Muktananda (1908–1982) was a Hindu sage who lived from 1908 to
1982.
Modern Hindu instructor, proponent of the religious system
known as siddha yoga ("adept discipline"), and creator of the SYDA
organization (Siddha Yoga Dham America).
At the age of fifteen, Muktananda abandoned his family in
quest of spiritual enlightenment.
Nityananda, an ascetic who was popularly thought to be an
avadhuta, was his spiritual instructor (guru) (a person who has shaken off all
attachments).
The metaphysics of Siddha Yoga are a modified version of
Kashmir Shaivism.
The guru's spiritual force may instantly awaken the disciple's
dormant kundalini, hastening the process of spiritual growth, according to the
organization's fundamental doctrine.
The centrality of the guru is emphasized in this theory,
which is bolstered by Muktananda's charismatic presence.
Muktananda traversed the globe, founding ashrams and
meditation centers in North America, Europe, and Australia, despite his home
base being an ashram just outside of Bombay.
Swami Chidvilasananda was his successor.
See Muktananda's autobiography, Play of Consciousness,
published in 2000, for further details on his teaching.
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