It seems that every single disciple of Yogananda has his or her own precious message and gift to share with all of us. Each of them is a torchbearer for a specific aspect of the Master’s teachings. And certainly Yogananda loves them all equally.

What, then, was Dr. Lewis’ role? He (Minott White Lewis, 26 March 1893 – 13 April 1960) is usually known as “the first Kriya Yogi in America,” as we read in the Autobiography of a Yogi. He is also remembered for his strong support for Yogananda when he first arrived in the West in 1920. Dr. Lewis opened the doors of his Boston home to him when Yogananda knew nobody and nobody knew Yogananda. Later the Master said gratefully: “Those who have been our friends in need we remember always. I have never forgotten those early days.”

But still, Dr. Lewis and his wife Mildred (16 September 1897 – 30 March 1988) seem to have perceived their contribution in a somewhat different light: they were an example of how to become successful householder yogis. Together they affirmed to the world: yes, you can be married and advance very highly, finding God.

At least this is how Dr. Lewis’ daughter Brenda describes it in her book Treasures Against Time (1991): “Lahiri Mahasaya and Sri Yukteswarji were householders, carrying the blazing light of Self-realization through the years. My father, as a householder, picked up that torch and carried it high during his entire life, lighting the world with a hope that those burdened with heavy worldly responsibilities can still find God.”

Brenda’s husband, John Rosser, similarly wrote: “Doctor Lewis, one of Paramahansa Yogananda’s most devoted disciples, is a proof that the goal of Self-realization is attainable in our lifetime even for householders.”

Mrinalini Mata also focused on this important message. In her eulogy for Mildred Lewis (as printed in the SRF booklet about Dr. Lewis), she said: “As a wife, Mildred strove with Doctor to live that perfect householder life exemplified by Lahiri Mahasaya. He was their ideal. Through their many years of seeking and serving God together, Doctor and Mildred have been an example on this path of Self-Realization of how husband and wife should be loyal, dedicated, and devoted to each other through thick and thin, helping one another along the path to God.”