Ananda Answers
Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF), Friends of SRF, and a handful of people who call themselves the Ananda Awareness Network (AAN) have for many years carried on a determined campaign to discredit Swami Kriyananda and Ananda. Here is Ananda’s answer. Go to AnandaAnswers.com
What is Ananda?
Ananda is universally recognized as a beacon of light to spiritual seekers around the world. Swami Kriyananda’s books, music, and teaching have brought hundreds of thousands of people to the spiritual path. This is the “great work” his guru, Paramhansa Yogananda, predicted he would do. Everyone agrees—everyone, that is, except for Self-Realization Fellowship and the small group of people they influence.
SRF seeks monopoly; files massive lawsuit against Ananda
Self-Realization Fellowship was founded in 1925 by Paramhansa Yogananda. Until 1968 when Ananda was founded, SRF enjoyed a monopoly on Yogananda’s teachings. Swami Kriyananda was a director and vice-president of SRF, and a much loved minister and teacher. In 1962, however, he was expelled from that organization and is now considered by them to be a heretic.
For decades, SRF has done its best to discredit Kriyananda, and in 1990, took what is essentially a theological dispute into the courts under the guise of trademark and copyright infringements. The case is still going, at a cost of millions to both sides. So far, SRF has lost virtually every significant issue. Instead of restoring their monopoly on Yogananda’s teachings, the courts have stripped them of control.
Ongoing effort to harm Swami Kriyananda
In 1994, the attempt to discredit Kriyananda took a far uglier turn with the filing of a sexual harassment suit by Anne Marie Bertolucci. Although Swami Kriyananda was never even charged with sexual misconduct—the case was against another man—the lawsuit became a vehicle for a concerted effort to destroy Kriyananda’s reputation. It was carried out as much in the media as in the court.
Setting the record straight: Ananda answers many false accusations
Even though the Bertolucci case is long over, and Ananda is winning the SRF lawsuit, the campaign to discredit Swami Kriyananda goes on unabated. This website answers the many false accusations against Swami and Ananda, including the whole story of the Bertolucci lawsuit.
We encourage you also to experience Ananda first-hand, visiting a community or place of worship, or talking to someone who is part of Ananda. We welcome your questions and comments. Please feel free to contact us.
Go to AnandaAnswers.com
