Siddha Yoga
Siddha Yoga is a movement that was founded by Swami Muktananda, a Hindu guru in India some time in the 1970s. The movement has since expanded to the United States and to other parts of the world. Today, Muktananda’s legacy is being continued by his successor, Gurumayi Chidvilasananda.
Teachings and Practices
There are three so-called core teachings of Siddha Yoga around which the movement revolves. They are the following:
- Honor your Self, Worship your Self, Meditate on your Self, God dwells within you as you.
- See God in each other.
- The Heart is the hub of all sacred places; go there and roam.
These teachings are based on those that were imparted by Swami Muktananda, who is also known as Baba.
Meanwhile, some of the most essential practices of Siddha Yoga include Meditation, chanting, selfless service, dakshina or giving to others, and going to retreats. A person’s heightened awareness comes from Meditation. Along with that, chanting gives the person a taste of his/her essential nature. The practice of the two then brings about selfless service and the joy of giving to others. Finally, going to retreats further enhances what one has achieved so far in his/her individual practice.
Controversies
The movement is not all unfamiliar with controversies. For one, the movement was criticized for registering the phrase Siddha Yoga. According to some, the phrase was previously used as a Sanskrit term way before it became synonymous with the movement.
Then there was the controversy that arose from accusations from former members of the movement who accused Swami Muktananda of sexual abuse and Gurumayi Chidvilasananda’s brother, Swami Nityananda, of stalking and harassment. There is even a website that was put up by those who are said to have been victimized by the two as well as by other leaders of the movement.
We hope that this article expands your mind further in the world of Siddha Yoga and Yoga itself. Peace to you and to everyone.
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Basics & Backgrounds
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