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PY disciple Registered User (1/17/04 12:25 pm) Reply	World Brotherhood Colonies [b]Hello Everyone[/b], I would like to introduce myself. I am a disciple of our beloved Gurudeva. I am almost 30 and married with a child. For many years, I have served his work, both inwardly and outwardly. I am writing this post in hopes that I can connect with others about Master's proposed [b]World Brotherhood Colonies[/b]. I would love to live in a spiritual community where my family, and several other families can (as Master said) live, work (serve), and worship together. I have spent time at Ananda and love both the land and the people; however, I do not feel totally in tune with Swami Kriyananda. I have met him, spent time with him, and consider him a friend and a very devoted disciple (regardless of his mistakes - we all have our own problems to overcome). As I understand it, one requisite of living at Ananda includes being attuned to Swami. At this point, I cannot say that this is where my heart is. I am only interested in a colony of Master's disciples, so that rules out almost all other spiritual communities; and, as I know, there is no SRF colony. This leaves only a few options: 1) "force" myself to become in tune with Swami Kriyananda (not really an option) 2) Forget the idea altogether (not really an option) 3) Find other like-minded devotees who would like to consider the possibility of building a colony according to Master's ideals (of course, if you read what he says about starting colonies, we would have to 'update' some of the info for the time in which we live) So, I write this letter in hopes of two possible results: either another devotee has a better solution, or, others share this idea and would like to discuss it in more depth. If anyone is interested, please allow me to explain a little of the idea that I have in mind. Of course, these are merely ideas at this point, and I am sure they would be refined and developed as other like-minded devotees come together in God's Spirit. OK, so: 1) The colony would be based on Master’s teachings and ideals. 2) It would consist of anywhere from a few families to 25 families and/or singles who are interested in committing their lives to Master’s teachings: Kriya Yoga, serving the public, Simple living and high thinking, etc… Maybe a total of 20 – 100 people. 3) We would build a community temple, school, building to conduct businesses in, etc, etc, etc… 4) We would build simple, beautiful, natural, self-sustaining housing. (If anyone does not know about self-sustaining housing, there are many options out there, some better than others, that can be looked up on the internet.) 5) We would purchase land (maybe 200 acres) which has seclusion, but not separation from society. We would strive to show others that this is a beautiful (and eventually necessary if overpopulation and other global problems keep up) way to live and love God and each other. 6) Most food (organic produce, seeds, nuts, etc…) would be grown on the land by us. 7) Ideally, people of many different talents and abilities would serve each other and the world. For example, one may be a teacher, one a gardener, one a farmer, one a musician, builder, writer, accountant, furniture maker, painter, chef, etc, etc… So that many, if not most, of the colonies needs can be met by ourselves. We would probably offer services and products to the local society as both a way to create income, serve, and give others the opportunity to get to know us, the Masters, and the teachings. Some may work within or outside of the colony, depending on many factors. I could go on and on with ideas, but I think the concept has been expressed enough for interested people to get the gist. My wife and I have looked at some beautiful properties in Northern Arizona and California, although, since we are not ready to do this right away, and we have not really collaborated with other devotees on this yet, nothing is firm at all. However, it does seem that California has certain ideal conditions for this. Even Master said that CA was an ideal location to practice Yoga, and of course, CA is more open to these types of things. We (My wife and I) have set a loose estimated time frame of about 3 years before we seriously attempt this. We are still studying these ideas, getting new ideas, trying to meet people who are in tune with this concept, saving a semi-substantial amount of money to do this, etc… But depending on many factors, it could be sooner or later. We know that this is no small proposition, but we have to live somewhere and do something, so why not do something worthwhile and fulfilling? Finally, as ideas develop on this end, and as others share their thoughts and knowledge, I plan on building a detailed proposal on paper that would cover as much as possible about how this would work, etc… I want to thank everyone for their time to read this, and I most warmly welcome responses and ideas from all interested people. In Divine Friendship, PY disciple
stermejo Registered User (1/17/04 1:09 pm) Reply	Re: World Brotherhood Colonies "I am a disciple of our beloved Gurudeva. I am almost 30 and married with a child. For many years, I have served his work, both inwardly and outwardly." "In Divine Friendship," PY Disciple, I believe first you are going to have to look at your relationship with Master's "work." If you speak of the SRF organization be prepared to face the opposition of Mother Center. Why would they target your humble endevor? Why not? For years, Yogacharya Oliver Black tried to give MC his 800 acre property in Northern Michigan. The only stipulation? That the property remain the WBC he began in 1970's as the Golden Lotus Foundation. Over the years, Yogacharya corresponded with DM who would not approve of any WBC. The property ceded to Yogacharya's friend Bob Raymer. I don't think Raymer appears in public any more and has given up teaching and conducting service. The Song of the Morning is run by the membership most of whom are SRF initiated kryiabans. However, there is an acceptance and attempt to utilize and study more than just the SRF truth. Currently, they are creating a community (Yogacharya's dream) similar to what you envision. Their web site is: www.goldenlotus.org Click on the "Community" link. Before staking your's and your children's future, I STRONGLY recommend you study some of the many books and articles regarding life in spiritual communities and become apprised of the real pitfalls and potential JOYS of life in such surroundings. I only know by personal experience. Perhaps someone else on the board can direct you to some specific titles.
PY disciple Registered User (1/17/04 1:30 pm) Reply	Re: World Brotherhood Colonies Dear Stermejo, Thank you very much! I am also an SRF student. I do plan on doing much more studying before anything is attempted. I do not wish to undermine SRF, or anyone who works in the sincere Spirit of Master. There are a lot of oppositions from MC on a lot of issues, but that is another story. Anyway, I pray that God reveals His will for this. Thank you again! In Divine Friendship, PY disciple
PY disciple Registered User (1/17/04 1:46 pm) Reply	Re: World Brotherhood Colonies I would like to add something to help clarify my intentions. I would continue to be a student of SRF, I would encourage others to do so as well. We would not give Kriya, but rather recommend they get it from MC. We would not sell PY writings. We would not infringe upon his image or recordings, etc... Our intention is to create a place where fellow devotees can live, serve, and worship God together. I know it is not as simple as that (obviously, there are a lot of factors involved that can complicate this), but I believe it is worth looking at as a potential possibility. Yes, I am aware that there are many up and down sides to community living, but there are also many up and down sides to the 'normal way'... Anyway, I hope this clarifies the intention. I love Master dearly and would never want to go against his will, not hurt SRF. I think many people here feel likewise. If SRF was a perfect organization (obviously impossible in the physical world), I think many of us would be overjoyed to serve SRF and comply in everyway. So, the best I can do is try my best to please God and Guru. I know that if I am wrong, I will be corrected in some way! In Divine Friendship, PY disciple
Borg108 Registered User (1/19/04 8:51 am) Reply	Re: World Brotherhood Colonies PY disciple, I understand that a group of SRF devotees in Nelson, New Zealand started a community some years ago with some guidance from SRF. You might check on it at HQ, then contact the Kiwis to see what they can tell you about their experience. Also, there is a community being formed in Shimla, India (cold wnters) that expects to have a school in place this year and a full community by next year. Contact Dr Keshav Sharma at mritunjay@satyam.net.in. Indians are more community minded than those in the West and may be better suited to this sort of thing.
jigginz Registered User (2/14/04 12:51 pm) Reply	Re: World Brotherhood Colonies Dear PY Disciple That is a fantastic ideal. It is clear from reading your posts that you are not entertaining this ideal for any kind of personal achievement or gain but that you are doing it in the interest of brotherhood by encouraging like minded souls to live together and thus help strengthen each others spirituality. You can be sure that i will be following your posts for future prospects and you have my complete support as i find your ideal of living in a community that solely follows Master's teachings and is one that has no interest of forming a new organization a truely inspiring thought to behold. Love to you my friend J
ugizralrite Registered User (2/14/04 2:27 pm) Reply	Re: World Brotherhood Colonies I have never doubted that Yogananda was a "great man", a history maker. As one of many who have been influenced profoundly by his life, my view of him is always subject to new information. I would not be comfortable in a community of people who have been blinded by the SRF Yogananda statue figure. I would be comfortable in a community willing to acknowledge the great man, flaws and all. I think such a community has to begin here with a meeting of minds, to see if we can live with the real history of the great man and his influence. More importantly, do we have what it takes to build on what he began. The antithesis of the theory of the great man is that history chooses those who are in the right place at the right time. So acceptance of the influences, cultural and philosophical, on Yogananda and ourselves is also to be factored into the foundation of a community of minds.
PY disciple Registered User (2/15/04 1:06 pm) Reply	Re: World Brotherhood Colonies Dear Friends, It is nice to see new posts to this topic! Yes, we must understand that Yogananda was a God-Man, Meaning perfect in Spirit (as we all are) and still human (as we all are). I have not found a better example of human conduct as Master, but that does not mean I would blindly believe or follow-this is unscientific and not what Master taught. Master stresses the need to take what is being taught and crystalize that faith or knowledge into actual experience. Also, it is true that only a saint can know another saint... and though we are all potential saints, I am still working on converting my FAITH in Master's saintliness into experience... of course that would require me becoming a saint myself, but this is surely a worthy goal! Now, on communities, I would like to respond more when I have time to sit down and really get into some more things. A simple community is very complex - just like God! : ) God is simple and shall reveal Himself (Itself) to the babes and suffering, but has made Himself (Itself) appear very complex in the maya. Anyway, I am off to the park with my wife and child. I look forward to expressing more on communities and hearing everyone's input. Thank you all! In Divine Friendship, PY Disciple
PY disciple Registered User (2/15/04 3:01 pm) Reply	Re: World Brotherhood Colonies Dear Ugizralrite, I hear what you are saying. I am not as interested in Yogananda the man as I am in the Spirit of the ideals and teachings that he exemplified. Even Yogananda himself said, "I killed Yogananda long ago!" Master did teach that it is helpful in the beginning to worship God in some outer way (as an aspect, god or goddess, guru, whatever), but that this is only a focal point for the devotee to develop their concentration with. However, God, in Its "purest" sense is formless. Even Yogananda said that his "favorite form of God" is the formless, however, he was outwardly expressive to Divine Mother. Even his own Guru, whom he revered greatly denounced 'guru worship'. So, the guru is the vehicle which God uses to express Itself to the devotee. At first it may be useful to see the vehicle as the 'object of attention', but once you get INTO the vehicle, you see it is the Driver you want to concern yourself with. So, as is taught, if we see God as the Doer of All, that means that there is no Guru, no Yogananda, no You and Me... Master said "History is a Misnomer." But as long as we are tangled in the web of maya, we must look to God in the Source that we can learn and connect with. Of course all of Life is Guru, but Yogananda is the paricular and specific MAIN channel for this Spirit in my life, and in the lives of many others. So, the proposed community would not be founded on Yogananda, but rather the Ideals and Teachings of Spirit, which in the case of many Souls, was exposed to them through Paramahansa Yogananda. This expression is a different ray (Kriya) of the same sun (God). I hope I have clearly (but probably not very concisely) explained this intention. All words can be interpreted with many different intentions. For example, this letter can seem like many things and can entice many different meanings to many different people, but the vibration, I hope, shows that attunement does not mean worship. Only God is worshiped. Even Jesus warned us against 'Savior Worship'. Gratefulness is wonderful and appropriate, but we must see that it is the God within the Guru that we love and appreciate, not the personality, the flaws, or the achievements. In Divine Friendship, PY Disciple
PY disciple Registered User (2/15/04 3:04 pm) Reply	Re: World Brotherhood Colonies Jigginz, Thank you for the support. As Ugizralrite said, we should have a meeting of the minds and see if we can make this happen. I believe we can if we give our proper energy and attention to it. So the question is, how important is a World Brotherhood Colony? Also I want to thank Borg108 for the info! Thank you to everyone putting energy into this idea. In Master, PY Disciple
ugizralrite Registered User (2/15/04 4:31 pm) Reply	Re: World Brotherhood Colonies Amazing isn't it that you would have to come to walrus ezboard to accomplish what should be a natural outgrowth of SRF. Look at all the anger here from people whose reverence and devotion has been exploited. Talk the talk is one thing, but after awhile the soup gets pretty diluted. Outside influences and teachings need to be added. Normal life has to be added. I always wondered from the very beginning why the world needs another major (or not so major) religion. I always felt that SRF was a very condescending organization. I ended up founding a church of one member, a community of one member, and writing my own teachings from study and life experience. Kind of pathetic, but there it is. To tell you the truth the word "Master" really grates my nerves. I see sheep bleating in my mind when I hear it. Sorry, but this is walrus ezboard and not yogananda.net. I feel rude in writing thusly, but dialog has to be open and honest if we expect a productive outcome. $:\$
PY disciple Registered User (2/15/04 5:01 pm) Reply	Re: World Brotherhood Colonies Dear Ugizralrite, I appreciate your opinions. Yogananda is not my Master... Only the Self can be Master of the self! If someone else could be Master of us, we would ALL be liberated already~! When I refer to Yogananda as Master, it refers to his mastery of himself, not myself. He is my Gurudeva, whom I love as the One who will help my Self become Master of my self. The reason I posted this topic here is because this board is for devotees of Master who have problems with SRF. I have my share of problems with SRF, one being their obliviousness to some devotees desires for WBCs. If this board is meant to help reform SRF and support disgruntled devotees, I see this as appropiate. In Divine Friendship, PY Disciple
PY disciple Registered User (2/15/04 5:07 pm) Reply	Re: World Brotherhood Colonies Ugizralrite, I also meant to add that you have done the right thing - We all need to start our own church, but with a membership of 2 - God and Self. Yes, a community of 2 - God and Self... But this is the inward church. Of course we must intergrate outside teachings - life is a school, right? That is the whole point to considering starting a WBC... If we followed only SRF rules, we wouldn't even be here talking, there would be no walrus... Also, Self-realization (the state of God-realization, not the organization) is not a new religion. There are two ways to look at it - It is the only religion (a religion of uniting the self with the Self) or it is not a religion. They are both accurate and both incorrect. This circular debate could go on indefinately. Anyway, enough of this! : ) Peace to you! In Divine Friendship, PY Disciple
ugizralrite Registered User (2/16/04 11:36 am) Reply	Re: World Brotherhood Colonies I see a community that has a temple down the road from the school and library. It is a Self-Realization themed temple. Not everyone in the community is bhakti oriented, and so not everyone attends regularly, but might from time to time pitch in on maintenance in a joy of sharing. Crestone, Colorado is one place of interest, where people with strong mystical bent have gathered. See: www.crestonecolorado.com/shambala.html.
PY disciple Registered User (2/16/04 5:26 pm) Reply	Re: World Brotherhood Colonies Dear Ugizralrite, Thank You! Building a spiritual community is not an easy proposition. However, it seems it can be very rewarding to live and serve among brother and sister disciples. A place where the law of "Environment is stronger than will-power" (until you are a master at least) can really serve a high and beneficial purpose. In God's Joy, PY Disciple

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