Paramahansa Yogananda’s past lives

[guest587]

Ah, and in case you were needing context... As I have said in my initial reply this morning- this felt like inspired channeling.

I am looking at my recent interest in understanding 5D, my recent hypnagogia experience which meant momentarily experiencing additional dimensions, ideas of why we meditate, and ideas of Self that mean more than our immediate personalities we identify with.

Reincarnation suggest life after life.

You and I have both voiced a desire to rise through duality over the years on this forum. We may understand that in different ways.

And then of course, my lovely friend HIK- the bowl of Saki, has wisdom to impart on us today. Synchronicities in general speak to me of that greater intelligence not bound to 3D.

    

Every wave of the sea, as it rises, seems to be stretching its hands upwards, as if to say, "Take me up higher and higher."

    Bowl of Saki, December 27, by Hazrat Inayat Khan

Commentary by Pir-o-Murshid Inayat Khan:

However disappointed a person may be at not being in a particular profession or in a particular calling or rank in life, he develops enthusiasm and energy as soon as he sees some scope for progress. His disappointment is only there when he sees no more scope. Even if he were in the depths of the earth, it would not matter as long as he could think that he would some day rise to some height.

Another wonderful thing we see, which supports this philosophy, is the tendency of everything in nature to rise. The tendency of earth is to rise as mountains and hills. When we see the mountains and hills, and how high they are, our hearts also seem uplifted. When we climb them then our heart becomes uplifted. As we look up to them from below, it seems as if the earth itself is desiring to rise and go upward.

Then when we look upon the perfection of water, of the ocean, we see that it also rises as waves. And every wave, as it rises up, seems to be stretching its hands upward as if saying, 'Take me up, take me up, higher and higher.' It is the same desire that is behind all nature, making it strive to rise upward and to reach something higher.

   from  https://wahiduddin.net/mv2/VII/VII_31.htm


The whole striving of the mystic is to raise his consciousness as high as possible. What this raising of the consciousness means, and how it is raised, can be better understood by the one who has begun to practice it. The best means of raising the consciousness is by the God-ideal. Therefore, however much one has studied metaphysics or philosophy intellectually and found some truth about one's being, it does not suffice for the purpose of life; for the culmination of life lies in the raising of the consciousness.

We can see this tendency in the rising of the waves, always trying to reach high and higher still. When they cannot go any farther they fall, but again they rise. ... A man who climbs a steep mountain is always apt to slip. But if this slipping, which is natural, induces him to go down again he will never climb anymore. If he slips and then tries to go on he will become more sure-footed, and will learn how to avoid slipping. Perhaps he will slip a thousand times, but a thousand times he will go forward again. It is nothing to be surprised at if a person slips. It is natural. The mountain is steep. It is natural that one should slip. The best thing one can do is to go on after every such slip, without losing courage, without allowing one's consciousness to be impressed by it; to think that it is natural and to continue the ascent.

   from  https://wahiduddin.net/mv2/XI/XI_III_4.htm

[Jitendra Hydonus]

Seekers of God are not drawn to William the Conqueror. One can argue President Trump and Putin are also reflective of the time we find ourselves in as far as the evolution of consciousness within our region of time/space is concerned. Yet we have real examples of people that seem to indicate a higher level of evolution in consciousness who are made incarnate even in the darkest of times. It implies we are not bound to group think but that each of us have an opportunity to raise our understanding. That's the noble, main quest of any spiritual seeker. We often contemplate what it would be like to rise out of duality, or voice in some creative manner that we are tired of incarnating here.

I maintain the attitude that Trump or Putin can come back and be great Masters. But it doesn't matter. We don't look at Yogananda and think- I want to be like William the Conqueror- a man who had no regard for killing women and children.

Similarly, Amma the Hugging Saint- another clear example of deep understanding and a Soul who seems to have risen above duality.

If I had to guess, I would say Yoganandna when he was alive- or Amma even now, do not spend time circulating news stories about political figures in their spiritual communities. I don't think Guru's who are here to be an example and help us break free from Maya are taking up arms and going into the war zone. None that we have yet presented here in the spiritual portal as noteworthy Masters. Even if you were to find an example, I don't feel personally inclined to go to war with others.

The war is with ourselves. !

It is in fact, noted in the Scriptures of India, that karmic justice, dispensed by the hand of a emissary of God, is a privileged blessing, leading to their chastened souls liberation. Thus only with divine purpose, does the god-king Krishna slay those of evil doing. Similarly, God’s just law manifests through the child Jesus not to maim, but to free (No such concession is attached to the destructive actions of a despot or egotist [Trump or Putin*]  with a self-induced savior complex. God’s laws will not be mocked.)

~ Paramahansa Yogananda

* my note.

[Jitendra Hydonus]

Yes, every Saint has a past but not a recent past, like despots you have mentioned above and below in quote, filled with wrath and ego. And the ruthlessness you mentioned can be looked at quite differently then you perceive, and as a blessing of an enlightened soul. No such concession is attached to the destructive actions of a despot or egotist with a self-induced savior complex. God’s laws will not be mocked.

I find it a little comical that the writer of this post realized his Guru was also a ruthless man in a previous life. The personality of Putin and Donald Trump may mean they will one day be Spiritual Masters. Who knows? Every saint has a past.

I really enjoy reading this, not because the writer is attempting to defend William the Conqueror- but for the idea that a Master may be where they are because of the dramatic experiential wisdom they've accrued through multiple incarnations.

Some of Williams actions lead to cannibalism, and he had no problem killing the young or the old.

Even as a child Jesus possessed great powers he had manifested in his previous incarnation as Elisha. No vindictive or arrogant intent motivates such a one (*Like despots we see on the world stage today: Fuhrer Trump and Putin included). Children who taunted Elisha were destroyed by bears summoned from the woods by the prophet, not as an act of wrath, but in recognition of a present cause providing the opportunity for the atonement and expiation of long-past evil actions-fruition of the law of karma, cause and effect, God's law of justice.

- Paramahansa Yogananda

[Jitendra Hydonus]

Your Honor, Steve! So glad you're in tune with God's law of justice. 

As you might remember, back in the early 1930s Yogananda praised Hitler and Mussolini as masterminds in his writings. Of course, you in your constant judgments may be well ahead of him.

"Judge not, so ye not be judged", someone (supposedly) said.

🦋

Unlike your last comment Brother UWE Paramahansa  Yogananda had good things to say about all people.  But praise is an overstatement since he also warned Adolph Hitler of his future actions. Just as he was unable to predict the future results of free will, towards these men, so i am unable to predict your responses to the points i've made. But now that i see them i would also warn you of your future actions towards other people's quotes and assessments, for your own good karma, and spiritual well being.

[Jitendra Hydonus]

Unlike your last comment Brother UWE Paramahansa  Yogananda had good things to say about all people.  But praise is an overstatement since he also warned Adolph Hitler of his future actions. Just as he was unable to predict the future results of free will, towards these men, so i am unable to predict your responses to the points i've made. But now that i see them i would also warn you of your future actions towards other people's quotes and assessments, for your own good karma, and spiritual well being.

Oooh... just trying to wake you up, Steve my brother. Since you're so perfect (and continuous) at pointing fingers at others, and at the same time blemishing others who point fingers. Can't you see? Thank you for caring about my good karma and spiritual well being! I really appreciate it, and at the same time can't help but think this shouldn't be your concern. Instead, I'm suggesting to think about your own by introspection.

Read your postings like a "Marsian" would do, without any understanding of human life on planet Earth, and tell me that I'm wrong. Guess you can't do that. ...this is "why" I'm coming square at your face.

With love. t.

i do not mind you're coming "sqaure at my face. My take on the last posts were a response to Erics latest entries. And you have interjected about my understanding of human life on this planet. Perhaps there is a tenuous connection to my replies to Eric. Im unsure of that. But you certainly have a right to express your opinions even if they are a warning about my practice of Astrology which appeared to be a concern of yours and you also have given me. i take no offense and hope we can continue this section about Yognanda's past lives as it interests some of us and has been an interest of mine as well. The past; the future and the present. All topics we can discuss here together and learn from our shared experiences.

[Jitendra Hydonus]

As for the glorious past incarnations of Yogananda, as Arjuna, as William Shakespeare, as William the Conqueror and who else not, they may be wonderful legends, partly purported by shady and questionable figures, and I abstain from discussing them. To me they can't be more than "idealistic" legends. - Sorry if that may seem frustrating to some, but my speculations end where I have my personal experience with the great Guru. Only because someone said... is not a measure I tend to go by these days anymore.

Still... I bow to the great Yogananda who was the trigger to make my life much better than it ever was!

I turned to him with love and devotion, and he turned back towards little me...

Well friend it is quite different for me because I was there in Los Angeles in 1973 and heard these stories direct from Paramahansa Yogananda’s disciples that were with him in the body. I remember specifically asking Brother Bhaktananda if Paramahansa Yogananda was Shakesphere and he replied; “ That is what the Master said.” Yes “Only because someone has said”. And I need not defend him, but for me he ( Bhaktananda) was an extraordinary man and most likely a Master, who was pro ported to be St. Francis in another life.

But seeing as to the fact that you have the view that the Bhagavad Gita was an allegory a sort of metaphor for the internal spiritual struggle we all face, and nothing more; How am I to change your opinions? It really is not my mission here. You are welcome to your thoughts and differences in opinion and experience. If you for instance see the life of Jesus as a ‘legend’ as well, it really does not affect the facts, what they may or may not be, and our interest in meditation and the spiritual life. There is plenty of room for skepticism here and I’m sure you will continue to provide it Brother.

If you ‘seem to think I’ve got somethings wrong’ that is alright also. I’m not attempting to change your experience or expectations of reality and what it means to you. Let us move on here, and I will continue this subject as I have astrology in spite of your differing viewpoints. I’m sure you have much to share even if at times it is different then what I share and experience(d).

Namaste 🙏

[Jitendra Hydonus]

Well, "let the games continue", Steve... I was meaning to pitch in in a way, but never mind. Seems you didn't get it: Your "Fuhrer"  (Trump) was on a way to make the world saner when he was president, I think. But who am I to judge? (Nothing to do with Eric or his opinions.)
Should WW-III break out, which the US may be well under way to foster, together with all their minions and vassal countries, your "Fuhrer" might be the only one to revert that, IMO. - I expressed these views already. So no need to go into it any deeper now.

As for recording Yogananda in historicity, it seems you got some things wrong:

1. He did praise Hitler and Mussolini as masterminds in the early 1930s. The archives of "East-West Magazine" are still online to read for anyone. Also see this. The interview in question recorded in the Feb. 1934 issue of East-West can be downloaded here for further study!
 
2. He did not "warn Hitler", even though there are records of his purported "trying to do so" later in the 1930s. Why would he have done so in the first place, if he wasn't convinced, he'd be speaking to a "sane being" (see quotation below)?

"Hitler is to be admired for leaving the League of Nations because peace can never be attained by the victor and vanquished attitude, but on a basis of equality and brotherhood. Instead of preventing Hitler from having equal armament with other nations, the other nations should reduce the armaments to the level of Germany, then the millions of dollars that are thrown away on idle battleships could be used for national or international prosperity. America, France, and Great Britain should reduce their armaments first, and thereby destroy the desire of Japan, Russia, and Germany to become equally armed. An insulted, snubbed Germany, if it gets away from the uplifting guidance of Hitler, may join Russia and make her a more powerful enemy of France and so on. The Allies must reduce their own armaments first, and then they will find out that the example speaks louder than words."

Swami Yogananda. "Christmas message to the Nations of the Earth". East-West Magazine, December, 1933, p. 25.

The next year, when Yogananda toured Germany, he tried to have an interview with Hitler. Hitler declined. Also, Hitler desired to be not just equally armed -

(Source.)

Of course, apologetically one can justify anything in hindsight with "God's law of justice". - To me this often seems nothing else than a hoot, though.

✌️

Brother UWE is this your way of “justifying anything?” Including the psychopathic egomania of Fuhrer Trump and the pandering megalomania he has given to all despots like himself, since acting out a role he could not play and his pathetic remarks, including the most recent one for his opponents to “rot in hell” in his recent Christmas message.

Paramahansa Yogananda may have given the proper advice at the time. And may have been right in his assessment since Germany under Hitler did join Japan and not Russia but Italy to compete with its adversaries.

No apologies in hindsight here friend; I’m only attempting to understand. I was never for the huge military build up of the Reagan years either. It is not such a black and white issue as you appear to portray here. One thing is certain though… you have proved that Masters indeed have taken part in their views of worldly issues, although their main focus is spirituality which I hope will be ours as well.
https://apple.news/AF_8JKhv9TQi4avABfUNZ-

Yogananda’s Opinions About the Nazis
February 7, 2013

Question
All my life i have always felt a deep ache in my heart because of what happened to the Jews (and others) in during the Holocaust in Germany.

I am very much interested to find out about Master's opinion on Hitler and Nazi Germany. I am sure that he was aware of the happenings and knew about the execution of millions of innocent people.

I once read somewhere that Master often cried at nights because of the cruel nightmare which was taking place in Germany. Is this true? (Unfortunately i cant find this article anymore). It would be so nice to know that Master felt compassion for these people and "stood up" against Hitler and the Nazis in some way or another.

—Carina, Germany

Answer
Carina, you are not alone in feeling deep compassion and hurt for the sufferings of so many people. That such a thing should happen is almost impossible to understand, especially for us today.

The workings of karma are strange and hard to fathom. As Krishna says to Arjuna in the Bhagavad Gita, “weep not, Arjuna, for the soul is indestructible and you and I and these have been through many lives.”

That such atrocities should awaken compassion and mercy and a firm resolution to never permit this again is one of the spiritual blessings of the sufferings such souls went through. For better or worse it played a major role in establishing the Jewish state of Israel.

Master made an attempt to have an interview with Adolph Hitler in 1935 when Master toured there and went to Bavaria to see Therese Neumann. Master had hoped to awaken Hitler’s interest (when he was Alexander the Great in a past life) in the Indian teachings with a mind to soften the blow of Hitler’s karma and that of Germany and the Jews and many others. He said that he even put into Hitler’s mind, later, during WW II, the thought to invade Russia and thus hasten his own demise and the end of the war.

Yes, of course he felt pangs of suffering. I do not recall any specific references but you can be certain he was keenly aware. As a true Master he also knows that suffering in this world cannot be avoided; that it’s divine purpose is to awaken us to seek lasting happiness where it only can be found: within; in the state of superconsciousness, with God alone.

He was strongly for the war effort to defeat Hitler and Japan. He saw the war as punishment for the greed and exploitation of Western countries in general, as well. He saw that the war would mark the beginning of the end of Western colonialism. He saw the cause of Allies as a righteous cause and that America would come out of the war in a role and position of unprecedented power and opportunity to help rebuld the war torn nations and economies.

So, yes, rest assured the Master’s heart was as big as the “world”. But he would not have spent a lot of energy condemning Hitler or anyone. He always did his best to encourage all people to be better.

Off hand, I don’t recall him “standing up to Hitler” in any specific words or speeches, but I can assure you he spoke out strongly for the cause of defeating Hitler and all that he represented. War is always a mixed bag, bringing out both cruelty and nobility in combatants and noncombatants alike.

Blessings to you,
Nayaswami Hriman

Paramahansa Yogananda also said to never think you can use non-violence with Hitler or Stalin like Gandhi did with the British. The British were gentleman unlike the behavior of Adolph Hitler and Stalin.

[guest587]

I can't speak for Steve but this christmas message about trump telling the people attacking him to rot in hell is not the Christmas message I saw.

Here's what I and others heard:
https://rumble.com/v43fdm5-donald-trumps-christmas-message-puts-the-bidens-to-shame.html

It's 1 minute and 18 seconds, no such mention of hell. But I don't put such comments past him, no one here thinks him a saint. Though maybe one day he incarnates as a spiritual master and the people who attack him become his devotees. I think that would be quite a cosmic joke 🤣.

Anyways .. Vivek Ramaswamy carries a similar energy as Donald Trump like the example below.

I find what Vivek is saying quite admirable. Many of my friends found relief in Viveks words, and at the same time, they find it sad that common sense isn't so common.

The incident unfolded during a town hall meeting in Bettendorf, Iowa, Tuesday, where the reporter asked Ramaswamy about his endorsement from former Iowa Congressman Steve King, who the New York Times labeled a white supremacist.

Vivek on X: The fact that the New York Times says that Steve King said something a few years ago doesn’t make it true.

I’ve gotten to know Steve well & trust him far more than the MSM.

p.s. One of his allegedly most “racist” comments was to build a wall on the Southern border.🤔

----
Following his response rejecting the Times’ criticism, the reporter told Ramaswamy, “You didn’t say that you condemn white supremacy,” sending the presidential candidate off on a passionate tirade condemning the mainstream media.

Vivek to the propagandist: I’m not going to recite some catechism for you. I’m against vicious racial discrimination in this country.

....do I condemn vicious racial discrimination? Yes, I do. Am I going to play your silly game of gotcha? No, I’m not. And frankly, this is why people have lost trust. And I know you’re going to go print the headline tomorrow. I already know this. We already know how your game works. ‘Vivek Ramaswamy Refuses to Condemn White Supremacy,'

....You want to know what the best way is to end discrimination on the basis of race? Stop discriminating on the basis of race. Do that and we’re going to move this country forward. And I don’t care whether you’re black or white or brown or anything in between. That’s how we’re going to unite this country. You people have been responsible for dividing this country to a breaking point, creating a projection of national division.

https://www.infowars.com/posts/watch-ramaswamy-decimates-wapo-reporter-after-told-he-didnt-condemn-white-supremacy/

[guest587]

I would like to share that my last GF saw things in our relationship that I just can not identify with or say I experienced. Similarly, my Sister saw things while we were living together that felt more like her own drama than the reality of the matter. I think relationships kind of work like that. Because we're all viewing life from a limited lens and unique personality- full of past grievances and present day kinks needing worked on, it seems we all gather something different in our personal relationships. There was no telling my Sister she was the source of her own drama. But I can admit at times I needed to act better, instead of reacting. I am not proud of reacting, I don't think anyone ever really is. Well just the other day my Sister finally came to her senses and apologized to my Dad and I. She told Dad she was holding resentment while we were living together and that was the source of much of her misery. She said she realized she doesn't want to be like that and is choosing to move on from her resentment(which was based on a misconception and derived from Ego). For my Sister, it took a change of scenery. It may also be why we experience 'attraction' and 'repulsion' in relationships. Because we either consciously or unconsciously separate ourselves from the things we have been feeling are disagreeable. And this isn't an attack on my Sister or my last GF- because they each presented me with my own opportunities to understand and rise through as it relates to my Ego and personal dramas.

Alright... With that in mind-

I would also like to share some additional wisdom that really helps me put things in perspective.

Q'uote of the Day
December 12th, 1993
https://www.llresearch.org/channeling/1993/1212

" Shall you wish for a pure heart? Then, inevitably, shall you notice each and every impurity which you perceive in the self. Do you wish to be always the one who offers love? Just as strong as this desire is, so is the strength of your ability to notice unloving acts. And if your desire is to balance being and doing, then you shall surely notice, again and again, that you wish to be given more tools and resources to aid you in combating and working with the self as it is perceived by the self to be acting out of balance. So those things which concern or worry, like this repetition, are not in our opinion negative, but rather merely indicative of where the energy is within each of you… "

Now before the quote this was said..
"In each and every self-perceived imperfection of thought and action, each of you, as you criticize yourselves, gaze at who is criticizing and who is criticized. These are both the self. "

https://www.tapatalk.com/groups/omtalks/the-daily-q-uote-t1942-s990.html#p30895

To me, though I perceive some of Steve's political ideas disagreeable- like thinking President Trump is Hitler and an evil person- I don't think Steve is *wrong* for thinking these things. Just like I did not agree with my Sisters or even last girlfriends ideas, and I'm sure they did not agree with some of mine, and some of the things they saw are probably things I'm not even aware of or even care to focus on. I can say I believe what Steve see's in Trump or Putin is indicative of the energy in himself and what he chooses to work on.

Steve you have often said you find your self standing up for the little guy. So no doubt, you will find instances of bullying and unjust treatment in society. Why? Because of your desire to stand up for the little guy. You are fulfilling a desire to understand something in your self. And this life is granting you every opportunity to understand it.

I really liked the saying- that this is not negative rather an indication of where the energy is within you. Considering we have much to work on and rise through in this land of duality, this could definitely be indicative of past life and karma in general(as you have often pondered).

[Jitendra Hydonus]

I will admit you are most likely correct in some of your evaluations above; specifically about the ‘little guy complex’. In some very important ways, over the decades of this lifetime, I see myself as someone who attempts to overcompensate for my perceived shortcomings and seemingly insignificant contributions to social, political and even spiritual dilemmas. It is a driving force in even this site we’ve created, and I appreciate the support and feedback I get from members here that keep it going. I remember Art telling me about people having some challenging aspects in their personal lives showing up in their personal astrology charts that keep them driven to succeed in their purpose.

[Jitendra Hydonus]

The issue of William the Conqueror is a difficult one. Kryananda is known for mixing truths with lies (when they are to his advantage) and for his inclination toward self-aggrandizement. On the other hand, Durga Ma also hints at Yogananda being  WTC in a previous life. And Durga Ma is surely a reliable source.

Since I tend to disregard what Kryananda wrote, I tend to believe that WTC did not remember at all his previous lives as an exalted Yogi and lived a life as a mere pawn of God, that is, he served some purpose in God's plot, a purpose he was unaware of, he just single-mindedly pursued what he had to do.

Also, re. Gengis Khan, he probably was not as cruel as the western historians depict him. Late in his life, he also adopted a Taoist master as his spiritual advisor. Of course he lived in the brutal times of kali yuga, when ruthlessness was the rule.

While not always in agreement with your assessments Lucca, I find them a possible explanation to unfolding events at those periods in time, as an example of God’s possible justice working out on behalf of karma in a hellish time of history.

[mccoy]

Objectively, Steve, I think that the subject of the past lives of a Master (or whomsoever other people) is too uncertain and open to personal, unproven reasoning and even feelings.

My final consideration is that only the really credible sources, the spiritual giants, can be a suitable reference. For example, Bro. Bakhtananda was indisputably a spiritual giant.

[Jitendra Hydonus]

Objectively, Steve, I think that the subject of the past lives of a Master (or whomsoever other people) is too uncertain and open to personal, unproven reasoning and even feelings.

My final consideration is that only the really credible sources, the spiritual giants, can be a suitable reference. For example, Bro. Bakhtananda was indisputably a spiritual giant.

I respectfully differ with you on this issue. Since you mention - “whomever other people” - since I do not consider myself a Master yet have had quite convincing past life experience in many ways to verify such instances. What we find here is that we have to go into the laboratory of our own meditation to procure such information and experience. The research cannot be duplicated by those who have no true faith or belief in such matters. It does not mean it isn’t true but rather it shows that those who are constantly skeptical will remain that way due to their own lack of faith and mindset’s. I do not claim to know the past lives of others; only my own and I consider that quite limited since the Masters have told us we have lived countless lifetimes.

Any past life of others, I attempt to give the source of the information given. It is up to you or anyone else to check out that source. If I have failed to give the source, I apologize for that over site. If you or anyone else do not accept me as a source for my own past lives, I am ok with that. I do not expect anyone to believe any of my spiritual experiences, although I have had many to relate to you and others. I totally understand that we have different levels of trust in the experiences of for instance a Paramahansa Yogananda or Sri Yukteswar then for instance in you or I. Yet should that disqualify me or for instance Eric or you from relating our personal experiences? To what degree is anyone objective? In fact can we really even rely on the objectivity of others? What is objective to one may be their own personal perception of what they claim to be objective about. Science is quite limited in its studies since it requires consistent verification by many or more likely most of those who refuse to go into the laboratory of their own meditation for verification of experience by others. A great portion of scientific study is based on physical evidence which in itself is suspect due to the dream nature of physical reality and our own abilities to influence it. In this sense it is also;

“too uncertain and open to personal, unproven reasoning and even feelings.”

And yes, I have turned the critical nature of scientific research and evidence back on itself because of a lack of sufficient faith and spiritual experience to be ‘ objective ‘ about such matters… Which presents a paradox in thinking and understanding and attitude. In fact I have found that you can present so called ‘objective’ evidence of the physical nature of events to many if not most scientists and they will not accept the evidence given because of their various paradigmatic beliefs in regards to the nature of the evidence shown. As an example; I can show evidence that astrological evidence is a proven fact because of overwhelming statistical preponderance, yet I have found that evidence is not acceptable to many scientists I’ve met based on the fact that it accepts supernatural or superstitious claims. Such is the prejudicial nature of most scientists mental health and attitudes. No doubt you and others may smile at what I have just presented here. If you do it only proves my point. If you are not smiling you have successfully navigated my path of communication on such matters.

[mccoy]

I'm not smiling but fine attunement to the sphere of thought of reincarnation is very difficult to obtain.

While I cannot object to your remembrances of your own past lives, I cannot accept references on others, coming from people who are not spiritual giants.
If Yogananda, bro. Bakhtananda or Anandamoy or Achalananda or Daya Mata or Durga Ma say something about a previous incarnation of a specific soul, I'll believe it on the basis of the proven spiritual advancement of the cited saints.

Whereas I could not accept claims coming from other less evolved figures, at least not without some skepticism.

[Jitendra Hydonus]

I'm not smiling but fine attunement to the sphere of thought of reincarnation is very difficult to obtain.

While I cannot object to your remembrances of your own past lives, I cannot accept references on others, coming from people who are not spiritual giants.
If Yogananda, bro. Bakhtananda or Anandamoy or Achalananda or Daya Mata or Durga Ma say something about a previous incarnation of a specific soul, I'll believe it on the basis of the proven spiritual advancement of the cited saints.

Whereas I could not accept claims coming from other less evolved figures, at least not without some skepticism.

I see your skepticism as a good thing and not bad. Like everything else in life, it is good to have balance. A balance between faith and constructive skepticism that motivates us to look for answers. If you were ever interested I would tell you. But we have more important topics to talk about then me here.

At times I have even been skeptical of spiritual giants as you described it. I can give many examples. Although in most cases if I did not feel a very strong sense that their comments may be wrong 😑 I followed their example over my own. But at times, having been around spiritual giants, I’ve found that some of them have subtle differences in their beliefs and examples. I’ve even found that being in certain groups like for instance SRF their were respectful’ differences. I say this because I rarely saw any thing confrontational. I think this has been a wonderful example for me. Great spiritual people do not contradict and demean one another, they have risen beyond such petty spiritual expression.