Autobiography of a Yogi changes

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ranger20 Registered User (11/6/03 8:56 am) Reply	Autobiography of a Yogi changes I've been mentioning for a while, comparing text in various editions of the AY that I've collected. This sometimes seems a nice little obsessive-compulsive exercise, but my original intent was to try to answer this question for myself: "Was Paramahansa Yogananda the manifestation of a truly loving God that I took him for 20+ years ago when I first met him through the AY, or was he the seeming spiritual elitist, focused on 'discipline' as almost the highest good, that is presented more and more in SRF writings?" I'm coming to see, at the very least, that SRF edits to the AY, from the first edition they published themselves (7th ed, 1956) begin almost immediately, to change what Master had written in the earlier Philosiphical Library editions. In addition to the first edition reprint, I was recently able to get the Philosophical Lib 4th ed, published 1952, which I understand to be identical to the final edition PY worked on, except that it has a few additional pages accounting for the mahasamadi, (the Forest Lawn statement, the ambassador's tribute). This one "simple" footnote has interested me, because it's present in all the editions, but changes in a telling manner when SRF gets ahold of it. And somehow I think of a "simple footnote," that you hardly notice, as representing a very pervasive change in emphasis in the tone of PY's writings, as they are presented by SRF editors. This footnote is near the start of chapter 10, "I Meet My Master, Sri Yuketwswar." *Quote:* From 4th edition, published by Philosophical Library, 1952: Hindu scriptures teach that family attachment is delusive if it prevents the devotee from seeking the Giver of all boons, including the one of loving relatives, not to mention life itself. Jesus similarly taught: “Who is my mother? And who are my brethren?” - Matthew 12:48 From 7th edition, first edition published by SRF, 1956: Hindu scriptures teach that family attachment is delusive if it prevents the devotee from seeking the Giver of all boons, including the one of loving relatives, not to mention life itself. Jesus similarly taught: “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me.” – Matthew 12:48 First note that the Bible citation for the second quote was not updated, and that raised my suspicions. I somehow don't think that PY would have made a careless error like that. The citation in the current AY is correctly given as Matthew 10:37. In context, it is part of a long pep talk Jesus gives "The Twelve," before sending them out on one of their periodic missionary trips, two-by-two, like lambs among wolves. There's a fair amount of the hyperbole Jesus often uses. Note in this case, given that his audience is the 12 apostles, in that verse, he's preaching to the choir - an audience of people who have already left everything to follow him. He was not telling this to beginners. In the preface to the 1956 edition, SRF states that at last they can implement edits that PY had wanted, but they had not been able to previously implement (something about Philosophical Library being unwilling to alter the text because they would have had to redo the printing plates - although they had managed to do it for the first three editions...) I for one, do not believe that Master changed the biblical passage in the footnote. Though a small item, it yet carries a guilt trip, and the implication of monastic superiority that I do not believe PY intended, but which becomes ever more pervasive in the writings once he and Rajasi are no longer incarnate. Edited by: ranger20 at: 11/6/03 9:02 am
needthestar Registered User (11/6/03 11:37 am) Reply	Re: Autobiography of a Yogi changes Ranger, I'm so glad you started this thread and encourage you to continue with it whether others participate or not. I think it's imperative that this is laid out for others to see. Thanks for your effort as I'll check back often to check it's progress. I hope SRF Walrus puts high priority on this thread.
soulcircle Registered User (11/6/03 12:10 pm) Reply	first edition of the autobigraphy today in your home/work on the left column of the opening page of the Ananda site below, you may read the first edition of The Autobiography of a Yogi by clicking any chapter you wish to read. It is word for word accurate, unedited www.crystalclarity.com/yogananda/
redpurusha Registered User (11/6/03 2:00 pm) Reply	Re: Autobiography of a Yogi changes It is possible that the editing and changing of the teachings after Yogananda's departure by srf, were done with the aim of helping everyone understand them better, of "clarifying and improving." No matter how its given however, we all have our own way of interpreting and understanding the teachings. Personally, one minor 'editing' I would like to do (for myself), or in fact do, is to read the scriptures in contemporary english, rather than old english used by Yogananda. You can call this editing but it works for me in making it easier to read and follow the teachings. For example, the following passage from the bible, I prefer to read Jesus answered, "Who is my mother and who are my brothers?" (instead of brethren). Edited by: redpurusha at: 6/4/05 11:44 am
ranger20 Registered User (11/6/03 2:37 pm) Reply	Re: Autobiography of a Yogi changes *Quote:* Personally, one minor 'editing' I would like to do, or in fact do, is to read the scriptures in contemporary english, rather than old english used by Yogananda. You can call this editing but it works for me in making it easier to read and follow the teachings. For example, the above passage from the bible, I prefer to read Jesus answered, "Who is my mother and who are my brothers?" (not brethren). Well you've hit on one area where SRF has judiciously "preserved the purity" of Yogananda's teaching, and it's precisely an area where they should have moved on. There are so many good modern English translations available, I'm sure PY would avail himself of one if he were here today. SRF might just be the only organized ( <- irony) religion to still use the King James bible. Almost everyone else, from fundamentalists to the brothers at a Trappist monastery where I've gone on retreats, uses one of the newer translations.
Punk Yogi Registered User (11/7/03 2:11 am) Reply	Editing The BuJesus Out of Truth "....not worthy of me" Yikes! Either God suffers from a major case of narcissism or the people who added those words are stuck up wannabes. From Raja Begum What else you find in the teachings besides truth pub78.ezboard.com/fsrfwal...ID=3.topic Editorial bias in the SRF Lessons? pub78.ezboard.com/fsrfwal...ID=2.topic Surrender versus Self-Acceptance pub78.ezboard.com/fsrfwal...ID=8.topic From Rigiditananda / Should Free Ma's Writings pub78.ezboard.com/fsrfwal...D=44.topic And from yours truly Brother Egomoy's Sudden Transformation pub78.ezboard.com/fsrfwal...D=18.topic "Love your neighbors, till they annoy you" -- P. Y. Edited by: Punk Yogi at: 11/7/03 2:24 am
needthestar Registered User (11/7/03 5:28 am) Reply	Re: Autobiography of a Yogi changes Redpurusha and Ranger: It was my understanding that the King James version was used because Yogananda felt it was the most accurate. For example the verse with "keep thine eye single" opposed to "keep your eyes single" or something along those lines. Am I misinformed or misunderstanding? I can't recall where I read it....maybe even in an A.O.Y. footnote? What are your thought on this? Thanks for Sharing
redpurusha Registered User (11/7/03 9:07 am) Reply	Re: Autobiography of a Yogi changes needthestar, I'm glad you brought this particular verse up. From what I've read, the "keep thine eye single" verse, as written in King James, seems to be the only significant verse that would cause a problem in translating it to contemporary english. Look up Matt 6:22 at www.biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible and you get a list of different modern itranslations. "The lamp of the body is the eye. If therefore your eye is good, your whole body will be full of light." -NKJV "The eye is the lamp of the body; so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light. " NASB "Your eyes are like a window for your body. When they are good, you have all the light you need. " -Contemporary English Version I would venture to say, that this verse alone, being so important and vital (and about the only one) showing the link of the hindu third eye to the christian single eye, is probably the main reason why SRF won't use a modern day english translation. Yogananda did say, that at that particular time, the King James Version was the most accurate, and he did use it in all his writings and speeches. I haven't yet found a version that speaks in modern english (not using thine, thy and bretheren) and also keeping the "single eye" interpretation. I don't know the original language the verse was written in, nor do I have the level of realization, so I'm not sure of it myself. This single eye verse is a crucial link by Yogananda and srf, showing the underlying unity of yoga and christianity. But other than this single verse, I don't see why using brothers for bretheren and your for thy etc., would be incorrect, or not equally as accurate. On the otherhand, using the King James Version is in uniform with Yogananda's speeches (including audio recordings) and all his original writings. For myself, I try to use modern english when reading these bible verses. Edited by: redpurusha at: 11/8/03 6:37 pm
ranger20 Registered User (11/7/03 9:48 am) Reply	Re: Autobiography of a Yogi changes *Quote:* It was my understanding that the King James version was used because Yogananda felt it was the most accurate. For example the verse with "keep thine eye single" opposed to "keep your eyes single" or something along those lines. Am I misinformed or misunderstanding? I can't recall where I read it....maybe even in an A.O.Y. footnote? I assume while PY was here, the situation was like when I was a kid in sunday school in the fifties - two and only two translations to choose from, the King James and the Revised Standard. Since then, a large number of new translations have appeared, among them, the New International Version (most popular Protestant version), New American Standard Bible, New King James, New Revised Standard, New American Bible (used, I think, by a lot of Catholic churches), and I think preferred among scholars, the Oxford Bible. The web is great for people who want to examine parallel translations, either of whole chapters or single verses: biblestudy.churches.net/C.../INDEX.HTM www.biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible Edited by: ranger20 at: 11/7/03 9:51 am
ranger20 Registered User (11/9/03 8:01 pm) Reply	AY Changes - status of SRF President The “Publisher’s Note” to the seventh edition of the Autobiography of a Yogi (1956), explains why “revisions made by the author in 1951, [that] were intended to appear in the fourth (1952) American edition,” were delayed until 1956 (cost of new printing plates and “other duties” after PY’s passing). The note ends with the statement that “the formidable task of incorporating the author’s revisions…has been accomplished in time for the seventh edition.” There are indeed a number of differences, such as the much noted change in who can teach Kriya: “a Kriyaban” in the fourth edition, and “an SRF Kriyaban” in the seventh edition. It’s unlikely that we’ll ever know with certainty which changes may have been desired by Yoganandaji, and which were created entirely by others, for their own purposes. At the very least, when the Publisher’s Note states that all of the author’s revisions were “accomplished in time for the seventh edition,” we can know for certain that subsequent changes, like removing World Brotherhood Colonies from the SRF “Aims and Ideals,” were not specified by Yogananda, except, if you want to believe it, in some private communication from the astral. In comparing text in Chapter 48, “At Encinitas in California,” I think we can see the start of a buildup of importance in the President of SRF. *Quote:* "A surprise sir! During your absence abroad we have had this Encinitas hermitage built; it is a ‘welcome home’ gift!” Sister Gyanamata smilingly led me through a gate and up a tree-shaded walk. ......................... This Self-Realization Fellowship ashram had been made possible through the generosity of a few American disciples, American businessmen of endless responsibilities who yet find time daily for their Kriya Yoga. Not a word of the hermitage construction had been allowed to reach me during my stay in India and Europe. Astonishment, delight! Fourth Edition (1952). Note that during PY’s life, and Rajasi’s life, the latter is not singled out for special kudos. In fact, there are no pictures or textual references to him at all. Compare the Seventh Edition, (1956): *Quote:* “A surprise sir! During your absence abroad we have had this Encinitas hermitage built; it is a ‘welcome home’ gift!” Mr. Lynn, Sister Gyanamata, Durga-Ma, and a few other devotees smilingly led me through a gate and up a tree-shaded walk. ............... The large estate in Encinitas, California, is a gift to Self-Realization Fellowship frm Mr. James J. Lynn, a faithful Kriya Yogi since his initiation in January, 1932. An American businessman of endless responsibilities...Mr. Lynn nevertheless finds time daily for long and deep Kriya Yoga meditation. Leading thus a balanced life, he has attained in samadhi the grace of unshakable peace. During my stay in India and Europe...Mr. Lynn had lovingly plotted with my correspondents in California to prevent any word from reaching me about the construction of the ashram in Encinitas. Astonishment, delight! In the seveth edition, there are four textual references to James J. Lynn, and two photos, including “A Westerner in Samadhi,” on p. 50. In this edition, for the first time, there is also a picture of Daya. I am ready to believe that Rajasi was a great man, and a great yogi, who rapidly attained samadhi. I’m also sure he bankrolled most or all the cost of Encinitas. I also believe, from reading some of his letters, and transcripts of a few of his talks, that he was a very humble man, who repeatedly reminded people that he was not a guru, and that they should look to the Master. Whatever great qualities he may have had, they were not explicitly stated in the editions we know that Master directed. They were not enumerated in the SRF editions (five and six) while Rajasi was here. But in the first edition after his passing, I think we can see the start of a move to beef up the prestige of the office of the president. It seems to continue through the present, when in the recent Voluntary League brochure, Daya’s photo is the largest, bigger even than the image of the Guru. Edited by: ranger20 at: 11/9/03 8:07 pm
username Registered User (11/10/03 8:12 am) Reply	Re: Autobiography of a Yogi changes Years ago, I met some folks who worked for one of Lynn's companies. They didn't think well of him at all.
ranger20 Registered User (12/2/03 4:06 pm) Reply	Re: Autobiography of a Yogi changes Someone here expressed an interest in some of the older editions of the AY. I keep an eye on eBay, and have noticed some interesting things. There is currently a 3d edition about to close with a price of $345, but yesterday, the first British edition (Rider) closed for a lot less, and is, to the best of my knowlege, the same thing. There is also a 5th edition (1954) described as in poor condition with banged up covers, closing in 1 day, with a current price of $5.45. This is the first edition that SRF published, but according to notes they published in 1956, they "did not have time" to update it. In other words, I believe it is the 1951 text, with the addition of the mahasamadhi notes. I sincerely apologize if the current bidder is a Walrus participant, but I wanted to flag people that bargains sometimes appear. I also noted a 1926 copy of Science of Religion, with "Swami Dhirananda, associate" on the cover. This pertains to a current discussion elsewhere. Some 3 days left in the auction, so it may well get bid up.
ranger20 Registered User (12/22/03 12:36 pm) Reply	Re: Autobiography of a Yogi changes I have been meaning to take up this thread again briefly when I had a little time. From what I've seen in the editions of the AY I have, changes over time can be described in several ways, including (1) substantive, (2) language change (introduction of SRF speak) (3) and in a few cases, what I can only designate as "silly." Here's a case of a major substative change, and in brief, what I understand about the history of the various editions: Editions 1-4 (Philosophical Library publisher, 1946-1952). Eds 1-3 during PY's lifetime. Ed 4 in 1952 after mahasamadhi does not change text, but adds the mahasamadi page, and Forest Lawn letter. Still contains PY's Note to Third Edition, which implies that he was satisfied with the corrections made. Editions 5,6 (SRF publisher, 1954, 1955). In a later Publshers note, SRF says no changes have been made due to lack of time for editorial duties. I have a hunch (based on no objective evidence - just a hunch) that Rajasi may have had an aversion to any changes in the text during this time also. Edition 7 (SRF, 1956) Some major edits. It is stated that this edition completes all those instructions that PY left for the book. The following, regarding Kriya, from Chapter 26: The Science of Kriya Yoga: From the editions 1-4: Because of certain ancient yogic injunctions, I cannot give a full explanation of Kriya Yoga in the pages of a book intended for the general public. The actual technique must be learned from a Kriyaban or Kriya Yogi; here a broad reference must suffice. From edition 7: Because of certain ancient yogic injunctions, I cannot give a full explanation of Kriya Yoga in the pages of a book intended for the general public. The actual technique must be learned from an authorized SRF-YSS Kriyaban (Kriya Yogi). Here a broad reference must suffice. From edition 12, (1981): Because of certain ancient yogic injunctions, I cannot give a full explanation of Kriya Yoga in the pages of a book intended for the general public. The actual technique must be learned from an authorized of Self-Realization Fellowship (Yogoda Satsanga Society of India). Kriyaban (Kriya Yogi). Here a broad reference must suffice Edited by: ranger20 at: 12/22/03 12:37 pm
ranger20 Registered User (12/22/03 12:49 pm) Reply	Re: Autobiography of a Yogi changes Here's an example of AY textual drift into SRF speak. The following is from chapter 6, The Tiger Swami. *Quote:* This is from editions 1-7 (remember that 7 is the one in which an SRF publishers note says that Yogananda's change requests were complete.) "Father you astonish me! You well know what tigers are - beautiful but merciless! Even immediately after an enormous meal of some hapless creature, a tiger is fired with fresh lust at the sight of new prey. It may be a joyous gazelle, frisking over the jungle grass. Capturing it and biting an opening in the soft throat, the malevolent beast tastes only a little of the mutely crying blood and goes it's wanton way." *Quote:* I do not know when it changed, but here it is in the 12th edition (1981): Father you astonish me! You well know what tigers are - beautiful but merciless! Who knows? my blows may inject some slight sanity of consideration into their thick heads. I am headmaster in a forest finishing school to teach them gentle manners! Forest finishing school? Anyone who thinks Master wrote that, please email - we have bridges for sale here. Seriously. Edited by: ranger20 at: 12/22/03 12:51 pm
ranger20 Registered User (12/22/03 1:07 pm) Reply	Re: Autobiography of a Yogi changes Here is an example of textual silliness. It also underscores the claim of Abbot George Burke, that when certain individuals fell out of favor, their names were removed from the AY: *Quote:* From editions 1-4 (Philosophical Library), in chapter 35, The Christlike Life of Lahiri Mahasaya: Swami Satyananda was told by a devotee that, unable to go to Benares, the man had nevertheless received precise Kriya initiation in a dream. Lahiri Mahasaya had appeared to instruct the chela in answer to his prayers. Earlier in the book Master had noted Swami Satyananda as his disciple, who had charge of Ranchi for some years after his trip to America. He must have run afoul of the BOD later, because in edition 7 (1956), the first SRF published and edited volume, his name does not appear anywhere, and for the dream initiation we find: *Quote:* Certain devotees, unable to go to Benares, nevertheless received precise Kriya Yoga initiation in dreams. Lahiri Mahasaya had appeared before them to give instruction, in compassionate answer to their prayers. *Quote:* In the 12th edition (1981): Sri Bhupendra Nath Sanyal, an eminent disciple of the great guru, stated that, as a youth in 1892, unable to go to Banaras, he prayed to the master for spiritual instruction. Lahiri Mahasaya appeared before Bhupendra in a dream and gave him diksha (initiation). Ultimately, I do not know what to make of the large number of differences one can find in the different editions. I can think of two guiding principles I use to try to discern what PY wanted to say in his Autobiography: (1) Try to get an earlier edition, and (2) In whatever edition one is reading, if a passage seems strange, or out of character with the flow of the text, it probably is. Edited by: ranger20 at: 12/22/03 1:08 pm
soulcircle Registered User (12/22/03 9:48 pm) Reply	first edition available to all Hi Guests, ranger 20 and All, ranger20 writes: *Quote:* (1) Try to get an earlier edition The last time I looked the first edition of the AY is available free online to all at Anada's site. Dave
ranger20 Registered User (1/9/04 9:08 pm) Reply	third edition available I sincerely hope I'm not stepping on the toes of anyone here, but this afternoon I saw a 1951 third edition (Philosophical Library) Autobiography on eBay. Three days to go, current price $20. Photos and description showed it in quite good condition. I would not be surprised, therefore to see it get bid up in the last few minutes.
moyma New User (3/4/04 12:44 pm) Reply	Re: first edition available to all one thing that has always bothered me was daya's statement that the part about world brotherhood community's was removed from later edtions of the AY because the time wasn't right for them.....so my question is when is the time ? Will Master appear to the head of SRF 200 years from now.... or 500 years from now saying." change My book back " then they will reedit the book to include this "lost part". I think that once Daya goes the AY will stay the way it is..... who will have the guts to change it ? .....Just glad the the frist edtion is still out Because if it was just in SRF's hands it would never see the light of day.
Used Yogi Registered User (6/5/05 6:47 pm) Reply	Re: third edition available Kriyananda asked Daya about World Brotherhood Colonies and she told him, "Frankly, I'm not interested." It wasn't that she thought the time wasn't right, it was that she didn't care. Although at SRF I heard the official story that "the time wasn't right" for World Brotherhood Colonies. Kriyananda writes about how emphatically Yogananda emphasized the immediate need for them. Both Yogananda and Rajasi told him he had "an important work to do." He wondered about this and finally things fell in place when he started setting up a colony, realizing that the environment at SRF would never do something like that. The Song of the Morning Ranch is also fulfilling that dream. Yogacharya Oliver Black wanted to hand over his ranch -- give it to them outright -- as long as they kept it a World Brotherhood Colony. Daya Mata wouldn't have anything to do with it. They even offered it to SRF after Yogacharya Black's mahasamadhi and again, Daya didn't want it. Thank goodness that the first edition of the Autobiography is on the Internet for free, thanks to Ananda. SRF tried burying everything they could. There is a trail of "authorized" changes well after Yogananda's mahasamadhi that is exposed on the net (like at the yogananda diff site). Guess SRF was counting on being able to control the world. Used Yogi
Used Yogi Registered User (6/5/05 6:48 pm) Reply	Re: third edition available Kriyananda asked Daya about World Brotherhood Colonies and she told him, "Frankly, I'm not interested." It wasn't that she thought the time wasn't right, it was that she didn't care. Although at SRF I heard the official story that "the time wasn't right" for World Brotherhood Colonies. Kriyananda writes about how emphatically Yogananda emphasized the immediate need for them. Both Yogananda and Rajasi told him he had "an important work to do." He wondered about this and finally things fell in place when he started setting up a colony, realizing that the environment at SRF would never do something like that. The Song of the Morning Ranch is also fulfilling that dream. Yogacharya Oliver Black wanted to hand over his ranch -- give it to them outright -- as long as they kept it a World Brotherhood Colony. Daya Mata wouldn't have anything to do with it. They even offered it to SRF after Yogacharya Black's mahasamadhi and again, Daya didn't want it. Thank goodness that the first edition of the Autobiography is on the Internet for free, thanks to Ananda. SRF tried burying everything they could. There is a trail of "authorized" changes well after Yogananda's mahasamadhi that is exposed on the net (like at the yogananda diff site). Guess SRF was counting on being able to control the world. Used Yogi
moyma Registered User (6/5/05 9:04 pm) Reply	Re: third edition available I think the standard for the AY is the traditions of India , It is so apparent in the first AY. Yogananda just transfered the same traditions to America.......Then SRF got hold of it and westernized it......But to do that they had to change the words to reflect the western top to bottom management style ....the "Pope" style of rule....It put SRF in charge of not just Kriya but Self realization in the west..... I think thats a big leap from masters intention when he wrote the book.

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