Ep. 8 - How I Inherited Yogananda's Original Teachings (And Why You Don't Need Institutional Permission to Connect with God)

How did a former Mormon therapist end up teaching ancient yogic wisdom? In this deeply personal episode, I share my spiritual heritage story—how I inherited original teachings from Paramahansa Yogananda through a direct disciple who lived with him in the 1950s, and why I believe you don't need anyone's permission to access divine truth.

After 10 years of spiritual darkness following my exit from Mormonism at age 43, I met a man whose father had received Kriya Yoga initiation directly from Yogananda himself. Within six months, I was brought into the lineage. Over two years of hospice care, I witnessed what 70 years of devoted practice looks like in a human body—and my life was forever changed.

I also share the landmark 12-year legal case (SRF v. Ananda, 1990-2002) that established religious freedom precedent: spiritual teachings belong to sincere seekers, not gatekeepers. No organization can claim exclusive access to God or a master's wisdom.

If you're in deconstruction right now, feeling lost without your old religious framework—reconstruction is possible. You don't need to join another church. You need teachers and practices that help you connect directly with the divine.

Topics covered:

• My spiritual dating app story and meeting my partner at age 53
• The burning heart moment that changed everything
• Receiving Kriya Yoga initiation from Yogananda's direct disciple
• Caring for a 70-year devotee in hospice
• The 10-year dark night after leaving Mormonism
• The SRF v. Ananda lawsuit and what it means for spiritual freedom
• Why imperfect practice still counts as the path
• The householder approach to spiritual growth
• My 12 Sacred Intimacies framework

This episode is for you if:

• You've left organized religion and feel spiritually lost
• You've been told you're not "qualified" to connect with God directly
• Your spiritual practice feels imperfect or inconsistent
• You're searching for reconstruction after deconstruction
• You want permission to gather wisdom from multiple traditions

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Share this episode with someone who's been told they need institutional permission to connect with God.

ABOUT THE HOST:

Tamara Ridge is a former Mormon, licensed Marriage and Family Therapis

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