Blissfully Hand in Hand With the Master
James Jesse Lynn, or Rajarsi Janakananda (May 5, 1892 – Feb. 20, 1955) was Yogananda’s principal disciple and successor. Today he is honored by Kriya Yogis, and yet his legacy remains far too small relative to his stature. He was a spiritual giant, a saint of the highest order. Yogananda wrote: “There is only one St. Lynn, a true saint alive for God and the Gurus, and Self-Realization.”* (all quotes marked * are from Durga Mata’s book, Trilogy of Divine Love)
Why, then, did he remain relatively obscure? During Yogananda’s life, his presence had to remain behind the scene, for business reasons, as we shall see. After the Guru’s passing, his own life soon came to an end. The result is that he has a disproportionately low profile.
Had he lived a long life, as Yogananda had hoped, the world would have witnessed his ecstatic God-communion, his cosmic wisdom and love, his ability to powerfully expand his Master’s mission with his practical genius, as well as his immense inner power. Sister Gyanamata testifies: “His one thought, during these visits, is to pour out his wonder-power for our sakes.”
Had he lived longer, he would have become a blazing and unforgettable light in the Kriya Yoga tradition, shining side by side with Yogananda. No other disciple would be remembered more. None would be loved, celebrated, and honored more. Rajarsi was Yogananda’s greatest ally: “I had prayed to Divine Mother, send me a divine son, powerful and immaculate like the rays, to be my co-partner in Babaji’s great work.”* That’s how the Master saw him: “You are playing an equal part in this work as I.”*
