The story of Ananda is best told by the people who have lived
it. Here, members and friends share their perspective on Swami
Kriyananda and life in the Ananda communities.
Be forewarned: Ananda people have a lot to say! A very false
picture has been presented of our community and our spiritual
teacher, Swami Kriyananda, and we are going to set the record
straight.
I Know This Man
Vijay Girard
“The truth is that I have never met a person more able and
willing to hear truth no matter where it comes from. I have heard
newcomers lecture Kriyananda on what he should or shouldn’t
do and watch him listen attentively like an earnest student.”
My Life Has Become Worthwhile Because
of Swami Kriyananda
By Durga Smallen
“Swami Kriyananda was not at all as I had envisioned a Swami
to look like, or behave. He was totally himself. He wasn't indifferent
to what others thought; he simply did what he felt his guru wanted
of him, and was content to let others figure out what that meant
for them. He was funny, wise, extremely caring and always impersonal
in his love.”
The Best Friend I’ve Ever
Had
Sheila Rush
“I arrived at Ananda Village in 1980 with my 8-year old
son Joseph. I had moved from New York City, where I had been
working as a law professor. I had planned a total break with
the field of law, but when SRF sued Ananda, in 1990 I was asked
to serve on Ananda's legal team, a group of ten people, including
Kriyananda, who make legal decisions for Ananda. From 1991 on,
I was in regular, and sometimes daily, contact with Kriyananda.”
It Would be Laughable If It Weren’t
So Cruelly Directed
Ananta McSweeney
“What I find especially irksome is the rewriting of history
that has been perpetrated by Parameshwari in her declaration
and by two other ladies who had romantic relationships with Kriyananda
at that time. Having lived at Ananda Village at that time, I
remember how open Kriyananda was about what he was doing in renouncing
his vow of celibacy, and why he was doing it. Parameshwari’s
telling of the story implies a clandestine affair that has her
as an innocent victim. She goes so far to say she didn’t
even think they were married.”
A Meaningful Life, Helpful to Others
Seva Wiberg
“Kamala, especially, was totally presumptuous. Swami is
very considerate. They were aggressive and rude to him, but he
didn’t want to be aggressive and rude in return. This may
sound funny to people who don’t know Swami, given all that
happened since, but it was a real problem for him.”.
My Years with SRF, My Years with Ananda
Rambhakta Beinhorn
“I’m 59 years old now. I've been on the path for 35
years. If there's one thing I've realized about God in all these
years, it's that He is fathomlessly tolerant and forgiving.”
This article is an extraordinary inside look at SRF and Ananda
by a life-long disciple of Yogananda and a keen observer of life.
How 2,000 Devotees Paid Off $6
Million in Legal Fees (and Still Counting) and How We Think About
Money at Ananda
Catherine Van Houten
“Perhaps some people suspect Ananda and Swami Kriyananda
of having secret resources, unnumbered bank accounts, etc., because
they themselves cannot imagine an individual—much less an
organization—existing happily and fearlessly on whatever
resources come, nearly moment to moment. But that is the simple
truth of the matter.”
Why I Have Stayed At Ananda
Nalini Graeber
“During those long difficult years, I was largely sustained
by my friendship with Kriyananda, as well as other Ananda friends.
In retrospect, Kriyananda’s patience with me—my tears
and letters and struggles—was no less than heroic. Since
he was more available in the early days, I often went to him
for counseling. He must have seen me dozens of times for substantially
the same reasons. Over and over he offered me the same advice,
couched in different words, according to the particular context
at the time: ‘God loves you—have faith in that. Don’t
give up. Keep offering your devotion to God. Try to think less
about your problems and more about serving God in others. You
can do it, Nalini; I know you can do it!’”
Saved by Kriya
Eric Munro
“For the next 3 years my happiness slowly treaded downhill,
until finally I realized I must continue spiritual seeking.”
The Triumph
By Devi Novak
“Kriyananda likes to tell the story of when he was a young
boy growing up in Romania and had received a new bicycle from
his parents. He taught all his friends how to ride his bicycle
by holding the back of the seat and running along beside them.
Then he’d drop his grip on the seat, but continue running
along. Finally, as they got their confidence going, he’d
stop running and let them ride alone. This is the kind of leadership
he exemplifies: giving others confidence in themselves by his
presence, then gradually withdrawing so that they realize they
can do it on their own.”
A Channel for Yogananda's Vibration
John Lenti
“Characteristic of Swami is that he sees the highest in
all of us. He may recognize our faults, but at the same time
he always encourages our potential for growth. He never focuses
on our mistakes. Ultimately, his leadership style is grounded
in the principle of free will and respect for each of us. It’s
a reciprocal thing, like being invited to a fine banquet. If
you’re not hungry, no one is going to force you to eat.”
I Prayed, and the Answer Came
By Mary Kretzmann
“Kamala, in an enthusiastic voice (like a young teen retelling
some devious adventure) boasted that she had tried to seduce
Swami Kriyananda, but that he had soundly rebuffed her. She seemed
disappointed, but not discouraged, and certainly not in the least
bit remorseful or contrite about her actions. I was too stunned
to reply. My jaw must have been hanging to my chest. Never had
I known a woman who wanted to seduce anyone, let alone take down
a spiritual teacher. I couldn’t imagine her purpose in this.”
Judge the Tree by the Fruit
Jayadev Jaerschky
“I wish people would find out for themselves. Especially
those who have never seen or heard Kriyananda. Please do, especially
if you are tempted to believe negative things someone else says.
If something like the ‘Golden Book of Life’ exists,
Kriyananda’s life would be a glowing page, written in big,
beautiful, shining letters.”
A Little Cunning, A Reputation
Destroyed
Marilyn Holm
“My friends were horrified at my decision. ‘But they’re
a sex-crazed cult! Please don’t go there.’ I knew that
the only way to know the truth of these horrible allegations
was to step into the middle of it and find out for myself.”
Only Later Did I Figure It Out
Joe Begley
“When I left, I briefly encountered the person Swami was
meeting with next. It was a young lady I’d known for about
a year—Anne-Marie Bertolucci, who looked extremely nervous
and agitated that day.”
Held in the Light
Lila Devi
“‘What is wrong with this picture’ is the first
thought that comes to mind while writing this article refuting
the charges against Swami Kriyananda. The claims leveled against
him in no way resemble the person I have known during my twenty-five
years at Ananda. I have seen no overlap of the two profiles—the
steadfast disciple of a great avatar, versus the unconscionable
monster portrayed by his detractors. No resemblance whatsoever.
The truth remains that Kriyananda has been seriously miscast
in the roles assigned to him by his accusers. Egomaniacal? Womanizing?
Arrogant? Avaricious? I think not, and here’s why.”
Accept What Is
Wayne Palmer
“Some years before the testimony he gave under oath in court,
I vividly remember Swami Kriyananda standing before our entire
community of 250 adults at Ananda Village and stating without
shame ‘90% of the accusations leveled against me are false,
but that still leaves 10% that are true.’ He didn't deny
his sexuality. He has always taught us, and showed through his
own example, to fearlessly accept what is, most especially about
oneself.”
The Credit Goes to Yogananda
Maitri Jones
“Hearing Kriyananda weave stories of Yogananda's life and
his own experiences as a disciple into the fabric of yogic teachings
left me in awe. Yet I found Kriyananda approachable and humble,
always giving credit to his guru, Yogananda.”
My Spiritual Family
Leslie Ghirla
“I made what I later learned was a ‘prayer demand’.
One morning I asked Master to give me a spiritual family because
I didn’t feel life worth living without one. That same morning
I found Ananda. I visited The East West Bookstore and found a
program guide for the Ananda Palo Alto church. Upon opening the
first page I saw a picture of Master’s face looking back
at me. I was overcome with his speedy reply and wept for joy.”
More letters (page 2 of 3) >>>>>
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Updated: February 14, 2005
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