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Date Posted: 23:59:35 05/20/03 Tue
Author: Hendrik - 6 Apr 2003
Subject: No more Kriya conversations
In reply to: Carris - 6 Apr 2003 's message, "Re: A clue for Lahiri's development" on 00:16:31 05/18/03 Sun

Few of any conversations between followers of Traditional Kechari Mudra Kriya Yoga and Dynastic Jnana Kriya Yoga have been meaningful in the past as far as I remember.

Both sides basically remain in their fortresses and try to invalidate the other one's understanding either by continuously quoting some unrelated scriptures or by cornering the other with the help of a subtle logical sophistry. Needless to say this will help no one.

I had the opportunity to watch this unsavory argument going on for several years; in fact I have been part of it myself for some time. I deeply regret first taking sides with one, later with the other position as exemplified by the original series of mutual attacks and defamation by a certain American Ned Waller and the guru Shibendu Lahiri of Benares.

Both indirectly instigate their disciples to adopt their unbalanced mindsets, or either some disciples copy of their own choice the unhealthy mentality of these teachers. In fact both teachers behave not only unduly aggressive at times but suffer from a borderline syndrome and a sort of tunnel vision. This is my honest opinion.

Both represent a rather one-dimensional understanding of how things are and what Kriya Yoga is about.

The one school believes that (1) a so-called "Paravastha of Kriya" has to be attained by observing certain strict injunctions that are physically impossible and (2) that all other people are either wrong, inferior, or perforce teach exactly the same.

The other teaches that (1) "Shibendu is Buddha is Osho is Christ" and "the soul is ego is mind is a subtle body which is a myth and you are nothing" and (2) that all other people are either wrong, inferior, or perforce teach exactly the same. All spiritual practices that have been endorsed time and again throughout milleniums by countless masters and the masters themselves are ridiculed.

Does this require any comment?

Simplifying complex facts to an unrecognizable degree, blurring necessary lines of distinction and draw lines of distinctions where unnecessary, being preoccupied with the workings of the mind, shouting down opponents, ridiculing ancient tradition proved through the ages, attacking others and obsessively defending oneself -- the list is long, but all of these are signs of Ignorance rather than of Realization. No one is perfect, but there has to be a certain amount of balance and understanding or the blind will lead the blind.

Such behavior is typical in people who suffer from a massive inferiority complex and is then referred to as "smoke-screen" while in the case of spiritual teachers the same quality is perceived by some as an "air of realization". But why make any difference here?

If you admit your inability of seeing it like this you are considered to be in an immature state of Ignorance or to suffer from "ego" or to be "in the stranglehold of mind".

-- Isn't it simply utter hypocrisy?

Sometimes it is good to admit that one simply does not know, or has only a partial knowledge about something, particularly when one is held up as knowledgeable person or has a title. A troublesome trait in people with inferiority complexes is that they compulsively project their own shortcomings on others and sell their own inability and ignorance as spiritual injunctions and knowledge.* I am not speaking about spiritual people here, a friend of mine who has nothing to do with yoga is behaving the same way.

* Other examples of the same mechanism. People who do not have the authority of a Guru preach against Guruhood, those who do not really know teach that Knowledge is an illusion, and people who have not mastered their sex instinct want their disciples to marry. All these are clear indications for personal shortcomings rather than of deep insight.

What concerns me is that it took me years to understand that there is no fundamental difference between the two mentioned Kriya groups as far as character and method of argumentation is concerned. Why the heck am I so gullible?! Why? I wasted THREE YEARS just trying to UNDERSTAND two people and some of their disciples. THREE YEARS until - after a period of distance and silent contemplation - I realized that both are simply incredibly shut up in their own minds and as a result have become real fundamentalists - probably being overoccupied with spiritual experience they have developed what I call a "closed mind". They do not understand anymore that Truth is infinite and cannot be approached by whatever philosophical concepts. There is not much real spirituality there. Powers, ecstasy, philosophy, yes maybe - but yoga? These are hobby yogis, yogis by profession or by choice. Perhaps they simply do not have this secret imperative drive towards yoga that is different from a superficial interest.

It is a shame that the legacy of a great soul like Lahiri Mahasaya only three generations after his passing has become a breeding ground for fundamentalism and self-righteousness. Whatever Lahiri Mahasaya had to offer, there is little of it left except most of the Kriyas themselves. Please show me a living Kriya teacher who does not indulge in mud-slinging and other kindergarten activities.

No need for more debate on "the right understanding" or "the purpose of Kriya" here. This unbelievable arrogance is sickening to me.

Hendrik

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