| Bhagawan Nityananda | |
| Religion: | Hinduism |
| Birth Name: | Russell Michael Kruckman |
| Philosophy: | Kashmir Shaivism |
| Honors: | Mahamandaleshwar |
Mahamandaleshwar Swami Shankarananda (born 1942) is an American-born yoga guru in the lineage of Bhagavan Nityananda of Ganeshpuri.[1] He resides and teaches at an ashram located in Mount Eliza, Australia.[2] [3]
Swami Shankarananda is the author of several books on meditation and the philosophy and practice of Kashmir Shaivism. He emphasises spiritual practice (Sadhana), especially meditation, mantra, self-inquiry and teaches ancient teachings in Western terms.[2]
Shankarananda was born Russell Michael Kruckman, the son of artist Herbert ("Herb") (1904–1998) and schoolteacher Selma (1908–1998). He studied at Columbia University, New York, where he played on Columbia's US Champion intercollegiate chess team.[4]
Shankarananda began his career as an academic at Indiana University.[2] He turned to spirituality following a life-threatening incident, leading him to meet the American spiritual teacher Ram Dass and travel to India.[2] Later, he spent considerable time in India studying meditation under his guru, Swami Muktanand, the disciple of Bhagavan Nityananda of Ganeshpuri.[2]
In 1986, Shankarananda founded the Shiva Institute in Los Angeles, introducing the Shiva Process—a meditation technique influenced by Kashmir Shaivism.[2] He later established the Shiva Ashram in Melbourne, Australia in 1991, relocating to Mount Eliza in 1995.[2] .[5] At his ashram, he conducts weekly satsang programs every Saturday, where he discusses teachings from Muktananda, other spiritual figures, and his own experiences, often using humor.[2]
Shankarananda has held events with other teachers in his lineage and, in 2009, launched a website that cites all the gurus and teachers in Bhagavan Nityananda's lineage.[6] He has participated in interfaith events.[7] He also organized the "Power of Three" event, aiming to unite teachers from Muktananda's lineage to discuss various meditation practices. Participants included Master Charles, who integrates modern mysticism with science and technology, and Swami Nityananda, who focuses on traditional meditation techniques.
Shankarananda came into contact with Kashmir Shaivism through his teacher, Muktananda. He teaches the "Shiva Process Self-Inquiry, an inner dialogue in which students ask precise questions of the Self," realizing their true Self as pure consciousness or awareness.[8] Muktananda emphasised the importance of a self-realised guru who can awaken and guide the kundalini energy of a seeker.
He was the patron of the Hindu Community Council of Victoria (HCCV),[9] and he spoke at the Parliament of the World's Religions held in Melbourne, 2009.
In 2010, Shankarananda received the title of "Mahamandaleshwar" in India, recognizing him as a distinguished teacher. This is one of the highest honors in his field.[10]
In 2015, allegations surfaced about Shankarananda engaging in sexual relationships with members of his ashram community. He admitted to the relationships, stating he had underestimated the impact of his tantric practices.[11] Later, the organization was liquidated and Shankarananda resigned as director but continued as the spiritual leader, retaining ownership of the main property, now known as The Ashram Mount Eliza, where he continues to run regular programs for residents and the public.[12] [13] [14]
In February 2021, Australian journalist Dan Oakes published an investigative report documenting multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and abusive behavior related to Shankarananda.[15]