Chinmoy, who taught that higher consciousness
lay above the sweaty world of physical pleasure, often instructed
us to avoid members of the opposite sex whenever possible.
In contrast, Atmananda told me, "I once had several girlfriends
at the same time--each named Susan."
There was the problem of ego. Chinmoy emphasized over and over
the importance of humility.
Atmananda often pointed out, to his inner circle of friends,
that in a past life he was Sir Thomas More.
There was the problem of cinema. Guru prohibited the viewing
of sexually explicit or violent movies.
Atmananda had his own view, which was to see them. As a result,
I got to see such films as Rocky Horror Picture Show, Dawn of the Dead,
and Apocalypse Now.
There was the problem of expression of individuality. In an attempt
to merge with the Beyond, many disciples decorated their often
sparse homes with Guru's paintings, posters, and photographs.
In contrast, Atmananda's plushly carpeted, colorful cottage,
gave me the sense that he rearranged the space until the lines
connecting the physical and non-physical dimensions meshed nicely.
By the front door, two ferns thrived beside an electronic synthesizer.
By a stained-glass window hung a photograph of Atmananda with
a toucan on his shoulder.
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