Paramahansa Yogananda

Here’s another young guru stabbing his followers in the back...
http://www.nytimes.com/news/videos/scandalous-footage-uncovered...v/610447/
👍Keep going, man—at least you're straight.😂 😂 😂

For those who have felt the grace firsthand, there's really nothing left to say. But honestly, the spiritual guidance provided by leaders that serves as a foundation for followers during uncertain times is what keeps people grounded right now. Just remember, the Osho International Meditation Resort is part of a global movement dedicated to waking everyone up, no matter where they're from or what their background is. By modernizing ancient wisdom to facilitate personal and societal growth, the Osho International Meditation Resort aims to transform both the person and the world at large.

What do you guys think? Is this just some deep-state Catholic conspiracy plot, or are we just seeing the absolute peak of Kali Yuga—you know, that dark age stuff—hitting its stride?

Hannah White2 said:Here’s another young guru stabbing his followers in the back...
http://www.nytimes.com/news/videos/scandalous-footage-uncovered...v/610447/
👍Keep going, man—at least you're straight.😂 😂 😂

For those who have felt the grace firsthand, there's really nothing left to say. But honestly, the spiritual guidance provided by leaders that serves as a foundation for followers during uncertain times is what keeps people grounded right now. Just remember, the Osho International Meditation Resort is part of a global movement dedicated to waking everyone up, no matter where they're from or what their background is. By modernizing ancient wisdom to facilitate personal and societal growth, the Osho International Meditation Resort aims to transform both the person and the world at large.

What do you guys think? Is this just some deep-state Catholic conspiracy plot, or are we just seeing the absolute peak of Kali Yuga—you know, that dark age stuff—hitting its stride?

-----------------------------------
Assumptions aren't really the point, are they? A public figure—be it an actor, a politician, or a journalist—is viewed the same way as a guru. They are public figures. They are targets for scrutiny. If someone gets a shot at tearing them down, why wouldn't they take it? It's actually more interesting to watch the fallout. To watch the rage. I doubt anyone was coerced under threat to believe in some spiritual leader. No. People are angry because they feel played. They can't handle owning their own choices, can they? And once you can't take responsibility, journalists find it incredibly easy to manipulate you. These so-called "spiritual leaders" try to highlight human folly. In this case, the media certainly helped them do just that, even if the whole thing turns out to be a fabrication.

They should have listened to me. I said he was a fraud a long time ago. 😁

I find the people who rushed out to lynch him absolutely hilarious. First off, they’re too lazy to even nudge their own stagnant souls out of neutral, yet they blindly chant away like fanatics, treating some ordinary guy as if he were an infallible icon. And then, suddenly, they decide he needs to be executed just because he had sex.

There is enough social pathology in this mess to fuel an entire series of novels. 🙄

bluemason3 said:They should have listened to me. I said he was a fraud a long time ago. 😁

Who are we actually talking about here?
Are there any students of his over in the States?
What kind of school does he run?
Did he ever write a book or something?
🤷Never heard a peep about him, so if you've got a title, let me know.

granitebadger2 said:I find the people who rushed out to lynch him absolutely hilarious. First off, they’re too lazy to even nudge their own stagnant souls out of neutral, yet they blindly chant away like fanatics, treating some ordinary guy as if he were an infallible icon. And then, suddenly, they decide he needs to be executed just because he had sex.

There is enough social pathology in this mess to fuel an entire series of novels. 🙄

There's truth there, though you could look at it another way. By presenting himself as a monk, he was representing a specific institution and a certain ideal. It’s like when someone shows up in a white coat claiming to be a doctor; they carry a specific authority based on the trust a patient places in them. Or a mechanic when you hand over your car. If it turns out that the doctor is a fraud who ripped you off, aren't you going to feel cheated? They went to someone presenting as a religious figure expecting him to fulfill that "social function," which he completely botched. It's only natural they felt compelled to react. Honestly, given the sheer number of scammers out there in India, having some form of accountability—even this kind—isn't a bad thing.

mistygull16 said:Who are we actually talking about here?
Are there any students of his over in the States?
What kind of school does he run?
Did he ever write a book or something?
🤷Never heard a peep about him, so if you've got a title, let me know.

I have no clue. I saw a few photos and statements, and the whole thing stinks from a mile away. You eventually learn how to sniff out these types. Some are more cunning, sure, but this guy was just a shallow, washed-out cliché. Based on what I've seen, I doubt he belongs to any real tradition; he just sounds like a superficial New Age hack. The question is whether he's actually a monk or just put on the robes without any initiation. Then again, anything is possible. Belonging to a group doesn't automatically make you legitimate.

Here’s that video I was talking about 😁

bluemason3 said:There's truth there, though you could look at it another way. By presenting himself as a monk, he was representing a specific institution and a certain ideal. It’s like when someone shows up in a white coat claiming to be a doctor; they carry a specific authority based on the trust a patient places in them. Or a mechanic when you hand over your car. If it turns out that the doctor is a fraud who ripped you off, aren't you going to feel cheated? They went to someone presenting as a religious figure expecting him to fulfill that "social function," which he completely botched. It's only natural they felt compelled to react. Honestly, given the sheer number of scammers out there in India, having some form of accountability—even this kind—isn't a bad thing.

I have no clue. I saw a few photos and statements, and the whole thing stinks from a mile away. You eventually learn how to sniff out these types. Some are more cunning, sure, but this guy was just a shallow, washed-out cliché. Based on what I've seen, I doubt he belongs to any real tradition; he just sounds like a superficial New Age hack. The question is whether he's actually a monk or just put on the robes without any initiation. Then again, anything is possible. Belonging to a group doesn't automatically make you legitimate.

It surprises me you didn't see through him immediately.
I actually called him out on an American forum a long time ago.
I wouldn't trust a person like that to hold my suitcase, let alone have a serious conversation with him—just look at that ridiculous, threatening, self-important laugh of his.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLeVL...eature=channel
Tolle was at one gathering where they offered chairs to all the teachers; he was the only one who refused to sit, explaining he wasn't worthy of it. Eckhart wouldn't even notice if you walked past him, whereas this guy would probably try to pick up your wife in passing. 😁
His ego shows in everything, including how he used the Hare Krishna movement—specifically using songs by The Beatles (some of whom were devotees)—to win over followers in the West.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_10GLkCqc0g&feature=fvsr
Ranjith is clearly head over heels. What else would a Tamil actress who seemingly has everything be doing with him? You can see it in the next video, too, where Fox News didn't hold back (just listen to the background music). It’s pretty obvious we're looking at a standard manipulator; she's genuinely in love—maybe he gave her a bit of an "energetic touch" 😁—and she keeps throwing herself at him, while he, like a complete fool, just leaps out of bed (and I doubt that's some kind of yoga pose).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nrak...eature=related
And if you want proof of how much she loves him, just look at this photo.

You can see the sheer scale of his ego in his own statements, where he completely ignores everything that's staring everyone else in the face.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jlkXQLLLVU

I’d really love for everyone to focus more on their own teachers and their own personal growth instead of getting caught up in spreading rumors and slander. You're out here accusing someone of copyright infringement and making false moral claims, even though you've been told more than once, "Don't judge!"
Honestly, how many people wearing clerical robes throughout the West are actually involved in illicit affairs? And yet, somehow, you feel the need to look toward the East for answers.
Let's be real—if anyone here thinks they're perfect, they should be the first to step up and take the blame!

Jeremy Brooks6 said:It surprises me you didn't see through him immediately.
I actually called him out on an American forum a long time ago.
I wouldn't trust a person like that to hold my suitcase, let alone have a serious conversation with him—just look at that ridiculous, threatening, self-important laugh of his.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MLeVL...eature=channel
Tolle was at one gathering where they offered chairs to all the teachers; he was the only one who refused to sit, explaining he wasn't worthy of it. Eckhart wouldn't even notice if you walked past him, whereas this guy would probably try to pick up your wife in passing. 😁
His ego shows in everything, including how he used the Hare Krishna movement—specifically using songs by The Beatles (some of whom were devotees)—to win over followers in the West.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_10GLkCqc0g&feature=fvsr
Ranjith is clearly head over heels. What else would a Tamil actress who seemingly has everything be doing with him? You can see it in the next video, too, where Fox News didn't hold back (just listen to the background music). It’s pretty obvious we're looking at a standard manipulator; she's genuinely in love—maybe he gave her a bit of an "energetic touch" 😁—and she keeps throwing herself at him, while he, like a complete fool, just leaps out of bed (and I doubt that's some kind of yoga pose).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nrak...eature=related
And if you want proof of how much she loves him, just look at this photo.

You can see the sheer scale of his ego in his own statements, where he completely ignores everything that's staring everyone else in the face.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jlkXQLLLVU

Here’s another little story for you. This whole idea of being "worthy" or "unworthy"... I mean, what kind of relevance does that actually have? And for whom exactly?...
All you really are is a collection of endless variations of expression, without any actual qualitative difference in what's being shown.
Besides, let's be real, Tolle is more effective than any sleeping pill on the market...

ambereagle642 said:Here’s another little story for you. This whole idea of being "worthy" or "unworthy"... I mean, what kind of relevance does that actually have? And for whom exactly?...
All you really are is a collection of endless variations of expression, without any actual qualitative difference in what's being shown.
Besides, let's be real, Tolle is more effective than any sleeping pill on the market...

Look, the expression itself doesn't really matter. But if we're looking at it from our perspective—as people trying to actually learn and grasp these things—then yeah, it matters big time! That’s why you see constant friction between religious leaders and the actual message they're supposed to be preaching; it's the perfect example.

If you look at this from any angle, it’s obvious that people learn primarily through how others act and behave, and almost never through what they say (unless they actually live it). Most people definitely operate this way, and psychology has been backing that up for ages.

So when we talk about relevance, it’s totally important. When someone talks the talk but doesn't walk the walk, it immediately kills their credibility for us. We just don't give them the time of day, though honestly, not many people are actually capable of spotting that disconnect.

We aren't talking about some abstract definitions or theoretical concepts that have nothing to do with real life here. We're talking about things where true understanding usually requires a specific way of behaving that backs up the words.

Basically, the more I think about it, the more I feel like people only truly learn and accept insights through actions, not through words. That's why, when we're discussing spiritual topics, it’s a huge factor for anyone who's still searching and struggling to tell the difference between truth and total nonsense.

No one can hand you the ultimate truth on a silver platter. Real movement only begins when we realize that our own path is the only one worth taking—when we finally stop waiting for some external authority to show us how to walk.

Anything else is just performance art; it’s mimicry without any actual substance. It’s why you see people claiming to be devout Christians while participating in brutal wars, or why someone can sit there smiling serenely during a lecture on inner peace one day, only to get into a fistfight over a parking spot at a Starbucks the next. Or worse, wanting to take a life simply because they were lied to.

On the road to true insight, there are no teachers and there is no "learning" in the traditional sense. A tree doesn't study how to grow branches. A river doesn't take classes on how to flow. Similarly, a human being doesn't "learn" how to attain realization; realization happens when they are actually ready for it.

That’s why watching the masses in their fits of rage feels almost comical to me. What is even the point of it all?

wearyhawk83 said:Look, the expression itself doesn't really matter. But if we're looking at it from our perspective—as people trying to actually learn and grasp these things—then yeah, it matters big time! That’s why you see constant friction between religious leaders and the actual message they're supposed to be preaching; it's the perfect example.

If you look at this from any angle, it’s obvious that people learn primarily through how others act and behave, and almost never through what they say (unless they actually live it). Most people definitely operate this way, and psychology has been backing that up for ages.

So when we talk about relevance, it’s totally important. When someone talks the talk but doesn't walk the walk, it immediately kills their credibility for us. We just don't give them the time of day, though honestly, not many people are actually capable of spotting that disconnect.

We aren't talking about some abstract definitions or theoretical concepts that have nothing to do with real life here. We're talking about things where true understanding usually requires a specific way of behaving that backs up the words.

Basically, the more I think about it, the more I feel like people only truly learn and accept insights through actions, not through words. That's why, when we're discussing spiritual topics, it’s a huge factor for anyone who's still searching and struggling to tell the difference between truth and total nonsense.

Reducing yourself down to just being "human" is its own kind of hell, creating this "human perspective" fueled by desires and plans to escape that state. It's just another exhausted cliché that offers zero actual perspective and no hope of ever reaching a conclusion...
Just learn once and for all that there is nothing left for you to learn regarding this question.
There isn't any "truth" or "lies" to find here, just endless chatter and stories about them that will never, and can never, bring you to where you already are.
Realize that this whole thing is just a story, and that you—as this imaginary, separate individual within the story—are trying to be better, more sincere, more moderate, more authentic, more honest, or whatever else you want to call it... and that maybe by achieving these manufactured ideals, one fine day you'll become what you already are. Isn't that pure insanity?!
I have nothing against those life ideals and maxims, but they will never lead anyone to the goal of their aspirations. Just drop that heavy burden of responsibility from your shoulders. Relax, let go, and you'll realize there's nobody there who actually relaxed and let go. That's it. Shou calls our life, and it moves on. You only have this moment; everything else is just mindless rambling and projecting images, which, of course, is also happening only in this moment.

@cenarius and @klimaks

Look, in my original post, I was strictly talking about whether or not the speaker actually matters to the student—nothing else.
The stuff you guys are reacting to (not sure about you, cenarius) is just me quoting an old message of mine and drifting into a slightly different topic.

To put it simply: I was just saying that most people learn by mimicking others, reflecting those relationships and building behavioral patterns. It’s like how a kid is basically a blank slate; 90% of the time, they aren't soaking up what their parents *say*, they're soaking up what their parents *do*. That was my whole parallel! I was trying to explain why @klimaks' point about the speaker being irrelevant isn't quite right. I’m telling you, it definitely matters, especially when we're dealing with things that hit close to home for the individual.

So, bottom line: I wasn't talking about ultimate truth or deep spiritual enlightenment, and I certainly wasn't thinking about grasping those concepts when I made my point.

Real life is a massive, complicated thing, and reaching some "ultimate realization" doesn't suddenly cancel out our need for food, a partner, or just living a balanced life.

When "spiritual" gurus start preaching about how to act or live, it is incredibly important that what we learn actually benefits us. After all, life is a lot more than just realizing that 2+2=4.
You’ve got to be able to navigate daily life without everything being a total struggle, living in harmony with yourself and the people around you. That usually means dealing with a huge spectrum of situations and perspectives that we have to constantly re-evaluate and apply to the moment. That’s what life is, plain and simple.

As for absolute, ultimate truths? I'm not trying to touch that, and I don't have much to add there. Absolute truth is always there, whether we see it or not, and there's really nothing left to say about it once you acknowledge it.

Look, I wasn't attacking anyone specifically; I was just circling back to my initial point in this thread—that the whole "revelation" was frankly a joke, since all it really proved is that a human being is just a human being.
They’re out there hunting for saints and miracle workers, but why? Is the world too mundane for them? Too painfully ordinary? It's because people are just going through the motions without actually *living* their lives. That's the crux of it.
It's as if they’re trying to siphon off a sense of "holiness" from whoever they can find, and then, the moment someone fails to live up to their impossible standards, they fly into a rage as if they've been personally insulted.

If I may weigh in here:

wearyhawk83 said:@cenarius and @klimaks

Look, in my original post, I was strictly talking about whether or not the speaker actually matters to the student—nothing else.
The stuff you guys are reacting to (not sure about you, cenarius) is just me quoting an old message of mine and drifting into a slightly different topic.

To put it simply: I was just saying that most people learn by mimicking others, reflecting those relationships and building behavioral patterns. It’s like how a kid is basically a blank slate; 90% of the time, they aren't soaking up what their parents *say*, they're soaking up what their parents *do*. That was my whole parallel! I was trying to explain why @klimaks' point about the speaker being irrelevant isn't quite right. I’m telling you, it definitely matters, especially when we're dealing with things that hit close to home for the individual.

So, bottom line: I wasn't talking about ultimate truth or deep spiritual enlightenment, and I certainly wasn't thinking about grasping those concepts when I made my point.

Real life is a massive, complicated thing, and reaching some "ultimate realization" doesn't suddenly cancel out our need for food, a partner, or just living a balanced life.

When "spiritual" gurus start preaching about how to act or live, it is incredibly important that what we learn actually benefits us. After all, life is a lot more than just realizing that 2+2=4.
You’ve got to be able to navigate daily life without everything being a total struggle, living in harmony with yourself and the people around you. That usually means dealing with a huge spectrum of situations and perspectives that we have to constantly re-evaluate and apply to the moment. That’s what life is, plain and simple.

As for absolute, ultimate truths? I'm not trying to touch that, and I don't have much to add there. Absolute truth is always there, whether we see it or not, and there's really nothing left to say about it once you acknowledge it.

But why even bother with a spiritual teacher? Look, I’m not saying teachers don't exist—anyone can be a mentor depending on who the student is and what’s being taught—but honestly, this whole guru/disciple dynamic, when applied as a blanket approach to living, absolutely grates on my nerves. It assumes there's some standardized blueprint for the human soul.

Now, if a teacher were to actually spend years studying their student—making a genuine effort to understand them deeply enough to truly grasp who they are and the specific path they are walking—only then might they have something substantive and tailored to offer.
What we see today in these mass movements has nothing to do with actual learning. It’s more about people blindly copying behavioral templates because they are so desperately obsessed with the idea of "freedom" that they are willing to mold their entire existence into someone else's vision of how life should look, just so they don't have to take the reins themselves.

We've reached a point where people try to "learn" about life, happiness, or truth (whose truth, exactly?) straight out of books. It’s all just an excuse to avoid actually living through it.

So, when I think about this guru/follower relationship, all I see is mutual parasitism.

granitebadger2 said:If I may weigh in here:

But why even bother with a spiritual teacher? Look, I’m not saying teachers don't exist—anyone can be a mentor depending on who the student is and what’s being taught—but honestly, this whole guru/disciple dynamic, when applied as a blanket approach to living, absolutely grates on my nerves. It assumes there's some standardized blueprint for the human soul.

Now, if a teacher were to actually spend years studying their student—making a genuine effort to understand them deeply enough to truly grasp who they are and the specific path they are walking—only then might they have something substantive and tailored to offer.
What we see today in these mass movements has nothing to do with actual learning. It’s more about people blindly copying behavioral templates because they are so desperately obsessed with the idea of "freedom" that they are willing to mold their entire existence into someone else's vision of how life should look, just so they don't have to take the reins themselves.

We've reached a point where people try to "learn" about life, happiness, or truth (whose truth, exactly?) straight out of books. It’s all just an excuse to avoid actually living through it.

So, when I think about this guru/follower relationship, all I see is mutual parasitism.

Exactly, which is why I used those quotation marks! 🙂

People just love these concepts and standards, and hey, I'm fine with them, including "authorities." I actually enjoy hearing some smart insights; in fact, I think it's vital to be reminded of certain truths every now and then because people naturally gravitate toward the path of least resistance, which usually leads to picking up habits we definitely don't want.

And if some of it turns out to be total garbage or useless fluff? That's just life.

The only kind of parasite I'm interested in being is one snuggling in bed with someone. 🤣

That Paramahansa Yogananda certainly wasn't looking to borrow anyone else's identity.
The moment we start believing in these preconceived notions of how things "should" be, those worlds simply crumble and vanish.
We have to do our own damn work. That’s the uncomfortable truth most people want to dodge—they’re looking for some kind of instant salvation, someone to step in and do the heavy lifting for them. They want a shortcut. But there's a certain beauty in the uniqueness of an individual's effort, in their name, in everything that exists. It requires respect. No one needs to "fix" anyone else. That's what love is. It’s about supporting someone else's light while making sure your own stays lit. Is that how a true teacher operates?
Real help only arrives once you've lit your own flame, right at the edge of the abyss.
Only then do we become visible to those who have already crossed that void.
*Ecco homo*. Standing before Pontius Pilate isn't exactly easy.
Yet, some people actually do it. They keep their light burning. They illuminate what it means to be human.
How many of them are left in this world?
Have they been forgotten? Can we even see the light of those who actually put in the struggle to ignite it?
Distinguishing light from darkness—not just good from evil, but true light. By following that light, we find a home for the spirit. Its own realm.
Perhaps it's this one?

This is a fascinating read:

http://medhajournal.com/geopolitics-...html?showall=1