Sri Agamya Guru Paramahamsa

Born: Circa 1841 in Kashmir.

Died: Unknown.

When he first read Sri Brahma Dhàra: Shower from the Highest, by yogi Mahatma Sri Agamya Guru Paramahamsa, Crowley had heard that the fierce author was nicknamed the Tiger Mahatma and that he referred to seekers who were too meek for his tastes as “sheep.” A retired judge, he devoted himself to religion and was described by German philologist and orientalist Max Müller (1823–1900) as the only Indian saint he had ever known. His temper was both fierce and legendary, which seemed to attract—and ultimately repel—his followers. Back on 13 November 1906, when the guru was on his second trip to London, Crowley had sent him a cryptic letter. “If you are the one I seek,” the note read, “this will suffice.” He had enclosed his name and address and awaited a reply. A response had come the next day, and several days later Crowley had begun meeting the guru for instructions on yoga.

That was last fall. Now that Agamya had returned to London, Crowley rejoined him and his “tiger cubs” at 60 South Audley. Before long, however, Crowley and Agamya had “a devil of a row” at a meeting of students. In response, Crowley asked J.F.C. Fuller—who, he knew, was well versed in both yoga and Agamya’s writings (of which he thought little)—to attend a meeting the following Sunday. Fuller went, and his disdain for the proceedings was evident. After ninety minutes’ talk, the yogi grew upset with Fuller, crying out, “You pig-faced man! You dirty fellow, you come here to take away my disciples . . . Crowley send this pig-one, eh?” At that, Fuller politely took his hat and cane and walked to the door. Before closing it behind himself, Fuller poked his head back in and, in Hindi, replied, “Shut up, you son of a sow!” Fuller could hear the yogi’s characteristic fit of anger as he closed the door and walked away.