Msg Base:  AREA 5  - ASK FATHER            CIN ECHO   AMDG
  Msg No: 214.  Fri 12-20-91 17:32  (NO KILL)  (MAILED)
    From: Father Mateo
      To: Michael Hatheway
 Subject: Self-Realization Fellowship

+-
| I have a Catholic friend who recently has been spending a lot of time
| investigating Eastern philosophies and religions.
|   One group she is interested in now is the
| Self-Realization Fellowship founded by Paramahansa Yogananda in
| California.  She says this group proposes a science of yoga and mediation
| that is not in conflict with Catholic/Christian teachings.  I'm not so
| sure.
| What can you tell me about SRF and what does the church teach concerning
| it.  Is it a science or a religion (and why)?
| This is my first time on your BBS and I'm still new to this whole concept
| so thanks in advance for all your help.  Sincerely, Michael
 
Dear Michael,
 
To answer you letter, I borrowed and partly read Yogananda's
autobiography and his book of spiritual thoughts: "Whispers from
Eternity".  Also, I read his obituary in Time magazine, August 4,
1952.
 
His theology cannot be squared with Roman Catholic doctrine.  He
teaches indifferentism (all religions are equally true).  In the
dedication of "Whispers from Eternity", he writes: " ... all churches,
mosques, viharas, tabernacles, pagodas, and temples of the world,
wherein the One Father dwells impartially ..."
 
He also seems to teach the Pelagian heresy of salvation by human effort
alone.  He writes in the Introduction to "Whispers from Eternity": "Our
inner assertion of spiritual identity is sufficient to operate the law
for fulfillment of prayers."  This is a denial of our need of God's
free grace.  In the same Introduction, he misunderstands and even
implicitly denies the Christian doctrine of the Incarnation:  "Down the
ages He (God) has materialized Himself before the gaze of His devotees
in whatever forms they hold most dear.  A Christian sees Jesus, a
Moslem sees Mohammed, a Hindu sees Krishna or Rama, and so on."
Implicit here is a denial of the unique mediatorship of Jesus Christ,
"the only Name under heaven whereby we must be saved."
 
If your friend is hungry for a deeper spirituality, perhaps you can
interest her in going with you to make a retreat on a weekend in a
nearby retreat house.  Your parish priest can give you information
about retreat centers near you.
 
                                God bless both of you,
 
                                Father Mateo