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Re: Kriya Yoga
What a complicated issue! There is much more to it than just meditation
techniques and organizations. There is a long tradition of learning
meditation and spiritual teachings from a Master...one who has "mastered"
them. Here in the West, teachers such as Yogananda and Maharishi Mahesh
Yogi (among others) have attempted to adapt to the "Western" way of doing
things. We seem to be perpetual skeptics over here and to some extent I
think that is much to our benefit. But in the realm of spiritual
teachings it can be both a blessing and a curse.
IMHO, every technique of meditation or spiritual practice involves a
degree of admission that "I don't know everything"...in other words, a
little humility goes a long way. The funny thing is that humility doesn't
often extend to the organizations that perpetuate the teachings. So, its
a tough situation.
Back in 1969 I learned TM. And to some extent it has suffers from the
same problems you find with the Yogananda organization. There is a
difference however. You can go and take a TM class, despise the teachers,
disbelieve everything they say, never see them again, etc. It will have
absolutely no effect on your ability to meditate successfully.
I have practiced this technique for the past 26 years twice daily. I have
never sworn alegience to any one. I find the organization distasteful for
the most part and have avoided it. But it makes nbo difference, When I
sit to meditate I find a source of spiritual satisfaction and contentment.
It might be worht looking into. If you pursue it, I suspect you'll end up
with a technique you like and an organization that you can ignore. Feel
free to email me directly if you wish.
Ben Collins
bccolling@aol.com
