Date Posted:11:15 Author: Ketch - 3 Jun 2001 Subject: Re: Reply To Ketch In reply to:
Mike Drake - 2 Jun 2001
's message, "Reply To Ketch" on 11:14
I am not sure that Yogananda ever mentions the twin star theory in his writings. Could you show where this is? He does mention Sri Yukteswars theory of world cycles. Bear in mind that Sri Yukteswar invokes the twin star theory as a means of explaining the procession of the equinox. The cycle itself certainly does exist (though probably over 26,000 years rather than 24,000 as Sri Yukteswar seems to have thought), and therefore Sri Yukteswar's astrology is not invalidated simply because he misunderstood the cause. In any even this does not form an important part of Autobiography of a Yogi. It gets a minor mention, possibly just to show that Sri Yukteswar as an accomplished astrologer.
On the question of using Burbank to give credibility to his teachings, there is good evidence that Burbank did approve of the Yogoda system (his written testimonial). If Yogananda's purpose was to give his teachings scientific credence then the testimonial is what is important. I doubt that anyone would be persuaded to believe in reincarnation simply because one botanist happened to believe in it.
The question remains of whether or not Burbank ever said the things which Yogananda writes. In truth we cannot be entirely certain, all we know is that Burbank later made some statements to the press which seem to contradict him. It would be interesting if we could find some statements on his beliefs from earlier in his life, to see if Burbank was a lifelong disbeliever, or if his views changed towards the end of his life.
If Yogananda did make a mistake it means very little to me. I make plenty every day. People who expect infallibility from others (whether guru or pope, are likely to be disappointed in my opinion.
Re: Reply To Ketch -- Steven Daedalus, 23:02