I guess that resolves everything, well at least the reporter seems to think so at the Kingston Jamaica Gleaner. The interview took place at the SRF church in Richmond, in the San Francisco Bay Area. How an SRF monastic had criticized Kriyananda scathingly to a group of visiting Ananda members at SRFs guest retreat in Encinitas. Ananda Margis took out a silent procession on April 30 to protest the killing of 16 monks and a nun, allegedly by CPM cadres in Kolkata 32 years ago. On deciding to move to the Ananda community, I therefore wrote a letter to Daya Mata in which I promised always to work for harmony between the two organizations. Week after week, I attended services at the SRF churches in a mood of ferocious longing for God, and my pressing questions would invariably be answered in the sermon. How another monk had called Swami Kriyananda the Anti-Christ. How SRF accused Swami Kriyananda of pretending to be a guru and distorting Yoganandas teachings. I was intensely curious to know what this former SRF traveling teacher was doing, founding a community. Supermodel Christy Turlingtons yoga book praises many groups, which have been referred to less glowingly as cults.. That is, unless you are a witch doctor.. Sai Babas supposed Siddha powers seem to have consumed him. I certainly had devoted no energy at all to rooting out theirfaults, or testing their attunement. According to official records this credit union has more than $4 million dollars in assets, with two employees on salary to manage its funds. After practicing Paramhansa Yoganandas path in relative isolation for years, the idea of a community of fellow disciples was very attractive. A special day dedicated to the Temple . Unfortunately, some mental health professionals may see this as an opportunity to express their personal beliefs. It was not only the form of the letter that had changed, but the contents, which seemed to be cut from a mold, whereas Brother Bhaktanandas letters had been rich with inspiration and individual advice. There was also urgency in his plea. In fact, SRFs legal arguments sometimes approached the ludicrous. Even if SRF bent its rules and gave tacit support, wouldnt the organization, given itspresent mind-set, tend to feel a bit nervous about such groups, lest they, when their countries became free, might decide to create their own, separate churches, based on the strong local focus of spiritual energy and magnetism that had been generated during the times of persecution? Even though SRF spent over $30 million of its members money, hiring one of the worlds largest law firms in its effort to destroy Ananda, Ananda prevailed, winning (again in the judges words) at least 95 percent of the issues in the case. His words were more than advice; they were prophetic. I say this in indignant refutation of SRFs claims to the contrary. American law does not look kindly on religious monopolies. Some say it may also lead to a sense of inner calm and tranquility. I would go so far as to say that every disciple has a duty to serve as a channel for his gurus grace to others, to the extent that he or she is able. Standing, he said dismissively, Well, Im not a perfected being.. S-90-0846 EJG PAN. Mary Lynn Tucker, Co-chair of the Outreach Committee, studied yoga with Swami Satchidananda and lives near the ashram the guru created named Yogaville.. Thank you so much for your detailed journey. Meanwhile, SRFs success in wooing Anandas members was notable for its absence. One yoga website seems to do little if any meaningful research before recommending classes or styles to potential yoga beginners. Far from advertising itself as connected with SRF, Anandas residents made it clear to me that, even if they had wanted to pass themselves off as connected with SRF, they could not possibly have done so, since SRF made a special point of publicly and aggressively attacking Ananda and Kriyananda. "I felt it would be a way of warning other people, especially young women.". Swami Kriyananda discusses this in his book, A Place Called Ananda: Master had informed me that he hadnt organized the lessons himself. And the helping professional occupies a position of power and influence in that persons life during the course of their therapy/counseling. My relationship with them wasneither personal, intellectual, or organizational. Guests from our Ananda communities worldwide: India, Europe, throughout the U.S. A variety of multimedia presentations from around the world. Have some news reporters become cult apologists or stooges? For 39 years, Nayaswami Asha faithfully recorded the life of a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda. ABP Ananda LIVE. Videos from Ananda Village Lessons from the Story of Martha and Mary (Based on Yogananda's Teachings) Nayaswami Jyotish May 10, 2020 Swami Kriyananda's Birthday Nayaswami Devi, Nayaswami Jyotish May 19, 2020 The Inward Path to Self-Realization: the Meditative Arts and Discipleship Nayaswami Devi, Nayaswami Jyotish February 7, 2020 The gurus property holdings alone are worth millions. Have a Question about Expanding Light Programs? Im not sure he succeeded, since where my brain had initially been bowed with the weight of awe, it was now splattered all over the ceiling. Anandas concern is that SRF has placed the organization above the teachingseven, at times, as Swami Kriyananda persuasively argues in A Place Called Ananda, above the Guru. But I was deeply committed to helping defend Ananda against SRFs institutional bullying, which now threatened to destroy not only our community, but our access to our Gurus teachings. Their debts are a source of unending worry to them. Kriyananda never remotely claimed to be a guru, nor did he ever expect us to treat him like one. But cults have a nasty way of getting headlines, through bad behavior and shattered lives. I was consumed with zeal to experience God, and in my search, SRF served me admirably. As we hiked the trail over the hill to his house, I felt increasingly tense, wondering if I would measure up to the great mans standards. After the verdict was handed down in her favor on Thursday, Bertolucci told the Weekly that she has been afraid to go to her local coffee shop recently because of all the publicity surrounding the. But the octogenarian left behind quite a bit of worldly baggage. Status An Inital Study was circulated from March 13 to April 11, 2017. Sister Savitri, Daya Matas secretary for 20 years, reveals the increasingly rigid spirit of intolerance and sectarianism within the SRF leadership. The upstate New York journalist then essentially dismisses virtually every allegation against the Twelve Tribes offering readers instead their version of events. In almost every public lecture, no matter what his announced subject, he would digress to urge people to act upon his proposal. Books have been written about the vulnerable state of many Western spiritual seekers visiting India such as Karma Cola by Gita Mehta. The newspaper article in the Hindu[stan] Times was planted by a devotee who had no idea as to my intentions in my trip. "He strongly disapproved of Ananda, which is what caused the rift between us," Bertolucci said. And if you are not interested in their beliefs, their yoga classes are probably not for you. Kriyananda returned to face the sexual civil case from Ananda's campus in Assisi, Italy, where he was living at the time and where he passed away on Sunday. During my initial visits, and later, during my years of residence at Ananda Village, it was natural for us to talk about SRF, if only because SRF behaved so intolerantly towards us. Beyond a certain point, however, restraint became improperI am referring to the point at which SRF removed its kid gloves and began trying to bankrupt Ananda with its crippling lawsuit. Ive been on the path for 35 years. Ananda Village, founded in 1968, is a place where spiritual seekers come together to practice simple living and high thinking. The journalist did ask a member about the C word (cult) though. Contact the Meditation Retreat at 530-478-7557 or emailmailto:[emailprotected]. In the apartment complex where I live, no one ever complains when someone organizes a rousing kirtan in the beautiful central courtyard on a balmy summer evening. Om Peace Amen. Anyone considering yoga classes with teachers and/or schools registered by the Yoga Alliance might want to exercise a bit of caution, before beginning any of their exercises. Yet, when Ananda showed itself unwilling to meekly turn over everything it had won, SRFs loving advances abruptly ceased, as it resumed its ruthless legal campaign, intent as ever on destroying Ananda and regaining sole ownership of Yoganandas work. Satchidananda accumulated prime real estate in Manhattan, which provides space for an Integral Yoga International (IYI) school and a vegetarian grocery store. It gives me comfort to get more involved with the Ananda community. Ananda Village is a spiritual community of over 200 residents approximately 25 minutes north of downtown Nevada City. Many of the fundamentalists declared their beliefs openly, in hopes of achieving liberation through martyrdom. Lacking experience, her approach was based on another theory altogether. A few members left over the years, as would be expected of any organization with over 700 resident members worldwide. And exercising such an influence over a patient is most often seen as a violation of the ethical code prescribed by most State Boards and/or mental health licensing organizations. YA was officially established just a few years ago in 1999. Thankfully this is apparently a very small minority. Some journalists write hard-hitting news stories about destructive cults, which have often led to further action. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. It is a fore-mirroring of the millions who, as Paramhansa Yogananda himself predicted, will be drawn to this path. May 5, 2021. This all seems to provide proof positive of another not so spiritual reality; If a cult leader wants to keep a cult going after he or she is gone, do some estate planning. If I stumble and fall, I know that my gurubais will consult their consciences before they judge me. Genuflect, genuflect, genuflect. Then came Ananda Seattle in Washington, and Ananda Portland in Oregon. Paramhansa Yogananda told Swami Kriyananda, You have a great work to do. After Masters passing, Rajarsi Janakananda also told him, You have a great work to do, Walterand Master will give you the strength to do it. Ibelieve the great work has begun, and that it is the work of preventing Masters teachings from being degraded into the kind of institution-centered religion of law that has characterized organized Christianity for two millennia. Does America need a crack down? When SRF sued Ananda in 1990, we would discover that Anandas destruction had become a guiding obsession with SRFa virulent fixation that had been ingrained in the institution by some of its leading lights, most notably Tara Mata. It has helped me as I have family in SRF who question why. For the last year and a half, she said, a private investigator has been interviewing all her friends and acquaintances. That IYI student was only at the ashram for two weeks before marrying one of its swamis she had never met, who was old enough to be her father. But almost none left because they were persuaded by SRFs claims; nor did they turn against Ananda upon leaving. Rich McCord, Chairman of YAs pivotal Standards Committee, actually teaches at the Ananda Church of Self-Realization, which has been labeled a cult in court. I took Kriya Yoga initiation in 1969 at the SRF headquarters in Los Angeles, and until 1970, I attended services and meditations at the SRF churches in Fullerton, Redondo Beach, and Hollywood. No more lawsuits! Daya Mata exclaimed at a meeting between the leaders of SRF and Ananda, after Ananda had won virtually every issue in the lawsuit. There is nothing said about the troubled history of this controversial church, that Time Magazine named the Cult of Greed.. For 50 years Ananda Village has exemplified the spiritual ideals of Paramhansa Yoganandas World Brotherhood Colonies. Money will not be worth the paper it is printed on. I stumbled upon Ananda websites, and only feel goodness from mission as I understand it. She is considering moving from Palo Alto to put this chapter of her life firmly behind her, she said. View courses and webinars. These benefits are priceless, especially when I compare them with the circumstances in which most devotees of our path must live, isolated from others who share their beliefs, and forced to work among people who are at best indifferent to their spiritual aspirations. Maybe so, but meditation can also render practitioners more suggestible. Based at Ananda Villages Expanding Light Retreat, this program brings a balance between spiritual seeking and daily activities. Attachment makes them slaves. While reading books written by other Indian saints, I would wonder at the relatively pale expression of Yoganandas thoughts, as edited by SRF. So sad, God Bless you Ananda Society I offer my Love peace and blessings gained from meditation to you. Ananda has given me many blessings. After years of devotion to Srf I felt like paramahansa yoganada would not be pleased with the rituals and strict rules that are enforced by Srf leaders. They expose wrongdoing and the authorities often follow-up through criminal prosecution or some other enforcement action. SRFs thinking is: We run the organization that Paramhansa Yogananda founded. You will get to serve with like-minded friends in a spiritual environment, study Yoga philosophy and participate intwice-daily sadhanas featuring Ananda Yoga, Ananda Meditation and Energization Exercises. When I was first learning to lecture, he writes in his autobiography, The Path, Master gave me the following words of advice: Before lecturing, meditate deeply. Paramhansa Yogananda professed the oneness of all religions. And it certainly is questionable that any mental health professional would base an opinion on such specious and subjective and sources. A video visit to Ananda Assisi Ironically, the meditation class was to help her with stress reduction, she said. In 1998 Greene also won a $1.6 million jury verdict in Bertolucci v. Ananda against The Church of Self Realization led by Swami Kiyananda in California for fraud, coercion and sexual exploitation. I never spoke privately with her, nor did I ever receive her verbal guidance, yet she always conveyed the Masters inspiration. She idolized its leaders, he said, which made it all the more difficult when things began to go wrong. God Bless Beloved Paramahansa Yogananda Thank you for protecting Ananda Society and giving Swami Kryananda the strength and wisdom to be victorious in his virtues, Bless Srf I send you Love peace and blessings I hope you have changed back to the attitude of good will to absolutely all, I met Kryananda in a dream 2 years ago now on his guru discipleship anniversary it lasted ages he was a divine friend all-sorts happend in this dream miracles meeting angels so much cant tell all but I awoke and felt as though I had been with him for the entire day or at least 5 hours. Many of his followers left in the 90s. OLeary sent the following statement to CultNews via email: I am in India now, with absolutely no intention to visit Sai Baba. However, Lisa McPherson didnt seem to find her way to happiness and instead died after a breakdown, while under the care of her friends at Scientology. At the time, I chalked it up to institutional jealousy. More importantly Roberts fails to mention the plight of some of Walters former acolytes. I found its ministers never less than inspiring. A quick rule of thumb might also be, if you see some gurus picture on the wall, or religious statues in the entrance area or practice room, something more than yoga might be lurking within the instruction. Ms. Roberts doesnt appear to do much research before listing yoga teachers? Drive past the bigger flower shops in Rice Village and find this tiny, unassuming storefront. This is what SRF would destroy, in the name of sectarian jealousy and doctrinal purity. So far, their efforts have been profoundly unsuccessfulthanks, unquestionably, to the protection of our Guru, but thanks also to the immense hard work of Anandas disciples on his behalf. To make a long story short, I began doing volunteer work for Runners World, translating magazine articles and taking pictures. Then, holding that meditative calmness, think about what you intend to say. 10Tay 10Dik: (Bihar) (Gram panchayat)) (awas yojna) ! . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Well curated, understated, pastel color palette, just a different vibe from the typical flashy, fake fancy flower arrangements that you find at most flower shops. Far from being covered up by the communitys leaders, they were circulated openly: how SRF refused to sell us books for sale at Anandas guest retreat. Even today, SRF continues to prove by its actions that it will not rest until it has accomplished this end. I guess youll just have to accept me as I am, I prayed. Roberts writes, Swami Kriyananda (J. Donald Walters) devoted 45 years of his life to studying the teachings of Parmahansa Yogananda.. Here are some recent examples that seem to fit into the category of puff piece if not cult apology. Explore the path of Self Realization and learn Paramhansa Yoganandas effective techniques for expanding your sense of self, such as meditation, Kriya Yoga, spiritual Hatha Yoga, and divine friendship. Yoga classes are probably not for you questionable that any mental health professionals may see as... What you intend to say SRF monastic had criticized Kriyananda scathingly to a sense of inner calm and tranquility examples! Of many Western spiritual seekers visiting India such as Karma Cola by Mehta! Also render practitioners more suggestible testing their attunement after Ananda had won virtually every issue in the name of jealousy... Began doing volunteer work for Runners world, translating magazine articles and taking pictures C! Inner calm and tranquility way of warning other people, especially young women ``... Question why persuaded by SRFs claims to the contrary achieving liberation through martyrdom the bigger shops! 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