Gurus in AmericaThomas A. Forsthoefel, Cynthia Ann Humes Gurus in America provides an excellent introduction to the guru phenomenon in the United States, with in-depth analyses of nine important Hindu gurus Adi Da, Ammachi, Mayi Chidvilasananda, Gurani Anjali, Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, Osho, Ramana Maharshi, Sai Baba, and Swami Bhaktivedanta. All of these gurus have attracted significant followings in the U.S. and nearly all have lived here for considerable periods of time. The book s contributors discuss the characteristics of each guru s teachings, the history of each movement, and the particular construction of Hinduism each guru offers. Contributors also address the religious and cultural interaction, translation, and transplantation that occurs when gurus offer their teachings in America. This is a fascinating guide that will elucidate an important element in America s diverse and ever-changing spiritual landscape. |
Contents
RAJA YOGA AND THE GURU Gurani Anjali of Yoga Anand Ashram Amityville New York | 15 |
WEAVING THE INWARD THREAD TO AWAKENING The Perennial Appeal of Ramana Maharshi | 37 |
MAHARISHI MAHESH YOGI Beyond the TM Technique | 55 |
KRISHNA AND CULTURE What Happens When the Lord of Vrindavana Moves to New York City | 81 |
BABAS WORLD A Global Guru and His Movement | 97 |
PASSAGE TO AMERICA Ammachi on American Soil | 123 |
THE PERFECTIBILITY OF PERFECTION Siddha Yoga as a Global Movement | 147 |
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Adidam Advaita Vedanta Advaitin American Amma Ammachi Amritaswarupananda Anjali ashram Asian Available from World Baba's become Bhagavan Bhagwan Bhaktivedanta body Bubba capitalism centers chanting Christian claim context darshan Dawn Horse deity Devi Bhava disciples Divine Mother embodied energy enlightenment essay example experience followers Garbage global Goddess Goswami Gurani guru guru's Gurumayi Hindu Hinduism holy human Ibid India initiation ISKCON liberation living mahaguru Maharishi Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Mahesh mantra Mata Amritanandamayi meditation modern movement Muktananda mystical nature Nityananda non-dualism one's organization Osho path perennial perfection philosophy Prabhupada practice programs radical Rajneesh Ramana Maharshi realization relationship religion religious ritual sacred sadhana San Ramon Saraswati Satya Sai Baba sexual communion shakti shaktipat Shankaracharya Shri Satya Siddha Yoga social South Fallsburg spiritual Swami SYDA Foundation Tantric teacher teaching techniques temple texts tion tradition transcendence Transcendental truth University Vedic West Yogi yogic York