An Examination of Subjective and Objective Aspects of the “Unity of Existence” Theory in Paramahansa Yogananda's Thought

Document Type : Research Paper

Author

Assistant Professor, Department of Philosophy and Islamic Theology, Faculty of Islamic studies, Ahl al -Bayt International University, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

The theory of the unity of being, according to Yogananda, is pivotal in understanding human actions and attitudes. According to him, not only does this theory confirm and lead to the unification with the Divine, but its ascendancy also leads to success. This article deals with one major question: To what extent do the subjective-objective necessities of the theory of the unity of being remain valid in Yogananda’s thought? Through an analytical and critical method, this article shows that the theory, which is based on Yogananda’s explanation of the primacy of intuition and existential unification, fails to remain coherent because in his validation of intuition, he not only invalidates sensory knowledge, but he also invalidates the entire procedure of thinking and rationality. His imanationist interpretation of the unity of being is not logically viable and is deemed to be a superficial take. On the other hand, he also falls into sophistry and fallacy when he represents the theory as a source of success as he neglects that such an approach leads to a confusion between success and its examples.

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References

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