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Sri Shivabalayogi
7.
Tapo Leela
by Prof. S. K. Ramachandra Rao
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Sri Shivabalayogi (1968)
Trance is one of the techniques in the tapoleela of Sri Shivabalayogi’s spiritual eminence. As he found that the people could not easily understand the significance of his message he evolved this technique that people may reap through him the spiritual benefits. An occasion presented itself to reveal this phenomenon. Soon after he completed his Yugatapas some inquisitive persons had come there for his darshan. In the course of discussion a point about freedom of life came up. Some of them said that they are free to do anything according to their desire and determination. Then the yogi asked them, “Is this body yours?” One of them pleaded “Yes, what else is it? If my body is not mine whose else is it?” “In that case let me see you moving your body as you like,” said the yogi, and by his spiritual power made them forget themselves; those who sat in front were lost in themselves. When the yogi touched their forehead between the eyebrows they woke up. Their empty pride that their body was under their control vanished from them.
Bhava samadhi at the Bannerghatta Road ashram in Bangalore (top two) and in Adivarapupeta.
The astral bodies of the great Maharishis of yore are eternal, they hover around those who practice yoga. As they hover about, the yogi by the power of his tapas, can infuse them into the bodies of the devotees. On Sunday evenings, congregation bhajans is conducted in the outer precincts of the Sri Shivabalayogi Ashram (Bangalore). The yogi will not bodily participate in this. He will be alone, as usual, inside the mandir; several persons, especially children, may be seen among the congregation getting the trance of many mythological heroes, gods and saints. In this state they are oblivious of the external world and lose control over themselves. They do things which normally they are too afraid of or reluctant to do. These individuals who are in trance, are then taken to the presence of the yogi. By the touch of the yogi, they get released from the trance and regain normality. This is technically known as Punaka Lila (wonders of trance). The bodies of those persons who get into such trance states are purified, and ailments, if any, would disappear. They will be immune to the evil influence of spirits, thereafter.
Thus Sri Shivabalayogi has been conducting congregational trances wherever he visits. From Doddaballapura he returned to Nandi. He left that place on 7th August 1963 and reached Bangalore. In Bangalore, Sri Shivabalayogi Ashram is situated at a distance of three quarters of a mile from the circle near the Bangalore Dairy on the Bannerghatta Road. Sri Kasetti Srinivasalu, proprietor of Seetalakshmi Hall, Bangalore, donated an acre of land for the ashram and got a mandir constructed thereon. Sri Shivabalayogi is living in this mandir and gives darshan at specified hours every day, both morning and evening. People are initiated to meditation on Monday and Thursday at 5 p.m. On Sundays, congregational bhajans is conducted from 6 to 8 in the evening in the ashram precincts. During this period the wonders of trance can be witnessed, as narrated earlier.
Visitors are allowed to have his darshan in the mandir of the Ashram every day at prescribed timings. At other times the door is closed and locked. Visitors who come for darshan have to enter by the front door, stand in his presence, receive his blessings and go out by the rear door. In the spacious hall on the right side, a platform, on which a tiger skin has been spread, has been erected by the side of the wall. On the tiger skin the yogi sits in Veerasana, facing North, silent and serene. Visitors stand in his presence and narrate their problems or express their desires. When the yogi signals, the consecrated Vibhuti is given. The yogi understands minute details of the physical or mental diseases, unfulfilled desires or spiritual longings of those who seek his blessings. Normally the yogi does not speak with the visitors. But he observes every visitor and no one can fail to notice his sympathetic look. He gives a patient hearing to their problems. Visitors return satisfied.
As a result of his Nischala Samadhi from 1st July to 7th of August, 1964 his body has become emaciated. But his face reflects the vigour of youth. Except for the white loin cloth, he is naked all through the year; cold or wind makes no difference. His hair has become matted and falls up to his waist. He is at ease though sitting in Veerasana posture. By incessant practice he has gained mastery in this posture. Absolute peace pervades his demeanour. He has an unearthly but divine smile and a wonderfully serene expression on his face. Now and then a broad smile lights up on it. His laughter is hearty and innocent, like that of a child.
That the mind of a yogi, who sits in the veerasana at ease, is unperturbed, can be made out at the very first sight. When you look at him, you feel his body functions mechanically, that neither excitement nor desire can trouble his heart, that there is complete stillness in his consciousness. It is obvious that he is an embodiment of peace; and it appears as if his physical frame is so constituted as to endure the sufferings of all the world. When you look at him, seated with composure, he gives an impression that he transcends place and time. It appears as if his individuality is lost in the immeasurable ocean of Divinity; everlasting peace, appears to have carved a home for itself in him. A devotee feels as though life has neither a beginning nor an end; as if an endless, transcendental energy is flowing across.
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