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Sri Yukteswar: The Silent Sage Who Shaped the West’s Spiritual Awakening
“Forget the past, for it is gone from your domain! Forget the future, for it is beyond your reach! Control the present! Live supremely well now!” — Sri Yukteswar
In the rich tapestry of Indian spirituality, few figures have remained as influential, yet enigmatic, as Swami Sri Yukteswar. While his name may not be as widely recognized in the West as his illustrious disciple Paramahansa Yogananda, Yukteswar’s teachings and insights into the nature of consciousness, time, and spiritual evolution have left an indelible mark on global spiritual discourse.
Sri Yukteswar was not a mystic who sought fame or followers. Instead, he was a beacon for those few souls genuinely seeking the truth, offering guidance with rigorous discipline, profound wisdom, and a quiet, commanding presence. His legacy, while subtle, has impacted the spiritual awakening in the West, particularly through his mentorship of Yogananda and his pioneering work on the yugas, the ancient Indian cyclical concept of time.
The Early Years: A Soul’s Preparation
Born Priya Nath Karar on May 10, 1855, in Serampore, India, Yukteswar grew up in an affluent family. Despite his comfortable upbringing, he showed an early inclination toward spirituality and philosophy. His…
