Hagiography of a Yogi 167
The reference to powers is somewhat unexpected, given the tenor of Yogananda’s
descriptions of his spiritual search. The narrative never goes so far as to refer-
ence Yogananda’s own desire for powers, though it is pointedly full of marvelous
accounts of powers displayed by others, including Sri Yukteswar. Sri Yukteswar’s
response here is a possible hint that suggests Yogananda’s dissatisfaction with his
inability to manifest powers comparable to those of his guru, despite his success
in achieving states of ecstatic meditation.
As for Yogananda’s move westward, we are led to believe that Sri Yukteswar
foresaw and blessed the decision as being in accordance with Yoganada’s des-
tiny. Indeed, Yogananda attributes the seeds of this idea to his guru’s prescient
hints rather than to any ambition of his own. Critics might say that in America
Yogananda lost his way. Evidence of scandal is tantalizing and at times compel-
ling but ultimately circumstantial. We learn little of his time on American soil if
the Autobiography is taken as exclusive source material. Accounts appearing in
East- West are more illuminating, though we can only guess as to the real reasons
why Yogananda chose to largely exclude the details of a full three decades of his
life from the final narrative of his journey. Yogananda’s version of his brief return
to India also belies external accounts of conflict. However, even in Yogananda’s
words, his homecoming to India is at best bittersweet.
Interestingly, Yogananda chooses not to describe the reunion with his guru
through his own eyes and prose but excerpts instead from the travel diary kept by
his disciple and ad hoc secretary on the trip, Richard Wright. Wright’s account
gives no hint of any trouble but catalogues a warm and heartfelt reception by
both parties:
No words passed in the beginning, but the most intense feeling was
expressed in the mute phrases of the soul. How their eyes sparkled and
were fired with the warmth of renewed soul- union! A tender vibration
surged through the quiet patio, and even the sun eluded the clouds to add
a sudden blaze of glory.^31In Yogananda’s account of his final days with Sri Yukteswar, the longing once
again becomes palpable. However, it is no longer a longing for power or greater
enlightenment, but rather a very human desire for approval from his teacher.
Upon Yogananda’s return, there are no further accounts of spiritual lessons
from his guru. Instead, Yogananda chooses to recount the morning on which he
approached Sri Yukteswar with the following query:
Guruji, I came to you as a high- school youth; now I am a grown man,
even with a gray hair or two. Though you have showered me with silent