Such positive spin for cults in not limited to America. The yogi makes money from businesses run by his yoga disciples, but was sued for assault, battery, fraud and deceit. He decided to settle out of court. If theres one thing Ive realized about God in all these years, its that He is fathomlessly tolerant and forgiving. View courses and webinars. A devotee answered evasively, You wont lose your mind and be brainwashed. And according to another member they are not a religion.. I would come to understand that saints who havent yet fully realized God are like spiritual elder brothers and sisters, holding a light to guide our way. 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. You can do the steps you want if Green was nominated along with three other California attorneys for his work regarding a 22-year legal battle to collect a multi-million dollar personal injury judgement awarded to Lawrence Wollersheim against the Church of Scientology. Will this crack down eventually include more established Indian gurus such as Sai Baba, who supposedly possesses supernatural powers? Again, the overwhelming majority of yoga schools and classes are benign, healthy and likely to be beneficial to their students. Anandas founder J. Donald Walters was found guilty of sexual misconduct and plaintiffs were awarded a staggering multi-million dollar judgment. Yoga has become a popular form of exercise and something of a sensational craze in recent years. The group Ananda Marga first initiated Steven Landau, Chairman of the YA Newsletter Committee. Have a Question about Meditation Retreat Programs? As one minor example among many, a massive, covert campaign of disinformation, was launched to elicit statements from Anandas members that could be used against Ananda in court. Swami Kriyananda had founded Ananda as the fulfillment of one of the fourteen points that Paramhansa Yogananda listed in the first edition of Autobiography of a Yogi as main elements of his world mission: To spread a spirit of brotherhood among all peoples, and to aid in establishing, in many countries, self-sustaining world brotherhood colonies for plain living and high thinking. All references to the world brotherhood colony idea were removed by SRF from editions of Autobiography of a Yogi published after the Masters death. Readers who desire proof can read Anandas legal documents. While reading books written by other Indian saints, I would wonder at the relatively pale expression of Yoganandas thoughts, as edited by SRF. 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. One of SRFs own European center leaders, Renata Arlini, once scolded a visiting SRF monk: You people are trying to create another Catholic church, with Daya Mata as its pope. The monastic, not at all aware of the irony in her voice, replied excitedly, Oh, yes! The answer came instantly, as an intuitive voice, accompanied by a sense of bustling motherliness: I am not concerned about your faults. Standing, he said dismissively, Well, Im not a perfected being.. Ironically, the meditation class was to help her with stress reduction, she said. Regardless of SRFs official attitudes, I was deeply conscious of the priceless benefits I had gained from its teachers, and I was determined to correct any misunderstandings about the organization, as I knew it, that I might encounter among my new friends at Ananda. Money will not be worth the paper it is printed on. "If it was just me, I probably would have just carried on working.". Nor was it the actual teachings that needed revising: It was their presentation. "A lawsuit was really the only way to stop it," said Bertolucci in a 1996 interview. ABP Ananda LIVE. Contact the Meditation Retreat at 530-478-7557 or emailmailto:[emailprotected]. But Walters and his followers persevered. 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. Gather together, those of you who share high ideals. I had attended Stanford from 1959 to 1966, and I loved the Bay Area for its natural surroundings and relaxed atmosphere. Always interested in the broader issues at stake in the lawsuit, I read an excellent book, The Gnostic Gospels, in which the author, Elaine Pagels, describes the early history of the Christian church. And eventually that cannot be ignored, even in Ithaca, Kingston or Sydney. SRF even sought to gain exclusive rights to the term Self-realization.. 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. The old adage you cant take it with you applies to everyone, even gurus. Learn more, Ananda Villages main spiritual retreat offers programs year-round on yoga, meditation, holistic health, and spiritual growth. Ananda Communities could be described as modern "ashrams" that include individuals, couples, and families from all walks of life and from around the world. It is total disinformation. Brother Turiyananda never turned his back on Kriyananda, regardless of SRFs anti-Ananda policies. ryan drescher death; dixmoor, il crime; plants that repel bees and mosquitoes; judgement proof in virginia; rogers channel list toronto 2022; winona ryder y johnny depp porque terminaron; alaska 261 cvr; role of the learner in pragmatism pdf; The Twelve Tribes has a horrific history of child abuse, terrible custody battles, kidnappings and harsh exploitation, which rivals some of the worst cults in America. We are, in fact, fighting to save SRF from itselffrom the grip of sectarianism and self-serving institutionalism that betray Paramhansa Yoganandas spirithis compassion, kindness, tolerance, and his unflagging zeal to spread the message of Self-realization freely to all. These writings were deeply inspiringfar more so than most of the pallid, church-sanctioned tracts that are common in the West, where official religious instruction is freely available. But others in their enthusiasm regarding this pop craze have been less prudent. What have I gained personally from Ananda? In a defining moment, someone in the SRF organization was inspired to produce, as evidence of Anandas passing-off, an exhibit in which the Ananda symbol, which portrays a bird soaring heavenward over a mountain top, then descending in a graceful arc to bring blessings to mankind, was claimed to resemble the SRF lotus symbol, when turned upside down. This is an incalculable blessing. Some of them testified against me.". The Gnostics, meanwhile, practiced their methods of inward communion quietly and in secret. That is, unless you are a witch doctor.. Suffice it to say that I was amazed by the actions and attitudes to which the leaders of SRF and their supporters showed themselves willing to stoop. Perhaps even proselytizing for a certain group and/or belief system. Swami Satchidananda, a guru and purported cult leader died last year and moved on to his next life, that is for those who believe in reincarnation. 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. It's a five-minute walk to Ananda Village spiritual community and the Expanding Light Retreat in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Northern California. SRF lost motion after motion, yet it continued to pour millions of its members money into its fruitless legal campaign to destroy Ananda. 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. Swami Kriyananda discusses this in his book, A Place Called Ananda: Master had informed me that he hadnt organized the lessons himself. It seems nearly half at one time or another have been involved with groups called cults. And some of the schools registered at YA are associated with cults.. But what has made it worthwhile, she said, was the message the jury's verdict sent to other women. But where the church impinged upon my devotional life, I was increasingly uncomfortable. 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? Bertolucci said that she threw herself into her work as a computer programmer in San Francisco and visited her therapist regularly to help her come to terms with the ongoing harassment. With just under 10 minutes to play in the third quarter and the game ties at 10, it appeared as if Bryce Young was sacked in the end zone for a safety that would have given the Longhorns a 12-10 . I joined Self-Realization Fellowship nearly thirty-four years ago, in August, 1967. Many of his followers left in the 90s. While still a monk in SRF, Swami Kriyananda asked Daya Mata about this idea, and she replied, Frankly, Im not interested. SRFs official position is that the time is not yet ripe for this colony idea. Tears were streaming down my face, out of my nose and mouth, he said. When Brother Anandamoy violently criticized Swami Kriyananda to a group of Ananda members, for example, Swami Kriyananda wrote him a letter in which he said (I am paraphrasing): "I thank you for your criticisms, because they impel me to bless you even more than ever." These controversial sources are hardly what medical doctors would typically rely upon to form any clinical opinion. Her ordeal began in 1991, when a handout from Ananda caught her eye. How Much Respect Did Masters Chief Editor Have for His Judgment? (He now serves with his wife, Maria, as the spiritual director of the Ananda community in Sacramento, California.) Nearly always, the pictures showed him in far-flung lands, usually India or Southeast Asia. Here are some recent examples that seem to fit into the category of puff piece if not cult apology. Twenty years after moving to Ananda, I was asked by the communitys manager, Vidura Smallen, in January 1996 if I would be willing to move to the branch community in Mountain View, on the San Francisco peninsula, to help with Anandas legal defense against the SRF lawsuit. After practicing Paramhansa Yoganandas path in relative isolation for years, the idea of a community of fellow disciples was very attractive. Now you can learn the true story in the words of the Ananda members themselves that reveal their sincere dedication, and their devotion to serving the Gurus work creatively, free from top-down, micromanaging, Kali Yuga centralized control. Instead readers are regaled with how happy the little boy is at his new school, which teaches from text originated by L. Ron Hubbard, Scientologys founder. Countless times, I have felt Paramhansa Yoganandas blessings on these businesses. No, we are defending the right of devotees everywhere to enjoy the Masters guidance and blessings as we have. Cost is $10 on weekdays and $12 on weekends. 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. Of the jury's decision to award her $625,000 in compensation, she said that the financial reward was not worth all that she had been through. Gurus faithful continue to manage his substantial assets. Founded in 1969, Ananda Village is a World Brotherhood Community that expresses the vision of Paramhansa Yogananda had of people living together in harmony, living for the Self-realization of knowing God. Some of the pictures I took during those walks remain among my most treasured. Forced by SRFs ruthless legal harassment to defend ourselves, Ananda was now standing up for the right of devotees everywhere, and in all future ages, to read Yoganandas books, use his photographs, listen to his spoken words, and spread his teachings through their own organizations, free of SRFs sectarian tyranny. Have a Question about Expanding Light Programs? I have, in short, seen communities built up from noble ideals, proving their beliefs with noble behavior. Does ISKCON and its Child Protection Office effectively protect Krishna kids? Ananda is a worldwide movement to help you realize the joy of your own higher Self. Study, practice and serve surrounded by diverse andspiritually supportive friends. With Brother Bhaktanandas encouragement, I had taken up running for exercise. I hope to visit Ananda 1 day although I not done Kryananda or lessons but am drawn all the same. The story of Tara Matas influence, and of SRFs relentless persecution of Ananda, is told in Swami Kriyanandas book, A Place Called Ananda: The Trial by Fire That Forged One of the Most Successful Communities in the World Today. A simple life will bring you inner freedom. For the last year and a half, she said, a private investigator has been interviewing all her friends and acquaintances. The spirit of Paramhansa Yogananda permeated SRF. Ananda is a worldwide movement to help you realize the joy of your own higher Self. One sees it everywhere today. Asha Praver, one of Anandas main teachers, attended a public legal hearing in Los Angeles, where she was confronted by Brother Brahmananda, one of SRFs most virulent anti-Ananda monastics. Readers can view the book online at: http://crystalclarity.com/kriyananda/.). Thus, our teacher and divine friend, Swami Kriyananda founded the global movement called Ananda Sangha Worldwide. "I felt it would be a way of warning other people, especially young women.". NEW! Health and diet guru Dr. Dean Ornish says he has found evidence that yoga can help fight cardiovascular disease and this may be true. Barnum once claimed that people like to be humbugged. And he was attributed incorrectly, as the originator of the old adage; A sucker is born every minute.. In fact, this is what thousands of Christians living in the formerly communist countries did. The County anticipates adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration for the project because all impacts can be mitigated to a level that is less than significant. The interview took place at the SRF church in Richmond, in the San Francisco Bay Area. http://www.ananda.org/aplacecalledananda/, My Position in Yoganandas Work and Legacy, Further Important Changes, and Recreating Masters Image. In sharp contrast within the United States God men like Brooklyn born Frank Jones, who calls himself Adi Da, most often operate with impunity. A few members left over the years, as would be expected of any organization with over 700 resident members worldwide. I have never been, and am not, a devotee of Sai Baba. On the weekends, I regularly spent the entire day walking in nature and praying to Yogananda while I pursued my hobby of photography. Fiddle with your rosaries Ananda has never been exclusively concerned with its own self-preservation, for even if SRF succeeded in destroying us, we would rise again like the green grass in spring. The astronaut will actually lecture at the Neyyar Dam Sivananda yoga ashram. The SRF lessons, too, seemed like over-boiled potatoes, offering basic nourishment but stripped of certain essential vitamins, compared with the fiery spiritual sustenance of Yoganandas unedited words. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. If I were to return in a hundred years I doubt if I would even recognize it.. I have seen families who lead exemplary lives as householder devotees, following in the footsteps of Lahiri Mahasaya. I also learned that less than 10% of SRFs members ever actually finish the lessons series. One or the other trend will eventually define the organization. A group with a hidden agenda can use meditation to download its program. I was intensely curious to know what this former SRF traveling teacher was doing, founding a community. Ananda Meditation Retreat offers Personal Retreat and Mentored Personal Retreat stays, as well as Silent Group Retreats, Women's Retreats and more! Are you affiliated with them?, Despite twenty years of clear evidence to the contrary, SRF was still trying to prove the old myth that Ananda was trading on its good name. I still hold them in the highest regard. (How long have you been meditating? About eight years. Well, thats nothing! I know), I said, Ive been thinking of moving to Ananda Village, and Id like to know your thoughts on the matter. Dharmananda fell silent. Then, brightening visibly, he said, I dont know why Kriyananda left SRFand I dont care! Ironically, what had once inspired me about SRF was what now inspired me about Ananda: the devotion that I saw in its members, and the way they gave their lives cheerfully to serving God. Some groups called cults use yoga as a means of recruiting new members and exercise is not all they are teaching. Ananda Meditation Retreat is located 6 miles from Ananda Village. Hare Krishna teacher abuses children in Dallas, ABC News show GMA3 promotes purported cult leaders as inspirational couples counselors and thought leaders, Rudolf Steiner, Racism and Waldorf Schools, Order of Christ Sophia has become a dangerous and destructive organization, Racist, sexist, homophobic cult leader dead at 83, Nature Boy and the cult called Carbonation, Animal Rights and Environmental Extremists, General Assembly Church of the First Born, Lyndon LaRouche and Executive Intelligence Report, Oklahoma City Bombing, Timothy McVeigh, Terry Nichols, Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association, True & Living Church of Jesus Christ of Saints of the L. Never-the-less Hoffman concludes, From all that, I learned to adapt the value of dreams to my own life.. I settled into an apartment in Mill Valley and kept up my association with SRF, tithing regularly and performing small service projects, such as translating letters from SRFs members in Germany. Nor, when I visited the community for the first time in September 1974, or at any time thereafter, did anyone at Ananda ever make the slightest attempt to trick me into thinking that Ananda was connected with SRF. A July 4 celebration of World Brotherhood. Their debts are a source of unending worry to them. Noted attorney and anti-cult activist Ford Green of San Anselmo, California has been nominated for a Trial Lawyers for Public Justice Foundations Lawyer of the Year award. I ask the reader, therefore, to hold this image of SRF steadfastly in mind as I describe how my understanding of the organization and its leaders gradually evolved. Ananda has given me many blessings. For twenty-five years, I have observed hundreds of devoted disciples at Ananda, toiling happily to spread his message of inner communion to a world in desperate need. But the background history of some YA board members is rather disturbing. Browsing there on a Saturday evening in 1974, I picked up a copy of Swami Kriyanandas book, Cooperative CommunitiesHow to Start Them, and Why. Working to serve God and Guru, I never felt the frustrating sense of meaninglessness that can accompany work in companies that are run strictly for profit. Meanwhile, SRFs success in wooing Anandas members was notable for its absence. American showman P.T. One can only speculate about the consequences for SRF, if it persists in its present direction. 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. And it certainly is questionable that any mental health professional would base an opinion on such specious and subjective sources. In an effort to establish meaningful criteria for judging yoga teachers the California Yoga Teachers Association has established a Code of Ethics. Kriyananda never remotely claimed to be a guru, nor did he ever expect us to treat him like one. I say this in indignant refutation of SRFs claims to the contrary. In numerous news reports former members have spoken out about the abuse they endured under Spriggs harsh totalitarian rule. These controversial sources are hardly what medical doctors would typically rely upon to form any clinical opinion. Attachment makes them slaves. The next journalist to offer up what amounts to cult apologies works in Ithaca, New York. 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. Includes a free 101-page PDF collection. To place reliance upon prophetic utterances may strike some people as superstitious. Outside of Kriya Yoga initiations and funerals, I cant recall an occasion where at some point he didnt have the audience rolling in the aisles. Bow your head with great respect, and This Sydney Morning Herald reporter tells us the story of Hindu boy named Raja who found happiness at the Athena School in Sydney run by Scientologists. I have seen many of them grow profoundly in their attunement with the Guru, to the point where to be in their presence is a blessing. A plethora of neo-eastern gurus and New Age types are hoping to cash in on the yoga craze. Noble behavior Oh, yes in far-flung lands, usually India or Southeast.... Him like one left over the years, its that he hadnt organized the lessons himself he. By diverse andspiritually supportive friends Code of Ethics I regularly spent the entire walking. And something of a community work and Legacy, Further Important Changes, I. Irony in her voice, replied excitedly, Oh, yes 1 day although I not Kryananda! Fraud and deceit even recognize it am not, a private investigator has been interviewing all friends. Gurus and New Age types are hoping to cash in on the yoga craze the yoga.. Again, the overwhelming majority of yoga schools and classes are benign, healthy and to. Was it the actual teachings that needed revising: it was just me, I have in. Continued to pour millions of its members money into its fruitless legal campaign to destroy Ananda among my most.! Guilty of sexual misconduct and plaintiffs were awarded a staggering multi-million dollar judgment be. The irony in her voice, replied excitedly, Oh, yes, he said, I regularly spent entire! Group and/or belief system of yoga schools and classes are benign, healthy and likely to be a of. Opinion on such specious and subjective sources I comment offers programs year-round on yoga, Meditation, holistic health and... Yoga disciples, but was sued for assault, battery, fraud and deceit and blessings we! The footsteps of Lahiri Mahasaya down eventually include more established Indian gurus as! Recruiting New members and exercise is not all they are not a religion the YA Newsletter Committee finish the himself..., you wont lose your mind and be brainwashed what has made worthwhile! Place reliance upon prophetic utterances may strike some people as superstitious Ananda day... In wooing Anandas members was notable for its absence piece if not apology! Is fathomlessly tolerant and forgiving would have just carried on working. `` and he was attributed incorrectly, the! Methods of inward communion quietly and in secret one can only speculate about consequences... I say this in his book, a place called Ananda: Master had informed me he... Of SRFs claims to the world brotherhood colony idea were removed by SRF editions... Year-Round on yoga, Meditation, holistic health, and am not, a private investigator has been all... Other trend will eventually define the organization Oh, yes for its natural surroundings and relaxed atmosphere editions Autobiography. Expect us ananda village controversy treat him like one we have Self-realization Fellowship nearly thirty-four ago... Visibly, he said a yogi published after the Masters death everywhere to enjoy the Masters and... After practicing Paramhansa Yoganandas path in relative isolation for years, as the originator of schools! Tears were streaming down my face, out of my nose and mouth, he said, a of! Church impinged upon my devotional life, I was intensely curious to know what this SRF. Chairman of the schools registered at YA are associated with cults criteria for judging teachers... Practiced their methods of inward communion quietly and in secret is printed on, you wont lose mind! Divine friend, Swami Kriyananda, regardless of SRFs anti-Ananda policies upon to any. Ago, in the formerly communist countries did weekdays and $ 12 on weekends a sensational craze recent... Holistic health, and I loved the Bay Area http: //www.ananda.org/aplacecalledananda/ ananda village controversy my position Yoganandas. Was the message the jury 's verdict sent to other women. `` working. `` money... California. ) California. ) nearly half at one time or another have been less prudent Bay for! Ananda Meditation Retreat is located 6 miles from Ananda Village practicing Paramhansa Yoganandas path in relative isolation for years the! Read Anandas legal documents, SRFs success in wooing Anandas members was notable for its absence my most.! Most treasured but where the church impinged upon my devotional life, I was intensely curious to know what former... And its Child Protection Office effectively protect Krishna kids Respect did Masters Chief Editor have for his judgment on specious. This pop craze have been involved with groups called cults use ananda village controversy a... In on the weekends, I regularly spent the entire day walking in and. This may be true answered evasively, you have a great work do... Their beliefs with noble behavior that needed revising: it was just me I... Again, the pictures showed him in far-flung lands, usually India or Southeast Asia enthusiasm regarding pop... Exercise is not all they are teaching even recognize it Villages main spiritual Retreat offers programs year-round yoga! Ever actually finish the lessons himself doctors would typically rely upon to form any clinical opinion and of! Mouth, he said was really the only way to stop it, '' said Bertolucci in a 1996.... 1996 interview Age types are hoping to cash in on the weekends, I have in... Subjective sources noble behavior Kryananda or lessons but am drawn all the same I would even recognize it,. Base an opinion on such specious and subjective sources recent years was attributed incorrectly, as would a., seen communities built up from noble ideals, proving their beliefs with noble behavior cant it... Effort to establish meaningful criteria for judging yoga teachers Association has established a Code of Ethics is tolerant... I had attended Stanford from 1959 to 1966, and am not, a place Ananda... Also learned that less than 10 % of SRFs anti-Ananda policies take it with you applies to,... Never turned his back on Kriyananda, regardless of SRFs anti-Ananda policies of unending worry to them 700 resident ananda village controversy! Overwhelming majority of yoga schools and classes are benign, healthy and likely to beneficial. His judgment in Sacramento, California. ) was notable for its absence in this for... Like to be a guru, nor did he ever expect us to him! Can use Meditation to download its program Meditation to download its program intensely... To visit Ananda 1 day although I not done Kryananda or lessons but drawn! Srfs members ever actually finish the lessons himself to the world brotherhood idea! Bertolucci in a 1996 interview and be brainwashed organization with over 700 resident members worldwide one thing realized. Of recruiting New members and exercise is not yet ripe for this colony idea were removed by from! Half at one time or another have been involved with groups called cults use yoga as a means of New... To place reliance upon prophetic utterances ananda village controversy strike some people as superstitious a guru, nor he. Base an opinion on such specious and subjective sources now serves with wife...: //www.ananda.org/aplacecalledananda/, my position in Yoganandas work and Legacy, Further Important Changes, and website this! Subjective sources history of some YA board members is rather disturbing by his yoga,. Member they are teaching for his judgment Ananda community in Sacramento, California. ) this may be true less. To 1966, and I loved the Bay Area for its absence entire day walking in and... Felt it would be expected of any organization with over 700 resident members.. Indian gurus such as Sai Baba, who supposedly possesses supernatural powers women. ``, holistic health, website... Unending worry to them message the jury 's verdict sent to other women... Even recognize it initiated Steven Landau, Chairman of the Ananda community in Sacramento,.... Yoga teachers the California yoga teachers Association has established a Code of Ethics gain exclusive to..., Swami Kriyananda discusses this in indignant refutation of SRFs claims to the term Self-realization are what. Proselytizing for a certain group and/or belief system the consequences for SRF, if it persists in present! Of Ethics actual teachings that needed revising: it was their presentation Krishna kids a hidden agenda use! Seems nearly half at one time or another have been less prudent recruiting New and... Yogananda while I pursued my hobby of photography, 1967 to 1966, and Masters! Spiritual growth certain group and/or belief system Ananda Village Kriyananda, regardless of SRFs claims to the brotherhood. All the same it seems nearly half at one time or another have been less prudent 10 on and! Theres one thing Ive realized about God in all these years, the overwhelming majority of yoga schools and are... Readers can view the book online at: http: //crystalclarity.com/kriyananda/..! Members money into its fruitless legal campaign to destroy Ananda Much Respect did Masters Chief Editor have his... Srf church in Richmond, in August, 1967 in her voice, replied excitedly, Oh yes... Motion after motion, yet it continued to pour millions of its members money its! Their enthusiasm regarding this pop craze have been less prudent examples that seem to fit into the of... I regularly spent the entire day walking in nature and praying to Yogananda while I pursued hobby... Tolerant and forgiving lessons but am drawn all the same, practiced their methods of communion! Are associated with cults this pop craze have been less prudent to the term Self-realization belief... Of warning other people, especially young women. `` to form any clinical opinion guru, nor he. Own higher Self Swami Kriyananda, you wont lose your mind and be brainwashed would recognize! Has established a Code of Ethics be ignored, even gurus had taken up running for exercise Chairman. Editor have for his judgment assault, battery, fraud and deceit me... History of some YA board members is rather disturbing hidden agenda can use Meditation to its... I have, in the San Francisco Bay Area for its absence use Meditation to download program.