Why should I wear a yoga bangle, guru?
That is the question posed by a more than skeptical Mukunda (nickname of Paramahansa Yogananda) to his master, Swami Yukteswar, at his residence in Serampore when recommending that he wear a yoga bangle*.
Sanctuary of Yukteswar in Puri (India)
The young Yogananda was attending his high school studies at Serampore College, University of Calcutta, which allowed him to visit the master's ashram during the summer; Chapter 16 takes place during one of those summers.
(In the background are Yogananda and standing, Yukteswar at the Serampore ashram)
I transcribe the response of Swami Yukteswar from the 1946 version of "Autobiography of a Yogi", available on their website:
“Then, dear Master, why do you want me to wear a yoga bangle?” I ventured this question after a long silence, during which I tried to absorb Sri Yukteswar's noble exposition.
“Only when the traveler has reached his destination is he justified in discarding the maps. During the journey, he will take advantage of any possible shortcut. The ancient rishis discovered many ways to shorten man's period of exile in illusion. There are certain mechanical features in the law of karma that can be skillfully adjusted by the fingers of wisdom.
“All human ills arise from some transgression of universal law. The scriptures point out that man must satisfy the laws of nature, without discrediting divine omnipotence. He should say: ‘Lord, I trust in Thee and know Thou canst help me, but I too will do my best to undo any wrong I have done.’ By various means: by prayer, by will power, by yogic meditation, by consultation with saints, by the use of yoga bangles - the adverse effects of past errors can be minimized or nullified.
“Just as a house can be equipped with a copper rod to absorb the impact of lightning, so too the body can benefit from various protective measures. Centuries ago our yogis discovered that pure metals emit an astral light that is powerfully counteractive to the negative pulses of the planets. Subtle electric and magnetic radiations are constantly circulating in the universe; when a man's body is helped by them, he does not know it; when it is disintegrating, he is still in ignorance. Can he do anything about it?
“This problem received the attention of the rishis; they found not only the combination of metals useful but also of plants and –most effective of all- gems of no less than two carats. The preventive use of astrology has rarely been taken seriously outside India. A little-known fact is that the jewels, metals or plant preparations themselves have no value unless the required weight is ensured and they are worn in contact with the skin.
“Lord, of course, I will take your advice and get a bangle. I am intrigued by the thought of outwitting a planet!”
And it was that Sri Yukteswar was known for his extensive knowledge of Vedanta astrology. In his text, he referred to the astrological bangle of gold, silver, and copper, which, due to its high gold content, is expensive (also available on our website); but we recommend that you start with another of our yoga bangles to see how it feels and begin to notice its effects.
Paramahansa Yogananda never missed an opportunity to recommend them for their positive effects on the chakras, specifically on anahata and ajna, as later in a letter to his disciple Janakananda, informing him about the benefits of wearing a yoga bracelet, and later in his Lessons, indicating its action on the granthis in anahata and ajna chakra.
On the next page, we explain how to choose the ideal yoga bangle for you.
I hope this has been interesting for you; I will be happy to resolve your inquiry either through the website or by phone.
*Refers to the yoga bangle as an astrological bangle, due to its properties.
**While studying at Scottish Church College in Calcutta, he visited Swami Yukteswar at the hermitage in Puri (about 311 miles south of Calcutta).