Mahamandaleshwar Swami Shankarananda (born 1942) is an American-born yoga guru in the lineage of Bhagavan Nityananda of Ganeshpuri. He resides and teaches at an ashram located in Mount Eliza, Australia. Swami Shankarananda is the author of several books on meditation and the philosophy and practice of Kashmir Shaivism. He emphasises spiritual practice (Sadhana), especially meditation, mantra, self-inquiry and teaches ancient teachings in Western terms. In 2015 multiple allegations of sexual abuse were made against Shankarananda.

Early life and education

Shankarananda was born Russell Michael Kruckman, the son of artist Herbert ("Herb") (1904–1998) and schoolteacher Selma (1908–1998). He studied at Columbia University, New York, where he played on Columbia's US Champion intercollegiate chess team.

Career

Shankarananda began his career as an academic at Indiana University. He turned to spirituality following a life-threatening incident, leading him to meet the American spiritual teacher Ram Dass and travel to India. Later, he spent time in India studying meditation under his guru, Swami Muktananda, the disciple of Bhagavan Nityananda of Ganeshpuri. In 1986, Shankarananda founded the Shiva Institute in

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, introducing the Shiva Process—a meditation technique influenced by Kashmir Shaivism. He later established the Shiva Ashram in

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in 1991, relocating to Mount Eliza in 1995. At his ashram, he conducts weekly satsang programs every Saturday, where he discusses teachings from Muktananda, other spiritual figures, and his own experiences, often using humor. Shankarananda has held events with other teachers in his lineage and, in 2009, launched a website that cites all the gurus and teachers in Bhagavan Nityananda's lineage. He has participated in interfaith events. In 2003 he organized the "Power of Three" event, aiming to unite teachers from Muktananda's lineage to discuss various meditation practices. Participants included Master Charles, who integrates modern mysticism with science and technology, and Swami Nityananda, who focuses on traditional meditation techniques. Shankarananda came into contact with Kashmir Shaivism through his teacher, Muktananda. He teaches the "Shiva Process Self-Inquiry, an inner dialogue in which students ask precise questions of the Self," realizing their true Self as pure consciousness or awareness. Muktananda emphasised the importance of a self-realised guru who can awaken and guide the kundalini energy of a seeker. He was the patron of the Hindu Community Council of Victoria (HCCV), and he spoke at the Parliament of the World's Religions held in Melbourne, 2009.

Controversy

In 2015, allegations surfaced about Shankarananda engaging in sexual relationships with members of his ashram community. He admitted to the relationships, stating he had underestimated the impact of his tantric practices. Later, the organization was liquidated and Shankarananda resigned as director but continued as the spiritual leader, retaining ownership of the main property, now known as The Ashram Mount Eliza, where he continues to run regular programs for residents and the public. In February 2021, Australian journalist Dan Oakes published an investigative report documenting multiple allegations of sexual abuse made against Shankarananda. These dated back at least 15 years and ranged from predatory, manipulative sexual practices to violent rape.

Bibliography

* ''Happy for No Good Reason'', Information Australia, Melbourne, 2000. * ''Consciousness Is Everything: The Yoga of Kashmir Shaivism'', Shaktipat Press, Melbourne, 2003. * ''Carrot in My Ear: Questions and Answers on Living with Awareness'', Shaktipat Press, Melbourne, 2004. * ''Self-Inquiry: Using Your Awareness to Unblock Your Life, Shaktipat Press, Melbourne, 2008. * ''Ganeshpuri Days: Memoirs of a Western Yogi,'' Shaktipat Press, Melbourne, 2019.

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Shankarananda Saraswati, Swami 1942 births 20th-century American Jews 20th-century Hindu religious leaders 21st-century Hindu religious leaders Converts to Hinduism Living people Shaivite religious leaders Australian Hindus 21st-century American Jews