Darshan of the Dark Lord

By Jeff Claussen

(Jeff, a long-time devotee of Paramhansa Yogananda and a Kriyaban, is graciously sharing his India-trip, Photos, and Diary Notes.)

A trip to Puri would be incomplete without a pilgrimage to the famous Jaganatha Mandir. With great excitement, I set out for the illustrious temple for which the town is named, Jaganatha, Puri. Walking down Grand Road towards the temple, I wondered how many God intoxicated souls had traveled this same path.

This awe inspiring atmosphere cannot help but stir the devotion of your soul, as it has been sung about by poets and seers since ancient times. History traces the construction to 1174, towers over 200 feet, with a staff of 5,000 cooks preparing prasad for Jaganatha, "Lord of the Universe".

Four entrances lead into the courtyard; two lions at the East gate, two elephants at the North gate, two horses at the South gate, and two tigers at the Westgate, which many mystics used to pass through, as the tiger is a tantric symbol - as he roams alone and unafraid at night in the jungle, i.e., the forest of delusion.

As I approached the lions gate to view the inside, I hear, "Not allowed to enter". Non Hindus are not allowed inside and this Western body was a dead give away.

For a couple hundred rupees, one can go to the library across the road and survey the temple compound from the roof, as well as view ancient manuscripts on palm leaves and purchase reproductions.

I challenged my tour guide, "Why is it that only Hindus are allowed to enter this Jaganatha Temple since Krishna states in the Bhagavad-Gita that one should abandoned all varieties of religion and simply surrender to Him. We are not these different coloured bodies, but the soul within."

At the time, I felt this to be a good argument, but it left me feeling dirty inside. I prayed inwardly to Jaganatha, that transcendental smiling face, to give me the proper understanding.

That evening on the beach, I was watching the sunset over the horizon of the sea when I was approached by a sadhu. As our conversation ensued, he asked me what I thought about not being able to enter Jaganatha's Temple.

I told him that Westerners are actually more fortunate than the Hindus, which aroused in him a look of curiosity.

A Krishna lila came to mind: Once upon a time there was a little blue boy from Vrindavan who met the Gopis in the forest of Vraja for His amorous pastimes. The loving exchange between Krishna and the Gopis is unfathomable. Krishna was the heart and soul of these Divine Cowherd Girls, and in the midst of their enjoyment, Krishna disappeared.

The Gopis, lost in the madness of love for Krishna, searched everywhere for Him. They questioned the bumble bees, the trees, and the deer as to the whereabout of Krishna, all the while their love for Shree Hari ever increasing . . . . and that my dear friend is the lila Jaganatha plays with us Westerners, ever increasing our attachment for the Divine Beloved by the act of separation.

My sadhu friend held his grin as I finished. A young merchant approached us selling fresh coconuts. My mind flashed to Guruji and his last little desire to enjoy green coconut juice. I purchased a couple, one for my sadhu friend and one for myself. We offered them to Master and relished the Grace and Mercy bestowed on us by God and Gurus.

Doors Everywhere

By Swami Yogananda

When I was blind

I found not a door

Which led to Thee.

Thou has opened my eyes!

And now

I find doors everywhere;

Thru the hearts of flowers.

Thru the voice of friendship.

Thru sweet remembrance

Of all lovely experiences.