ananda village controversy

Some journalists write hard-hitting news stories about destructive cults, which have often led to further action. Writing about more recent times, he entertainingly describes the fundamentalist leader Pat Robertsons penchant for quoting Old Testament passages that threaten, blame, and augur terrible vengeancethe religion of lawwhile never quoting the passages proclaiming Gods forgiveness and love, passages that form the core of Christs teachings. In August 1994, she left the church under a cloud. In numerous news reports former members have spoken out about the abuse they endured under Spriggs harsh totalitarian rule. The monks are encouraged to run daily.) Learning of the famed Bay to Breakers race in San Francisco, I entered and had a wonderful time. How an SRF monastic had criticized Kriyananda scathingly to a group of visiting Ananda members at SRFs guest retreat in Encinitas. The garden will be open seven days a week in April, 10am-5pm. Part of the problem with the lessons was their arrangement. You have no idea of the sufferings that await mankind. A close look at the resumes of YA board members reveals some interesting connections. I stumbled upon Ananda websites, and only feel goodness from mission as I understand it. ! she exclaimed. 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. Learn how your comment data is processed. They expose wrongdoing and the authorities often follow-up through criminal prosecution or some other enforcement action. Most seem to rely on word-of-mouth endorsements from friends, but there are some organizations that register schools and teachers. 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. This means that the patient is frequently very vulnerable and suggestible. Since he was kicked out of SRF, he has led hundreds, perhaps thousands of public gatherings. We invite you on an extraordinary pilgrimage experience at Ananda Village in California. 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. It seems that some people once interested in Sai Baba have lost their interest. For a lunch, visitors will find delicious vegetarian fare at the Expanding Light Retreat or at Master's Market in downtown Ananda Village. 50 years: past, present, and futureexpressed by different Ananda communities and ministers from around the world. I joined Self-Realization Fellowship nearly thirty-four years ago, in August, 1967. Even today, SRF continues to prove by its actions that it will not rest until it has accomplished this end. I am not for a moment suggesting that the SRF monks never roll up their sleevesonly that SRF seems fussily concerned with its image. Reading another book, Stealing JesusHow Fundamentalism Betrays Christianity, I discovered that there have been two main currents in the history of religiona religion of law and a religion of love. Author Bruce Bawer documents the history of these two streams of thought, going back to the gnostics of ancient Rome and their fundamentalist brethren. Newsweek says, Theres a yoga bonus: the way it sharpens your mental gamethe meditative breathing calms their nerves and hones their focus.. Download a free 101-page collection of Yoganandas out-of-print writings. This code can be a useful tool in gauging the behavior of yoga teachers, how they treat their pupils and conduct classes. Welcome to Ananda Village A Spiritual Cooperative Community in the Tradition of Paramhansa Yogananda For 50 years Ananda Village has exemplified the spiritual ideals of Paramhansa Yogananda's "World Brotherhood Colonies". Contact the Meditation Retreat at 530-478-7557 or emailmailto:[emailprotected]. Have a Question about Expanding Light Programs? Nor was it the actual teachings that needed revising: It was their presentation. If I stumble and fall, I know that my gurubais will consult their consciences before they judge me. That was three years ago, and, although the jury ruled in her favor last week, Bertolucci's ordeal is still far from over. Doctors like Hoffman may believe whatever the want, but such personal beliefs should not be passed off as part of the practice of medicine. The journalist did ask a member about the C word (cult) though. Donna Karan once promoted IYI within Vanity Fair magazine, without apparently doing much of a background check. 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. One such body is called the Yoga Alliance (YA), its mailing address is in Reading, Pennsylvania. I recall, during my first days as a resident at Ananda, once telling Swami Kriyananda, I believe youre my spiritual teacher. He was pulling on his boots in the vestibule of the publications building. The Ananda Village marketplace and caf is a 10-minute walk away, as is the new Temple of Light for all religions. 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. He described how he had entered the room and, instantly perceiving Swami Ramdass advanced, God-realized stature, how he had fallen at the saints feet in a torrent of tears. Ms. Roberts doesnt appear to do much research before listing yoga teachers? I have never been, and am not, a devotee of Sai Baba. 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. And then there is the lucrative faith healing business, which supports apparent posers such as the popular Benny Hinn. Judge Edward Garcia, the federal district judge in charge of SRFs lawsuit against Ananda, observed during a hearing, It sounds like you [SRF] want to put them [Ananda] out of business. In one of his rulings, Judge Garcia expressed concern for the First Amendment issues that were involvedin the case, namely, the freedom of small groups to practice their religion without fear of legal and financial harassment by larger organizations. This is certainly not the first precedent-setting case for Green. But how can a hopeful student find a reputable studio with a good teacher? The gurus property holdings alone are worth millions. Three months later, after visiting a cult de-programmer and an attorney, she filed a civil lawsuit against Ananda, alleging that she was sexually exploited by senior minister Danny Levin, who was vice president of Crystal Clarity Publishing where she worked. Each movement of his hands, each phrase, each look suggested divinity. You will learn about SRFs draconian lawsuit against Ananda in which it attempted to gain sole ownership of the Masters name, writings, and likeness, and how, in the judges own words, they attempted unsuccessfully to put that organization out of business by bankrupting it through protracted litigation. Wurmbrand would often read from the writings of simple Rumanian devotees who, lacking formal instruction from the church, had molded their understanding of Christs teachings directly, from their reading of the Bible and their own devotions. Blessings of life in a spiritual community. I say this in indignant refutation of SRFs claims to the contrary. I was a member of the Lay Disciples group during the latter part of that period, and I served briefly as a part-time volunteer gardener and second service leader at the SRF church in Redondo Beach. Now, its like a tomb.. What a shame, I felt, that generations of disciples would be deprived of knowing Yoganandas teachings in all their original power and earthiness, simply because the organization over-valued its image. We welcome visitors. A recent story written about the notorious group Ananda Marga, which has been accused of violent crimes, child abuse and linked to suicide, described members as covered in a life of peace.. To put it in a nutshell, I looked to the SRF senior ministers quite literally as channels for divine help, and they never let me down. Elsewhere, I have told two storiesof my own inspiring encounters with her. My work in Anandas legal office consisted mainly of mundane chores: copying thousands of pages of legal papers, doing research at the library, formatting legal briefs on the computer, and delivering papers. I was afire with eagerness to learn meditationsurely a desire I shared with most other students. There seem to be plenty of suckers ready to buy or believe almost anything in America. I never spoke privately with her, nor did I ever receive her verbal guidance, yet she always conveyed the Masters inspiration. Even these people, however, may be interested to note that, of persons reputed to have prophetic vision, every single one has predicted terrible sufferings for humanity in the years to come. When Swami Kriyananda was a young monk the Guru told him on many occasions, You have a great work to do.. Palo Alto resident Anne-Marie Bertolucci may have won her case against the Ananda Church of Self-Realization, but her victory has come at a high price. It seems that there would be no proper place for such a practice amongst ethical psychiatrists, who should remain objective and not project their personal beliefs into the lives of their patients. But the octogenarian left behind quite a bit of worldly baggage. Unless otherwise noted, all material on this site is Copyright Rick Ross. Why, I wondered with mild exasperation, did the first lesson discuss friendship? I loved the SRF senior monastics as older, more experienced brothers and sisters in God, and I felt profoundly inspired in their presence. (The full text of this book may be found online at http://www.ananda.org/aplacecalledananda/.). To place reliance upon prophetic utterances may strike some people as superstitious. Sai Babas supposed Siddha powers seem to have consumed him. So sad, God Bless you Ananda Society I offer my Love peace and blessings gained from meditation to you. More recently a controversy arose regarding an Integral Yoga International (IYI) student in New York City who attended a 30-day retreat at Yogaville, the groups retreat in Virginia. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. When I eventually had a chance to read some of Yoganandas writings and talks in earlier, unedited texts, I experienced the same raw power of spiritual inspiration and authority that I had sensed in the works of Swami Ramdas, Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Aurobindo, Swami Ram Tirtha, Sri Ramana Maharshi, and others. My longing was fed by the ministers transparent spirituality. Have a Question about Meditation Retreat Programs? When Kriyananda was here [in SRF], Brother Turiyananda once remarked sadly to Daya Mata, laughter rang in the halls. The new two-story Alamo Exhibit & Collections Building will be 24,000 square feet and cost $15 million. But others in their enthusiasm regarding this pop craze have been less prudent. And if they fall, they can be assured that, far from judging them, I will hold them up to Gods light, and pray that He help and bless them. Thus, our teacher and divine friend, Swami Kriyananda founded the global movement called Ananda Sangha Worldwide. Have a Question about Meditation Retreat Programs? (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. Carol A. Stefanelli, head of the groups Networking Committee, once studied with Swami Muktananda the founder of Siddha. They expanded steadily, purchasing several hundred more acres of the foothills and bringing in ever more seekers of self-realization. For 50 years Ananda Village has exemplified the spiritual ideals of Paramhansa Yoganandas World Brotherhood Colonies. If I should have problems in health or finances, I can ask seventy fellow disciples to pray for or advise me. There is also the sprawling ashram he established in Virginia called Yogaville, which includes a $2 million dollar temple and its own airport (the swami liked to fly and had his own plane). There certainly seems to be plenty of gullibility on this side of the globe. Theyre in it for the exercise and the physical benefitshold the chanting and the New Age vibes, reports Newsweek. In the Ananda communities, children are never more than five minutes from an Ananda member who is well acquainted with the child and knows its parents as fellow devotees. Attachment makes them slaves. Mahalo for your in depth and neutral portrayal of Srf and ananda. Guests from our Ananda communities worldwide: India, Europe, throughout the U.S. A variety of multimedia presentations from around the world. A Forest Management Plan has been prepared and is in use for Ananda Village. polyphase fir filter implementation I found the book deeply, unexpectedly inspiring. Interestingly, the last face-to-face meeting of the YA board was actually held at the so-called Ananda Village, in California. Ananda is a worldwide movement to help you realize the joy of your own higher Self. "If it was just me, I probably would have just carried on working.". 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. For example, the alliance includes on its list of schools the 3HO ashram in Espanola, New Mexico, the Integral Yoga Center of Richmond, Virginia and Ananda Yoga of Nevada City, California. Moreover, countless SRF disciples have experienced the Masters guidance and grace from other SRF monastics. 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. It is a fore-mirroring of the millions who, as Paramhansa Yogananda himself predicted, will be drawn to this path. 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. Was I in good health? Ananda Worldwide offers in-depth online courses, as well as interactive webinars, guided meditations, and discussions on the teachings of yoga. 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. I meditated twice daily with unwavering consistency, and I increasingly felt Paramhansa Yoganandas guidance and inspiration in my life. An angry God, a vengeful God, would surely have cast them down in damnation. Work on the project is expected to begin this summer and to be completed in the . Before moving to Ananda, I had an interview with Brother Dharmananda, to discuss whether I should apply to enter the SRF monastic order, or if I should move to Ananda Village. Genuflect, genuflect, genuflect. Does America need a crack down? A recent story written about the notorious group " Ananda Marga ," which has been accused of violent crimes, child abuse and linked to suicide, described members as "covered in a life of peace." The journalist did ask a member about the "C" word (cult) though. 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. This time the group is the Twelve Tribes, a racist anti-Semitic cult led by Elbert Eugene Spriggs, a former carnival barker. His words were more than advice; they were prophetic. Thats exactly what it is!. Monists and dualists, those of all faiths or of no established faith, were impartially received and instructed by the universal guru. 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. My relationship with them wasneither personal, intellectual, or organizational. 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. A 1976 fire burned almost the entire fledgling Ananda community to a crisp. I have never broken that pledge. SRFs policies, if carried to their logical and ridiculous extreme, would dictate that disciples of Paramhansa Yogananda who were forced to live under similar circumstances could never be recognized as disciples, since they would be unable to receive his teachings from SRF. The organization vaunted itself on keeping things SRF clean. For my money, it was a bit too clean. 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. But, as I was to discover later, the capacity to serve as a channel for the Guru does not preclude fallibility. 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. Ananda Meditation Retreat is located 6 miles from Ananda Village. And they have now chosen Ithaca as their newest community, the reporter happily adds. These people I am proud beyond measure to call my friends. In its ten-year legal barrage against Ananda, SRFs behavior is hardly reflective of the courageous dedication to truth that Yogananda espoused. Never-the-less Hoffman concludes, From all that, I learned to adapt the value of dreams to my own life.. Is thiswhat the Master wanted? Bombay is a 1995 Indian Tamil-language romantic drama film written and directed by Mani Ratnam, starring Arvind Swamy and Manisha Koirala.The film tells the story of an inter-religious family in Bombay before and during the Bombay riots, which took place between December 1992 and January 1993 after the demolition of the Babri Masjid led to religious tensions between Hindu and Muslim communities. I visualized some exasperated monastic, thoroughly fed up after years of scraping the barrel for nonexistent evidence, exclaiming under his breath, To heck with itif they want evidence, Ill manufacture it!. The group Ananda Marga first initiated Steven Landau, Chairman of the YA Newsletter Committee. The early Christians were forced to practice their religion secretly, in fear for their lives. "Some of my friends are still with Ananda. This behavior is documented in A Place Called Ananda. This news page is about groups, organizations or movements, which may have been called "cults" and/or "cult-like" in some way, shape or form. While Ananda has been forced to defend itself against SRFs lawsuit, I have sensed an underlying respect at Ananda for SRFs leaders as fellow disciples of our Guru. Together, let us serve.. I had once considered Daya Mata, Anandamoy, and the other orange-robed SRF monastics more or less infallible instruments for the Gurus guidance and blessings. One or the other trend will eventually define the organization. Their debts are a source of unending worry to them. She says that his practice is designed to awaken Kundalini energy., Well, if Kundalini energy means collecting cash and sex scandals, Bhajan certainly has conducted something of a wake up call.. And if you are not interested in their beliefs, their yoga classes are probably not for you. 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. Om Peace Amen. 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? The article reads almost like an infomercial with a plug for the groups website at the end. 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. We delivered tens of thousands of pagesevery book, pamphlet, brochure, poster, and letter that Ananda had ever printed. Standing, he said dismissively, Well, Im not a perfected being.. Once again, a senior SRF monastic had proved capable of acting as the Gurus channel. I had just moved to Ananda Village and had begun working at Pubble, the communitys publishing house. We at Ananda have never attacked SRF. 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. That works better for me.. Yoga has become a popular form of exercise and something of a sensational craze in recent years. One can only speculate about the consequences for SRF, if it persists in its present direction. In 1946, his guru, Yogananda, in his epic "Autobiography of a Yogi," had expressed his desire to create a Yoga Institute: "I plan to open a Yoga Institute here. I had noticed Kriyanandas picture in old copies of Self-Realization magazine. Unfortunately, some mental health professionals may see this as an opportunity to express their personal beliefs. Hopefully, visitors to her website will do some cursory checking before becoming involved with some of the groups listed. Supermodel Christy Turlingtons yoga book praises many groups, which have been referred to less glowingly as cults.. In addition, you will hear the deeply inspiring personal stories of people who dedicated themselves to living by sincere self-offering to God and Guru in prayer and meditation and humble service to Their cause, and how, as a result, they found profound success and happiness. After all, whats an ashram without its own credit union? The Expanding Light is always adding new programs. 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. Ananda Village has, since its founding, given birth to six other . One evening, at a party at the home of a famous woman ultramarathoner, the publisher offered me a job. 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. Far from leaving me bereft, the realization that even saints can make mistakes, eventually inspired me. Addendum: Letter from Swami Kriyananda to Mrinalini Mata. Ananda Meditation Retreat offers Personal Retreat and Mentored Personal Retreat stays, as well as Silent Group Retreats, Womens Retreats and more! Former secretaries said he was more of a predator than a celibate. In the company of other truth seekers it will be easier for you to meditate and to think of God., What is the need for all the luxury with which people surround themselves? And the more common category of largely domestic seekers is examined in The Faith Healers by James Randi. But nothing, certainly, that convinced the courts. 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. 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. I treasured the many letters I received from Brother Bhaktananda, but when the letters began to be signed Mother Center, my interest waned. I recall my first formal meeting with Swami Kriyananda. Workers in Anandas churches, book stores, and restaurants became used to receiving phone calls from individuals who claimed to be interested in the teachings of our path, and who would ask after a brief initial discussion, Arent you part of Self-Realization Fellowship? Or, Ive heard that Yogananda started an organization in Los Angeles. Contact them at 530-478-7611 or email [emailprotected]. YA was officially established just a few years ago in 1999. I think I speak for others when I say that I entered this path full of joyful expectationthat God can be known as the joyful Spirit residing in each one of us. 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. Kriyananda lost a sexual abuse lawsuit filed by former students and was forced into bankruptcy. OLeary sent the following statement to CultNews via email: I am in India now, with absolutely no intention to visit Sai Baba. The spirit of Paramhansa Yogananda permeated SRF. Ford Green is an Advisory Board member of The Ross Institute. But beware. The prominent lawyer litigated and won the landmark appellate court decision, Molko v. Holy Spirit Association (1988) 46 Cal.3d 1092. 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. One police commissioner said, We will do everything to guard Calcuttans from the clutches of such swindlers. He added that they frequently prey upon the sick who are in a vulnerable state.. Some groups called cults use yoga as a means of recruiting new members and exercise is not all they are teaching. 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. After all, we are the standard bearers for Yoganandas work!, These calls got to be quite a joke. Nothing, beyond a few petty exhibits which, if viewed from the skewed perspective of organizational bias, might remotely be construed as persuasive. 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.. Ananda Village is a community of a few hundred peoplethe fulfillment of Yogananda's dream of "world brotherhood colonies" devoted to "simple living and high thinking." Every aspect of life is expressed herefamilies, work, service, playwith spirituality as the pulsing heart that animates everything you see. Most of what they have they are paying for on the installment plan. Did I need help getting to the nearest center to attend services? Cost is $10 on weekdays and $12 on weekends. In fact, it was Swami Kriyananda who persuaded the SRF leadership to accept Turiyananda, even though he was past the accepted age of 30.