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Kriya Yoga/Advaita Vedanta L.M.: That is darkness, metaphysically speaking.
S. SHANK: So long as that light doesn't shine, we are in darkness; and how great is that darkness. That is a metaphor for darkness, the darkness of ignorance. The mystics have always used these metaphors, and they all understand that language, regardless of which tradition they come from.
L.M.: The meditation you are presenting and teaching now is a continuation and honoring of that tradition. Though it is now much more accessible than in it was in previous times.
S. SHANK: I think so, because of the way my guru introduced the teachings.
L.M.: Who was your teacher?
S. SHANK: Swami Premananda. And in that guru lineage he received it from Swami Yogananda Paramahansa, who received it from Sri Yukteswar. And Yukteswar in turn was initiated into it by Lahiri Mahasaya. Lahiri was initiated into it.
L.M.: By Babaji.
S. SHANK: From Babaji, that is how it has come through this particular line of gurus. Now that doesn't mean that this is the only one line. Certainly, Babaji and all the others had other disciples, who in turn became gurus, and then initiated their disciples. Again, it was done by word of mouth. There is no way to calculate how many humans have received hamsa initiation throughout the ages. It has always been a secret tradition. My guru, Swami Premananda, always said: What is sacred is secret.
L.M.: We can't limit the creator, that absolute being, or that beloved, to any line of masters. Or say that, you must follow only this meditation because we are right, we have the only right teaching.
S. SHANK: I rejoice in the fact that it cannot be restricted to a few. It would be contrary to what I know to be God's nature—and, the nature of God's love.
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