Today, we invite you to discover an extraordinary story about the immortal guru, the Indian Christ Babaji, as told by Master Yogananda. This account reveals his feats and role in the world's cycle.
The northern cliffs of the Himalayas are still blessed by the living presence of Babaji, master of Lahiri Mahasaya. The reclusive guru has maintained his physical form for centuries, perhaps millennia.
The absence of historical references to Babaji should come as no surprise. He has never appeared openly in any era, as publicity has no place in his millennia-old plans. Like the Creator, Babaji operates in humble anonymity.
There are no records of his family or place of birth. This avatar generally communicates in Hindi but is fluent in any language.
"Whenever someone reverently pronounces the name of Babaji," said Lahiri Mahasaya, "they attract an instant spiritual blessing."
The immortal guru maintains a youthful appearance, as if he were around 25 years old. His fair skin, medium stature, and long copper-colored hair radiate a perceptible glow. His black eyes convey serenity and tenderness.
Babaji has a small group of disciples, including two highly advanced American students. He moves from one place to another instantly using astral travel, although sometimes he walks from peak to peak.
His form can only be seen when he desires, and he can manifest with slightly different appearances to different devotees. His incorruptible body does not require food, although he occasionally accepts fruits or rice cooked in milk as a courtesy to his disciples.
Among the many impressive stories about Babaji, two stand out:
One night, around a sacred fire, Babaji surprised his disciples by lightly touching one of them on the shoulder with a burning branch. The young man cried out in pain and present at the scene reprimanded the master.
"Master, what cruelty!"
Babaji calmly replied:
"Would you rather see him burn to ashes, as decreed by his past karma?"
Placing his hand on the disciple’s wounded shoulder, the guru healed him instantly. With this mild suffering, the young man had been spared from a painful death.
On another occasion, an unknown man climbed inaccessible cliffs to find Babaji and beg for his spiritual guidance. The guru, however, refused to accept him as a disciple. Desperate, the man threatened to throw himself off the precipice if Babaji did not accept him.
"Then jump," Babaji said unemotionally.
Without hesitation, the man leaped. Babaji’s astonished disciples brought back his shattered body, and with a simple touch, Babaji restored him to life.
"Now you are ready for discipleship," said the master with an affectionate smile. "Death will never touch you again; you are now one of the immortals."
Then, Babaji and his group vanished from the mountain.
Ram Gopal, known as "the saint who never sleeps," recounted his first remarkable encounter with Babaji. While meditating with Lahiri Mahasaya in Benares, he received an unexpected order to go to the bathing ghat.
Upon arriving at the place, he saw a stone slab rise on its own, revealing a hidden cave. From it emerged a young woman of indescribable beauty.
"I am Mataji, sister of Babaji. I have asked him and Lahiri Mahasaya to come to me tonight to discuss an important matter."
Soon, a floating light approached over the Ganges and, in a flash, materialized into the figure of Lahiri Mahasaya. Then, a spiraling flame descended from the sky and took the form of a radiant young man: Babaji.
The immortal guru revealed his intention to abandon his physical body and merge into the Infinite Current. Mataji, however, intervened:
"If it makes no difference whether you remain visible or invisible, then please never abandon your form."
Babaji then accepted the divine will manifested through Mataji:
"So be it. I will never leave my physical form. It will always remain visible to a small group of people in this world."
Before departing, Babaji addressed Ram Gopal:
"Do not be afraid. You have been blessed to witness this immortal promise."
And thus, Babaji and Lahiri Mahasaya disappeared into the night sky, while Mataji returned to her cave.
Inspired by the encounter, Ram Gopal returned to Lahiri Mahasaya's house, where, without ever leaving his place, the guru had delivered a discourse on immortality.
He then understood one of the great spiritual mysteries: a man united with God can manifest in different places simultaneously. Later, Lahiri Mahasaya explained that Babaji had been chosen by God to remain in his physical body for as long as this world cycle lasts.
Ages will come and go, but the immortal master will always witness the drama of the centuries, remaining present on the earthly stage.
