The Muffin Man Strikes Again!

More than fifteen years ago, I was riding the bus home from a weekend work shift. Intrigued by the New Age concepts I had recently begun reading about, I decided to make productive use of my time on the bus by stating and manifesting an intention. Since I was a bit hungry and would be getting off the bus in the parking lot of Rainbow Foods, I conjured up the thought of manifesting a blueberry oat-bran muffin, a favorite treat at Rainbow.

I didn’t have a penny on me so I closed my eyes and visualized me finding forty-two cents. I did so with unshakable faith that my attempt at manifesting a tasty muffin would be successful. Trust is key because doubting the process essentially sabotages it. I opened my eyes and thought, Okay, let’s get started. The first thing I can do is look for money on the bus. I looked under the seat and there, in all their glory, were a dime and two pennies. Huzzah! Twelve cents in hand, thirty cents to go.

When we pulled into the Rainbow Foods parking lot, I hopped out, looked around, and zeroed in on the pop machine right outside the front entrance. I walked over, stuck my fingers in the coin return drawer and, miracles of miracles, pulled out two dimes and two nickels.

Incredible. I now had exactly forty-two cents. I strode happily into the store, selected a sumptuous muffin and got in line to check out. When my order was rung up, the cashier said, “Forty-seven cents.” Startled, I protested that the muffins had always been forty-two cents, which was all I had on me. She told me that the price had gone up recently.

I wasn’t sure what to do. I was out of options and starting to feel very uncomfortable standing there, muffin in hand and a nickel short of paradise. Then the person behind me smiled and handed me a nickel. Joy was mine again! I handed over my forty-seven cents and headed for home, munching my miracle muffin and contemplating the mysteries of the universe.

In the years since, I’ve often asked myself why I haven’t tried this manifesting technique more often. It obviously works so it didn’t make sense to me that I wasn’t manifesting muffins and other such blessings left and right.

That thought occurred to me the other day during a vacation in Spooner, Wisconsin, as I walked from the grocery store to my car, thinking of how good the Subway veggie sandwich I was planning to get would taste. I knew it would cost $5.28 and that I had a $5 bill and change on me. I decided to recreate my muffin magic and so stated the intention that I would manifest a quarter, which I knew would give me more than enough cash. Otherwise, I’d have to use my debit card, which I try to avoid doing for such small purchases.

I kept my eyes peeled in the parking lot but saw no coins. I got in the car and saw that I had twenty-two cents, only six cents short. Finding a nickel and a penny should be no problem, I thought. I drove over to Subway and looked in the lot there but came up empty again. Standing in line in the store, I felt nothing but positive, wondering how I would manifest the change I needed. Since I had to wait a few minutes, I casually sauntered around the store, looking under the booths and counter while trying not to look too conspicuous. Sure enough, there was a penny under the main counter. Woo hoo! Penny down, nickel to go!

As I was looking around, Carol, the employee I had struck up a conversation with on my recent visits there, said, “Can I help you, sir?” Oops. Busted. Sheepishly, I got back in line. While she was making sandwiches, I explained that I had been looking for a nickel because I was five cents short and didn’t want to use my debit card. She said nothing. Oh well, I thought, it was fun to try the experiment again.

When the sandwiches were made, she rang up the guy in front of me. His total was $4.75. He gave her a $5 bill, said thanks, and walked away. I smiled. I didn’t remember seeing anyone tip at Subway but I thought it was nice of him.

I was next. I laid my debit card on the counter. Without changing her expression or saying a word, Carol finished processing the previous customer’s order, reached over and put a quarter on the counter in front of me. I was shocked, and touched by her kindness. Grinning, I thanked her, pulled my debit card back, dug out my five dollars and change and paid in cash!

I felt like skipping to my table with my sandwich. That’s twice I tried manifesting enough change to buy something to eat. Both times I found myself at the cash register a nickel short. Both times I was rescued by a generous soul who I didn’t realize was even paying attention to my plight. I had intended to manifest forty-two cents for my muffin and that’s exactly how much I found. I had originally intended to manifest a quarter for my sub, and lo and behold, that’s what I was handed at the precise moment I needed it. No doubt about it, I’ve gotta do this manifesting stuff more often!

POSTSCRIPT: A few days after my sub story, I stopped in at Subway one more time at the tail end of my eleven-day Wisconsin cabin retreat. Carol was behind the counter again but there wasn’t another soul in sight. As I stood at the counter, I glanced over at the booth closest to me and started to laugh. There on the table in plain sight was . . . a nickel and a penny! Turns out I had not only manifested my initial intent of a quarter, but also my revised intent of six cents! An utterly fitting coda to a fun story!

Writing this post made me think of a chapter in Paramahansa Yogananda’s classic, Autobiography of a Yogi. His faith and trust in God was so fervent that he accepted a challenge from his skeptical brother to manifest everything that he and a friend needed to travel to a nearby town and have all their needs taken care of for the day. I love this story! I hope someday that my faith becomes strong enough to move beyond muffins and, with Yogananda as my guide, to tap into the limitless abundance that awaits us all.

Here is Yogananda’s wonderful story:

TWO PENNILESS BOYS IN BRINDABAN

“It would serve you right if Father disinherited you, Mukunda! How foolishly you are throwing away your life!” An elder-brother sermon was assaulting my ears.

Jitendra and I, fresh from the train (a figure of speech merely; we were covered with dust), had just arrived at the home of Ananta, recently transferred from Calcutta to the ancient city of Agra. Brother was a supervising accountant for the Bengal-Nagpur Railway.

“You well know, Ananta, I seek my inheritance from the Heavenly Father.”

“Money first; God can come later! Who knows? Life may be too long.”

“God first; money is His slave! Who can tell? Life may be too short.”

My retort was summoned by the exigencies of the moment, and held no presentiment. Yet the leaves of time unfolded to early finality for Ananta; a few years later he entered the land where bank notes avail neither first nor last.

“Wisdom from the hermitage, I suppose! But I see you have left Benares.” Ananta’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction; he yet hoped to secure my pinions in the family nest.

“My sojourn in Benares was not in vain! I found there everything my heart had been longing for! You may be sure it was not your pundit or his son!”

Ananta joined me in reminiscent laughter; he had had to admit that the Benares “clairvoyant” he selected was a shortsighted one.

“What are your plans, my wandering brother?”

“Jitendra persuaded me to Agra. We shall view the beauties of the Taj Mahal here,” I explained. “Then we are going to my newly-found guru, who has a hermitage in Serampore.”

Ananta hospitably arranged for our comfort. Several times during the evening I noticed his eyes fixed on me reflectively.

“I know that look!” I thought. “A plot is brewing!”

The denouement took place during our early breakfast.

“So you feel quite independent of Father’s wealth.” Ananta’s gaze was innocent as he resumed the barbs of yesterday’s conversation.

“I am conscious of my dependence on God.”

“Words are cheap! Life has shielded you thus far! What a plight if you were forced to look to the Invisible Hand for your food and shelter! You would soon be begging on the streets!”

“Never! I would not put faith in passers-by rather than God! He can devise for His devotee a thousand resources besides the begging-bowl!”

“More rhetoric! Suppose I suggest that your vaunted philosophy be put to a test in this tangible world?”

“I would agree! Do you confine God to a speculative world?”

“We shall see; today you shall have opportunity either to enlarge or to confirm my own views!” Ananta paused for a dramatic moment; then spoke slowly and seriously.

“I propose that I send you and your fellow disciple Jitendra this morning to the near-by city of Brindaban. You must not take a single rupee; you must not beg, either for food or money; you must not reveal your predicament to anyone; you must not go without your meals; and you must not be stranded in Brindaban. If you return to my bungalow here before twelve o’clock tonight, without having broken any rule of the test, I shall be the most astonished man in Agra!”

“I accept the challenge.” No hesitation was in my words or in my heart. Grateful memories flashed of the Instant Beneficence: my healing of deadly cholera through appeal to Lahiri Mahasaya’s picture; the playful gift of the two kites on the Lahore roof with Uma; the opportune amulet amidst my discouragement; the decisive message through the unknown Benares sadhu outside the compound of the pundit’s home; the vision of Divine Mother and Her majestic words of love; Her swift heed through Master Mahasaya to my trifling embarrassments; the last-minute guidance which materialized my high school diploma; and the ultimate boon, my living Master from the mist of lifelong dreams. Never could I admit my “philosophy” unequal to any tussle on the world’s harsh proving ground!

“Your willingness does you credit. I’ll escort you to the train at once.” Ananta turned to the openmouthed Jitendra. “You must go along as a witness and, very likely, a fellow victim!”

A half hour later Jitendra and I were in possession of one-way tickets for our impromptu trip. We submitted, in a secluded corner of the station, to a search of our persons. Ananta was quickly satisfied that we were carrying no hidden hoard; our simple dhotis concealed nothing more than was necessary.

As faith invaded the serious realms of finance, my friend spoke protestingly. “Ananta, give me one or two rupees as a safeguard. Then I can telegraph you in case of misfortune.”

“Jitendra!” My ejaculation was sharply reproachful. “I will not proceed with the test if you take any money as final security.”

“There is something reassuring about the clink of coins.” Jitendra said no more as I regarded him sternly.

“Mukunda, I am not heartless.” A hint of humility had crept into Ananta’s voice. It may be that his conscience was smiting him; perhaps for sending two insolvent boys to a strange city; perhaps for his own religious skepticism. “If by any chance or grace you pass successfully through the Brindaban ordeal, I shall ask you to initiate me as your disciple.”

This promise had a certain irregularity, in keeping with the unconventional occasion. The eldest brother in an Indian family seldom bows before his juniors; he receives respect and obedience second only to a father. But no time remained for my comment; our train was at point of departure.

Jitendra maintained a lugubrious silence as our train covered the miles. Finally he bestirred himself; leaning over, he pinched me painfully at an awkward spot.

“I see no sign that God is going to supply our next meal!”

“Be quiet, doubting Thomas; the Lord is working with us.”

“Can you also arrange that He hurry? Already I am famished merely at the prospect before us. I left Benares to view the Taj’s mausoleum, not to enter my own!”

“Cheer up, Jitendra! Are we not to have our first glimpse of the sacred wonders of Brindaban? I am in deep joy at thought of treading the ground hallowed by feet of Lord Krishna.”

The door of our compartment opened; two men seated themselves. The next train stop would be the last.

“Young lads, do you have friends in Brindaban?” The stranger opposite me was taking a surprising interest.

“None of your business!” Rudely I averted my gaze.

“You are probably flying away from your families under the enchantment of the Stealer of Hearts I am of devotional temperament myself. I will make it my positive duty to see that you receive food, and shelter from this overpowering heat.”

“No, sir, let us alone. You are very kind; but you are mistaken in judging us to be truants from home.”

No further conversation ensued; the train came to a halt. As Jitendra and I descended to the platform, our chance companions linked arms with us and summoned a horse cab.

We alit before a stately hermitage, set amidst the evergreen trees of well-kept grounds. Our benefactors were evidently known here; a smiling lad led us without comment to a parlor. We were soon joined by an elderly woman of dignified bearing.

“Gauri Ma, the princes could not come.” One of the men addressed the ashram hostess. “At the last moment their plans went awry; they send deep regrets. But we have brought two other guests. As soon as we met on the train, I felt drawn to them as devotees of Lord Krishna.”

“Good-by, young friends.” Our two acquaintances walked to the door. “We shall meet again, if God be willing.”

“You are welcome here.” Gauri Ma smiled in motherly fashion on her two unexpected charges. “You could not have come on a better day. I was expecting two royal patrons of this hermitage. What a shame if my cooking had found none to appreciate it!”

These appetizing words had disastrous effect on Jitendra: he burst into tears. The “prospect” he had feared in Brindaban was turning out as royal entertainment; his sudden mental adjustment proved too much for him. Our hostess looked at him with curiosity, but without remark; perhaps she was familiar with adolescent quirks.

Lunch was announced; Gauri Ma led the way to a dining patio, spicy with savory odors. She vanished into an adjoining kitchen.

I had been premeditating this moment. Selecting the appropriate spot on Jitendra’s anatomy, I administered a pinch as resounding as the one he had given me on the train.

“Doubting Thomas, the Lord works—in a hurry, too!”

The hostess reentered with a punkha. She steadily fanned us in the Oriental fashion as we squatted on ornate blanket-seats. Ashram disciples passed to and fro with some thirty courses. Rather than “meal,” the description can only be “sumptuous repast.” Since arriving on this planet, Jitendra and I had never before tasted such delicacies.

“Dishes fit for princes indeed, Honored Mother! What your royal patrons could have found more urgent than attending this banquet, I cannot imagine! You have given us a memory for a lifetime!”

Silenced as we were by Ananta’s requirement, we could not explain to the gracious lady that our thanks held a double significance. Our sincerity at least was patent. We departed with her blessing and an attractive invitation to revisit the hermitage.

The heat outdoors was merciless. My friend and I made for the shelter of a lordly cadamba tree at the ashram gate. Sharp words followed; once again Jitendra was beset with misgivings.

“A fine mess you have got me into! Our luncheon was only accidental good fortune! How can we see the sights of this city, without a single pice between us? And how on earth are you going to take me back to Ananta’s?”

“You forget God quickly, now that your stomach is filled.” My words, not bitter, were accusatory. How short is human memory for divine favors! No man lives who has not seen certain of his prayers granted.

“I am not likely to forget my folly in venturing out with a madcap like you!”

“Be quiet, Jitendra! The same Lord who fed us will show us Brindaban, and return us to Agra.”

A slight young man of pleasing countenance approached at rapid pace. Halting under our tree, he bowed before me.

“Dear friend, you and your companion must be strangers here. Permit me to be your host and guide.”

It is scarcely possible for an Indian to pale, but Jitendra’s face was suddenly sickly. I politely declined the offer.

“You are surely not banishing me?” The stranger’s alarm would have been comic in any other circumstances.

“Why not?”

“You are my guru.” His eyes sought mine trustfully. “During my midday devotions, the blessed Lord Krishna appeared in a vision. He showed me two forsaken figures under this very tree. One face was yours, my master! Often have I seen it in meditation! What joy if you accept my humble services!”

“I too am glad you have found me. Neither God nor man has forsaken us!” Though I was motionless, smiling at the eager face before me, an inward obeisance cast me at the Divine Feet.

“Dear friends, will you not honor my home for a visit?”

“You are kind; but the plan is unfeasible. Already we are guests of my brother in Agra.”

“At least give me memories of touring Brindaban with you.”

I gladly consented. The young man, who said his name was Pratap Chatterji, hailed a horse carriage. We visited Madanamohana Temple and other Krishna shrines. Night descended while we were at our temple devotions.

“Excuse me while I get sandesh.” Pratap entered a shop near the railroad station. Jitendra and I sauntered along the wide street, crowded now in the comparative coolness. Our friend was absent for some time, but finally returned with gifts of many sweetmeats.

“Please allow me to gain this religious merit.” Pratap smiled pleadingly as he held out a bundle of rupee notes and two tickets, just purchased, to Agra.

The reverence of my acceptance was for the Invisible Hand. Scoffed at by Ananta, had Its bounty not far exceeded necessity?

We sought out a secluded spot near the station.

“Pratap, I will instruct you in the Kriya of Lahiri Mahasaya, the greatest yogi of modern times. His technique will be your guru.”

The initiation was concluded in a half hour. “Kriya is yourchintamani,” I told the new student. “The technique, which as you see is simple, embodies the art of quickening man’s spiritual evolution. Hindu scriptures teach that the incarnating ego requires a million years to obtain liberation from maya.This natural period is greatly shortened through Kriya Yoga. Just as Jagadis Chandra Bose has demonstrated that plant growth can be accelerated far beyond its normal rate, so man’s psychological development can be also speeded by an inner science. Be faithful in your practice; you will approach the Guru of all gurus.”

“I am transported to find this yogic key, long sought!” Pratap spoke thoughtfully. “Its unshackling effect on my sensory bonds will free me for higher spheres. The vision today of Lord Krishna could only mean my highest good.”

We sat awhile in silent understanding, then walked slowly to the station. Joy was within me as I boarded the train, but this was Jitendra’s day for tears. My affectionate farewell to Pratap had been punctuated by stifled sobs from both my companions. The journey once more found Jitendra in a welter of grief. Not for himself this time, but against himself.

“How shallow my trust! My heart has been stone! Never in future shall I doubt God’s protection!”

Midnight was approaching. The two “Cinderellas,” sent forth penniless, entered Ananta’s bedroom. His face, as he had promised, was a study in astonishment. Silently I showered the table with rupees.

“Jitendra, the truth!” Ananta’s tone was jocular. “Has not this youngster been staging a holdup?”

But as the tale was unfolded, my brother turned sober, then solemn.

“The law of demand and supply reaches into subtler realms than I had supposed.” Ananta spoke with a spiritual enthusiasm never before noticeable. “I understand for the first time your indifference to the vaults and vulgar accumulations of the world.”

Late as it was, my brother insisted that he receive diksha into Kriya Yoga. The “guru” Mukunda had to shoulder the responsibility of two unsought disciples in one day.

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Tags: abundance, faith, intention, paramahansa yogananda, spiritual, trust