Mahasamadhi

What is Mahasamadhi, and why do we celebrate and remember Swami Rama's Mahasamadhi at the Traditional Yoga Society? Swami Rama cast off his body on November 13, 1996, at 11:08 pm in Rishikesh, India. When a yogi releases his body, it is known as mahasamadhi, consciously throwing off the body or, in more layman's terms, the yogi has vanquished the fear of death and leaves the shores of life on his terms. Intentionally leaving the body can only happen after the yogi has completely understood the true Self. 

Comprehending the meaning of the word mahasamadhi would explain why it is crucial to practice yoga. By practicing yoga, we are striving to leave this plane of existence consciously, which means fearlessly. Analyzing the word mahasamadhi, we see three words maha, sama, and dhi. The first word, maha, can be translated as excellent, or great, sama, translated as equal, unchanged or equanimous, and dhi, which means intelligence or understanding. Putting all three words together would imply the meaning is the most excellent, sublime, equanimous knowledge of the intellect. With this understanding comes the ability to joyfully live because one is no longer riding the highs and lows of the mind. One is fully present and engaged in living.

Furthermore, with this exalted knowledge of the Self comes mastery over death. This understanding allows the yogi to live fully and freely and fulfill the greatest of all services, which is charity. The greatest act of charity is sharing the knowledge one has obtained with all sincere and prepared students. Considering that sharing wisdom and the truth of the scriptures is the greatest act of charity, it is fair to say that Swami Rama was one of the most charitable humans in the last several centuries. His legacy still lives on today with his students and devotees. While he has left his physical form, he continues to guide his students on the most excellent path that is the path to know one's true Self. 

As we move towards our celebration of Swami Rama's mahasamadhi, spend time contemplating what the word mahasamadhi means and how actual knowledge will free you from samsara or the tiresome pattern of death and birth. Swamiji shared his command of yoga with all prepared students to show them that they have the potential to accomplish what he did, and at the time of death, can leave this event known as life without fear.  You have the power to succeed with this monumental task, and you have the most incredible tool, mantras. 

"Mantra is a syllable or word or set of words. When the mantra is remembered consciously, it automatically is stored in the unconscious mind. At the time of parting, the mantra which is stored in the unconscious mind becomes one's guide. This period of separation is painful to the ignorant. This is not the case with a spiritual person who has remembered the mantra faithfully. The mantra serves as a guide through this period of transition. Mantra is a spiritual guide that dispels the fear of death and leads one fearlessly to the other shore of life." - Swami Rama, Sacred Journey.   

To fully honor Swamiji and the tradition, the most important thing we can do is remove the fear of dying from our hearts, allowing us to live joyfully and die gracefully. A yoga student can accomplish this task by doing their practice and always remembering their mantra. With the full knowledge, a sage from the tradition will come and guide us back to the path should we get lost or stuck and lead us across to the next shore after our expiration date is up in this lifetime.

Jai Gurudeva