Selj-Realization Fellowship Founded in 1920 by Paramahanss Wes santa “Those who have come to Self-Realization Fellowship truly seeking in- ward spiritual help shalt receive what they seck from God. Whether they come while I am in the body, or afterward, the power of God through the Unk of the SRF Gurus shall flow into the devotees just the same, and shall be the cause of their satvation.” —Paramahansa Yogananda Dear Friends, Some of you have inquired about a matter that is of concern to all of us who care deep- Jy aout Gurudeva's work: a legal situation involving SRP and a group called Ananda. Since January 1980, when Ananda reincorporated under the name “Churen of Self-Realization? ‘we havo been faced with a challenging situation that coud have a slgnificant effect on Gurudeva's work—both now and in the future We had briefly alluded to this matter-in our Spring 1990 Voluntary Lesgue Appeal, and have spoken with or written to some of you individually since that time. Though it was not Gurudeva's way to talk about organizational problems, in order to creata understanding ha would. sometimes gather the devotees around him and informally discuss such matters, In the same spirit, we would Uke to address the concerns some of you have expressed, aiid lot. ‘you know why we eventually used legal means to try to resolve the iggues involved. We feel the best way to do so is to share with you, as members of ou spiritual family, some of Gurudeva's intentions for his work of Belf-Ttealization. To understand our concern over Ananda’s change of name, one would nesd to have some background. A Sacred Trust From the very beginning of the mission that brought him to America, Gurudeva poured his divine love, enthus!- asm and energy into conveying to recap- tive souls the Hriva Yoga teachings of his furu and paramgurus. He shared freely ‘with all the inspiration that flowad from his communion with God. But Guryji was also endowed writh @ far-sighted practioal- ity, Knowing that even divinely ordained teachings have bean changed over time through persons interpretation and innovation, he toak steps to parpetuata his own teach: ings in their original purity and integrity: It was for you—his students and disciples — that he created a single organization to fulfill the mission he was ordained to carry out by his guru, Swamt Sri Yukteswar, and by Mahavatar Babaji INTERNATIONAL HEABGUARTEMS 3850 San Ror! Averuin, Low Angulo, CabtonsaBOOSS CabieSeit-el, To (215) BEE “The Rerencicsrer Daya Matz President Iniewin: Yogocla Sataaniea Society of saAs our Guru later recounted in his Autobiography, Self-eallzation Fellowship was chartered under the laws of the State of Galifornia in 1935 as a nonprofit corporation, “designed zo exist perpetually.” In this organization Gurudeva vested the sum of his lifo's work, by preparing and signing a Will and az Assignment (of rights). Having placed in the keeping of SRF the fruite of his divine inspiration and lifelong efforts, he said at the first Convocation in 1937: “I have been giad to dedicate ail my books and all things that I had to this cause of Self Realization Fellowship. 1 am spiritually connected with the cause, and of course, I am also on the Bard of Directars. Bul everything ‘has been dedicated to the cause.” Ap jonal letter in his own hand affirms this: “AU the proceeds of ail my books and magazines I never take, but are owned by Solf-Realization Fellowship — to spread our work and maintain our institutions.” In 1949 he bound his intentions into the By-Laws of Selt-Realization Fellowship, which state in part: “Upon the incorporation of the Self-Realization Fellowship Church, all funds, Properties, tangible and intangible, of every hind held by Paramahansa Yogananda were turned over and transferred to this corporation (SRF).” Building @ worldwide organization was a role far removed from the simplicity of hermit- age life in the anelent land of India. But Gurudeva willingly shouldered that responsibility. for the sake of the souls whe would bs drawn to these teachings. Those who were with him ‘knew him not only as a beloved Guru and friend, but also as a dynamic leader—one wha set the pattern he wanted for his own organization, and who nelther founded ner author ized any other. as SRF grew and developed under his direction, he took an acute interest in every aspect of the work—even tha legal and administrative’ —so thet those to come might know his wishes. a chose for the name of his organization in the West (his international society) a. distine- {ive translation of the name he had given to hs socioty in India —Yofoda Satsanga, “Yogoda" (@ word he himself had coined) means “that which the sciance of yoga imparts" and “Sat- sange” means “ascoelalion with God, mith ‘Truth, with good people” He translated this name a8 “Self-Realization Fellowship” and explamed: “Dhrough Self-realization we have fellowship with God; and in that fellowship, we give divine friendship to truth-seekers in ali religions.” Today, the Self-Realigation Fellowship name is known by hundreds of thousands of members and friends throughout the world, whe associate it with the organization Gurudeva establishad almost 75 years ago and with his message of Kriya Yoga. 7 You will be interested to know, for example, that Gurudava originated the Center Bulleting, and the ‘Lassons Appheation and Pledge, and began the practice of eommunseating with Lessons studenta at certain points in their otudy. To this day we follow the many precedents he set.The Teachings of Kriya Yoga ‘The fact that Gurudeva endowed a single organization with his nenaertarian teachings in no way takes away from his universe! all-embracing spirit. His love is unconfined Dy boundaries and will ever reach out, to those who turn to him with sincerity and devotion, Tegardiess of organizational affiliation. But for those who enter the sacred gumt-disciple Telationship, his spiritual help is available in special measure through Kriya Yoga. A profoundly effective method of God-communion, Kriye Yoga 1s also a divine covenant between the Guru and his disciples. Kriya Yogs as ¢lven by Paramahansafi is the sacred solence he recelved from his Guru, which had been pessed down from Mahavatar Babg}i to Lahiri Mahasaya. To assure its Purity and to mamtain the link between himself as the Guru and surcesding generations of disciples, Gurudeva carefully specified how tt should te imparved tharesfter. “Iam the last in this line of Gurus... "Paramahansaji said. “When Iam gone, the teachings will be the guri. Through the SRF teachings you will be im tune with me and with the Great Gurus who sent me.” He emphasized the unique role SRF was to play in safeguarding his Kriya Yoga teach- ings. A disciple of Gurudeva since 1931. cur revered president, Sri Daya Mata said: “One of the greatest responsibilities that Guruji placed upon the shoulders of Daya Ma and his other disciples was this: ‘As I have brought this teaching to you and kept it pure as it was given ta me by God and my guru, 0 i give you this responsibility: heep it pure, undiluted by anything’... And that is why you see that neither Daya Ma nor any of these other disciples have attempted ar presumed in eny way to change or to dilute with personal innovations what he taught.” The Unique Role of Gurudeva’s Organization Gurudeva had keen understanding of hitman nature. He knew that many would tend to interpret his teachings in their own way, and form thelr individual opinions about the direction his work should take. He recognivied, therefore, how vital it was to prevent fragmentation of the world-redeaming message he was inaugurating. To this end, he unified and directed all the variad activities involved with his mission under the banner of Self-Realization Fellowship. On July 8, 1948, shortly after his great samadhi, Gurudeva wrote the following words to the SRF Center leader in Mexico City: “After the great visitation of Divine Mother I sec more clearly how She wants this work (0 be directed and therefore I write this letter.... we must remember that in the.sccond or third generation of our work everything must be central ized here at Headquarters, otherwise divisions will begin and our work will fall apart. You and those with me now are of the first generation, and I do not worry about you for you have had contact with me and know how the work should be spread, but those to follow after us will make mistakes uniess all the work is centralized under one department — under the Mather Center.” ‘Through these many years, the Mother Center has remained the fountainhead from which Gurudeva's taachings flow out to countless people around the world. Because of the geuniversal appeal and practical merit of his teachings, many of his thoughts have been in- ‘corporated inte the work of a number of religous teachers. This is to be expected with the passage of time. As Gurwii taught us, the world is big enaugh for all. His aim in founding SAF was to guarantee that regardless of how many groups present his teachings in varied jorms, there would always be one clearly differentiated, original source from which seekers eould obtain them as he intended they be given. Presented in this way, Gurudeva's Kriya ‘Yoga teachings offer a balanced course in the art of living, as well as a complete path to God, Thus he gave specific direction that Self Realization Fellowship not afflliate with othor organizations chowever worthy in thelr own right), in order to maintain SAF's distinctive identity and ensure that his society not be diverted from its own mission. ‘The Weed for Legal Action For many yeare we have received inquiries as to whether Ananda fs affliated with Setr- Hoalisation Fellowship. Some individuals have actually mistaken it for a branch of SRF, though they later find there are differences in practice and approach between the two or ganizations. Why ane those differences not recognized at first? We have heard various rea- sons—for example, the use of Gurudeva’s name, photographs, and words in certain can. texts, Also, some of Ananda’s advertisements and other materials at times closely resembled those of SRE SELF-REALIZATION FELLOWSHIP ‘Because of the confusion already present, HAPPINESS our concern increased when we learned tat eon ws i i i - Ananda had taken the new name, *Chureh of vii Self-Realization”—a name very similar te {te LR aE NA RAAT “Self-Realization Fellowship” and our legal name, “Self-Realization Fellowship Church.” We felt that the use of this name — by = group that had already been mis- taken for SRP — would blur the distinctions between the two geaups sill further, causing increasing confusion, not ‘only for our established worldwide membership and friends, but also for new seekers and business contacts. (eompare in- set example) TEACHINGS OF PARAMHANSA YOGANANDA Coy Corsini os Hoan she Eat ‘eat Coalana ad fei ‘bia Sanat? 2S erie ge etal Mo Early attempts to exchange views with Ananda were unproductive. We then had to consider that if we were to defend SRE'S right to distingulsh Ilself es a separate organ zation, our only recourse was to apply for protection under trademark law, Because of Ananda's increasing commercial vase of SRF publications, photos and recordings without per mission, we also considered seeking the additional remedies provided by copyright law. ‘Naver before had we been faced with such @ troubling decision, and we prayed deeply for guidance. Out of our prafound desire to honor and uphoid Gurudeva’s intentions, cur cours was charted.Court Hulings As of this time, the lower court has ruled that Ananda may use the name “Church of Self Realization” if they preface tt with the word “Ananda” and sug- gested they make mention of the fact thet they are not affliated with Sel-Realization Fellowship. Some people, hewever, have continued to misteke Ananda for SRF, and this pur, decision has been appealed. The potential for such en innocent yet significant mistake has been reinforced by the fact that Ananda has recently published their own printing of Autobiography ofa Yogi, and we understand they will release their own version of Guru's commentaries on the Rubsi- yat of Omar Khayyam, They have opposed Gurudeva's intention that his writings and other ‘works should belong to and be disseminated by Sclf-Realization Pellowship. It appears to be thelr wish te publish end disseminate them under their own aegis. At the present time, with respect to some of the works created by Guradeva, the lower oourt has ruled that his intent that SRF own all the rights to these works cannot be enforced. This matter wil also ‘be appealed. We understand that the courts will be further reviewing Gurudeva’s intent, expressed in the legal documents mentioned earlier and in numerous other writings and talks dating from SRU"s fountling to his mafasamadhi ‘On February 20, 1952, just two weeks before his mahasamadhi, Guruji thoughtfully acknowledged a report from & loyal distiple"in Mexico. In is reply, Paramahansail ‘expressed his concern for the progress of the work there—a conearn that eneompassed even the fate of a mimeograph machine en route to the Center. In matters great and small, our Guru was not only a soures of Limitless help and blessings to his disciples, but alsp the divine advocate of his organization. To protact the Fellowship, he requested in that, same Istter that all articles and magazines be copyrighted in the name of Self-Realization Fellow: ship. (On occasion, Gury copyrighted his publications in his own name, with te under standing that through his Assignment of 1935 he had transferred to SEI any rignts he might have.) ‘Through the years, we have recelved many requests to use portions of our Guru's writings, from individuals in all professions and walks of life. It is our joy to see increasing recognition of Gurudeva’s broad humanity and spiritual stature, and we welcome this Interest in his thoughts and ideals. Regarding Ananda’s use of the term “Self-realization.” we want to explain that our concern extends only to lis usd in the Anantia name and in any other manner which would Likely confuse members of the jublic about the source of goods oF services. Tt has nothing to do vrith use of tha tarm in a purely religious context. Nor do we wish to deny: enyone the use of Paramahansali's name or photograph in religious services. Our Tegal ‘action has rather to de with trademark and copyright protedtion—not the religious prac- tices of others. I: remains our wish that this mater might he resolved outside the courts. A judicial medistor has attempted to arrange a Tesolution of the issues, and it: is our hope and prayer that future attempts will be made, and that these will be suocesaful. In this world there will always be a diversity of spiritual paths, resulting from the vary. ‘ing goals of different teachers, and responding to the diverse temperaments of individuals.Ib 15 not our aim to judge the merits of other paths, but rather to uphold the distinctive ‘Place of Gurudeva's society among them. We feel a responsibility to the truth-seekers of ‘he future, who will be confronted with more and more cholegs. as the years pass, Haw will they be able to single out what he himself taught from the many variations available from ‘thera? This fs a question tha takes on particular importance with a taaehing as compre- hensive and explicit as Gurudeva’s. The heart ond soul of this legal matter is thus very simple: to lovingly safeguard what he began —a work bearing the unique imprint of his divine laze and wisdom. We know that as devotees of our beloved Guru, you pray as we do that the final ‘court decisions will take his documented wishes into consideration, ‘The Guru’s Writings ‘Most of you have come to know our Guru through his writings, and your Lives have been touched by them because his words carry the vibration of his love and Ged-sonscious: ness. We know you would want to be certain that whatever you read of Gurudeva's fully reflects his thoughts —that it bears his “imprimatun Paramahansaji gave to his faithful disciple Tara Mata the assignment of editing and preparing his talks and writings for publication. To succeed her, he began to train and ‘work with Mrinalini Mata. He entrusted these chosen distiples-with the sacred responsibliny ‘of compiling and editing the manuscripts following his direccions, so that his teachings ‘would be published for the ages in faithful accord with his wishes." ‘When the Autobiography of a Yogi ap- eared in 1946, tt had been more than 20 years since Tara. Mata had begun serving as Gurudeva’s editor. Referring to her editorial work, Paramahansaji wrote: “Only so éllu- ‘tnined a chela ax my Leurie [Tara Mata} could. raise such fire knot-points of scriptural contro~ versy." On rhany other occasions he praised her inner atmunement, saying, “Lawrie never In this telegram, Guru ts referring to changes my thoughts.” Tis Azobiography After the passing of Tara Mata, Mrinalini Mata became Editor-in-Chief, as directed by Paramahansaji. From the time she first came to his ashram with her family as a young irl of 14, Gurudeva prepared her for this role. During the final years of his Life when he ‘was Working almost uninterruptedly on his writings, she was with hum daily and received is personal training and instructions. His thoughts and wishes are being passed on to others tn his society who are being similarly trained to earry on in the Susure, During our Guru’s Hfetime, a number of devotees other than Tara Meta and Mrmalini Mata were occasionally given various temporary editorial tacks. Because he did not have ‘+ We look forward te sharing with you In the near future news of upooming publications as well ae new cassette and video releases—ariditions to tho growing brary of Self-Renltzation teschings. ==full confidence, howaver, that these individuals would retain his spinit or his meaning, he would somolimes preface such assignments with the remark, “Bait this, but don't change my words.” Indeed, Paramahansaji was dissatisfied with some of the early attempts made by well:meaning disciples (such as were published in some of the early SRP magazines), and he gave specific instructions for the clarification and correction of those writings As you may know, the SRF/YSS lotus emblem was designated by Paramahansaii to officially represent. his soaiety and has been used ever since to identify its publications, recordings, buildings, activities, ete, In addition, we have recently adopted a distinctive now design, oF “wadedresa” to further help readers identify the editions of Paraina- hansaii’s writings published according to his own editorial instruc- Hons, This design—whieh inoludes an areh-shaped border with a logo at the bowiom identitying Self Realization Fellowship as the soolety founded by Paramanansa Yogenanda—will appear on the covers of SRF pubseations, These publisstions are reviewed by the SRF Publica tions Connell, whose members are trained in the Guru's ideals and ‘teachings. A Foundation for the Future ‘Gupudeva realized that the future of his vrork would depend not only upon the spiritual Jegecy of lus writings and talks, but upon the inner attunement of those who would carry out his wishes. That Is why he gave so much care and attention to the training of monastic <_— Sisciples who, being [reg of other responsibilities, could devote theip lives unreservedly to secking God, to disseminating his teachings, and to serving his growing spiritual family of Self-Realization Fellowship, Drawing aratnd him those souls in whom he saw the deapest receptivity, Faramahansaji shared the nuances of his wishes for every facct of the work. ‘These disciples, who lead the SRP work today, include the only living distipies who were daily in the Guru's presenea—even until his last moments on this earth, Knowing that devotess in the future would ask how they could be sure that his work was being guided in attunement with his will, Gurudeva foretold: “There will aways be at the head of this orgenisation men aid wamen of divine realization. They shall serve as my spin ‘tual successor and representative in all spiritual ane organizational matters.” In this eapacity, the President of Sclf-Realization Fellowship acts on behalf of the Guru in authorizing those who may teach his techniques of God.communion and give the sacred Kriya Initiation. Gurudeva expressly spoke of his trust in Sri Daya Mata, whom ha was training for the role of future President. Just days before his Passing, he told one of the senior disciples: “Follow her [Daya Matal. She has followed me with 100% devotion, 100% obedience, 100% loyalty. She is in tune witle me. i can work through her" Through the years sha ‘has flawlessly fulfilled Gurudeva’s trust, guiding his organia: with unwavering regard for his ideals and standards.‘The Future of Gurudeva’s Organization Paramahansal! noted with wry humoz, referring to the founding of his society: “The fulfillment of the sacred trust has not been devoid of difficulties.” As his mission continues to unfold, so too do the difficulties! When @ great light radiates goodness and truth in this ‘realm of duality, contrasting shadows are inevitable. Yet the difficulties to be faced along the way are insignificant compared to the worid-transforming good that accompanies the spread of Gurudeva's Kriya Yoga teachings. ‘We have written to you in the love and dedication that unites us as a spiritual family, feeling that you would wish to know the reasons for the eourge we have taken. The toush- stone of our decisions has been and will always be: “What dass Gurudeva want for his ‘work and for you, his disciples?" He was tread and accepting of the viewpoints of all, but was firm in safeguarding his teachings and the spiritual welfare of those who ehoose SRP as their path. In Gurudeva's beautiful words. at the beginning of this letter, ha has declared his eternal bond with the organization he founded and nurtured, That bond is cur certainty, and it will endure, whatever conclusions the courts may draw, Self-Healization Fellowship will always have this mandate given by God and Guru: to make available to all truth-soskere the pure teachings of Kriya Yoga and to cary on the high ideals and standards set for this scolety. Gunyf told one of the disciples, “Be steadfant, and remember that the seeds of this work have heen planted in the ether by God Himself.” = In the magnanimous wealth of divine wisdom embodied in our Guru's work, we have everything we need to know God in this lifetime, As we and all future disciples strive to follow in Gurudeva’s footsteps, his spiritual legacy will remain vivid and compelling for the centuries to coms. His message Is destined to uphift and transform our individual lives and our world, That is indeed the reason for which he founded Self-Realization Fellowship, In the divine love and friendship of Gad and Guru, cs SELP-REALIZATION PELLOWSHIP