enlightening presence. I frequently prayed to him in moments of
trial or confusion, finding within me his solacing direction. At
first I grieved because he was no longer physically living. As I
began to discover his secret omnipresence, I lamented no more. He
had often written to those of his disciples who were over-anxious
to see him: "Why come to view my bones and flesh, when I am ever
within range of your KUTASTHA (spiritual sight)?"

I was blessed about the age of eight with a wonderful healing
through the photograph of Lahiri Mahasaya. This experience gave
intensification to my love. While at our family estate in Ichapur,
Bengal, I was stricken with Asiatic cholera. My life was despaired
of; the doctors could do nothing. At my bedside, Mother frantically
motioned me to look at Lahiri Mahasaya's picture on the wall above
my head.

"Bow to him mentally!" She knew I was too feeble even to lift my
hands in salutation. "If you really show your devotion and inwardly
kneel before him, your life will be spared!"

I gazed at his photograph and saw there a blinding light, enveloping
my body and the entire room. My nausea and other uncontrollable
symptoms disappeared; I was well. At once I felt strong enough to
bend over and touch Mother's feet in appreciation of her immeasurable
faith in her guru. Mother pressed her head repeatedly against the
little picture.

"O Omnipresent Master, I thank thee that thy light hath healed my
son!"