Nithyananda
Paramahamsa Nithyananda | |
|---|---|
| Born | January 1, 1978[citation needed] |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Website | www.dhyanapeetam.org |
Swami Nithyananda (also known as Paramahamsa Nithyananda, Tamil: பரமாஹம்ஸா நிதியானந்த) (born 1 January 1978) is a spiritual teacher and the founder of Dhyanapeetam, a worldwide movement, based in Bangalore, India.[1] In April 2010, Nithyananda was arrested after failing to answer bail for criminal charges in regards to allegations arising after a video was released allegedly showing him in a compromising situation with a woman.Sun news video showing the scandal.
Hindu University of America
In 2007, he was elected chairman of the Hindu University of America, also known as the International Vedic Hindu University, an institution in the U.S. state of Florida.[2]
Life Bliss Foundation
Life Bliss Foundation is Paramahamsa Nithyananda's Spiritual movement.
Sun News video
A video that claimed to show Nithyananada in a compromising situation with a woman was broadcast on the Tamil television channel Sun News on 2 March 2010. This resulted in protests outside the Ashram during which a fire broke out. The Nithyananda Dhyanapeetam's website called the video defamatory, terming it "a mix of conspiracy, graphics and rumour". On March 4, Nithyananda made an application to a civil court in Chennai , seeking an injunction blocking further broadcasting of the video material.[3]
At the end of March it was reported that Swami Nithyananda had issued a statement stating that he was resigning his position at Dhyanapeetam as head of the organization and from all positions at the various associated trusts. He further announced that he intended to live a "life of spiritual seclusion" for an indefinite period of time.[4]
Swami Nithyananda was arrested on April 21, 2010 in Arki in Himachal Pradesh by Bangalore Police with the help of the police of Himachal[5] and the interrogation was done in Bangalore by the CID of the Bangalore Police.[6] A court in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu issued a non-bailable arrest warrant when he failed to appear in a case connected with the sleaze tapes. He has been charged under several sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Nityananda had reportedly been staying in Solan, Himachal Pradesh for over a month following his retirement.[7][8] He was flown to Bangalore and remanded into police custody.[9] At a court in Ramanagaram he was further remanded until June 23 in judicial custody.[10]
On 11 June 2010 Nithyananda was granted bail, with the conditions that he not give public discourses, that he pay a Rupee.1 lakh bond, surrender his passport and report to the police once in a fortnight. He was released from judicial custody after fifty two days in Ramanagaram sub-jail. On release Nityananda returned to the Dhyanapeetam Ashram near Bidadi.[11][12]
After his bail conditions were relaxed to allow Nithyananda to resume preaching, a press release from his Ashram said he would give his first discourse, entitled freedom on July 11.[13]
In October 2010, the releaser of the video who worked as Nithyanda's driver was charged by Bidadi police under several sections of the IPC with accusations of defaming Nithyanada through distributing the video.[14]
Works
- Nithyananda, Paramahamsa (2008). Living enlightenment. Life Bliss Foundation. ISBN 978-1606070482.
{{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - Nithyananda, Paramahamsa (2008). Guaranteed Solutions for Lust, Fear, Worry ... Life Bliss Foundation. ISBN 978-1606070314.
{{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - Nithyananda, Paramahamsa (2004). Meditation is for You: An Introduction to the Science and Art of Meditation. Life Bliss Foundation. ISBN 978-8190243742.
{{cite book}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter:|coauthors=(help) - Nithyananda, Paramahamsa (2004). Open the door... let the breeze in!. Life Bliss Foundation. ISBN 978-8190243711.
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References
- ^ "Meditation holds key to peaceful life: Paramahamsa Nithyananda". The Hindu. Chennai, India. November 26, 2006. Retrieved 11 January 2010.
- ^ "Hindu University in US expands Vedic base". Rediff News. November 20, 2007. Retrieved 11 January 2010.
- ^ "TV footage sets angry mob on Nithyananda ashram". Chennai, India: The Hindu online. March 4, 2010. Retrieved March 5, 2010.
- ^ "India holy man quits after sex claim". The BBC online. March 30, 2010. Retrieved April 3, 2010.
- ^ "'Sex Swami' Nithyananda arrested in Himachal". Cities, Stories. NDTV. Retrieved 15 June 2010.
- ^ "Breaking News: I'm not a man, Nityananda told CID sleuths". The Times of India. 30 April 2010. Retrieved 15 June 2010.
- ^ "Swami Nityananda arrested in Himachal". The Times of India online. April 21, 2010. Retrieved April 21, 2010.
- ^ "'Sex Swami' Nithyananda arrested in Himachal". NDTV online. April 21, 2010. Retrieved April 21, 2010.
- ^ "Swami Nithyananda in police custody till April 26". DNA online. April 23, 2010. Retrieved April 24, 2010.
- ^ "Nithyananda's plea to quash proceedings adjourned". The Hindu. June 9, 2010. Retrieved June 10, 2010.
- ^ Madhav, Vinay (June 13, 2010). "Nityananda out after 52 days behind bars". The Times of India. Retrieved June 13, 2010.
- ^ "Swami Nityananda performs self-purification rite". The Hindustan Times. June 13, 2010. Retrieved June 13, 2010.
- ^ "Free from jail, Nityananda to talk on freedom". The Times of India. July 11, 2010. Retrieved July 11, 2010.
- ^ "Defamation case filed against Swami's ex-driver". The Deccan Chronicle. October 3, 2010. Retrieved October 10, 2010.