, add a little some- to visit the holy sites there associated with Master. My first night place else. And in doing so, they make it sterile. They strip it in Calcutta was in a hotel after a late flight from Bombay. I in- from the real truth. Everything that is in this chapter in Colos- tended to meet and stay with Marge by sians, is the truth of God, and the apostle Paul realized that, be- prior arrangement with her son, David cause he had taken the teachings of the Christ, and he had gone Ranney. David assured me that his within his own body, and he had found the Christ within himself, mother would welcome meeting me so that he had union with him. and that she was always anxious to Reconciling God and Man help devotees in any way she could. I am the light, the way and the truth. Nobody can go to the Fa- I had planned to meet with Marge at ther except through me, said the Christ. And it says here: And he a doctor’s office (magnet doctor who is the head of the body. This body, which is the church, and as he was treating her leg) on B.B. Ganguly said: the temple of the living God, who is the beginning, the first Street. I asked the hotel concierge the born from the dead that in all things he might have the preemi- best way to get there and he arranged nence. Now you notice that it also says that he is the first born for my first conveyance experience on from the dead. And this means that man in his human state can- a hand pulled rickshaw. As I left the not realize his oneness with God. He’s too involved with the hotel grounds, I entered into the ca- things of the senses. He is too involved with all of his desire- cophony and smells of a great bustling city, filled with all levels nature: “I want this. I want that. Give me something else. Lord, of humanity. It was a beautiful clear day with the streets still wet please take away this illness. Please take away this trouble.” from a morning rain. Everything in the world you are thinking about is in the sense of I will never forget the warmth of the greeting that bubbled out duality, and your full attention is not upon that One who has all of Marge that first time. She enthusiastically welcomed me and of the answers: all of the help; all of your prosperity; all of your started immediately to make plans for my stay. She had a car and love; all of your forgiveness; all of everything! And He is to be driver and during our trip to her house we talked about every- found, as the Christ says, only within yourselves. Y e are the thing but especially about Mother Hamilton. Marge had many temple of the living God!… stories of her first meeting with Mother. She also told me about …No man has seen God at any time. So it is only when man her early life and what it was like growing up in southern Cali- has given up his human-hood, and has gone through the crucifix- fornia. She spoke of her family, her husband Kenneth, her son ion on his own cross: when he has gone into the depth of the hell David and her daughter-in-law, Lorraine. of his own being (that which he has created), and gone through I stayed in Calcutta about a week and during that time, Marge the experiences which are necessary, then, after the third day, or loaned me her car for my trips to Serampore (Srirampur) and having gone through the experience of having the consciousness Dakshineshwar. The other days, I accompanied her on her vari- released from the three bodily jars—first the physical (because ous trips around town—to shops, friends and a kirtan. that was formed last); then the light body (which controls all of In the following years, I travelled to Garden Grove, CA to visit the energy in your body—the nerves and the what-not); and her and she came to Seattle several times, also. I distinctly re- then, the ‘first cause’ which is the idea body—the consciousness must be released from all of it, and you must die, and you must Page 10 The Cross and The Lotus Journal The Cross and The Lotus Journal Page 27 descend into hell, and then you must arise from the dead. And it tarian and I learned along side of her. She taught me the basics; says: And having made peace through the blood of his cross, ghee, paneer, yogurt, dal, etc. Eventually, I was able to do all the (not on but of) by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by cooking myself. As we were doing all this, talk was always of him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. God. Being in her presence was uplifting and my focus on God became more intense overall. She was truly a great soul and Must Enter the Holy of Holies lived her life in service to her teachers and all, seeing God in all So man must go through this tremendous experience. And it is situations. not an easy experience, but if Christ went through it, then why not we follow his example! We say how much we love God-the- ****************** Father. We say how much we love Jesus-the-Christ. Yet is any- By Carla Hickenbottom: one willing to pick up his cross, (which is his body) and follow When I think of my dear friend, Marge, I just have such great him and emulate him in every detail? He was no ‘namby- love and a big heartfelt thanks for being who she was and is in pamby,’ no ‘Casper milk-toast’, as he is sometimes pictured. He God. was a man who had strength and power beyond anyone’s belief! Soon after meeting Marge, we became fast friends and I spent Why? Because he had come to serve God in man! He had come a lot of time going back and forth to Los Angeles visiting Marge. to establish a new order. He had come to show man what he was I could think of no better way to spend my holidays from work like inside, and what must be done. And he showed us the way, than a visit with Marge! It was always such an adventure being in every way. with her; she was always coming and going and exploring new And yet it has been misinterpreted! The parables are not un- possibilities for health and for finding new ways to love God in derstood: the truth behind the parables. In the beginning man all His various forms and manifestations. goes to whatever individual, whatever church, that his conscious- I so fondly remember just sitting at her dining room table in ness is able to receive. And it is good that he has put his foot up- her condominium in Los Angeles and she had piles of papers on the path, very good, but in order to progress, you must take with different projects she was working on, her phone next to the first step from where you are, and you must keep climbing her and chatting away with all kinds of amusing and interesting the ladder, until finally you get your God-realization. So you go stories. This is after having the most amazing Indian food she from religion to religion, from church to church, from individual cooked, along with her homemade yogurt, which was so deli- teacher to individual teacher, until at last you realize that you cious, it was almost “otherworldly.” As I sat there one day, she have not really found the truth in all that has been given to you, got a call from Rishi, her beloved friend and soul mate, aged 3 because it is given to you as being historical. It is not given to asking what sari she was wearing that day! Marge was wearing a you as the Living Truth, of that which happens within every man Punjabi and he was taking her to task for not wearing a sari! We when he is ready to receive it. It is not given you to know that both got such a good laugh from it! you must be still, and know that I am God, (as it says in the forty -sixth Psalm.) That you must go into that holy of holies, that in- Reading over letters I got from Marge were always uplifting ner sanctuary of your own soul. You must close the doors of the and I felt the power of God through her so strongly. She will al- senses. Forget all of the things of time and space, the word and ways be a very important fellow traveler on this Path back to the atom; which is [sic] ‘the four beasts before the throne.’ And God and I treasure all the times we spent together. fix your full attention upon Him. ****************** Page 26 The Cross and The Lotus Journal The Cross and The Lotus Journal Page 11 play tennis will appreciate this but she played in a tournament If you will do that, all of your troubles will disappear. You and played one point for 17 minutes. That means that the ball will not be gravitating between, “Shall I do this? Shall I do that? went back and forth without anybody missing it for that time. Shall I do something else?” And your ego is at play, because Pretty amazing. what you’re doing is to find out what is the best thing to enhance Another tennis story was when my mom and I were playing what, you, the human self wants to do, the human ego. And mixed doubles just for fun and, as some of you may know my you’re not looking inside to find out what God, through Christ, attitude was horrible when I was young, and my mom got really wants you to do. You have to listen. You have to go into the mad at me for something or other and when I was standing at the stillness of your own being, and you have to listen! I keep em- net with my back to her and she was serving I saw that the balls phasizing this: listen for God! were flying all over the place. The balls are supposed to be go- Becoming a Master ing to only one side and instead they were flying all over. Over There is a great deal of difference between prayer and contem- my head, at my feet, bouncing before the ball got to the net and plation, because we’re always praying to God for something, and on both sides of my body. They were just going everywhere. Af- very seldom, if ever, for the realization of our Oneness with ter a couple serves like that I asked her what was going on and Him. But when you are meditating, through contemplating God she said that she was so angry with me she was trying to hit me alone, then He listens to you. He lifts you up into His arms, and with her serve. I guess being angry didn’t help her be very accu- He tells you, He whispers in your ear the wonderful truths. He rate because she couldn’t come anywhere close. gives you revelations of the truth behind the parables. He puts One of the other things that I remember about mom is espe- you through what is necessary. He is sorry that you have to suf- cially when I was younger was she would always give Terry and fer, because He is a God of love, but you have brought that suf- me lectures about how we needed to behave etc. and the thing fering upon yourself! And just as you go through pain when you was that I never resented these lectures and as I got older I en- give birth to a child, so also you go through pain when you give joyed them. Mom and I used to have a lot of good conversations, birth to the Christ child within yourself! And the transformation mostly about spiritual things and that was one of the things I takes place, from the human to the divine. So then you too can missed these last few years. become an heir with Christ. You too can become a master. You And as you know she was a very special person and did a lot do not supersede, or supplant anyone else. It means that you of things for a lot of people. have become master of yourself! ****************** I call the great spiritual teacher that I studied with ‘Master.’ He was not my personal possession, my master in that sense. But By Lorraine Bourcier: I called him ‘Master,’ because he had gone through what was Although I am Marge’s daughter in law, it took years to get to necessary, to find his union with God. And from this great man know her. She lived in Calcutta and would come to the States in India I heard the truth of the Christ, as I had never heard it in once a year to renew her Indian visa. She would take a day to any orthodox church at all. For the first time I knew that heaven, come up to Seattle to visit us and would go back on the same hell, and purgatory were not something outside of myself, but day because of obligations in Garden Grove. Many years later, they were inside of myself, inside: that God was inside, that as her situation changed she was able to come stay with us for Christ was inside; that I didn’t have to wait until I died a physi- longer periods and these were interesting times to say the least. cal death in order to find him, to go to heaven, hell, or purgatory. At first she would take over the cooking as she was a strict vege- Very few would go to heaven in the first place; some might Page 12 The Cross and The Lotus Journal The Cross and The Lotus Journal Page 25 reach purgatory (if they were particularly angelic); but most of David, Lorraine, Car- us would be in the hot place. And that is totally what we have to la and I spread look forward from the dogmatic teachings that are given to us! Marge’s ashes over We make our own heaven and hell, because if heaven is within Puget Sound. Swami us, so also is hell, or the place of darkness.… Vivekananda trans- …But I listened to the injunction of this great master. And I lated the Gayatri went within myself, and he taught me how to do it. He taught me prayer, one of the the true meanings, the meaning of the parables. And my love for most famous prayers God in this man was so great, because he had finally taken me in India, to mean: out of the darkness into the light, that I was willing to do what- “We meditate on ever he asked me to, whatever was necessary, in order to attain the glory of that Be- that tremendous goal, which he had set before me: union with ing who has pro- God-the-Father! Remember that the Christ said: I of myself am duced this universe, nothing. It is my Father who doeth the works. So he came to lead may He enlighten our us, not to himself, but through the example of truth, which he set minds.” before us to the Infinite Father, who is the Father of us all! ************** Beyond “Churchanity” By David Ranney: Our religious differences must cease. We must stop putting In writing about new names to an organization which we have created in his my mom I first must name, because every time we do, we make a new division in mention my brother, Marge in 1997 Christ, and Christ is One! It says so in this book which we say Gil, who looked after my mother’s finances and anything else contains the truth. Christ is One! He is everywhere, equally pre- she couldn’t do herself, and his wife, Diane, who as a nurse, sent. And so we must know that! We must stop this division. We looked after my mom’s health—both going above and beyond must learn that each man is entitled to worship God in the way the call of duty. Their daughters, Jill and Gina also played a part that God directs him. And he is speaking of the same Father- in caring for her. God, regardless of what language, what religion he belongs to, I know that each of you had some connection with my mom because there’s only one. Would God be so discriminating? How and have your own stories but I wanted to share with you just a dare we be so egotistical, to think that we as Christians, are the few stories about my mom that come to mind. only ones who have the truth. How dare we? I have seen souls of other religions that were so beautiful, so dedicated to God, that I always got a kick out of my mom when she got flustered their whole body shone with His light; where there was nothing with my brother Terry and me and would get our names con- for them but God! And the power of God was within them so fused and say, “derry tavid, derry tavid” as she was trying to tell greatly that that they could raise the dead, heal the sick, walk on us to stop doing something we were doing wrong. Needless to water. They had the power of bi-location. You name it. They had say, she had to say our names many times as we were growing it. up as we were always doing something that we shouldn’t have. I had the privilege of sitting and smelling the perfume of the My mom was a very good tennis player and those of you that presence of God within them. I had the very great privilege of Page 24 The Cross and The Lotus Journal The Cross and The Lotus Journal Page 13 In Memoriam sitting at their feet and listening as truth poured forth from them. Not any dogma, not in forms of parables, but truth; they had had Marge Ranney the courage to do what was necessary to experience [it] within (Nov. 30, 1916—July 13, 2014) themselves! And they were holy men, make no mistake about it. We have received memorial writings by a number of people who They were very holy. Their whole lives were dedicated to God. wish to honor and celebrate our dear friend, Marge. -editors They lived Him. They breathed Him. They spoke His name or they remained in silence, to help the suffering world. But they ****************** gave of themselves freely in every way. They went beyond Introduction by Yogacharya David Hickenbottom ‘Churchanity.’ Marge had a long history with Mother Hamilton and many of As I told you before, and you know well, we have no organi- us disciples. Even well into her 80s Marge was vital, inquisitive, zation; we have no name because only God’s name is important. self-directed and open to new thought and opportunities for Only the way of the Christ is important, by whatever name you learning about this mysterious creation. call him. And I never want an organization formed around the There were many of us who just simply loved Marge; or as things that I have taught you. I have paid the price for knowing she might say, had “love-ness” for her. In the mid-1960s Mother the truth which I have taught you. But I do not want an organiza- and Marge travelled to India together. Marge was to find a great tion formed around it. Rather let’s go out, and through what attraction to mother-India, and would eventually spend about you’ve become yourself in God, attract others like a magnet. Be half of each year there. She took on the name Gayatri but was a candle, a light on a hilltop to serve God, to light the way for still known to most of us as Marge. others. But do not ask them to join an organization. And never Despite physical problems she was energetic and always for- charge them anything for the service which you render them. But ward moving. We traveled on several occasions to see Prem, Pa- rather do it for the love of God; because if you will do this—if pa’s grandson, and his wife Sheela, for their Thursday night you will give yourself and everything you have to Him—you Bhajan. She had great love for Prem and all the family, and will have no wants, no needs. You will be wondering how you loved to be there for the singing and food; she was especially can give away of the tremendous bounty that comes to you, so fond of pakoras. that you can help and raise the suffering world. We have to get our minds off of our little selves. We have to forget Last time I saw Marge in India she was saying increasingly ‘Churchanity!’… that she was forgetting so many things; it was the beginnings of her dementia. An interesting thing though, the more she forgot …You have to go beyond religion—as we know it—because about things of the world the more she was focused on total de- God made man, and man made religion. Remember that! God pendence on “Papa,” complete surrender to God. made man and man made religion! And he has made it his god, instead of going beyond religion, to the Source of everything Marge was a Light to many, and she will be deeply missed by there is! You have to do that. You have to be steadfast. You have all who knew her. May Papa Ramdas and Mother Hamilton ush- to gather your strength from the four corners of the world, that er Marge into her new life and for “love-ness” and “all-ness” to you have dissipated in your attachment to all the things, and fill her soul to overflowing as she continues to explore the great- withdraw it into yourself. You have to cultivate loyalty, honesty. est mystery in all creation, God. You have to become pure in thought, word, and deed. You can- In a very moving ceremony I played the Gayatri Prayer and not do otherwise and expect to attain your goal.… Page 14 The Cross and The Lotus Journal The Cross and The Lotus Journal Page 23 Lifting Up the World dra was among the staunchest of Sri Ra- …If you would go beyond religion and fix your mind upon makrishna’s householder devotees. But God alone through Christ, you will find that you are free. And like many others among them, he did not you don’t need to think or care what the world thinks, as long as at first think very highly of the Holy you are one with your Father God. As long as you are listening Mother’s spiritual greatness. Some years and following His voice of direction alone, you don’t need to after Sri Ramakrishna’s passing away, he care if the whole world is against you; if it rises up and tells you went on a visit to Jayrambati along with that you are so awful because of what you have thought, said, some of the monastic disciples of the and done, that it wants to kill you. You need not care because, Master. That was the first occasion Gi- remember, it says: that ten thousand shall fall by your side in rish was taken to the Holy Mother’s such a case, but not one hair of your head shall be touched. Not presence. After prostrating himself before her, he looked at her one hair. once, and immediately withdrew from there and sat in the out- house in a very serious and introspective mood. His companions I have walked into the fire. I have dealt with things that are were astonished at this transformation of Girish. At last Swami beyond human conception. I have fought with entities. I have Niranjanananda approached him and asked him the reason of it. gone through the mystical crucifixion, and gone into the depth of Girish thereupon wanted him to inquire of the Holy Mother hell, within my own being; and fought all of the demons that whether she was not the person who had appeared to him in were there, of my own making. I have risen from the dead, and I dream in his nineteenth year. In reply the Holy Mother sent him have ascended, and been given tremendous revelations. And still the information that she was. I of myself am nothing, and yet conversely I am that I AM! Be- cause I have paid the price for knowing. And when you pay that Then Girish gave out the story to his fellow-disciples. At the price for knowing, and you know that you know. But when man age of nineteen he was suffering from a severe illness. The doc- says that he knows, and he has not paid that price, then he is just tors had given him up for lost. In that condition he dreamt one giving lip service, and it will never work. Think of it. Jesus said, night that the whole sky was lit with a celestial effulgence. It And I, if I be lifted up, shall draw all men unto myself. gradually proceeded towards him and assumed the form of a Goddess. Girish, it must be remembered, was in those days a Look at the world today. And if you want to take it from the rank atheist. The Goddess approached him and said, “Well, my orthodox stand point, he didn’t make it, because the world has child, you are suffering terribly. Aren’t you?” Then she put not been lifted up. It has never been in such a shape as in all of something into his mouth, resembling the consecrated food of the history of the world, as it is today. It’s brutal. It’s terrible. It’s the Puri temple, and vanished. After that Girish gradually recov- so filled with the sin of separation from God that it is unbelieva- ered from his illness. He had often tried to make out who that ble. We aren’t safe in our homes, on the street, in the parks, at figure might have been, but could get no definite clue. So he had our business! No place are we safe—except within the sanctuary surmised that it must have been the figure of his mother whom of our own soul. he had lost in his early childhood. But the day on which he saw So it means that when you have lifted up the son of man with- the Holy Mother, he was surprised to notice the likeness of that in yourself; when you have had the courage and the love of God Goddess in her. Thenceforth he looked upon the Holy Mother sufficiently, to give up your humanness, you do not really give it with great reverence, and used to say that through the grace of up forever, because God is both human and divine. But you be- Swami Niranjanananda he had recovered his ‘mother.’ Page 22 The Cross and The Lotus Journal The Cross and The Lotus Journal Page 15 the reply with a smile, “Don’t you see? But for her, who would come, regardless of whether you are a man or a woman, male have prepared my food in just the way that suits my health?” and female—totally balanced— the male and female part of eve- ************* ry person: the soft part, the love part and the part that is gov- erned by reasoning. And then also, you are still human and di- In the latter part of her life…[Sarada Devi] is seen surrounded vine, because you’re still living in a human body. And as long as by two distinct types of people—her relatives on the one hand you’re on this earth teaching, speaking the truth, you will be liv- and her disciples on the other. Both these groups approached her ing in a human body; you will have to use your five senses. with quite different motives, the first to gain whatever material advantages they could from her, and the second to serve her and But the difference is that you are not controlled by them. You benefit spiritually by her contact.…It is, however, pertinent to are not the slave; you are the master. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to inquire how she could fulfill both these apparently incongruous think, if each one of the people here in this congregation would duties without detriment to either.… pick up their crosses (which is the body) and follow the Christ, and emulate him in every single detail, until they became one …In our review of her domestic life, we have shown how the with God through Christ. And that they could go forth and impelling force behind even her worldly attachments was her spread that Light throughout the world, and change this world. sense of motherhood, a form of love that only gives but never How is it going to change, if we don’t change ourselves first? thinks of any return, nay, gives even when any return takes the shape of ingratitude and persecutions—and how for this reason The Baptisms of Fire, Blood and Spirit even her worldly love occupied a position on the borderland of So all that is spoken of in here happens within yourself. The pure spirituality. In her role as a spiritual teacher, too, it is the virgin birth happens—when that which is within you is given the very same principle of motherhood that is illustrated, perhaps power of the Holy Ghost and that Christ seed, that bread and through a medium that reveals the true quality of it with greater blood or the body and blood of Christ, actually comes down directness. from the sacred clostrum under your brain, goes the journey and ****************** returns to Galilee, and passes up through what we call the Christ- There are many devotees of the Holy Mother who claim to center here, and then comes into your throat. And this is the have had experiences of a highly mystical type in the course of body and the blood of Christ. This is what was imbibed at the their relationship with her. Some had seen her in a dream as a Last Supper of the humanness within us, of the humanness with- Goddess in human form, though they never had occasion to see in us. even a picture of hers before. Others had received either full or Then we are given the second birth. We are given the second partial Mantra and spiritual instruction from her in dream, and at baptism and it is the baptism of the spirit. Not of the water. Not the time of their initiation were astonished to find that the Man- of flesh. But it is through the baptism of fire, through the bap- tra she gave them in the waking state tallied exactly with what tism of blood, that we attain this final baptism of the spirit. And they had got in dream. Still others claim that they were rescued we are lifted up, and we become instead of just the sons of man, from great dangers during critical situations in their lives by the the Sons of God! We respect our fathers, our mothers, because help she rendered them either in dream or in a waking state.… they gave us the blessed privilege of having this human birth. …One example of such mystic experience…relates to Girish But our full attention, the all-ness, the wholeness of our being, is Chandra Ghosh, who was a first rate genius and ranks among the on God-the-Father. And we are absorbed in Him, His beloved greatest dramatists of India and of the world. Now Girish Chan- child, forevermore! Page 16 The Cross and The Lotus Journal The Cross and The Lotus Journal Page 21 Letters from Swamiji Sri Sarada Devi, The Holy Mother Back in December 2008, just a little while after Swami Introduction by Yogacharya David Satchidanandaji’s Mahasamadhi, we published excerpts from some When I was at Belur Math, the Samadhi Temple of Rama- letters I had received from him. Here is another one. I haven’t includ- ed some paragraphs that are pertaining to personal matters. I believe krishna near Calcutta, there was also a Samadhi Temple for readers will enjoy the following passages which allow a glimpse into Sarada Devi. There were several ladies on the Temple steps, Swamiji’s personality for those who didn’t have the privilege of meet- some meditating, some placing flowers at her gravesite. I knew ing him. Swamiji’s Mahasamadi anniversary is celebrated on October the direct disciples of Ramakrishna had great respect for the Ho- 12th and his birthday on November 12th – Cate Koler ly Mother and that respect continues down to today. Ramakrish- na himself called Sarada Devi Sri Ma, Holy Mother, and looked November 5, 1999 upon her as the Divine Mother. I wondered at the time who she Lord of the universe Papa was beyond being the master’s wife, and so when I saw the book Beloved Mother: I was drawn to its contents. Reading this biography has been a lovely and interesting journey, adding insight not only to the “Shake off the body notion. Be aware that you are the immor- wife of Ramakrishna, but also about the spiritual master himself. tal spirit ever united with God.”…Swami Ramdas Her life was not easy, and she was totally dedicated to service Your last visit to the Ashram and stay here is still fresh in our to her husband, his mother, and all the disciples. She rose at 3 mind. It will remain always fresh as all of you remain ever close a.m., took a bath in the river, chanted until daybreak, and then to us. Distance is no bar. Yet it will be an added joy to meet you was busy cooking and caring for the master and all. Ramakrish- here when you plan to come by the end of next year… na taught her to initiate others and asked her to continue his …We heard from Yogacharya David a couple of months ago, work after he was gone. At once she was deceptively simple, and but we do hear about him from other friends regularly and we highly realized. It is fitting that she should be remembered as the are informed about his whereabouts. May Yogacharya David be Holy Mother. blessed with the privilege of guiding the earnest seekers to the Excerpts from the book: Sri Sarada Devi, The Holy Mother supreme goal of human life and thus liberate them.… Sri Ramakrishna Math, Mylapore, Madras, 1949 …May the Lord always keep you and Larry in His ceaseless remembrance and lift you to heights of ecstasy. Remembering The Holy Mother’s chief duty at Dakshineswar was cooking. Him and living for Him is more important than anything else. Sri Ramakrishna had a very delicate stomach which easily got Anything we think of, talk of and do must help us to commune upset by any irregularity in food. The preparation of his food, with Him and live in Him. Blessed, blessed are those who live, therefore, had to be done with scrupulous care and attention, and move and have their being in God. Your reference to Meher Ba- it was found that only the Holy Mother could do it in just the ba reminds me of Kunti Devi, the mother of the Pandavas, who way that suited the requirements of his health. Whenever she prayed to Lord Krishna to bless her with more and more difficul- was away from Dakshineswar, the Master used to suffer, and he ties, as difficulties alone made her think of Him and pray to would sometimes send word to her, asking her to come back Him. soon. Referring to his utter dependence on her in this respect, he once humorously remarked to somebody, “Well, what does a You must be enjoying proof-reading some of the writings of ‘wife’ signify in the case of one like me?” And he himself gave Paramhansa Yogananda to help Yogacharya David who is put- Page 20 The Cross and The Lotus Journal The Cross and The Lotus Journal Page 17 be your own always.” And so I followed his advice. I never ting them into booklets for missed in my practice of Kriya Yoga. Gradually the light of God his library. You are both came in. What I received, I received from the Master. He lifted doing the Master’s job. The me from the uncertainty of delusion into the light of Reality. Master has His own ways to When that experience comes it changes the heart. Then we feel deal with things and spread- the real brotherhood of man and the Fatherhood of God. ing His message. ************* When we are doing the On April 7, 1960 Dr. Lewis’s physician ordered him to Master’s work, it will be Scripps Memorial Hospital for a rest and medical tests. On the easy for us to feel we are 11th he said he felt greatly improved and the following day felt only instruments and to well enough to go home. But on April 13, 1960, his daughter re- make it possible to maintain ported that her father appeared distant and withdrawn. The ac- the same attitude while do- count of his wife, Mildred Lewis, on that day follows: ing any other work, remem- bering Lord Krishna’s ad- I went immediately to the hospital and found Doctor resting vice: “Yours is to work, comfortably. That day we had such a pleasant time together! Af- leaving the results to Me.” ter his supper, which he enjoyed, he sat in a chair for thirteen minutes and then returned to bed. At seven p.m. he said he Please know that your would take a nap. He slept very peacefully until seven-thirty, and Larry’s LOVE is more when he awakened and told me, “I want to sit up straight.” I ar- precious to me than any material gift. ranged the pillows at his back as he assumed the lotus pose for Though I did not want a celebration of the birthday and many his usual evening meditation. His hands were upturned, his eyes friends from different parts of India have already written that closed. I sat beside the bed, thinking that I too would meditate. they would be here for that occasion, we will have a happy get- I was aroused in two or three minutes by a tremendous sound. together. Friends here have already planned various preparations It resembled the suction sound of a huge pump, or the breath for the day including the inauguration of an OLD AGE HOME, sound of a giant Kriya. With the sound came a great flash of an OPHTHALMIC HOSPITAL a little away from the Ashram spiritual white light, whose brilliance might be compared to that and a new building to house the Nature Cure Centre in the Swa- given forth by a million electric-light bulbs. mi Ramdas Charitable Medical Mission, besides other devotion- al programmes in the Ashram. Doctor’s blue eyes opened; piercing flashes of blue light came from them. Then they were locked at the Christ center in the We pray for Beloved Papa/Mataji/Mother’s blessings on you, forehead. His head lowered somewhat, but his body remained Larry, (family members mentioned), Yogacharya David and all erect. For an instant, the face of Swami Sir Yukteswarji ap- other friends there for eternal happiness. peared, enveloping Doctor’s face. Then all was over. Deepest love and best wishes, How many times have I thanked God, the Great Ones, and be- loved Master that I was privileged to witness such a glorious passing! Page 18 The Cross and The Lotus Journal The Cross and The Lotus Journal Page 19 A Lifetime of Dedication and dearest to me. All spiritual From Dr. M. W. Lewis: The Life Story, Compiled by Chad realization that I have or hope to Hickenbottom have I owe to him, my guru, Paramhansa Yogananda. When I On Christmas Eve in 1920 he [Dr. Minott Lewis] said to first sat at his feet, back in 1920, Paramhansaji: my heart was filled with honest “The Bible tells us: ‘The light of the body is the eye: if there- doubt. But when he taught me fore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of and I saw the compassion in his light.’ (Matthew 6:22) Can you show me this?” eyes, I was overwhelmed. Some- “I think so,” the Guru replied. thing sprang up within me that had been sleeping, something Doctor was still doubtful. “I have asked many persons,” he that I had forgotten; and it has said, “but no one seems to know the meaning.” been present with me ever since. “Can the blind lead the blind?” Paramhansaji responded. Ordinary human ties and friend- “Both would fall into the same ditch of error.” ships pale in the light of that di- “Can you show me these things?” vine relationship between master and disciple. “I think so,” the Master reiterated. Dr. Lewis in 1948 “Then, for Heaven’s sake, please show me!” ************* Paramhansaji then showed Doctor the light of the spiritual eye For an article in the Inner Culture Dr. Lewis wrote the follow- and of the thousand-petaled lotus in the brain. Looking directly ing about his guru: into the Doctor’s eyes, Paramhansaji asked: As we sat together on the tiger skin rug enjoying God’s pres- “Will you always love me as I love you?” ence, and I looked into his face, I saw no show of consciousness of superior ability. He might well have expressed it; for to be Doctor replied in the affirmative. able, by such great calmness and realization, to help another to Then the Guru said, “Your sins are forgiven and I take charge feel the Divine Consciousness is no mean accomplishment. But of your life.” He added, “I want you to promise that you will instead there was present an expression of humbleness, love, and never avoid me.” Doctor promised.… supreme satisfaction that another of God’s children was able, …After showing Dr. Lewis how to see the light of the spiritual like himself, to enjoy the presence and bliss of the Lord, our eye and giving him other spiritual instruction, Paramhansaji common Father. Such humility has been and always will be a asked him if he thought other Americans would be interested in deep inspiration to me. To my mind, it is a characteristic of true these teachings. greatness. “Yes I do,” Doctor replied. ************* ************* Dr. Lewis was master of ceremonies at the Self-Realization In December 1937 Dr. Lewis was called upon to speak to the Fellowship Convocation in Los Angeles in August 1951. Second Convocation of Self-Realization teachers and students. Paramhansaji showed me the great light of God, and told me: I chose the subject, ‘My Guru,’ because that theme is nearest “If you cling to this path and regularly meditate, this vision will