Lahiri Mahasaya
|
|
Shyama Charan Lahiri, best known as Lahiri Mahasaya (September 30, 1828 - September 26, 1895) was the guru of Sri Yukteswar Giri. Mahasaya is a Sanskrit religious title.
He was unusual among Indian holy men in that he was a householder. Lahiri lived with his family in Benares rather than in a temple or monastery apart from family life. Nonetheless, he achieved a substantial reputation among 19th century Hindu religionists.
Paramahansa Yogananda tells stories of Lahiri Mahasaya in his Autobiography of a Yogi; He was an office worker until the age of about 30, when he met his own guru, Mahavatar Babaji. Lahiri was said to have been chosen by his semi-legendary guru to reintroduce the lost practise of kriya yoga to the phenomenal world. Lahiri's disciples included both Yogananda's parents as well as Yogananda's own guru Sri Yukteswar. Lahiri Mahasaya is said to have prophesied that the infant Yogananda would become a great yogi. Template:Hinduism-stub Template:Reli-bio-stub