Cauliflower Wisdom: Selections from “Autobiography of a Yogi” by Paramahansa Yogananda (vegetarian), Part 1 of 2

Today, we are pleased to present selections from the amazing memoir of Paramahansa Yogananda, in which He details a personal experience He had with His Master.

“‘Halt!’ My guru’s eyes sought mine. ‘Did you remember to lock the back door of the hermitage?’ ‘I think so, sir.’ Sri Yukteswar was silent for a few minutes, a half-suppressed smile on his lips. ‘No, you forgot,’ He said finally. ‘Divine contemplation must not be made an excuse for material carelessness. You have neglected your duty in safeguarding the ashram; you must be punished.’” “A certain man will arrive there presently; he will be the means of your chastisement.’ I concealed my vexation at these incomprehensible remarks.”

“‘That poor crazy man has been longing for a cauliflower,’ He explained between outbursts of mirth. ‘I thought it would be a good idea if he got one of yours, so ill-guarded!’ I dashed to my room, where I found that the thief, evidently one with a vegetable fixation, had left untouched my gold rings, watch, and money, all lying openly on the blanket. He had crawled instead under the bed where, completely hidden from casual sight, one of my cauliflowers had aroused his singlehearted desire. I asked Sri Yukteswar that evening to explain the incident which had, I thought, a few baffling features. My guru shook His head slowly. ‘You will understand it someday. Science will soon discover a few of these hidden laws.’”