"In Loving Memory of Raghabanandaji"

Don Baba with Rajarshi Raghabananda at Banabira Ashram

In loving memory of Kriya Yoga Master Brahmarshi Dr. Raghabananda Nayak.

Many of you are sincere spiritual seekers and want to have a deeper experience of your own "divine self". 

In this divine quest, we seek outside our self, to find a real authentic person, who has the knowledge and experience, to help us have our own inner divine experience. 

Brahmarshi Raghabanandaji was one such authentic person. 

With great humility and gentle kindness, he helped all who sincerely approached him with respect and sincerity.

There are many people proclaiming themselves to be "self-realized", and particularly today in the "spiritual marketplace" and on the internet, there is an abundance of "Kriya Yoga Masters". 

It is very difficult to find an authentic "self-realized" master and difficult to know who to follow.

Baba Hariharananda is a rare example of an authentic "self-realized Kriya Yoga Master", a true "Sat Guru". 

Practicing Kriya Yoga with him, either in person or from the long distance, was so deep, that you felt your molecules rearranged, transforming you into a new more divinely infused person.

He removed all doubt from his disciple’s mind, "that what seemed impossible, was possible", to be "self-realized".

Raghabanandaji was the most experienced disciple of Baba Hariharananda and witnessed Baba Hariharananda in "Nirvikalpa Samadhi" 100's of time and acquired a deep understanding of the Kriya Yoga techniques practiced by Baba. 

On the day of his Kriya Yoga initiation by Baba Hariharananda in 1965 at Karar Ashram, Puri, India he became absorbed in "Samadhi".

Rajarshi Raghabananda and Don Baba at Banabira Ashram, Odisha, India

In December 2011, I travelled to Brahmarshi Raghabanandaji 's home in Sambalpur, Odisha, India … First a 14-hour international flight, followed by a 2-hour domestic flight and the following day a 12 overnight train ride to reach his residence. 

A day or two before departing from USA, I was told his health was not good and he was refusing to go to the doctor until I had arrived and he had a chance to review my practice of "5th and 6th Kriya".

I was joyed by his concern and regard for my spiritual sadhana, but more concerned that he takes care of his immediate health needs .

Fortunately, he was feeling better by the time I had arrived and we had a few days to meditate together in private and with the Kriyabans, who came for Christmas and New Year’s blessings from him.

Kriya Yoga Master Rajarshi Raghabananda

On New Year's Day 2012, he guided me in "6th Kriya" meditation. 

I experienced myself as a "single atom point" bursting with radiant energy. 

With 100% concentration and love, I tried to go as deep as I could into it, and allow what was being revealed sitting in front of him, to unfold. 

It was unbelievably marvelous and persistent, so much light, dazzling. 

When after a while I opened my eyes and glanced at my watch, I saw that I had been absorbed in that experience for 45 minutes.

He told me he was happy with my meditation and that "now that he knew that a Kriya yogi of such depth was in the west, there was no need for him to come to USA".

I was honored to hear his compliment, but unhappy to hear him say these words. 

Now I knew it was unlikely he would come to USA.

Rajarshi Raghabananda with Kriyabans at Banabira Ashram, Odisha, India

I am sharing this very personal and private experience, to give others an understanding of the spiritual depth of Brahmarshi Raghabanandaji. 

His ability to teach Kriya Yoga and inwardly guide a seeker was humbly subtle and exceptional.

Like Gurudev Baba Hariharananda he was always conscious of the Fontanel and aware of God in every breath. 

Like my experience with Gurudev Baba Hariharananda, I could perceive his presence from the long distance, particularly when I sat for Kriya Yoga meditation.

His humbleness, compassion and love touched all who had the good fortune to meet him.

He truly embodied the highest divine qualities and his life as a Kriya yogi, sincerely represented the lineage and ideals of the Kriya Yoga of Mahavatar Babaji, Lahiri Mahasaya, Swami Sri Yukteswar, Paramhansa Yogananda and Paramahamsa Hariharananda.

"Good company will make you good"

With deepest love I bow God, Gurudev Baba Hariharananda and the lineage of Kriya Yoga masters that they guide all of us on our journey to our divine home. 

I give thanks to Baba Hariharananda for his grace and blessings. 

I am deeply thankful that by the grace of Baba Hariharananda, that I had the good fortune to have had the opportunity to get the guidance and blessings of Raghabanandaji.

I pray that all Kriyabans of Banabira Kriya Yoga Ashram and the world continue to practice Kriya Yoga daily, sincerely, with love...

I sincerely pray that all the Kriyabans of the world will be inspired by the divine examples of Paramahamsa Hariharananda and Brahmarshi Raghabananda to practice Kriya Yoga deeply and get the real authentic divine inner realization.

with divine love and regard for you all,

don baba

November 2016, nyc, USA (letter to Banabira Ashram Kriyabans)