Evaluating the Effectiveness of "Intuitive Perception" in "Life Improvement" from the Perspectives of Yogananda and Berg

Author

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

10.22080/jepr.2025.28140.1233

Abstract

The ideas of Paramahansa Yogananda and Yehuda Berg are influenced by religious traditions concerning spirituality and life improvement. This paper explores how a comparative analysis of the relationship between intuitive perception and life improvement in their thought is possible and how robust such an interpretation is. Using a library-based study and an analytical-comparative method with a critical approach, we demonstrate that while both thinkers share common views—particularly regarding success, higher will, and intuition as foundational for improvement—significant differences exist in their ontological perspectives and spiritual practices. These differences create distinct dualities regarding the human position in the world and offer unique spiritual exercises for life enhancement. Therefore, their interpretations exhibit at least two shortcomings. First, reductionism—they overlook broader religious goals, focusing solely on specific aspects of life improvement while neglecting its diverse dimensions. Second, they demonstrate a one-sided view of intuition and show leniency regarding the criteria for its validity.

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References

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