Jyotish and Devi meditating at Babaji’s cave.
We recently went on a pilgrimage to Babaji’s cave. There were forty-five pilgrims on the trip, with most of us seeing this sacred spot for the first time. It was here, in this little secluded cave in the middle of nowhere and of everywhere, that our lineage took birth. From this tiny cave, the science of Kriya Yoga has spread around the globe. It was here that Lahiri Mahasaya received not only Kriya initiation, but also the charge to take it back to the masses of spiritually thirsty souls. Autobiography of a Yogi relates that Babaji told him, “A deep purpose underlay the fact that you did not meet me this time until you were already a married man, with modest business responsibilities. You must put aside your thoughts of joining our secret band in the Himalayas; your life lies in the crowded marts, serving as an example of the ideal yogi-householder.”
This was my first chance to spend time in the Himalayas, though they have long visited my dreams, my meditations, and my paintings. The area around Ranikhet and Drongiri Mountain was the scene of many of the stories from the Mahabharata especially about the Pandava brothers, and there is a spiritual magic to this area. It was here that these great spiritual warriors spent their hidden exile for thirteen years, and later lived for many years before passing from this world. It is little wonder that Babaji/Krishna would choose to live here also hidden from worldly eyes. I feel that somehow, in past lives, I was connected to both this lineage and this area.
Aside from the history and holy vibrations of this area, one also feels that the mountains themselves are alive and conscious. There is a palpable blessing that calms and relaxes the mind as one gazes on them. Day by day, as we stayed here, concerns fell away, deep peace and happiness seeped into our bones, and our meditations soared. As Swamiji’s song, “Channels,” goes, “Mountains, remote and still, hint at higher worlds unseen. So may our lives be: soaring and serene.”
There are special environments, long inhabited by saints of many paths, which are helpful for yogis. The desert is holy because it is cleansed of worldly vibrations. The ocean is spiritually uplifting because of its vastness, and it is a good practice to look at the horizon line where the ocean meets the sky. This helps awaken superconsciousness.
But no environment is so sought out by great masters as the mountains, especially the Himalayas. One of Yogananda’s first deep spiritual experiences was of seeing faces of Himalayan yogis during meditation and then seeing them dissolve into the pure light of God. Master’s Swami Order lineage was the Giri, or mountain, branch, and Swami Kriyananda’s homes were usually in mountainous areas where vast vistas helped expand the consciousness. The hills are where his body will continue to reside, in the Moksha Mandir at Crystal Hermitage in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California.
I know that this is not the last time the Himalayas will see me slowly treading my way toward them, nor, I expect, my last visit to Babaji’s cave. It is a magnet that has captured my heart.
In joy,
Nayaswami Jyotish
13 Comments
Dear Nayaswami Jyotish Ji,
Thank you for the presence there. We were so blessed by yourself & Devi Ji being there to guide us to the holy caves.
It was such a blessing and so blissful to meditate on the foot hills on Himalayas.
Yes, as you had mentioned, its a place that we don’t wish to leave from and would want to visit often.
The sunrise and beauty of the holy himalayas was such a great joy to witness. You cant take your eyes of it :)
Such a blissful trip and our thoughts were only on GOD for those days.
We would like to carry that thought and energy through our life and share it with other souls :)
Aum,
Prem
Thank you so much for your sharing reflecting all of our sentiments about Babaji’s cave. aum, P
I am very lucky that I felt the positive spiritual vibrations at Babaji cave when I got the chance to visit & meditate there in 2007.I will love to visit once again whenever I shall get the chance & Babaji will allow me to reach there. We can not reach there If Babaji is not willing for that.I shall pray to Babaji. Regards Surinder
Thank you Jyotish…
Dear Jyotish, thank you so very much for sharing this wonderful experience with us. In Master, Jerry.
Dear Jyotish, Thank you for sharing your experience at Babaji’s Cave with us. The uplifting vibrations of that sacred site came through. Blessings, Anandi
Thank you for this soul-stirring message! Love, Anandi and Bharat
Dear Nayaswamy Joytish & Devi
I didn’t meditate when we were inside the Maha Avatar Babaji’s Cave because I was absolutely drwan towards the Atmosphere that was engulfed by you Acharyas spreding Divine Love and Joy.I didn’t regret because,Blessed by Babaji & You Beloved Souls, the following Morning
Which I will cherish throughout my Life.
With Gratitude
R Sundararajan
Awesome! I had very similar feelings when my wife Marilyn and I spent 3 days in Rishakesh (sp?) on an Ananda tour last February. I felt totally surrounded by spirituality. I know that I (we) shall return. I feel ‘drawn’ to the place, plus have a feeling that just plain ‘living there’ would be no problem. Who knows what the morrow will bring! Thanks so much for sharing your experience and feelings. I can certainly relate. Aum, Dave Scheer
Thanks so much, Jyotish, for sharing your thoughts and your magnificent experience. I could feel the vibrations of this holy place just by reading your message and it felt heavenly!
Dear Jyotish and Devi,
That is a truly wonderful picture of you and your friends! Enough said.
Thank you so much for sharing this precious experience.
Blessings,
Elizabeth
So beautiful what you wrote dear divine friend Jyotish. I felt such Joy with your sharing such a sacred feeling. I feel I was able to experience a glimpse of your Divine Joy. Thank you, Mariana
Dear jyotish ji
Thank you so much for sharing your experience.I would love to visit this holy place when possible.
Aum.