The Levitating Saint
States of perpetual divine joy
Continuous God-Contact
Yogananda witnesses Bhaduri Mahasaya, an advanced yogi who could levitate—literally rising from the ground during deep meditation. More remarkable than this physical phenomenon was the saint's state of being: he lived in perpetual spiritual ecstasy, experiencing continuous divine communion regardless of external circumstances.
Despite these extraordinary attainments, Bhaduri Mahasaya lived with utmost simplicity. He sought no followers, desired no fame, and gave his teachings freely to sincere seekers. His joy came not from recognition or achievement but from unbroken connection with the Divine.
The saint explained that states of spiritual ecstasy, while initially intermittent, could become continuous through sustained practice. What ordinary people experience as fleeting glimpses of peace or joy, the advanced yogi experiences as permanent reality. The bliss is not dependent on circumstances but arises from within.
What This Chapter Reveals
Advanced states of consciousness are real and attainable. Levitation and sustained ecstasy are not myths but actualities achieved by practitioners of deep meditation. The possibilities of human development extend far beyond ordinary experience.
True attainment brings simplicity, not pride. Bhaduri Mahasaya's humility demonstrated that genuine spiritual advancement leads to ego reduction, not inflation. Those who display their powers for recognition have not yet achieved the highest states.
Lasting happiness is not circumstance-dependent. The saint's continuous joy came from internal sources—unbroken God-contact—rather than from favorable external conditions. This points toward a possibility beyond ordinary emotional fluctuation.
Applying This Today
Lasting happiness does not depend on external circumstances but on internal state. While you may not achieve continuous levitation, you can aspire to the underlying attainment: increasingly stable inner peace regardless of outer conditions.
Notice how much of your emotional state fluctuates based on circumstances. Good news brings happiness; bad news brings distress. The spiritual path aims for a stability beneath these fluctuations—a peace that circumstances can disturb but not destroy.
Begin investigating the possibility of more stable inner joy. Even brief tastes of unconditional peace point toward what sustained practice might develop.
Life Concepts from This Chapter
Defying Expectations Creates New Reference Points
When we witness something that exceeds our mental model, our framework must expand. These reference points—whether personally witnessed or credibly reported—update our internal sense of what's possible.
Everyday Application
Actively seek exposure to people who have done what you consider difficult or impossible. Proximity to expanded possibility updates your internal map of what's achievable.
Modern Example
A first-generation college student from a low-income background meets successful professionals who came from similar backgrounds. This contact provides reference points that make her own success imaginable in a way abstract inspiration cannot.
Thinking our sense of what's possible is based on rational assessment.
"I have a realistic view of what I can achieve."
"My sense of what's possible is shaped by my reference points; expanding exposure expands possibility."
Whose existence serves as a reference point that your goals are achievable?
Suspended Judgment as a Skill
The ability to hold extraordinary claims without immediately accepting or rejecting them is a cognitive skill. This 'suspended judgment' allows investigation to proceed without premature closure.
Everyday Application
When encountering claims that challenge your worldview, practice saying 'I don't know yet' rather than immediately sorting into 'believe' or 'disbelieve.'
Modern Example
A doctor hears about a treatment approach outside his training. Rather than immediately dismissing or endorsing it, he investigates—talking to colleagues who use it, reviewing available evidence, and observing outcomes. His suspended judgment allows him to eventually reach a more informed conclusion.
Thinking quick judgment is a sign of intelligence.
"I need to decide immediately what I think about everything."
"The ability to suspend judgment is a skill that allows for better-informed conclusions."
What are you currently holding in suspended judgment, and what would help you reach a more informed view?
The Map Is Not the Territory
Our mental models of reality are representations, not reality itself. What we consider 'impossible' reflects the limits of our map, not necessarily the limits of the territory.
Everyday Application
When certain you know the limits of what's possible, remember that this certainty reflects your current model, which may be incomplete.
Modern Example
Experts declared that computers could never beat humans at Go due to the game's complexity. When AlphaGo did so, it revealed limits in the experts' model, not limits in what was possible.
Confusing our understanding of reality with reality itself.
"I know what's possible and what isn't."
"My sense of what's possible reflects my current model, which is necessarily incomplete."
What have you been certain was impossible that might actually just be outside your current model?
Practice Exercise
Observe your happiness. For one day, practice observing your happiness without trying to manipulate circumstances to feel better. Simply notice: When am I content? When am I not? What triggers each state?
At day's end, reflect on how much your peace depended on external factors—good news, pleasant interactions, comfortable conditions—versus internal stability. What would it mean to be less emotionally dependent on circumstances?
Go Deeper
"How circumstance-dependent is my happiness? What would it feel like to have a stable inner peace that external events could not easily disturb?"
Key Points
Advanced States Are Real
Continuous divine connection is achievable
Humility Marks Attainment
True advancement reduces ego, not inflates it
Inner-Sourced Joy
Lasting happiness comes from within, not circumstances
Complete This Chapter
Test your understanding with a quick quiz, or mark as reflected if you've journaled on this chapter.