The day I met Yogananda

As Yogananda taught us, we need to share these experiences, whether you call them coincidences, manifestations, or miracles; it is up to you how you interpret them. Let me tell you what happened.

A few days ago, I was in a small town in the south of Italy, not a very touristic place, especially at the end of October. My family and I love nature and the sea. Finally on holiday, I found the time to meditate more than usual. So I sat by the shore while the kids went for a swim. I meditated, and then, as I opened my eyes, I wrote the following words in the sand: Babaji - Jesus

After about thirty seconds, or certainly less than a minute, I was approached by a man who asked me, “Com’è l’acqua? Fredda?” (How’s the water, cold?). I said, “Strangely enough for this time of year, it’s quite warm, and my kids are having great fun.”

I then asked him, “You have an accent, where are you from?” and he replied, “Genova.” I said, “What brings someone from Genova all the way here?” “A workshop about Yogananda.” I was in awe. Only moments before, I had written his name in the sand.

He told me, “It’s just here, a one-minute walk from where you’re sitting.” He kindly waited until the children were dry and dressed, and then he walked with me to the place.

I took a picture; I had to remember. My fear is that my faith weakens, yet I aim instead to remain awake in that higher consciousness that Yogananda spoke of, the awareness of the Divine within and around us, the state that meditation makes real.

I was welcomed like family. I remember the loving light in their eyes. One of them told me straight away, “You know it is not a coincidence.” I replied immediately, “Sì, lo so, yes, I know.” I almost had the feeling that I was expected. I can’t describe it. I asked what had brought Yogananda’s teachings here, to this small town. They told me, “We are everywhere,” and they invited me into their homes, giving me many leaflets.

They said they were gathered that day because some monks had come from California, from the Self-Realization Fellowship, the organisation founded by Yogananda himself. It was in California, overlooking the Pacific Ocean, that Yogananda established his hermitage in Encinitas, a place where he meditated deeply and wrote many of his books.

The following day we were invited to join a one-hour Kriya meditation. I was exhausted that day, but I went, remembering that Yogananda often said effort is essential on the spiritual path, especially in meditation. One of the monks told us, “Every time you see the ocean, Yogananda is there.”

I realised that I had been looking at the sea and meditating just before writing Babaji-Jesus in the sand.

There is another strange thing I can’t explain. During the meditation, it became clear to me that I have to return to that place in April. I don’t know the reason yet, but I have already bought the tickets.

I hope this story reaches whoever needs to hear it. I only know that I had to share it.