MEMORIES OF PAST LIVES. REGRESSIONS

They were not able to categorize their memories; they were not intelligent enough to understand what they were seeing or remembering. Many people have a very different notion: that when they remember a past life they will see it like a series; but they have only glimpses – and they fail to recognize them.

But those who are successful – do they see only one past life or several lives?

Guruji: Immediately – one. We experimented for 2-3 days, then the substance was gone. If we had continued to do that – maybe they would have remembered more.

Is it difficult to prepare the substance?

Guruji: There was a tragedy also. One man from Gwalior – he is no more now – was under the impression that he had been a very great saint in his past life and had been doing great tapas. But sadly, when we experimented on him, he turned out to be just a barber. And it broke his heart. It was a very traumatic memory for him.

That was my question about the regression sessions: because everyone remembers he was a king or a great warrior; but nobody remembers he was a sweeper or a beggar?

Guruji: Exactly! But that thing made him remember that he was a simple barber. Usually people’s hidden desires come to the surface. I myself have seen 4 Cleopatras, 3 generals from Alexander’s army and a few kings.

One American came; he was an actor and had even worked with Bruce Lee. Muscular guy, tall, bald. My Guru refused to initiate him, but he came for 4-5 days. He was saying: “I was a general in Alexander’s army – so I’ve taken birth after 2000 years.” I simply told him: “I’m very happy to see my general after 2000 years” (smiling).

Then we asked him to demonstrate some kung-fu – which he did; I got the trick of it. Then we arm-wrestled – and I defeated him both times, in front of Shibendu Lahiri; he witnessed that. You should never pass up the opportunity: even if he had defeated me – well, he was a sparring partner of Bruce Lee – he could do that. But even then I won. He was very fit, maybe 6.3 feet tall, with big arms. He acted in some of Bruce Lee’s movies.

He became interested in Lahiri Mahasaya’s lineage only after reading the Autobiography of a Yogi. In the book which Yogananda’s younger brother wrote – Mejda – my Guru’s photograph is there.

Why did your Guru refuse that man?

Guruji: He simply refused without explanation.