"Many teachers will tell you to believe; then they put out your eyes of reason and instruct you to follow only their logic. But I want you to keep your eyes of reason open; in addition, I will open in you another eye, the eye of wisdom."
Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri, to Paramahansa Yogananda
Contents:
Information is organized by topic, in a logical sequence of information, from top to bottom.
Most topics have extended quotes by Paramahansa Yogananda followed by a 'quote to quote' study comparing J. Donald Walters teachings with those of Paramahansa Yogananda on that same topic.
Getting started:
"Negativity" or "Constructive doubt"?
Paramahansa Yogananda on Doubt, Belief and Faith In depth article; 10 pages.
Paramahansa Yogananda has stated: "Treat religion with the same spirit applied to the sciences. Without doubt and investigation, many will not reach truth."Yet some groups claim that to doubt, question, investigate or disagree with the leadership or accepted policy is to be "negative", "out of tune" or coming under the influence of Satanic or Mayic forces. What did Yogananda actually teach about the positive and constructive role of doubt, investigation, and it's relation to faith and belief?
The Guru;
The relationship between Guru and disciple is one of the centrally important teachings of traditional Raja Yoga. It is also perhaps the single most important difference between the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda and those of Mr.Walters and the Ananda church. Following is an examination of Paramahansa Yogananda's teaching on this subject, and those of his first chosen successor, James Lynn, and then the practices and teachings of Mr.Walters and the Ananda church.
Paramahansa Yogananda on the "Guru-disciple relationship"
Aspects of the guru / disciple relationship; 33 quotes. Topics covered include; What is a true guru; Difference between true guru and teacher; Do we still need a teacher after we find our guru? How and why to 'tune in' with a true guru, regardless of physical distance.
After the Guru:
Does the disciple's relationship to the guru change after the guru leaves his body? What is the proper attitude and role of the guru's chosen successors?
Rajarsi Janakananda on the "Guru-disciple relationship"
Paramahansa Yogananda said, of all his disciples, "first in realization is Saint Lynn". Describing Mr. James Lynn further as a "siddha" or perfected being, Yogananda bestowed on him the monastic title "Rajarsi Janakananda", and appointed him as president of SRF and his first successor. Did Rajarsi then declare himself "guru", as many expected him to do? Did he describe himself as an intermediary or channel to Yogananda, as some teachers have claimed? Did he rewrite or redo the teachings, as some teachers have?
"It doesn't matter who you SAY is your guru; it's who you attune yourself with" -former Ananda church member
What does the Ananda church teach about Mr. Walters spiritual stature, and a member's proper relationship to him?
"Attunement to Master through Swami and Ananda"
Excerpts from audio tape of ministers class taught by Assistant Spiritual Director and Lightbearer Devi Novak. Ms. Novak teaches that members should "tune in" to Mr. Walters as a perfect channel for God and Paramahansa Yogananda. This tape was entered as evidence in the recent trial.
Other examples of the spiritual role of Mr. Walters in the Ananda church
Statements from Mr. Walters himself, former members, and an excerpt from the Ananda church "Final Vows of Membership".
Is Ananda Village membership only for those with "unquestioning loyalty to Swami Kriyananda"?
A record of an actual meeting of Ananda's top ministers and leaders, from 4-14-95
What teachings are studied at Ananda?
The Ananda church states it's mission is bring "Master to the world". The following is a detailed listing of the ceremonies and religious teachings actually studied and practiced at Ananda.
Ananda's two day public celebration of Mr. Walters birthday
(comparison study)Should a man representing himself as a teacher, swami and disciple of a great master accept the public adoration and celebration of his personality and life? Compares Ananda's appoach with that of other renunciate disciples, and statements by Paramahansa Yogananda.
"One is not safe until he has attained the highest, Nirbikalpa, Samadhi." Paramahansa Yogananda, quoted in The Path, page 278.
Who is qualified to teach? To be a guru? Who is not? How do you judge a teachers level of spiritual attainment?
Paramahansa Yogananda; the "Ladder of Ascension and Descension"
Paramahansa Yogananda said:"The difference between Ascended Masters and Manifested Masters should be understood in order that we may avoid being exploited by self-appointed and self-styled teachers."
The world seems full of teachers who are said to be "enlightened", "god realized", or a "saint". They or their followers often use this to encourage unquestioning, awestruck obedience from their followers-"they know better". But what is "enlightenment"? What is the difference between an "Ascended" or "Manifested" Master? How can you really tell how evolved a teacher may be, and what it means...In this powerful and profound document, Paramahansa Yogananda details 15 different levels of spiritual attainment, from "ordinary man" to "manifested master", and gives a "test of state" for each one.
Other issues relevant to a teacher's qualifications:
Sex, the "ordinary man", and spiritual advancement
Paramahansa Yogananda on sex, morality and it's relevance to spiritual growth and attainment.
Is a slip a fall? How is one's ability to control their sexual appetite relevant to one's consciousness and stature as a teacher or yogi?
(Quote to quote comparison study)Are there standards a swami should live up to? A quote by Mr. Walters on this subject is compared to the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, Swami Sri Yukteswar, Lahiri Mahasaya, Ramakrishna Paramahansa, and Swami Vivekananda.
Does the spiritual attainment of the teacher matter?
Must one's teacher be "enlightened", one who "knows God" by direct experience?
(Quote to quote comparison study)Is Mr. Walters "enlightened"? Does he "know God by direct experience"? Here in his own words he describes his level of spiritual attainment, followed by quotes from Paramahansa Yogananda stating the neccasary qualifications of a true spiritual teacher or guru.
Should one 'tune in' with Mr. Walters or directly with Paramahansa Yogananda?
(Quote to quote comparison study)
A history of Mr. Walters "guidance" and leadership of Ananda
What has been the actual "track record" of Mr.Walters leadership and "guidance"?
To follow the history of Ananda is really to follow the history of the directives or "guidance" of J. Donald Walters as he has led his community for over 30 years. Ananda hails him as a direct channel for God and Paramahansa Yogananda. They unquestioningly follow the advice and leadership of Mr. Walters as they see "Divine Guidance" working directly through his ideas and directives. But what has been the actual outcome of Mr. Walters leadership and guidance?
Is Ananda an example of Yogananda's "World Brotherhood Colonies"?
Excerpt from a letter written by a member to Mr. Walters in 1995;
"I am very much afraid to write to you because I feel that if I express my truth, I will be condemned perhaps by you, or the leaders of the community. I have talked to about 30 or 40 Ananda members who also would like to write to you but are scared that they would lose their status in the community if they questioned anything you have done...Some people have expressed fear that not only they would be shunned but they could lose their jobs and possibly their house. The truth is that perhaps 35% of the community would like to be able to openly question you but are in fear. I don't think that Master would want his disciples to be living in a community based on fear."
Excerpts from "Seeking God Together", a small booklet of Paramahansa Yogananda's thoughts and guidance on the true purpose of devotees gathering together in groups.
"Meditation groups should be organized not for the glorification of a cause or leader but with the express and sole purpose of knowing God by the power of united concentration and meditation."
Can an eloquent and inspiring teacher actually be deluded or even dangerous?
Paramahansa Yogananda on those who can "speak like the wise, yet act like the ignorant"
Followers of well known "spiritual teachers" are usually deeply shocked when allegations of sexual or other misconduct come to light. They are in an agony of confusion. How can someone who appears to be so "spiritual" actually be so deluded? Could such behavior actually have been committed by the same "teacher" they think they know so well? In this article Yogananda describes the phenomenon.
A message from the woman known as Ammachi on the issue of false teachersExcerpt:
"When you dwell entirely in the mind and ego, you are not concerned about others; you are thinking only about yourself, and about wealth, power, and recognition. Intellectuals interpret the teachings of the scriptures and the masters of their religions to suit their own ideas, and unsuspecting people fall easy prey to those distorted definitions of the truth and end up in conflict with themselves and others. This is what is happening in our society. The intellectuals become leaders and revered advisors. Their followers idealize them and worship them as God. In fact, God has been forgotten; the truth and the essential principles of religion, the very purpose of religion and religious practices, are being ignored."
Ananda Moyi Ma and J. Donald Walters
This is the same Ananda Mayi Ma mentioned in the "Autobiography of a Yogi", in the chapter titled "The Joy Permeated Mother". Yogananda there describes her spiritual stature; "She has solved the only real problem of mankind: oneness with God"...."no matter what she was doing, I saw that her eyes never looked away from God".What did this great saint think about Mr. Walters? About his building Ananda? His spiritual leadership? In the spring of 1974, Mr. Walters, then called "Swami Kriyananda" had an extraordinary meeting with the saint at her ashram in Hardvar, India. As told by an eyewitness.
On the guru-disciple relationship, how else do the teachings of Mr. Walters and Ananda differ from what Paramahansa Yogananda taught?
Quote by quote comparisons:
J. Donald Walters versus Paramahansa Yogananda;
(Quote to quote comparison study)Do we need to attune ourselves with perfected gurus or lesser teachers? Do we need a teacher as well as a guru? Is it important to have a physically living teacher? What role do printed yoga lessons, or membership in a spiritual organization play in our spiritual growth?
Spiritual teachers and true Gurus;
(Quote to quote comparison study)Can you have, or need, a "spiritual teacher" and a "Guru" at the same time?
After their passing, do the disciples of "true gurus" need "channels" to reach their disciples and to interpret their teachings?
Must one's teacher be "enlightened", one who "knows God" by direct experience?
(Quote to quote comparison study)Is Mr. Walters "enlightened"? Does he "know God by direct experience"? Here in his own words he describes his level of spiritual attainment, followed by quotes from Paramahansa Yogananda stating the neccasary qualifications of a true spiritual teacher or guru.
In what other areas do the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda differ from the teachings of Mr. Walters and the Ananda church?
The Swami Order
Swamis, broken vows, and marriage:
What is a "swami", as taught by Yogananda and the millenniums old traditions of India? How does one become a swami? Who should become one? Can a swami be married? Can a "monastic" be married? Do the vows Paramahansa Yogananda had his swamis take at Self-Realization Fellowship say anything about marriage?
(Quote to quote comparison study)Are there standards a swami should live up to? A quote by Mr. Walters on this subject is compared to the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, Sri Yukteswar, Lahiri Mahasaya, Ramakrishna Paramahansa, and Swami Vivekananda.
The "Teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda"
Is there a "definite teaching" of Paramahansa Yogananda?
(quote to quote comparison study)An Ananda spokesman recently wrote in a magazine article that there was "no such thing as the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda". What did Yogananda say on this issue?
How to keep the teachings pure;
(Quote to quote comparison study)Did Yogananda have guidelines for keeping his teachings pure? Did he want creative interpretations? New versions? How do Mr. Walters policies and beliefs on this subject differ from Paramahansa Yogananda's instructions that he left for his organization, and that his other disciples follow?
Self Realization Fellowship Lessons;
(Quote to quote comparison study)Ananda no longer requires study of the Yogananda's "SRF Lessons", replacing them with Mr. Walters own lessons, now called the "Ananda course in Self-Realization". Mr. Walters has said; "....such blessings (necessary to attain spiritual consciousness) come not from books, printed lessons, or membership in a religious institution." What did Yogananda teach?
Paramahansa Yogananda on Self-Realization Fellowship
Note;The following is not an effort to 'proselytize'. It is simply a factual record of Paramahansa Yogananda's statements. Reach your own conclusions.
Paramahansa Yogananda on the role of Self Realization Fellowship
Mr. Walters has disparaged SRF as a vehicle for Yogananda's teachings and mission. Mr. Walters claims Yogananda never intended SRF to play an exclusive and central role in the spiritual life of his disciples. What did Yogananda actually teach?
Paramahansa Yogananda on the Divine origins and future of Self Realization Fellowship;
Mr. Walters has long characterized SRF, the organization founded and built by Yogananda, as an institutional relic of the dark ages. Did Yogananda feel his struggle to build SRF was a success? How did he see it's future?
Who did Paramahansa Yogananda say would "represent" him and his teachings after his passing?
Mr. Walters has billed himself as the "spiritual director" of Ananda, and as the "living representative of the Ananda line of Gurus", whom members must pledge their obedience and loyalty to. What did Yogananda say about those who would represent him in the future?
Paramahansa Yogananda on Daya Mata;
Comments about the current president of Self-Realization fellowship, Daya Mata, whom Yogananda specifically chose and trained to be president of his organization after his passing.
Tara Mata and her role in Mr. Walters dismissal from Self-Realization Fellowship
(Quote to quote comparison study)Paramahansa Yogananda's comments about her, Walter's views of her, and her views on Mr.Walters and his dismissal.
Mr.Walters has severely criticized Tara Mata, one of Yogananda's earliest disciples, for being a prime mover in what he characterizes as his unfair and unwarranted dismissal. Yet Yogananda described Tara Mata as so spiritually advanced that she didn't need to meditate, and also characterized her as a protector of the work. This fascinating and revealing document contrasts what Yogananda said about Tara Mata and her role in SRF, and how Walters describes her and her comments to him on his dismissal from SRF.
Paramahansa Yogananda and Kriya Yoga Initiation
Paramahansa Yogananda on Kriya Yoga Initiation
What were Yogananda's directives for who he felt were authorized to give Kriya Yoga initiation? From 1938 copyright documents.
Should spiritual people actively resist evil and wrongdoing?
Paramahansa Yogananda on resisting evil and wrongdoing.
Ananda has characterized the attempts to expose alleged misconduct by Mr. Walters and Ananda as "negative", a waste of time, or against the way of "non-violence" and other spiritual principles. What did Yogananda teach? Also includes quotes from Ghandi, the Dalai Lama of Tibet and others.
Other resources for information about the Ananda church:
Link to the "Ananda Awareness Network"This large site has a wealth of documents, articles, and other information about the Ananda church, much of it centering on the fraud/sexual abuse trial which Ananda recently lost. Most of the information is factual/secular in nature: court documents and testimony, newspaper articles, and information on the nature of cults. The Ananda Awareness Network describes itself as:
"A network of former members and and concerned citizens dedicated to providing alternative veiws and information about the Ananda church and J.Donald Walters, aka Swami Kriyananda, so a fully informed choice can be made about involvement with the Ananda church or other similar groups"
