LM

 

Lahiri Mahasaya

Lahiri Mahasaya (1828–1895) was a renowned Indian yogi and spiritual teacher who revived and spread Kriya Yoga in the modern era.

• Born as Shyama Charan Lahiri in Ghurni
• Worked as a government accountant in Varanasi
• Initiated into Kriya Yoga by the legendary yogi Mahavatar Babaji
• Guru of Sri Yukteswar Giri, who later taught Paramahansa Yogananda

Through Yogananda’s book, Autobiography of a Yogi, Lahiri Mahasaya became widely known around the world.

His Significance

• Taught that spiritual realization is possible while living a normal family life.
• Emphasized direct inner experience through meditation.
• Did not require monastic renunciation to attain high spiritual states.

Regarding “Banat, Banat, Ban Jai”:

This phrase (often written “Banat Banat Ban Jai”) means:

“By doing, doing, it gets done.”

or

“Practice steadily, and success will come.”

It reflects Lahiri Mahasaya’s practical spiritual philosophy — steady, sincere practice leads to realization.

If you’d like, I can also share some of his teachings or explain Kriya Yoga in simple terms.