Yogananda, the founder of the Self-Realization Fellowship, is one of the most renowned spiritual leaders of modern times. However, there have been accusations that he led a double life which was different from the spiritual teachings that he preached. Yogananda had been accused of allegations that involved him having fathered several children and maintaining a harem of young women in his dorm rooms. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at the allegations made against Yogananda.
The Allegations of Fathering a Child
One of the most significant allegations made against Yogananda was that he had fathered a child named Mona Pratt. Mona was the daughter of Tara Mata, one of the most visible and influential nuns in the Self-Realization Fellowship. Tara Mata was also a close friend and secretary to Yogananda. This allegation has been circulating since the 1920s, but at that time, it was kept hushed up because of the influential position of the people involved.
Tara Mata had raised Mona alone, and many years after Yogananda’s death, Mona took a DNA test to determine her parentage. The results of the DNA test were disclosed in a book titled, “The New Path” by Swami Kriyananda, a follower of Yogananda who ended up leaving the organization. The DNA test revealed that Mona was related to Yogananda’s family members, which suggested that Yogananda was Mona’s father.
The Allegation of a Harem
Another significant allegation made against Yogananda was that he maintained a harem of young women in his dorm rooms. According to witnesses, these women were called “secretaries,” but these women were not the regular type of secretaries that one would associate with an office. They were not hired for their secretarial skills but their looks. These young women appeared to be devotees of Yogananda, and they stayed in his dorm rooms under the guise of serving him.
According to the book, “The Secret Life of Yogananda,” written by his former secretary, Rajarsi Janakananda, there were at least four women who stayed in Yogananda’s rooms, and their primary duty was to cater to his needs. Some of the witnesses who provided information about the alleged harem claimed that they had seen Yogananda with some of these women in compromising positions.
The Response from the Self-Realization Fellowship
The Self-Realization Fellowship’s response to the allegations against Yogananda has always been that they are consigned to history, and the allegations were not supported by evidence. SRF has suggested that the allegations were partly a result of jealousy and resentment by those who were not seen as close to Yogananda. Over time, the organization has stated that it can only be judged by the hundreds of thousands of people who have experienced profound spiritual transformation through the teachings of Yogananda and the organization.
Many people who believe in Yogananda’s teachings have remained steadfast despite these allegations. However, for others, these allegations have been hard to reconcile with the image of a spiritual master that they have revered for so long.
Conclusion
The allegations that were made against Yogananda have raised questions about the true nature of the spiritual master and his teachings. Despite these allegations, many followers of the Self-Realization Fellowship have remained devoted to Yogananda’s teachings, celebrating his contributions to the spiritual world. However, it is essential to remember that like all human beings, Yogananda was not perfect, and allegations against him may shed light on the darker aspects of his personality. It is up to individuals to reconcile themselves with these allegations and decide for themselves whether they believe them or not.
FAQ
What is the Ananda Yoga scandal?
The Ananda Yoga scandal refers to a series of allegations of sexual abuse against the founder of the Ananda Church of Self-Realization, Swami Kriyananda (J. Donald Walters). The scandal was exposed in 1994 when one of Kriyananda’s former female followers filed a lawsuit against him, accusing him of “sexual battery, fraud, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.” The woman claimed that Kriyananda had manipulated her into a sexual relationship with him while she was a member of his yoga community in the 1970s.
During the trial, seven other women also testified that Kriyananda had abused them. Kriyananda admitted to having had sex with some of the women but said the relationships were consensual. He also claimed that his actions were part of a spiritual practice called “Bhakti Yoga,” which involved developing a close, intimate relationship with one’s guru.
The Ananda Yoga scandal raised questions and concerns about the potential abuse of power within spiritual communities. It also highlighted the issue of consent in relationships between spiritual leaders and their followers.
In 2001, Ananda settled the case, along with a second lawsuit, by agreeing to pay $1.8 million to the plaintiff and her attorneys. Kriyananda resigned from his position as the spiritual leader of the Ananda community and moved to Italy, where he continued to write and teach until his death in 2013. The Ananda Church of Self-Realization remains in operation today, but under new leadership and with policies in place to prevent future incidents of abuse.
What is the secret of success Yogananda?
Paramahansa Yogananda, a spiritual leader and founder of the Self-Realization Fellowship, believed that the secret of success and happiness lies within an individual. He taught that material success and wealth alone do not necessarily equate to true happiness and fulfillment. Instead, one must look inward to find the key to unlocking their potential and achieving success in all areas of life.
According to Yogananda, the secret to success is to discover one’s true calling and purpose in life, and to align all of one’s actions and efforts towards achieving that goal. He believed that when an individual is able to tap into their inner strength and potential, they can overcome any obstacle and reach their desired level of success.
Yogananda also emphasized the importance of cultivating positive habits and attitudes, such as gratitude, self-discipline, and perseverance. He believed that by practicing these virtues regularly, one can develop a strong sense of self-confidence and inner peace, which are essential for achieving success in all areas of life.
In addition to these personal practices, Yogananda also advocated for a spiritual approach to success. He believed that by connecting with a higher power, individuals can gain a deeper sense of purpose and meaning in their lives. Through practices such as meditation and prayer, one can develop a greater sense of inner guidance and clarity, which can help in making important decisions and navigating through life’s challenges.
Yogananda’S teachings on success emphasize the importance of looking within oneself for the key to unlocking one’s potential and achieving success in all areas of life. By cultivating positive habits, aligning one’s actions with their purpose, and connecting with a higher power, individuals can overcome any obstacle and achieve their desired level of success.
What are the beliefs of self realization fellowship?
Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) is a spiritual organization founded by Paramahansa Yogananda in 1920, with the aim of disseminating his teachings on the science of spiritual living. The organization promotes a technique of meditation that emphasizes the internalization of attention and the cultivation of a personal relationship with the Divine.
SRF has a set of beliefs that are based on traditional Hindu teachings and are intended to promote the spiritual growth and evolution of the individual. These beliefs are summarized in the organization’s Fourteen Point Aims and Ideals:
1. To cultivate love, patience, humility, and non-attachment.
2. To practice daily meditation and self-discipline for spiritual growth.
3. To live a balanced life of work, study, and service to others.
4. To seek truth through subjective experience and introspection.
5. To respect all religions and acknowledge their common goal of union with God.
6. To avoid dogmatism and sectarianism.
7. To follow a path of conscious self-realization.
8. To practice self-control and self-mastery.
9. To serve others and promote unity and harmony among all humankind.
10. To be honest, truthful, and ethical in all dealings.
11. To cultivate physical health through right diet and exercise.
12. To respect and protect all forms of life and the environment.
13. To maintain a positive and optimistic attitude towards life.
14. To remain devoted to the ultimate goal of union with God.
These beliefs are rooted in the idea that each individual has the potential to realize his or her true nature as a spiritual being, and that this realization can be cultivated through a dedicated practice of meditation and other spiritual disciplines. SRF teaches that the process of spiritual evolution involves the gradual refinement of the mind and the acceptance of the divine will in all aspects of life.
The beliefs of Self-Realization Fellowship are intended to promote a deeper understanding of one’s own true nature, as well as a compassionate and loving attitude towards others and the world around us. Through daily practice and dedicated service, members of the organization strive to become channels of Divine Light and Love, working towards the ultimate goal of spiritual realization and union with God.