Was Paramahansa Yogananda William Shakespeare?

[Jitendra Hydonus]

And lastly, before I leave for the day-

I think about the subject of reincarnation. Didn't Yogananda say he was Alex the Great? The point being, similar traits does not always mean one is the incarnation of another- but sometimes there are similar traits that do hint to ones past life. But what matters is the individuals say in the matter, and whether or not reincarnation is even a thing of importance- it might be better suited for that person to discard the notion of reincarnation, in order to acquire the wisdom in their present form.

My point about it synchronicity and reincarnation being- God works in mysterious ways, and cares about each and every one of us. That it's a good practice to keep our Hearts open.

So I wish peace to you and the portal. <3 = )

Cheers all. 

According to others, Paramahansa Yogananda made comments about being William the Conqueror and Willam Shakespeare. And I also understand that he mentioned being Arjuna. I can only verify one of those because I personally asked Brother Bhaktananda if he really was William Shakespeare. As you most likely know Brother Bhaktananda spent personal time with Yogananda when he was in the body. When I asked him specifically; Was Paramahansa Yogananda William Shakespeare I didn’t really expect a direct answer but I got one. I still remember very clearly his exact words, he said; “Yes, that is what the Master said” and when I asked him other questions and he did not know for sure, his response was different it was “ It may be true but i didn’t hear him say it.” And I, having an insatiable curiosity pushed the subject further. I knew both Shakespeare and Yogananda were a couple of the most prolific writers of all time, but I never heard of anyone saying or believing Shakespeare was a Spiritual Master. So I asked another question. “Brother was Shakespeare a Spiritual Master?” Brother Bhaktananda answered curiously, to my own curiosity, in his typically ironic dry sense of humor; “He was percolating with Christ Consciousness” So what you have just said Eric above makes sense “but sometimes there are similar traits that do hint to ones past life.” Anyone reading this may recognize it is highlighted in green and different typing and wonder why I did so. For two reasons; one is I do not believe in coincidence. I honestly believe everything happens for a purpose, and secondly I believe it is important to carry the words of Paramahansa Yogananda on as long as time will permit.

[mccoy]

The official answer in the present body of knowledge, as expressed by ChaGPT is below. Anyhow, I strongly believe Steve's recount about Bakhtananda and his unofficial reports.
In other ways, SRF does not endorse things which Yogananda himself, or presidents, have affirmed. Which does not eliminate the fact that he might have been.
William the conqueror is another very likely incarnation, Durga Ma in her book wrote about that.

According to the beliefs of the spiritual organization founded by Yogananda, the Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF), Yogananda did not claim to be the reincarnation of Shakespeare. In fact, the SRF does not endorse the belief that any particular person is the reincarnation of another specific individual.

Yogananda did teach about the concept of reincarnation and the idea that souls can take on different physical bodies in different lifetimes. However, he emphasized that the ultimate goal of spiritual practice was not to focus on past lives or future incarnations, but rather to achieve self-realization and oneness with the divine.

It's worth noting that the idea that Yogananda was the reincarnation of Shakespeare is a popular myth or rumor that has circulated in some spiritual circles. However, there is no evidence to support this claim, and it is not endorsed by Yogananda's teachings or the SRF.

[Jitendra Hydonus]

Thanks mccoy, you are entitled to express the opinions of an organization if you choose and I know without a doubt what Brother Bhaktananda told me. There have been splinters in many spiritual organizations because of various views. And yes I understand that the goal is Self - Realization and not to know about our past lives. I also know Brother Bhaktananda and for instance Brother Turiyananda were asked not to say things by Mother Center and others at SRF, but went on and said them anyhow. And we have other monks, like for instance, Ramananda and Anandamoy who followed SRF doctrine quite religiously. If I was told by SRF personally to remain quiet 🤐 about such matters I would not do so. I would ask them why I should when a jivamukta  - someone who had spiritual release or salvation which was achieved while still alive - told me that. I also would say that…  I have heard varying information on how to practice Kriya by various monks. I have also wondered why you would have various views presented. I have come to the conclusion that people often are told what they need to be advised of for their particular sadhana. An organization is not infallible and neither am I, so choose what you like or choose not to talk of such matters if you like. Brother Bhaktananda did not ask me to keep that information from others and so I have mentioned it here. I also sincerely believe there was a reason I was told what Paramahansa Yogananda said otherwise I would have never said it again here. Many people have all different views of what the Self Realization Fellowship represents and what Paramahansa Yogananda actually said and did. I’m ok 🙂 with that. I hope others are as well. I have also met people at various groups who have felt that their view is correct and their can be no variation that contradicts it. Quite frankly it makes me 😂 laugh. It reminds me of Christian’s telling me I’ve been mislead and then preached the Bible like a robot uttering preprogrammed phrases.

Since you brought up Durga Ma and mentioned an interest in the past - about my experiences with her- I also will mention that I heard her say something that SRF may not agree with but nevertheless it made sense to me. And one of them was this; I used to visit her at Mother Center with a group of SRFers about once a month. We would meditate with her in her room. She had a couple little dogs and they were a bit restless when we were attempting to be totally still. Suddenly she remarked - as if to excuse their behavior - “If you give a dog enough love it will become a human in the next incarnation” - i do think there is a purpose for such wisdom provided by various nuns and monks of SRF that may not be given as a SRF view to everyone. The path to enlightenment is a very personal one for every individual and not an indoctrination that fits everyone the same and is given by an organization as a dogma to be followed by everyone, with no exceptions in procedure and practice. You have just reminded me and made me feel better about my decision to  never become a monastic (this life). I’m sure their have been moments when many, for instance Catholic saints did not agree with church doctrine and later were proven right in their assessment as well. I leave you with that  thought.

Quite literally What is; One Man's Meat Is Another Man's Poison