Should You Seek Advice from Mediums?

Nayaswami Kriyananda comments on the predictions of a medium.

January 8, 1976

Dear——:

Thank you for sending me the transcript of that “reading.” I appreciate your letting us know about this material. I must say, however, that Paramhansa Yogananda didn’t recommend going to mediums. In fact, he recommended definitely against it. It can too often, he said, be a real trap. I urge you not to get involved in such things. For while it is true that good things sometimes do come through such channels, that good is usually mixed up with a great deal that is not valid, and is not helpful at all. The question remains, how to tell the difference? The mere fact of being in the astral world doesn’t make souls omniscient!

As for the specific threat of destruction to Ananda, I can only say that I truly don’t expect such to happen. On the other hand, if it be God’s will, then there is nothing we can do to prevent it. We are doing our best to serve God as He wills. The rest is in His hands.

But to get some perspective on the matter, it is important to realize that, of the predictions made in this manner, the majority—the vast majority—have proven false. Someday, of course, the earthquakes may come, but even Edgar Cayce spoke only of changes to the coastline, not of the whole state being destroyed. Since California is, at this time, the most spiritual part of America it is difficult to imagine that the entire area will be wiped out.

God, truly, is our only protection in any case. It seems far better to trust in Him, and to try to follow His guidance, derived through meditation and prayer, rather than to get sidetracked in the questionable truths of astral beings who purportedly speak to us through mediums.

You seem to have a fairly good understanding of the limits of this kind of experience. I would repeat again, however, that Yogananda recommended that we not get involved in such matters.

My best wishes to you and your family.

In divine friendship,

Swami Kriyananda