"Lahiri Mahasaya was the greatest yogi I ever knew. He was Divinity
Itself in the form of flesh."

If a disciple, I reflected, could materialize an extra fleshly form
at will, what miracles indeed could be barred to his master?

"I will tell you how priceless is a guru's help. I used to meditate
with another disciple for eight hours every night. We had to work at
the railroad office during the day. Finding difficulty in carrying
on my clerical duties, I desired to devote my whole time to God.
For eight years I persevered, meditating half the night. I had
wonderful results; tremendous spiritual perceptions illumined my
mind. But a little veil always remained between me and the Infinite.
Even with super-human earnestness, I found the final irrevocable
union to be denied me. One evening I paid a visit to Lahiri Mahasaya
and pleaded for his divine intercession. My importunities continued
during the entire night.

"'Angelic Guru, my spiritual anguish is such that I can no longer
bear my life without meeting the Great Beloved face to face!'

"'What can I do? You must meditate more profoundly.'

"'I am appealing to Thee, O God my Master! I see Thee materialized
before me in a physical body; bless me that I may perceive Thee in
Thine infinite form!'

"Lahiri Mahasaya extended his hand in a benign gesture. 'You may
go now and meditate. I have interceded for you with Brahma.' {FN3-3}