Roy Eugene Davis Meditation Seminars

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Ed West Unregistered User (3/1/02 7:56 am) Reply	Roy Eugene Davis Meditation Seminars Hello, Thought you would like to know that Roy Eugene Davis is doing a small seminar tour. I would like to hear other's opinions of him. In my opinion in my little research, he seems legitimate. He was a direct disciple of Yogananda and was ordained by Yogananda to teach kriya. His books and teachings are quite clear and it shows he has a good grasp of kriya and the teachings of the Masters. And, I must say, he doesn't have all the baggage of SRF and/or Ananda. I will be there March 17th at Costa Mesa! ----- Fort Lauderdale, Florida: Sunday, February 17, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hilton Hotel, Ft. Lauderdale Airport, 1870 Griffin Road, Dania Beach Peoria, Arizona (near Phoenix): Wednesday, March 13, 7 p.m. For Center for Spiritual Unfoldment Masonic Fellowship center, 18810 North 107 Avenue Costa Mesa, California: Sunday, March 17, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Holiday Inn, 3131 South Bristol Street Off I-405, one mile west of Orange county Airport Medford, Oregon: Tuesday, March 19, 7 p.m. Red Lion Hotel, 200 North Riverside Redding, California: Thursday, March 21, 7 p.m. Redding Church of Religious Science, 1905 Hartnell Avenue San Jose, California: Saturday, March 23, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Center for Spiritual Enlightenment, 1146 University Avenue Naples, Florida: Sunday, April 14, 2 - 5 p.m. Unity of Naples, 2000 Unity Way Techniques and routines for all levels of practice. Donation basis. Reservations required for these seminars. www.csa-davis.org ------
Newboy Unregistered User (3/1/02 10:09 am) Reply	Plenty of Baggage Ed West, Roy Eugene Davis has plenty of personal baggage. Enjoy his lectures and publications if you like; they're usually quite good. However, BUYER BEWARE when it comes to Davis himself. All the upset and accusations made against SRF and A-nanda apply to him and his Center for Spiritual Awareness (CSA). Davis is living proof that "Absolute Power Corrupts Absolutely." No need to take my word for it. Just ask one of his six wives, (five are still living). They will happily give you the details.
Ringbearer Unregistered User (3/1/02 7:21 pm) Reply	Baggage Heh, 6 wives! Sounds familiar. Apparently one of Sri Yuteswar's greatest householder disciples was married and divorced numerous times. Every time he would visit Sri Yukteswar the great Master would jokingly make some comment like "So, have you come to tell me that you are getting married again..." So it seems that yogis have baggage...even great yogis. Anyway, I have had a little contact with Roy Davis and found him to be very helpful and responsive to my questions. I have never met him personally however. I suppose it is wise to remember what Babaji counseled: "Be like the wise ant that takes the sugar and leaves the sand."
Godfather Unregistered User (3/1/02 9:55 pm) Reply	Baggage I would say, take the canoli, leave the gun.
redpurusha Registered User (3/2/02 7:08 am) Reply	Re: Roy Eugene Davis Meditation Seminars I never heard of him being married, let alone with 6 wives. I don't know anything about it, but I have met him personally at a lecture and have exchanged emails with him. Like Sri Yukteswar his character seems to be more intellectual than emotional, unlike Yogananda's very friendly and loving personality. His readings have been beneficial for me and I enjoy his matter-of-fact explanation of yogic principles. Also appreciate his quick responses to questions, and the fact that he is out talking to people like me who are not even "members" of his center. In contrast to Yogananda speaking of God as "Divine Mother" and such, his literature is more directed toward the impersonal aspect of God, "the universal field of consciousness." Being involved into design, I noticed his books have little if any design to them at all (not that this is important). I think he's a pisces, when we asked him he told us his sun, moon, and rising signs. I subscribe to his "Truth Journal" in addition to the SRF magazine, in which, unlike SRF, he publishes where the money goes and how much is there -which is cool. If its a non-profit society, what's there to hide? If your donating money shouldn't you know what happens to it? If he does have a wife or many wives, at least he doesn't call himself a swami, but goes by his real name. This 6 wife news is all new to me, I haven't researched into it, also just read the LA New Times article on the allegations of Yogananda having a son and other rumors. It wasn't as "national enquirer" as I thought it would be, but seemed like honest inquiry into the allegation. I wish that an independent party under supervision of SRF and the alleged son would just do the tests and find out and put the matter straight. Because now its making Yogananda and his society look bad, I think, being up in the air. Recently I have been dissappointed with SRF having learned of the way they handle situations such as this. And I can't get over the fact that SRF's second in command is Daya Mata's own sister. I can't believe this. I admit I don't know much about her or her work in SRF, but it doesn't make sense, as if only the Wrights and former Mormon women were capapable of leading SRF and following Yogananda's wishes. I can only speculate that DM's sisters vote is the same as DM's vote on important decisions. Where's the diversity that Yogananda so much welcomed in his teachings? Just seems so unbalanced, the board, especially considering SRF represents the "church of all religions."
Ed West Unregistered User (3/2/02 9:22 pm) Reply	Newboy thanks for the warning NewBoy. Where did you hear about these things? I couldn't find anything regarding that on the web. btw, just because someone is married 5 times doesn't make him not legit. This could be his last life (very probable - reached the end of kriya) so he might have had karmic relationships to resolve... of course, if they ended on bad terms, that might not be so good. Anyway, if you have more specific info or sources, I would appreciate it. thanks. -Ed P.S. You said Buyer Beware - but I'm not buying anything... it's all donation basis...
NewBoy Unregistered User (3/3/02 2:26 pm) Reply	Baggage for Days Ed West, I am an eyewitness to much of what I said. I could say plenty more, but I won't for fear of a lawsuit. Davis and company are very much alive! Yogananda wrote that "money, sex, and wine" are the primary temptations of most devotees. He added that "money is the worst because it can buy the other two." Mr. Davis is not materialistic or money hungry. Please consider the other two if you want to know about Davis's personal baggage. Those other two have gotten him in lots of hot water over the years. You wrote that having "five [he's had six] wives doesn't make him not legit" as a spiritual teacher. Fair enough. You're entitled to your opinion. In my opinion, Roy Eugene Davis is the Bill Clinton of Yoga. Both men have performed good works to be sure, but what do you want out of a spiritual teacher or leader? Personally, I don't expect perfection out of a human being. However, when it comes to spiritual teachers, especially those like Davis who claim to be gurus, I expect to see more than lip service paid to the Yamas and Niyamas. Ed West and others posting, I will close by reiterating what I said in my earlier message, which is that almost everything written on this board about SRF and A-nanda applies to Mr. Davis and CSA. Please beware what scene you buy into, including those offered on a donation basis!
Devotee1970 Registered User (3/4/02 11:44 am) Reply	Hmm . . . ? Fair enough, Newboy. I appreciate your insights and words of caution. Still, I ask myself the same question I did when I voted for Bill Clinton in '92 and '96: "What are the alternatives?" I've looked high and low for a kriya teacher without some kind of baggage and haven't found one yet. I haven't figured out how to go to the astral world and ask Master for precise instructions on performing the kriya techniques, so what are my options? I could spend the rest of my life looking for someone who is really knowledgeable of the techniques and follows the yamas and niyamas perfectly. I don't doubt that Roy has his share of human frailties, but I don't want to marry him or worship him -- I just want to make sure I'm doing the techniques somewhat correctly, and he does seem to know what he's talking about in that regard (though I do understand he has a somewhat less traditional view of kriya practice than some teachers). Also, unlike some other people/organizations, he'll teach you without requiring you to join anything, sign any pledge of allegiance or pay a lot of money (the suggested donation for a weekend kriya initiation is $30 to $50, or whatever you can afford). I am not trying to be critical of your perceptions in any way, Newboy. I agree that one should be careful when dealing with any spiritual teacher. God is the real teacher, and He is where we should ultimately direct our energy and place all of our burdens. However, there are only so many places to go to get kriya instruction if Yogananda is your satguru. What's a poor yogi to do? I bow to the Divine in you. Edited by: Devotee1970 at: 3/4/02 11:51:26 am
NewBoy Unregistered User (3/4/02 2:16 pm) Reply	Baggage I feel your pain Devotee1970! I, too, voted for Clinton twice and told myself many of the things you said when it comes to Mr. Davis. Devotees must draw their own boundaries when it comes to spiritual teachers I'm sad to say. Some devotees can separate the teacher from the teachings better than others. Davis is a good resource for all the reasons you stated in your second paragraph. Stay with him for those reasons. Like you, I never wanted to "marry or worship" Roy Eugene Davis. I never expected perfection from him either. After years of association with him, however, my parting question was, "How low can you go and still call yourself a spiritual teacher?" Please feel free to challenge or even criticize my perceptions, Devotee1970. I only shared them because Ed West solicited opinions on Davis. These chat lists were created for open, honest, and critical exchanges. I welcome them after all the years of B.S. that I witnessed and contributed to in the misapplication of Gurubhakti. Namast�.
Ed West Unregistered User (3/4/02 5:56 pm) Reply	more info please Newboy Newboy, If you are so willing, could you expand upon your experiences with Mr. Davis? And, when did he have his five wives? And could you further explain his teachings of kriya - is it what yogananda taught, or has he modified it? For kriya, I feel it is important to find an honest teacher, one that hopefully has reached the end. Yogananda said in one of the tapes SRF released "Follow me, the living link of the Gurus." I was hoping Roy Eugene Davis would be just that... I feel very close to Yogananda so I would like to learn kriya in his lineage... btw, there is a web site that talks about other kriya teachers... www.kriyainfo.com regards, Ed
Devotee1970 Registered User (3/4/02 10:02 pm) Reply	Re: more info please Newboy I really appreciate everyone's love for Master and desire to learn kriya from someone who really lives up to all of the ideals he taught. I hope that such a person exists somewhere, but I sure haven't had any luck finding him or her. Even if you do discover a kriya superman, unless that person is truly self-realized, there's always the potential that he will fall at some point. Not finding an ideal spiritual teacher on the physical plane, my approach has been to try to see the beneficial things that each person has to offer and not to judge anyone too harshly for being wrapped up in this world. We all have our problems, after all -- that's why we're here. I'm not saying that I'd study kriya with Hitler, but some level of compromise seems to be necessary. Ultimately, I try to remind myself that while it is important to learn how to do the techniques properly from a knowledgeable human intermediary, attuning to Master and God are more important. Many saints have found God through devotion alone. The techniques accelerate the process, but I think most would agree that minor differences in kriya practice aren't really that crucial in the final analysis. I think that if I really loved God, it wouldn't matter whether I followed the techniques in my SRF lessons, edited as they may be, or learned them directly from Babaji. Sometimes I wonder if the reason things got as messed up as they are is so that we wouldn't get too attached to direct disciples and would instead focus our energy on establishing a direct relationship with Master and God. That being said, I do think there's some value to having a qualified human teacher review one's kriya practice, and if you want a perspective outside the SRF, there are limited choices. Blessings to you all.
caliyogi Registered User (3/5/02 10:42 am) Reply	Re: more info please Newboy true, but if you want to truly reach the end a realized master is very important, to fulfill all righteousness. IF you just want to learn some techniques and get closer, then SRF lessons or whatever will suffice, but to truly transcend duality you need the direct connection. that's why jesus insisted on getting baptized by john, because he recognized him as his guru from past lives (Matt. 3:14-15). Yogananda says the same things, in his interpretations of the Bible. Get the 2nd Coming of Christ books, the original writings, from Amrita (prisi@amrita.com). He talks about the important of the guru-disciple relationship. SRF doesn't want you to know this, that's why they haven't released the book, and when (IF) they do, I almost guarantee this will not be in there. Also, interesting was Yogananda's meeting with Ramana Maharshi in his trip back to India. It's recorded in the book "Talks with Ramana Maharshi": Yogananda: how is the spiritual uplift of the people to be elected? What are the instructions to be given? Maharshi: They differ according to the temperaments of the individuals and according to the spiritual ripeness of their minds. *There cannot be any instruction en masse.* Finally, the Yogi [Yogananda] rose up, prayed for Sri Maharshi's blessings for his own work and expressed great regret for his hasty return. He looked very sincere and devoted even emotional. I feel a strong connection to Yogananda, and I would prefer to go through his lineage (with a living master), this is why I have the interest in Roy Davis... but I might have to not go through his lineage... we'll see... it's actually already decided, it's a soul decision not a mind decision, but I use my mind to get me in the right places (with the right teachers) and then it will be obvious (intuition - soul knowledge) if that teacher is the Guru... there are a few other teachers... -Ed (I am registered now) Edited by: caliyogi at: 3/5/02 10:43:18 am
Devotee1970 Registered User (3/5/02 11:59 am) Reply	Re: more info please Newboy Ed, I absolutely agree with you about a self-realized master being necessary. My only point was that that individual for me is Yogananda -- not any of his representatives. Although he is no longer in physical form, Master is just as much "here" as he was fifty years ago, and he silently (and occassionally not so silently) guides those who ask him for help in finding God. The lesser teachers can give the techniques, but only the guru gives the blessings. Some of these teachers call themselves "gurus," but most of them are not true gurus in the higher sense. A true guru is a self-realized being with whom you establish a sacred bond for eternity. He is omnipresent, knows all of your thoughts, personally takes on much of your karma and is your direct link to God. Once this relationship is established, it continues through incarnations. If you are certain that Yogananda is your guru in this sense, no one else will do. If he is your guru, you still need to learn the techniques from a person or organization, though, since he is not here physically to teach you himself. I was just trying to point out in my earlier e-mails that you can't let the imperfections of Yogananda's disciples/organizations keep you from learning the techiques he taught and using them to attune directly to him in meditation. I wish you the best in your search for truth and enlightenment and will pray that you find what you are seeking. Peace.
Devotee1970 Registered User (3/5/02 12:26 pm) Reply	Re: more info please Newboy Ed, P.S., the SRF does have a good tape you can order by Bro. Anandamoy called "The Importance of a True Guru," and they talk about this subject in the lessons and other places as well. While I'm not fond of the editing job the SRF has done, their idea that they have a monopoly on Yogananda or the way they have treated some people, they're not all bad either. You can get the idea from this web site that the entire organization is pure evil, but it's not. You just have to extract the good from the b.s.
redpurusha Registered User (3/5/02 7:10 pm) Reply	Re: more info please Newboy Devotte1970, Good post. One of the SRF ideals is to take the best features of east and west and combine those good features leaving the bad. This could be applied to many other things, even organizations such as SRF. The leaders of SRF, especially the president have the greatest influence on the organization's direction, character, and functionality.
NewBoy Unregistered User (3/6/02 6:31 pm) Reply	Lighter Baggage Thanks to everyone for their honest, heartfelt responses. I appreciate the depth and thoughtfulness of the posts on this topic -- a topic that can easily become a shouting match, even online! Just reading and thinking about this stuff again, after so many, many years, makes my own baggage feel lighter. Ed, I can't comment on your question regarding Mr. Davis's version or presentation of kriya vs. Yogananda simply because I never received kriya from Yogananda or SRF. I sincerely doubt that Davis would alter what he learned from Yogananda regarding kriya. He may be liberal when it comes to initiating others, but altering the techniques is another matter. Also, I'm not sure what you mean by needing an "honest teacher" when it comes to learning kriya. Do you mean honest in his understanding of the teachings and techniques? If yes, then Davis is a good resource as I've stated before. If by honest you mean someone who tries to emulate his Guru (Yogananda) or live the teachings in his daily life, his daily behavior, and in his dealings with other human beings, then NO! When it comes to other mere humans, Davis seems oblivious of the yamas and niyamas, and fearless before the so-called "Law of Karma." That's just my experience of him. I take no joy in saying it. I'm certainly not alone in my feelings. At least one former wife claims he is a sociopath! To say more would be pushing it legally since most of the parties "in the know" are still alive. You asked about his six marriages. What can I say? He married all six women sequentially, although there was some "overlap"! Last I heard, the current one, number six, is doing pretty well and breaking all records in terms of time. Remember, Davis is in his 70s now, and perhaps his libido has calmed down, not to mention his apparent ego need for conquest. Finally, Devotee1970, I need to repeat that my personal disappointment with Davis didn't come because he isn't a "kriya superman" or the second coming of Christ. Let's not get stuck in either / or thinking here. All I ask for in a spiritual teacher on or off the meditation cushion is scruples and human decency. I wish you knew how much people close to Davis have to compromise, rationalize, justify, defend, and explain away some of his more dubious tactics. After a while, his baggage gets heavy for all concerned. I do agree with you, Devotee1970, about the Brother Anandamoy tape on the "Importance of a True Guru." It's a great lecture. We should all play it again and again before committing ourselves wholeheartedly to a teacher. Ed, I appreciate your sharing the link on kriya teachers. Many of your questions regarding Davis might get answered from the section, "Guru Test." Only you can decide if Davis is your personal link to Yoganandaji. You also asked, "What's a yogi to do?" Well, this yogi, who accepts Yoganandaji as his satguru, practices the techniques, studies the teachings, and tries to go with an open heart to the shrines where Master walked, and talked, and meditated as often as possible. I try to practice the presence of God in my activities while monitoring my mental chatter and examining any emotions or attitudes that might get in the way of feeling God's presence. I've learned the value of paying attention! "God is in the details" as William Blake said. I've come to realize that I'm not nearly as evolved as I'd like to be, but at least that insight has made me more humble, something that didn't come naturally to me before. How any of Master's "second generation" disciples come to know of his Will and blessings for us is part of the challenge. Rather than get depressed over that fact, I've decided to make it part of my spiritual adventure. Namast�
Devotee1970 Registered User (3/6/02 7:53 pm) Reply	Re: Lighter Baggage Newboy, Thanks for your considerate sincerity (thanks to Ed and others as well). There's precious little of it in kriyaland today. It's helped me to hear your and others' thoughts on this subject. I think your current approach to focusing solely on Master is the right one and one that I try to take as well. My only interest in Davis is getting personal, individualized instruction on the techniques from someone outside the SRF. I hope I nothing I said appeared to be critical of you, even though I know you are receptive to criticism. My posts are about my issues rather than yours or anyone else's. This is such a bizarre path we're all on. It would be strange if there were only one kriya tradition and organization. The fact that it's so fragmented and there is so much divisiveness among the different groups makes it all the more peculiar. Oh well, I suppose it's too late to go back to being a Presbyterian. I guess the best thing to do is to love God and all his children, practice kriya and not try to hard to understand it. Love, peace and blessings to you all. Edited by: Devotee1970 at: 3/6/02 7:59:42 pm
caliyogi Registered User (3/6/02 9:13 pm) Reply	Re: Lighter Baggage Hi, thanks Newboy and Devotee1970 for your messages. It is tough when a spiritual teacher acts unspiritual and then the devotees has to make excuses and rationalize the behavior. That is unfortunate. I will go to Mr. Davis' seminar and also have breakfast with him the next day. I am in no hurry to get initiated, when the time is right the time is right. Devotee1970, most of this confusion with Kriya is because it's out here in the west where we love organizations and such. In India it's just a simple, personal guru/disciple relationship. plus, for many of us we are babies on the spiritual path, for many of us we have many lifetimes to go, so maybe for this lifetime we have to endure with a master not in the body. Yogananda probably just came to lay the kriya foundation for the future... Maybe this is a test of our loyalty and devotion... In any case, what's most important is manifesting God more in our lives, and to do good to others, this is what Jesus said... With blessings from God and the Gurus, -Ed
Osel17 Registered User (7/12/02 2:17 pm) Reply	Re: Plenty of Baggage I have considered taking Kriya initiation with Roy Davis, but have had some reservations. Newboy, could you please elaborate on your statements about Davis, or let me know how I can contact one of his ex-wives?! Thanks, Osel
Cosmict Registered User (10/17/03 9:39 am) Reply	Re: Plenty of Baggage & a warning! Hello all! I love the masters & the light but I need to tell you or should I say warn you that, Roy Eugene Davis does not represent either. Did you know he can manipulate the astral? Here is a helpful quote from, Sankara Saranam concerning Roy Eugene Davis, Neither is Roy Eugene Davis a guru or the successor to Paramahansa Yogananda. www.pranayama.org/messages/message_12-24-00.html Edited by: Cosmict at: 10/17/03 9:46 am
stermejo Registered User (10/19/03 1:54 pm) Reply	Re: ...warning "Warning! Warning! This vehicle capable of circumnavigating the universe!" -The robot on Lost in Space Points about Davis well taken but Cosmict your warning "sounds (too) familiar" as in it could have come from MC and the SRF BOD:-) Perhaps Shankara Sharanam is trying to cozy up to MC? Citing him opens a whole 'nuther cliche. RE: my own experience with Davis. One friend I've known for years who shares an interest in Master but has never gone beyond the lesson's first step repeatedly asks about Kryia but I haven't shared the technique. Mostly, I'm sure of an inability to communicate the knowledge. Which is to say, I'd be toungue tied. Well, Davis showed up in town and gave friend permission to take Kryia. She likes his rational approach. SRF writings have always given her the "I'm not worthy" feeling. I don't worry about her getting drawn into the baggage. She tells me, "Davis doesn't believe in Angels!" I just said that he's got his agenda and angels aren't on it. What's up with that? Of course, 6 wives...whoo hoo! Any woman I can get that close to has got to be an angel8-)

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