| United States. After this initial visit, the first Siddha Meditation Ashrams and Centers were established in America, providing devotees with a place for spiritual practices near their homes and work. Siddha Yoga Dham of America, now known as SYDA Foundation, was established in 1975. The Foundation supports and oversees the growth of Siddha Yoga around the world. Gurumayi Chidvilasananda is herself a Siddha Guru. Gurumayi met Swami Muktananda at the age of five and immediately experienced the bond of love that exists between a Guru and a true disciple. Over the years, she nurtured an ardent longing for God, and served her Guru with unflinching devotion. He prepared and tested her, and before his death in 1982, Swami Muktananda entrusted Gurumayi with the power and authority of the Siddha lineage. BASIC BELIEFS: The great gift of the Siddha Guru is Shaktipat initiation. When we receive this initiation and follow the practices the Guru teaches, Siddha Yoga unfolds spontaneously within us. It purifies our hearts, clarifies our understanding, and opens us to our inner love. Siddha Yoga teaches the eternal Truth that God dwells within every heart. In time, Siddha Yoga leads us to the permanent experience of this Truth within ourselves. PRACTICES AND BEHAVIORAL STANDARDS: Meditation is one of the main practices of Siddha Yoga. Swami Muktananda said, "We do not meditate to relax a little and experience some peace, we meditate to unfold our inner being." Repetition of the mantra (sacred syllables) is used as an aid in meditation and to still the mind. Through chanting the ancient practice of singing the Lord's name one opens the heart and experiences the joy within. Seva, or selfless service, is the practice of offering one's actions to the Lord, and teaches consideration and love for others. Satsang, or time spent in the company of the Guru or other devotees, is another practice that is encouraged and made available through programs in Siddha Yoga Ashrams and Centers. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE: Gurumayi Chidvilasananda is the spiritual head of the SYDA Foundation. The Foundation administers the work of Siddha Yoga around the world. ROLE OF MINISTERS: Gurumayi Chidvilasananda travels around the world teaching and giving Shaktipat initiation to many thousands of people. Under the guidance of Gurumayi, swamis (monks) and other duly authorized Siddha Yoga teachers give courses and programs, many of which are without charge. WORSHIP: Siddha Yoga is nonexclusive and respects all religious paths. The teaching of Siddha Yoga is that the ultimate Reality is to be found inside as our own Self. The Self is not our ego or our personality, but the light of Consciousness that has created everything. Siddha Yoga teaches us that God dwells within each human being, and therefore we should respect and see God in each other. As Swami Muktananda has said, "Meditate on your own Self. Honor your own Self. Respect your own Self. Understand your own Self. Your God dwells within you as you." DIETARY LAWS OR RESTRICTIONS: This is a matter of personal choice; however, Siddha Yoga recommends nourishing, fresh, vegetarian food. FUNERAL AND BURIAL REQUIREMENTS: Also a matter of personal choice. MEDICAL TREATMENT: A matter of personal choice. OTHER: There are no beliefs or practices of Siddha Yoga which conflict with a person serving in the military or obeying an order of a duly appointed superior. GENERAL SOURCE BOOKS: Darshan, the magazine of Siddha Yoga, is published monthly by SYDA Foundation. Chidvilasananda, Gurumayi. Kindle My Heart (a collection of talks by Gurumayi). 2 vols. South Fallsburg, NY: SYDA Foundation, 1989.« Muktananda, Swami. Meditate (an introduction to Siddha Meditation) Albany, NY: State University of New York Press, 1980. 84pp. Play of Consciousness (Swami Muktananda's spiritual autobiography) Oakland, CA: Shree Gurudeve Siddha Yoga Ashram, 1974. 268pp. Where Are You Going? (an introductory guide to the spiritual journey) South Fallsburg, NY: n.p., 1981. 154pp. Other titles are available through the SYDA Foundation Bookstore. FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: To find out more about the SYDA Foundation, Siddha Yoga programs and courses, or to locate the Siddha Yoga Center nearest you, write or call: Centers Office SYDA Foundation P.O. Box 600 Brickman Road So. Fallsburg, N.Y. 12779 (914) 434-2000 |
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| Black Rose Spiritual Center, Inc : Belief Systems |
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| Syda Foundation (Siddya Yoga) |
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| ADDRESS: P.O. Box 600 South Fallsburg, NY 12779 OTHER NAMES BY WHICH KNOWN: Siddha Meditation, SYDA Foundation LEADERSHIP: Gurumayi Chidvilasananda is the head of the Siddha lineage of Meditation Masters, whose teachings are known as Siddha Yoga. HISTORICAL ORIGIN: Since the beginning of time there have existed on earth great souls who live immersed in the highest Reality, and who manifest the power to pass that experience on to others. Such beings are known as Siddha Gurus, perfected Masters. The path they teach is Siddha Yoga, the path of perfection. Swami Muktananda Paramahansa(1908 1982), the Siddha Guru who first brought Siddha Yoga to the West, left home at 15 to wander through India, studying philosophy and mastering the different branches of yoga. In 1947, he sought out Bhagawan Nityananda, the Siddha Master and Guru, from whom he received the great gift of Shaktipat initiation. (Shaktipat is the awakening of the inner spiritual force of a human being, known in this tradition as the Kundalini.) Nine years later, after intense spiritual practices and devotion to his Guru, Swami Muktananda attained full Self realization, settling soon after in Ganeshpuri, India. In the 1960s, American seekers began to arrive in Ganeshpuri. In 1970, some of these devotees requested Swami Muktananda to undertake the first of his three world tours, which included a number of stops in the |
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