Reflections Upon the Political Situation in America

(adapted from a letter to local members of Ananda Sangha, Seattle WA)

Paramhansa Yogananda was sent to the West in 1920 to plant seeds of peace and harmony through kriya yoga. As Yogananda wrote of Babaji in Chapter 33 of his autobiography, “The Mahavatar is in constant communion with Christ; together they send out vibrations of redemption and have planned the spiritual technique of salvation for this age.”

Peace and harmony are the fruit of an uplifted consciousness. The work of Yogananda and the lineage of Self-realization masters, and we who seek to share their contributions is to do our part to uplift the consciousness of society through that of individual souls. The channel we’ve been given for our service is the practice of kriya yoga and the establishment of intentional spiritual communities. Such communities can demonstrate that peace and harmony can be found by individuals of every race and nation who live and serve together guided by simplicity and high ideals.

Inevitably, questions arise regarding government policies, politics and politicians. Recent years have seen an upsurge in the intensity of polarization on all issues. We at Ananda Seattle are asked “What are your views?” As all souls bear the stamp of divinity and as this world of pleasure and pain is steeped in duality where absolute good and evil, right and wrong can never manifest absolutely, we must be circumspect. Divine Mother, or the Law of Karma, ensures that even evil can produce some good by raising in others awareness, compassion, righteousness and a desire for peace. This does not excuse passivity, however, in the face of injustice and suffering.

Our “position” is simple: first, Ananda’s public service of sharing the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda is the greatest contribution Ananda can make to this world of woe; secondly, individual members, acting in attunement with those teachings, should feel free to act politically or otherwise to uphold our nation’s founding principles or to protest wrongdoing.

In matters of governance, it is often difficult to craft public laws or policies that satisfy everyone or that even accomplish their intended goal. What may seem salutary at the time of their formulation can later fail or backfire miserably. Only some will have obvious moral implications that demand resistance.

Ananda, as a nonprofit organization, is prohibited from endorsing or opposing a political campaign, party or candidate. But the scope of this proscription is limited; it cannot be used to silence the voice of moral authority. However, as an organization comprised of individuals with diverse viewpoints, Ananda will generally stay focused on what we do best and what is our greatest contribution to harmony.

Racism, lack of respect for others, cruelty and greed have no home in the haven of the soul. In the body politic, attacking the basic checks and balances among the branches of government or the principles of the Constitution are serious assaults against the health of the nation. Our response as an organization is to actively promote the lifestyle of yoga and to foster the establishment of intentional communities. For some individuals, they may feel to engage in political action.

We welcome both conservative and liberal viewpoints and encourage both to seek understanding and respect for one another. Each has a valid contribution to make in steering both the individual and the nation toward peace and harmony.

At Ananda we are open to how we can better serve the spiritual needs of others and how we can create havens of spiritual safety, peace and harmony; how meditation and prayers can be more readily available to all who seeking calm, inner guidance. Those who serve and support this work receive not only peace, clarity and community but they help radiate the peace and harmony of yoga-union consciousness outward to a conflicted world.

Peace and harmony flow only from within; not from without. One cannot legislate peace. The age into which we have entered is one of general insecurity and instability. In response, the avatars of this age of Dwapara Yuga offer to humanity the inner path in which we can “stand unbroken amidst the crash of breaking worlds.”

As Swami Kriyananda described his life, “Peace is my bottom line.”

In Divine friendship,

Nayaswami Hriman aka Swami Hrimananda!