Our dear Mukti Mata, a direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda for more than 60 years and much beloved by the thousands of Self-Realization Fellowship members around the world whose lives she touched and uplifted, passed away peacefully at the Mother Center on Wednesday, February 6, 2008.
“She will be deeply missed by the many who benefited from her wise counsel and encouragement,” said Sri Daya Mata. “Through her calm manner, insight into human nature, and non-judgmental understanding, she was able to reach people and help them to apply in a practical way in their lives the divine truths Gurudeva taught.”
Born in Oklahoma on April 5, 1922 and named Corrine Forshee, Mukti Mata began a search for the meaning and purpose of life at an early age. Her path led her, in the fall of 1945, to the Self-Realization Fellowship Temple in Hollywood, California, where she heard Paramahansa Yogananda speak. A few weeks later, at the all-day Christmas meditation at the Mother Center, she met the Guru and was accepted by him as a disciple.
Over the years, countless SRF members were inspired by Mukti Mata’s reminiscences of those initial encounters and of her other experiences with the Guru. Some of these were beautifully related by her in an article printed in Self-Realization magazine in Spring 1999, “…And the Truth Shall Make You Free.”
A little more than a month after first meeting Paramahansa Yogananda, on January 27, 1946, Mukti Mata entered the monastic community at Self-Realization Fellowship International Headquarters at Mount Washington. She received Kriya Yoga initiation from the Guru in May of that year; and two years later she was ordained by Paramahansaji as an SRF minister. She received her sannyas vow (final vow of renunciation in the ancient Swami Order) from Paramahansaji’s first spiritual successor, Rajarsi Janakananda, in July 1953; and was thereafter known by her monastic name “Mukti,” a Sanskrit word meaning “liberation, salvation.” (“Mata” is a spiritual title meaning “Mother.”)
In the beginning, Mukti Ma was assigned by Paramahansaji
to be secretary to Sri Daya Mata, whom he had placed in
charge of the SRF International Headquarters on Mt. Washington.
As time passed, she served in numerous capacities at the
Mother Center. During the 1970s, she was transferred to
Encinitas to assume responsibilities as co-administrator
of the SRF Encinitas Ashram and Retreat (during which
time she also conducted public services in Encinitas).
 She
returned to the Mother Center in 1979, and thereafter
served as one of the principal spiritual counselors for
SRF members worldwide. Over the years she gave satsangas
and Convocation classes, conducted sacred Kriya Yoga
initiation ceremonies for many devotees, led retreats
and temple services, and traveled to Self-Realization
Fellowship centers in South America and Europe as well
as Yogoda Satsanga Society ashrams and centers in India.
A gifted artist from a very young age, she attended art school and worked as a technical illustrator prior to joining Paramahansa Yogananda’s ashram. Her work has appeared occasionally in SRF publications.
Mukti Ma was known by SRF members and friends around the world for her deep compassion, all-embracing humor, and gentle but profound insight. She offered invaluable personal guidance to all who came to her during her many years as a senior counselor; members delighted in her wonderful stories of her early years with Paramahansaji and treasured her ability to so vividly convey his teachings, wisdom, and inspiration.
She had a special gift for always making problems seem manageable, and often said about the challenges we face in daily life: “These are meant to strengthen us, to teach us as to the real purpose for which we are here.” She also counseled: “The truth is that everything that happens to you is designed to free you from the limited consciousness of the ego and reunite you with God. With each challenge you gain knowledge, wisdom, and strength. Ultimately you become profoundly grateful for everything that happens to you, because you realize it is all for your highest good.”
Mukti Mata has now been reunited with her Guru in God’s home of eternal bliss and peace, and she will also live on in our hearts and minds. Please join us as we send her our love and deepest gratitude for her undying dedication and service to Paramahansa Yogananda and his worldwide spiritual family – and for the inspiration, wisdom, and divine qualities with which she blessed the lives of so many.
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