Shivabalayogi said again and again that he has a soul connection with each devotee — that guru and devotee incarnate together, lifetime after lifetime, on different planets and in different circumstances. These are illustrated accounts of twenty-four of the many devotees who shared in the life of the Yogi of Yogis.
Shivabalayogi said again and again that he has a soul connection with each devotee. He explained that his devotees incarnate with him lifetime after lifetime on different planets and in different circumstances. Guru and devotee are connected by a soul bond, like a close family.
“That is the relationship between guru and disciple. It is called atma [soul] relationship. Just like you or your husband or your children, you all are children to Swamiji. You have to be a part of the family always.”
“My most significant memory of Swamiji is how he made each devotee feel as though he or she was the only devotee.”— a devotee, Soul Connections
In Swamiji’s own words — how he recognised the bond, why there are so many, and how a soul connection lets karma be shared.
When Shivabalayogi was conducting public meditation and bhajan programs in the West, organizers would distribute and post flyers with a photo of Swamiji and a short description of his mission. Many people came simply because of the photo — a recognition of something in the image drew them, something Swamiji described as a soul connection.
A devotee asked whether he had any past life connections with Swamiji. His answer was typical: “Meditate, and the answer will come.” He added, “No one comes for Swamiji’s darshan whom he does not know, who is not a devotee from a prior life.” Asked how his prior lives could include both Ramakrishna and Lahiri Mahasaya, who lived at the same time, Swamiji chuckled and said in English, “One atma, many bodies. No problem.”
Swamiji was asked if a person can share another’s karma. He responded, “No, since there is no atmic [soul] relationship” — implying that where there is a soul connection, karma can be shared. At a very deep level, behind the thoughts that define who we are, one will find Shivabalayogi within, or the ancient sages, or Buddha, Jesus, and other divine incarnations. We are all connected, various expressions of the Cosmic Soul.
Twenty-four accounts, with their archival photographs. Choose a name to read the full account; use the search to find a devotee, place or phrase.
These accounts are one part of the wider story on this site.