November 8, 2013 on 11:20 am
Dear Spiritual Explorer: I must admit that I have been a bit intimidated about reading Sri Yukteshwar’s book Holy Science, fearful that it might be a little above my intellect. Raul P., Walnut Creek, CA
The Holy Science
Dear Raul: While Holy Science might have in it some mathematical assertions and computations that leave our minds in the dust, it is a book worth reading. Remarkably, it was written in 1894 where Sri Yukteshwar states that its purpose was to show as clearly as possible that there was an essential unity in all regions; that there was no difference in the truths inculcated by the various faiths. Sri Yukteshwar then continues by saying, and thus arises then his revolutionary thinking, that there is but one method by which the world, both eternal and internal, has evolved, and that there is but one goal admitted by all the scriptures.
So those last few lines introduced a radical and intellectual point of view from a man known to be a guru in the traditional sense. For instance, Sri Yukteswar broke from Hindu tradition by stating the earth was not in the age of Kali Yuga, a tumultuous time thought to precede an age of enlightenment, but had actually advanced to Dwapara Yuga.
Sri Yukteshwar’s proof was based on a new perspective of the procession of the equinoxes. Research into his theory actually produced a documentary on the topic titled The Great Year narrated by the famed James Earl Jones.
Some intellects have said that Sri Yukteshwar’s theory offered a better estimate of the age of Rama and Krishna and other important historical Indian figures from other estimates stating that these figures had lived millions of years ago, rather than more recently.
My own remembered story from Yogananda’s Autobiography of a Yogi was his initial encounter with Sri Yukteswar. Yogananda from an early age,being very advanced himself in spiritual life, keened mightily for a guru. One day as Yogananda was walking, he spotted Sri Yukteswar at the end of a back lane. The account of Yogananda recognizing Sri Yukteshwar as his guru and then running to him with the attendant joy upon finally meeting his guru, is a story that has long stayed with me.
Those of us who have loved and read many times Yogananda’s Autobiography of a Yogi might well want to tackle this book of his guru Sri Yukteswar.
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