MIDDLE PATH
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= the greats, helping many |
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= limited, some handicaps, or maybe not yet full stature |
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= very limited, narrow approach or ideology, or still developing |
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= suspect but on balance positive |
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= suspect |
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= bogus, may have some value, who knows |
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= worse than bogus, no redeeming value |
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Unrated |
= too new, old or retiring, not enough info, or a "teacher" type |
Acharyaji*
M b1950?
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Russian-American (PA). Monastic training in India, guru Shri Shri Anandamurti (apparently the Ananda Marga guru, but A talks about a different experience and milieu than the AM org). "Lineage-holder of a living spiritual teaching that has been transmitted from guru to disciple for 7000 years" (disputed by AM org). Tantra Yoga (here = celibacy with acceptance and awareness). Garden variety teacher. |
Swami Sri Adhyatmananda
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Sivananda lineage. "As an organiser par excellence, he is in great demand . . . In the final stage, when the main ceremony starts, he will act as a compere, carrying with him the guests, learned speakers, musicians and performers in a very lively and efficient manner." Whatever. Benefit of doubt. |
Adnan Sarhan
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Iraqi based in US. Member of five Sufi orders. "Rapid (Shattari) Method." Drumming, dance, breathing, movement exercises, meditation, chanting, whirling, etc. Brings together material and spiritual sides. Hearing him drum has "cured addictions including alcohol, smoking, drugs and overeating, and diseases as well." No doubt drums on water as well. |
Robert Aitken
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American. Introduced to zen in POW camp. Nakagawa Soen Roshi, Yasutani Haku'un Roshi, Yamada Ko'un Roshi. Buddhist Peace Fellowship, etc, "writing reflects his concern that Buddhists be engaged in social applications of their experience." Has given full transmission as independent masters to many, Diamond Sangha. Wife Anne also a respected teacher. The dean of American zen, now ret'd. |
A.H. Almaas
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Kuwaiti based in US. "Diamond Approach" and "Diamond Heart" this and that. Academic background in physics, mathematics, and psychology, Oscar Ichazo. "Ego, or personality, is not only an impediment to growth and happiness, but also covers up vital aspects of us that we need if we are to feel fulfilled or at peace or to acquire the ability to be present and operate in the real world." Works on personality structures, Alt site has interviews, glossary etc. Not flashy but said to be effective and, by some, not too expensive. OTOH, rumours of overpriced advanced or local events. |
Arjuna Nick Ardagh
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American author of Relaxing into Clear Seeing. "In 1991 he met
his True Teacher, Papaji, [ditching Osho]
in India. . . In 1992 Papaji asked him to return to the West to conduct
Satsang." Living Essence applying for 501(C)3 status with the IRS
as a church. Now morphed into "Journey
to Awakened Love," with partner Chameli, less emphasis on
guru on podium,
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Sri Aurobindo
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Westernized Indian brought up in England, "All beings are united in One Self and Spirit but divided by a separativity of consciousness, an ignorance of their true Self and Reality." Integral Yoga not described. Big Auroville international community. Also, The Mother, F, 1878-1973 French aka Mirra Alfassa, Mirra Morriset, Mirra Richard. Goal of "Supramental Consciousness" said to be something not yet ever accomplished on this planet, with physical immortality said to be a "minor consequence," leading many to fixate on that and get disappointed by deaths of A and M. Political / social / collective org subsumes individual. Wide respect offsets impenetrable website, benefit of doubt. |
Babaji
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"Met his gurus at age 11, enlightenment at 12, physical immortality at the age of 16. Has remained in the same body near the Himalayan temple of Badrinath ever since. Disciples include Adi Shankara, the 9th century reformer of Hinduism, Kabir in the 16th century . . . Yogi S.A.A. Ramaiah . . . Paramahansa Yogananda, etc." Kriya Yoga. Unbeatable story, limited availability and methods. |
Michael Barnett
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Brit based in Germany. "You choose your dream state rather than simple reality. It is like sitting at the dinner table, seeing the food laid out everywhere, and then closing your eyes, imagining some dishes, and then imagining eating the imaginary dishes. . . Meet, digest reality – and you become a Buddha." A long history of imagining himself enlightened. |
Yogi Bhajan
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"Kundalini Yoga strengthens the nervous system and balances the glandular system for stability and vitality. Meditation improves mental concentration, sharpens awareness and gives the direct experience of consciousness. Draws from all yogic systems and techniques." Healthy Happy Holy Organization. Guru Sant Hazara Singh declared him a yoga master at age 16. OTOH, meditation methods said to be dangerous (insufficient guidance = kundalini blowout). Clean, bland. |
Bodhidharma
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Wild man brought Buddha's teachings to China, where they crossbred with Taoism and then traveled to Japan to become Zen (Dhyan –> Ch'an –> Zen). Unbroken succession of masters from Buddha to today – many mutually tolerant lines, also in Korea and Vietnam and some still in China – create devices to shatter conditioning and limitations. No beliefs or deities. Has spread to the west now, with many teachers. Stay tuned. |
Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati
M d1993
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Indian. Yoga-Vedanta, medical doctor, yogi, Sanskrit master founded Yoga Societies in NY (1958) and SF, integrated Yoga and Vedanta with both Eastern and Western medicine and psychology. "Yoga is the holistic way of life, where union and harmony of the body, the mind, and the soul or consciousness, 'I-Am,' are fundamental." Benefit of doubt. |
Master Charles
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American. Synchronicity Contemporary High-Tech Meditation. "Meditation increases neurochemical opiates, the 'feel good' chemicals within the brain. A peaceful, blissful, opiated state of awareness results from the release of significant levels of neurochemicals . . . His earliest years were marked by spontaneous, metanormal [sic] experiences." 12 years with Muktananda. Trendy lingo, snake-oil vibe. Raised Catholic, now offering channelings of the Blessed Mother. 2006 featured the "Three Gurus" tour with Chetanananda and Shankarananda, all Muktananda-associated |
Suma Ching Hai
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Vietnamese-Taiwanese, disciple of Thakar Singh, though not stated. Work. Dedication. Meditation. Vegetarian. Quan Yin Method (Sound and Light). "You only know real meditation after you are awakened by transmission by a real Master. Otherwise, it is only a waste of time wrestling with your body and mind." Getting grandiose, bleaches hair, but fees said to be free-to-reasonable, sponsors SupremeMasterTelevision.com, a free access global TV ostensibly for any spiritual group, promotes vegetarianism and environmental awareness, no strictures on sexual prefs. Clean. Appeals mainly to Asians, benefit of doubt. Anti site has disappeared, preserved at Archive.org, but later versions (>2004) are only domain place-holders. |
Dalai Lama M b1935
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14th in a series of reincarnating Bodhisattvas, renouncing the big E to look after the temporal and spiritual welfare of the people of Tibet. "By developing a sense of respect for others and a concern for their welfare, we reduce our own selfishness, which is the source of all problems, and enhance our sense of kindness which is a natural source of goodness." Looked up to by all the Tibetan teachers. Nice guy, wisdom, compassion, etc. By (usual) definition not enlightened. Anti site a long intellectual / sociopolitical analysis more on Tibetans in general, seasoned with salacious rituals |
Huzur Dayal Sahab
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"The uniqueness of Radhasoami Faith lies in transference of NIJ DHAR that is the Name and Sound Current to the successive Master of the Time by the previous Master before the departure . . . Radhasoami Faith emphasizes that man should aim to develop his faculties of mind, body and spirit under the Guidance of the True Master only." Lots of stuff about obedience and True Faith. Scary black sheep of SantMat family. |
David Deida*
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American author of many books, especially on tantra, associate of Ken Wilber, endorsed by many hip spiritual "authorities." Org = Plexus, expensive workshops. TM = Truth, chutzpah. Teacher was the mysterious "Mykonos," according to himself, others point to Adi Da. Parody page by another Da ex sends up his over-the-top essay "She Sucks Me Into Love." Dynamic, benefit of doubt. |
Swami Guru Devanand Saraswati Ji
Maharaj
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Indian was in Trinidad, many centers in NY and Latin America. "Yoga is the suspension of the transformation of the thinking principle." Mantra Yoga Meditation and hatha yoga, International Divine Realization Society, based on traditional principles. No bio, new site, new HQ in Miami. Gurus were Mauna Swami and Shankaracharya of Jyotir Math, though rumours cast some doubt on this. Copying of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi also alleged. Benefit of doubt. |
E.J. Gold
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Eclecticity and humourous approach to everything make him impossible to categorize or summarize. Does jewelry, comedy, set design, illustration, SciFi – Dad was a SciFi mag editor, grew up surrounded by SciFi greats – many different kinds of books, all over the place. Sufi/Zen/wild man/shaman, etc. Sort of Gurdjieff's unofficial heir, though indirect, difficult to rate. |
Marshall Govindan Satchidananda
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American now based in Canada (Que) did Kriya Yoga for 18 years, 8 hrs/day, Yogi S.A.A. Ramaiah, helped him establish his centres, started Babaji's Kriya Yoga Order of Acharyas, an evolving collective offering Kriya Yoga around the world for a "modest suggested contribution" (flexible). Also direct Babaji connection, said to be humble, organised major new translation / commentary on Tamil Yoga classic, Tirumandiram. Hard-working 3-career overachiever. Benefit of doubt. Anti page is a FACTNet forum series of posts of disputed legitimacy (Rebuttal). New URL a large site in 13 languages. |
George I Gurdjieff
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"The Work is about making personality passive, a servant rather than a master." Gurdjieff investigated many spiritual practices deeply. His distillation remains offbeat and original. Difficult to get a consistent picture from the many schools established in his name. Tremendous influence but no enlightened successors, it seems, and influence waning. |
Yogiraj Gurunath Siddhanath*
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Centers in US, Europe, HQ in Pune India. "A Living Master can be known by three distinct Graces he bestows upon his disciples. 1. Shivapat, 2. Shaktipat, 3. Pranapat, 4. Hamsa." Offers Mahavatar Babaji Kriya Yoga (Shiva Shakti Kriya for the Evolution of Human Consciousness) and Siddhanath Healing Enlightenment (the feminine Kundalini Energy S H E), some breathing techniques "which flower into Siddhanath Samadhi Yoga." Some pages have lots of jargon. Said to have been initiated by Hariharananda, just below, then "empowered" by Babaji. Benefit of doubt. Anti page (opp) deleted Apr 4, 2007. |
Paramahamsa Hariharananda
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Recently mahasamadhied disciple of Sri Yukteshwar Giri et al, taught full spectrum of Kriya keys. Based in Florida, disciples all over US, Europe and India. Lots of centers and parallel websites, big org. The *real* Kriya Yoga? Impressive roster, benefit of doubt. Successor = Paramahamsa Prajńanananda Giri. Anti page raises questions about lineage and poseurhood. "More" page a positive though unaffiliated personal experience feedback. |
Steven Harrison
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American, teacher was RP Kaushik (L). "What do you do after you've tried everything to find enlightenment . . . Do nothing . . . As it turns out, nothing is a surprisingly active place, but it is here that we discover who and what we are." Author of: Doing Nothing: Coming to the End of the Spiritual Search and two other books. Charitable stuff. Doing lots of nothing. Benefit of doubt. |
Hazrat Pir M b1945
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"42nd in continuous succession of Sufi Masters dating back 1400 years to the time of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him)." Discourses on relevance of Islam for contemporary life. Banks on pedigree, adherence to past. Benefit of doubt. Was a 17-language buggy Flash site, now i can't be bothered to get past the enormous legal notice on home page. |
Vernon Howard
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American. "Broke through to another world in 1965 . . . books and classes . . . Nothing will change, really, until you change yourself. I am talking about changing your actual nature. Without ruthless self-honesty, nothing can be done. With it, everything is possible." Said to have been very conservative, but with integrity. No successor except org. Extensive uninformative site filled with superficiality but good feeling. |
Maharishi Sadashiva Isham*
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American disillusioned TM "governor," got techniques from "Ishayas," a Himalayan monk sect descended from the Apostle John, now revealed, though with suspect history. Org based in NC teaches "Ascension Attitudes," to create resonance with positive emotions that make us ascend, + left-right brain alignment. Impression of pyramiding created by aggressive expansion methods. Benefit of doubt. |
BKS Iyengar
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Indian very sickly as youth but became influential exponent of hatha yoga, author, brother-in-law of T. Krishnamacharya, harsh and exacting but considered the Big Kahuna of today's yoga scene, still energetic in old age, tours. Teachings said to consist mainly of "bend and stretch" asanas, little overt "spiritual" component but ya never know. ("Disciplined asana practice essential for acquiring a strong body capable of the higher teachings of yoga.") Denver Post story |
Philip Kapleau Roshi
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American. 13 years in Japan under three Zen masters, ordained by Hakuun Yasutani-roshi in 1965. In 1966, after publishing first book, The Three Pillars of Zen, founded Rochester Zen Center. Other books include The Zen of Living and Dying. Painful break with master over "westernizing" Zen. Various heirs. Not flashy but alert, solid. |
Gyalwa Karmapa (16th)*
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Tibetan widely loved lama who introduced Tibetan Buddhism to the west big-time. Left Tibet in 59, established new Rumtek Monastery in Sikkim, spread teachings to West. Lineage now split as there are two claimants for the title of 17th, the "official" being supported by the Chinese, the "unofficial" by the Dalai Lama. Links here lead to sites in both camps. Inexplicably omitted here, though many listed in Tibetan page in his lineage, among which are both claimants. |
Geshe Kelsang Gyatso*
M b1928ish
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Tibetan largely outside of Tibetan mainstream, almost "anti-Dalai Lama," no biodata, guru Trijang Rinpoche was also DL tutor. Big western-based (England) org = New Kadampa Tradition, not much in East. Dismissal from Sera Monastery and other slights and accusations may be sectarian politix. Benefit of doubt. |
Sant Kirpal Singh
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Indian mid-20th c giant of Sant Mat stream. "I spread the message of oneness in life and living. This is the way to peace on earth. This is the mission of my life, and I pray that it may be fulfilled." Heritage marred by succession battles, traditional attitudes a tough sell. Lots of material on new site. Best of the lot, may not be so accessible. |
Shri Swami Lakshman Joo Raina
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Indian. Last(?) of a long line of Kashmir Shaivism. "If you have got $1000 in your pocket, well and good. If you have nothing and you are a pauper, then, well and good. Think like that. Then you'll be liberated from the repeated births and deaths." Yoga, tantra, etc, many methods enumerated in Vijnana Bhairava Tantra. No bio, succeeded by John Viresh Hughes, a young American. Inaccessible opaque jargon, nice pictures. |
Paul Lowe*
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Brit. From his former Bio page: "The facts about Paul Lowe are not really important. . . Paul and his partner, Ava, are loving examples of being together in harmony and joy – without compromise." From his Who Are page: "Ava and Paul Lowe live each day in harmony and joy, without compromise." Now "personal life coach" shtick, Ava gone? Ex-Osho therapist exposed by Osho as only being a disciple to learn the master game. Blather, doesn't acknowledge his master. |
Lee Lozowick
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American (AZ), teaches and performs mostly in Europe. "When the disciple wakes up it's because they've assimilated the guru's grace, not because they've done sadhana. Paradoxically, one has to do sadhana to create the kind of resonance that allows the assimilation to occur." Silva Mind Control, Bauls, Yogi Ramsuratkumar. Blues/rock band, eclectic publishing, big on sadhana, compassion, doesn't go for big numbers. Good feeling, benefit of doubt. |
Shri Paramahamsha Mahendranath*
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Brit, hung with Aleister Crowley, after WW2 30 years as penniless sadhu in India and all over southesast Asia, initiated in many trads. 23rd Adiguru (chief guru) of the Adinathas, a long-time Indian tantric sect. Site has a massive collection of tantric texts from many Indian sources. Impressive breadth. Alternate site more Crowley-oriented. |
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi
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"Founder of Maharishi Thousand-Headed Purusha... Transcendental Meditation®... discovered the Constitution of the Universe... Yogic Flying to create supreme mind-body coordination in the individual and coherence in world consciousness... Absolute Theories of Government, Education, Health, and Defense to raise every area of life to perfection." Guru was Shankaracharya of Jyotir Math. Tripletalk, enormous money, but benefit of doubt. Blog (startup Jan '07) collectivizing prominent critical exes, links to other MMY Dirt sites + regular general cult news |
Maitreya Ishwara
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British disciple of Osho. "All functional systems erased so that he can be used as a clear channel for God. God, the beyond is the author of every word. The transmissions herald the Time of Great Change, the transition from darkness to light . . . Unity is the only religion for everyone. Finally the time of division is almost past. The way of the new millennium is Unity." Creepy ad: "Jump. I am waiting. I will catch you. I am love." Delusions of grandeur, aggressive self-promotion, sexist drivel, ketamine overdose. Ah well, benefit of doubt. |
Master Mantak Chia
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Chinese, based in Thailand, graduated from Buddhist meditations to Taoism, with White Cloud Hermit, Master Yi Eng, integrated with western-style anatomy studies to make a system more accessible to westerners, called the Universal Tao. "Once the energy channels of the body have been opened and energies harmonized, this unique integrated energy becomes available to heal others." 1000s of Certified Instructors. Alleged to have plagiarized GrandMaster Choa Kok Sui, of Pranic Healing. Big operation, benefit of doubt. |
Paramahansa Muktananda
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Succeeded by – well, whom? Officially, it's Gurmayi Chidvilasananda. Swami Nityananda, her younger brother and at first co-successor, now on his own. Siddha Yoga (org = SYDA). Shaktipat tricks. "Chanting stills the mind and the heart opens. Then, quite naturally we can enter and enjoy meditation." Sexual abuse (teens, natch), impotence and violent harassment allegations, by himself + org. Many successors down the lineage also troubled. Benefit of doubt. |
Sri Gary Olsen*
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American. Light and Sound. "Transformative nature of the spiritual energy known as sound and its derivative, the spiritual energy of light." Historical blahblah . . . "notably the female saint Mirabai – born 1498." Preaches tolerance, compassion, but nasty reports from exes suggest otherwise . . . lots of uninformative mumbo-jumbo, unacknowledged plagiarism. |
Osho M
1931-1990
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"Truth is what works." Developer of myriad devices and meditations to provoke consciousness, over 450 books transcribed from spontaneous talks. Since 1990 his org has expanded and made overtures to the mainstream put off by his fierce iconoclasm and controversy. Despite this, the Pune Commune and other hubs of activity of his people remain some of the most alive spots on the planet, though some schisming evident between mainly Indian more devotional centers and zen-austere (ideologically, not materially) Pune "Resort." Big money, body gone, divisive politix but still . . . Further update: schisming (driven by his org, aiming to eliminate all traces of bhakti, organized religion and hassling dissidents) has proceeded to the point where the org does not even link to "opponents." See "MORE" link. |
Yug Purush Acarya
(Maha)mandaleshwar Swami Parmanandji
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Indian, service / Advaita hybrid said to have hundreds of thousands of devotees, now touring regularly in US, service org (Delhi-based children's and women's empowerment, schools and hospitals, etc said to be thriving) = Akhand Paramdham, guru Swami Akhandananda. Benefit of doubt. |
Sant Rajinder Singh
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SantMat type, Sikh-influenced Surat Shabd (sound and light) meditation. Org = Science of Spirituality / Sawan Kirpal Ruhani Mission. "Seat of the soul will come in contact with the stream of Light and Sound. It can then travel on the Light and Sound through the higher planes back to its Source, in the purely spiritual realm." Grandson of Kirpal Singh. Benefit of doubt. |
Sri Swami Rama
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Breath control, hatha yoga, ayurveda. "Demonstrated under lab conditions precise conscious control of autonomic physical responses and mental functioning – feats previously thought impossible." Supposedly paid serious dues in Himalayan caves, with many teachers, etc. Succeeded by Pandit Rajmani Tigunait. Institutional, methodological approach. "Impressive knowledge" offset by sexual abuse and other stories. Claim of renouncing "Shankaracharya of Karvirpitham" gig bogus, position not officially recognised. Disciple's homage page has lots of +ve info, downloads |
Rev Swami (Baba) Ramdev
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Indian pranayama specialist, Sanskrit Grammar, Ayurveda, cow-breeding, Vedic Philosophy, huge TV show in India, "celibate since childhood," bit of a Hindu chauvinist, guru was Acharya Shri Baldevji. Official sites low-profile, big on health benefits of yoga. All-things-Hindu site, IndiaDivine.org/, has his ads everywhere but otherwise no mention of him; its forum, Audarya Fellowship, lifts material unattributed from other forums. Story: Tries to grab yoga asana patents. Anti-site a collection of Guruphiliac stories. High-rolling political manipulator. Story: Seeks death penalty for fraud Babas |
Yogi SAA Ramaiah M 1923-2006
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Big Indian Brit-based living exponent of Kriya Yoga got system directly from Babaji, traveled extensively, many centers, site is inexplicably unprepossessing and hard to navigate, not much info, some dirt rumours re sex, paternity, exploiting young impressionables. Said to have exaggerated "centers" extent, CV, but "for our benefit," falling out with Govindan over copyright etc, siddhis + wisdom + human error + ego-crushing = small committed cadre. Still, influential, benefit of doubt. |
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
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"At four recited the entire Bhagavad Gita . . . Ancient sciences to suit present day life." Political activities – hanging with President of India, United Nations, self-promotion re Nobel Peace Prize, etc – detract from reputed solid work in yoga, meditation (Sahaj Samadhi), and breath (Sudarshan Kriya®). Said to be Mahesh Yogi-derivative, though he does not acknowledge this on site. Service-oriented as well. Non-serious rep offsets stolid institutional site. Guru aspect more evident in Yoga Journal article. As of 2010, dirt sites of disgruntled exes emerging, allege corruption, Wikipedia censorship, etc. |
Richard Rose
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"A simple, humble man, who had the determination, inspiration, and dedication to discover, possibly by accident, the total answer to the riddle of life." Zen / Gurdjieff / Whitman country, American (WV), arrived independently at truth, survived by org, but . . . "Not a path for the masses." Interesting man, last years in Alzheimer's. Whaddya think? |
Seung Sahn
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Korean, started as political rebel, then Buddhist monk, then extreme (100 days) retreat on pine needle diet. Koan training with Master Ko Bong, enlightened age 22, came to States in 1972. Many disciples in the teacher biz. Fierce dude, impressive succession roster. |
Sangharakshita
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Brit author, translator, Friends of the Western Buddhist Order, big in promoting synthesis of different strains of Buddhism in UK and elsewhere. Order based on segregated sexes, anti-group claims excesses of authority and homosexual bias and some casualties, though much of that is the org rather than him. Ret in 2000, org still big. Plagiarism and fiddled history alleged, benefit of doubt. |
Saniel Bonder
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American. Two decades with Adi Da. Left in 1992 to "rediscover his personal integrity at all costs," finding "grace in my own Heart-conscious Self-nature, and from there rocketed into the Onlyness of Being." For those who "have tried much and, even if they succeeded, still feel somehow empty at the core." Lots of disciples in the biz, "adepts" who "co-create" with him. Original, benefit of doubt. But on second thought . . . MM site, all about a "mysteriously effective love in action" program where Bonder and wife Linda Groves B pray and bless and you get your heart's desire fulfilled. See also the golf, tantra, herb and Linda sings divisions. Next! |
Sri Swami Satchidananda
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"Had the opportunity to be associated with some of the great sages of the 20th century, including Sri Ramana Maharshi and Sri Aurobindo." Master = Sivananda. Came to US in 1966. Org/process = Integral Yoga, now ®, but ripped from Aurobindo. Given the "Juliet Hollister Interfaith Award at the United Nations in October 1996 . . . religious harmony." Blather, little bio, sexual abuse dirt on him and org officials. |
Helen Schucman
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American psych profs, little personal info. She channeled "A Course In Miracles," he transcribed. Eastern outlook and methods made palatable for Xians. "Standardized" course varies greatly around the world, incl sectarian bickering. Said by enthusiasts to be the real Jesus, updated into 21st c. "Official" site run by Ken and Gloria Wapnick, who also assisted Schucman, and are said to have altered some text and be hassling other presenters. Endorsed by Oprah, many teachers incl Marianne Williamson. Benefit of doubt for making advaita and meditation accessible, if distorted. Some other ACIM teachers (such lists come and go, this one fairly small) |
ShantiMayi
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American. "In 1991, under the guidance of her master, Hansraj Maharajji, awakened to the Truth . . . The Gayatri Mantra is so intimately entwined throughout the spirit of existence, that upon hearing it, or chanting it, we receive something of our Self. To chant it for the whole of existence gives us a link with all of consciousness." Gayatri Mantra pervades everything here. Hard to categorize, but simple. |
Swami Shyam
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Left home at age nine. Householder, etc. Sole method seems to be mantra, "Amaram hum Madhuram hum." Rebellious youth against stifling tradition was endearing but apparently now preaches sexual morality with rather lower standards for himself. Homepage does not mention his TM history. Chorus of detractors is growing. |
Sri Swami Sivananda
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"Synthesized the various forms of Yoga (Karma, Bhakti, Jnana, Raja, and more) into an integrated practice," created Divine Life Society. "Attached so much importance to dissemination of spiritual knowledge that in a financial crisis, he would shut down the kitchen but not the press." Disciples in the biz include Swami Vishnu-devananda (M 1927-1993), H.H. Sri Swami Krishnananda Saraswati Maharaj (M b 1922), and Swami S. Radha (F 1911-1995). Many claimed awakened in this stream. Baggage, big business, outmoded misogynist brahmacharya trip but some good people. |
Rudolph Steiner
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Austrian founder of Anthroposophy. Some mystic experience but mainly philosophical. Greatest impact was in understanding the importance of creativity and its relationship to spirituality, and devising a system/movement to actualize this, in the form of (Waldorf) schools that really help kids to explore their creativity. Could be worse. |
Pak Subuh
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"All the teaching necessary for mankind has already been given in the great religions of the world . . . The latihan, the basis of Subud, cannot be taught or imitated, arises spontaneously from within after the contact with the Power of God has been received, different for each individual according to his or her needs." Nice guy, sincere, could not escape organised religion. |
Lama Surya Das
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American (MA). Thirty years in various streams of Buddhism, particularly Dzogchen with Kalu Rinpoche, though name and spiritual career began with Neem Karoli Baba. Big author, solid rep but dharma talks seem to consist mainly of quotes strung together like platitudinous prayer flags. "Buddha said: 'If there are no seeds of anger in our hearts, no one can make us angry.' " Benefit of doubt. Anti link, archived by Archive.org, deals with perceived lack of Buddhist authenticity. |
Vasant Swaha
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Norwegian, hangs in Brazil. "Helps people to wake up to their true essence, by sharing in different ways, from Sufi to Zen, from celebration to silence." Martial arts whiz, 13 years with Osho, then Papaji, Ramesh Balsekar to get Advaita. "There never has been any I. Only This: Life, Love, Consciousness, Existence itself. The last shadows of doubt disappeared." Rumoured to be imitative in form and mannerism of Osho. Benefit of doubt. |
Sant Thakar Singh*
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Competed with Sant Rajinder Singh for Kirpal Singh successor title. Traditional Sant Mat, light and sound, etc. "Act according to [the Master's] instructions and follow His guidance! He is not a man! You will be convinced of this when you go inside and find Him in all His splendor." Said to have been humble, charged no money, benefit of doubt. Succeeded by Sant Baljit Singh. |
Thich Nhat Hanh
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Vietnamese France-based nose-to-the-grindstone Buddhist. "There are two ways to wash the dishes. The first is to wash the dishes in order to have clean dishes and the second is to wash the dishes in order to wash the dishes." Widely respected. Org = Plum Village / Unified Buddhist Church. Hopefully has moved beyond political past. |
Thich Thanh Tu
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Vietnamese zen reformer, returned to Truc Lam roots, enlightened 1968 after "his determination made a harvest as he discerned the concept of 'Nothingness'." Web presence not well developed but many centers / monasteries in AU and US, now travels abroad. Respected, benefit of doubt. |
Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche
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"11th Trungpa tülku, Kagyü line, succeeded by eldest son, the Sawang Ösel Rangdröl Mukpo (now known as Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche). Vajradhatu path based on Tibetan Buddhism, includes Zen and Theravada elements. Mindfulness-awareness practice." Jargön + ünsavoury succession mess offset otherwise solid rep (enhanced by disciples like Pema Chodron and honesty of sangha in dealing with the mess, that honesty now put in doubt by corporate blandness and whitewash bio). Still, benefit of doubt. A-B site (opp) now for members only, try Bugmenot.com if you don't wanna join. |
Sri G Michael Turner
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Influenced by Ram Dass, Paul Twitchell, Darwin Gross, Harold Klemp, and Kirpal Singh, etc. Surat Shabd Yoga teacher. "Honors all other Sat Gurus and spiritual paths, and stands in competition with no one." Accessible, open teacher in SantMat stream who had lots of relatively honest information about others of his group on his sites, now down. Newly downgraded for alleged problems leading to retirement. Says he is back but no new site yet. |
Pir Vilayat Inayat Khan
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"Rich mystical tradition of the East and the heritage of the West." "Successor to Pir-O-Murshid Inayat Khan in Murshids of the Chisti Order." "Broad spectrum of meditation techniques." "Convenes religious congresses." Educated in West (Oxford, Sorbonne, many sources imbibed but Sufi heart said to have remained strong). Succeeded by son Zia. Nice guy, looms large in 20th c Sufism. |
Neale Donald Walsch*
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American (OR) Media man, author of Conversations With God, stupendously popular series to be read at random for cool insights. "The Ten Illusions of Humans, Seven Steps to Friendship with God, the Five Attitudes of Godliness, and the Three Core Concepts of Holistic Living," etc. ReCreation Foundation. "Deep in the Consciousness of every Living Human is a cellular memory . . . of Love as the Only Reality, that there was no envy, no anger, etc." Appeal said to reach beyond Christians, not a lot of specific info. Benefit of doubt. |
Lama Thubten Yeshe
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"The idea of the self is not correct. It is a preconception that must be broken down and recognized as unreasonable. Then we can understand the possibility of ceaseless, infinite development and spiritual growth." Big Mahayana Buddhist, based in Dharamsala, visited all over. Reborn as Tenzin Osel. Psychological work. Sincere but playful. |
Paramahansa Yogananda
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