And its important to understand just who you are becoming suggestible to and within what type of environment. The Expanding Light is always adding new programs. I say this in indignant refutation of SRFs claims to the contrary. Before leaving SRF, I had assumed that matters of church policy were none of my concern. Three months later, after visiting a cult de-programmer and an attorney, she filed a civil lawsuit against Ananda, alleging that she was sexually exploited by senior minister Danny Levin, who was vice president of Crystal Clarity Publishing where she worked. Did this style somehow awaken criminal energy? YA was officially established just a few years ago in 1999. It all started at Ananda Village where you can join us for an inspiring visit, retreat, for internships, family programs, or online. Guests from our Ananda communities worldwide: India, Europe, throughout the U.S. A variety of multimedia presentations from around the world. Standing, he said dismissively, Well, Im not a perfected being.. Maybe so, but meditation can also render practitioners more suggestible. "A lawsuit was really the only way to stop it," said Bertolucci in a 1996 interview. Daya Mata had said that she would never be able to die until this Ananda matter is resolved. In other words, until Kriyananda and Ananda were once and for all put out of business. Thankfully this is apparently a very small minority. However, these three teachers have all been historically referred to as cult leaders. And former students claimed their yoga was often a means of recruitment and basis for abuse. But who it depicts and the time during which it was erected here has ignited new firestorms of emotion. This is an incalculable blessing. It seems that there would be no proper place for such a practice amongst ethical psychiatrists, who should remain objective and not project their personal beliefs into the lives of their patients. "I felt it would be a way of warning other people, especially young women.". Money will not be worth the paper it is printed on. A recent story written about the notorious group Ananda Marga, which has been accused of violent crimes, child abuse and linked to suicide, described members as covered in a life of peace.. The first such community was Ananda Village, founded in Northern California, in the foothills of Nevada City, in 1969. Based at Ananda Villages Expanding Light Retreat, this program brings a balance between spiritual seeking and daily activities. In terms of actual techniques do they vary much? Ananda is a worldwide movement to help you realize the joy of your own higher Self. She idolized its leaders, he said, which made it all the more difficult when things began to go wrong. There is one other ray of light at the end of the tunnel for Bertolucci: she is hoping to get back together with the husband she left in 1992 to join Ananda. And they have now chosen Ithaca as their newest community, the reporter happily adds. Thats exactly what it is!. No. Meanwhile, SRFs success in wooing Anandas members was notable for its absence. Instead of reflecting professional journalism at its best these reporters seem be treading down a different path. Learn to relax and enjoy the spiritual path, he wrote, responding to my overly desperate style of prayer. And eventually that cannot be ignored, even in Ithaca, Kingston or Sydney. In an effort to establish meaningful criteria for judging yoga teachers the California Yoga Teachers Association has established a Code of Ethics. Even today, SRF continues to prove by its actions that it will not rest until it has accomplished this end. Ananda Meditation Retreat is located 6 miles from Ananda Village. Cost is $10 on weekdays and $12 on weekends. Children here are safe from the negative outside influences of drugs, gangs, and violence. This code can be a useful tool in gauging the behavior of yoga teachers, how they treat their pupils and conduct classes. To put it in a nutshell, I looked to the SRF senior ministers quite literally as channels for divine help, and they never let me down. The stories of SRFs behavior were legion. The spirit of his great book, Autobiography of a Yogi, argues resoundingly against it. A towering figure among them was Reverend Richard Wurmbrand, a Rumanian Baptist preacher who achieved a high degree of Self-realization through his unrelenting dedication to Christ, even under imprisonment and torture. I hope to visit Ananda 1 day although I not done Kryananda or lessons but am drawn all the same. Founded in 1969, Ananda Village is a World Brotherhood Community that expresses the vision of Paramhansa Yogananda had of people living together in harmony, living for the Self-realization of knowing God. Over the years, I noticed that those who fell into unrepentant criticism of others tended to leave Anandapossibly because they found it difficult to bear the company of positive, cheerful people, or possibly because the Divine Mother simply removed them. Write down your ideas. I had no doubt whatever that SRFs ministers were continuing to serve Paramhansa Yoganandas work as vibrant examples of inner transformation, and as instruments for Gods guidance and inspiration to others. Anti-cult attorney nominated for prestigious award. In the community, all of my neighbors are friends who share the same spiritual path. After the race, I picked up a copy of Runners World magazine. Defame? Ford Green is an Advisory Board member of The Ross Institute. We welcome visitors. A quick rule of thumb might also be, if you see some gurus picture on the wall, or religious statues in the entrance area or practice room, something more than yoga might be lurking within the instruction. One police commissioner said, We will do everything to guard Calcuttans from the clutches of such swindlers. He added that they frequently prey upon the sick who are in a vulnerable state.. Some journalists write hard-hitting news stories about destructive cults, which have often led to further action. Swami Satchidananda, a guru and purported cult leader died last year and moved on to his next life, that is for those who believe in reincarnation. I found its ministers never less than inspiring. Sarkar the founder and God-Man of Ananda Marga who died in 1990 did some time in an Indian prison. Surrounded by 72 acres ofbeautiful meditation gardensand forest, it provides an ideal setting for a rejuvenating, inner experience. "If it was just me, I probably would have just carried on working.". Some yoga groups and teachers are essentially interested in proselytizing. Ms. Roberts doesnt appear to do much research before listing yoga teachers? Forgiveness, for example. But what has made it worthwhile, she said, was the message the jury's verdict sent to other women. But not all groups called either "cults" or "cult-like" are harmful. Ananda Mahidol, also called Rama Viii, (born Sept. 20, 1925, Heidelberg, Ger.died June 9, 1946, Bangkok), eighth king of the Chakkri dynasty of Siam, whose mysterious death was one of the most traumatic events in the history of modern Thailand. You will get to serve with like-minded friends in a spiritual environment, study Yoga philosophy and participate intwice-daily sadhanas featuring Ananda Yoga, Ananda Meditation and Energization Exercises. I moved to Ananda Village in February, 1976. He was, quite simply, a spiritual friendand, if we requested it, a willing mentor. Paramhansa Yogananda told Swami Kriyananda, You have a great work to do. After Masters passing, Rajarsi Janakananda also told him, You have a great work to do, Walterand Master will give you the strength to do it. Ibelieve the great work has begun, and that it is the work of preventing Masters teachings from being degraded into the kind of institution-centered religion of law that has characterized organized Christianity for two millennia. Learn more, Dates: Apply now. I was wrong. But the octogenarian left behind quite a bit of worldly baggage. Historically, many Indian gurus and swamis sensed this and moved to the United States. Carol A. Stefanelli, head of the groups Networking Committee, once studied with Swami Muktananda the founder of Siddha. A spiritual dynamo, Ananta was eventually ordained as a minister and authorized by Swami Kriyananda to give initiation in Kriya Yoga. View Upcoming Teacher Training Calendar. Men now make up 23% of the 15 million yoga enthusiasts within the US. It is made up of disciples of Paramhansa . (Paramhansa Yogananda said that Mr. Black was second in spiritual stature among his male disciples, after Rajarsi Janakananda.). I recall my first formal meeting with Swami Kriyananda. Palo Alto resident Anne-Marie Bertolucci may have won her case against the Ananda Church of Self-Realization, but her victory has come at a high price. The answer came instantly, as an intuitive voice, accompanied by a sense of bustling motherliness: I am not concerned about your faults. Numerous yoga studios have opened up almost everywhere, from major metropolitan areas to large towns. They had been arranged in their present format by a devoted disciple of Masters who, though a wonderful soul, had had no experience with the public or, for that matter, with teaching others. Most are perfectly safe places to exercise and get in shape, but some are worrisome. I had once considered Daya Mata, Anandamoy, and the other orange-robed SRF monastics more or less infallible instruments for the Gurus guidance and blessings. Did I need help getting to the nearest center to attend services? I was deeply aware that great masters do share their teachings as much through their vibrations as in theliteral meaning of their words. And the more common category of largely domestic seekers is examined in The Faith Healers by James Randi. Paramhansa Yogananda professed the oneness of all religions. Ananda was required to deliver every scrap of printed matter that it had ever produced, so that SRF could sift it for proof that we had passed ourselves off as them, or that we had somehow misrepresented our Gurus teachings. Asha Praver, one of Anandas main teachers, attended a public legal hearing in Los Angeles, where she was confronted by Brother Brahmananda, one of SRFs most virulent anti-Ananda monastics. In almost every public lecture, no matter what his announced subject, he would digress to urge people to act upon his proposal. The journalist did ask a member about the C word (cult) though. I live in a community where, every day, I learn from the example of others more advanced on the path than I amif not in every respect, then most assuredly in some aspect, such as kindness, compassion, or insight. This is a term used to describe uncritical articles that are more positive spin and/or froth than substance. I guess youll just have to accept me as I am, I prayed. But how can a hopeful student find a reputable studio with a good teacher? Beyond a certain point, however, restraint became improperI am referring to the point at which SRF removed its kid gloves and began trying to bankrupt Ananda with its crippling lawsuit. The Gnostics, meanwhile, practiced their methods of inward communion quietly and in secret. Im 59 years old now. Even though SRF spent over $30 million of its members money, hiring one of the worlds largest law firms in its effort to destroy Ananda, Ananda prevailed, winning (again in the judges words) at least 95 percent of the issues in the case. Ironically, what had once inspired me about SRF was what now inspired me about Ananda: the devotion that I saw in its members, and the way they gave their lives cheerfully to serving God. While he was still in SRF, Swami Kriyananda had rearranged the lessons, placing meditation instruction closer to the start, but the revised version had been rejected for reasons of organizational convenience. More importantly Roberts fails to mention the plight of some of Walters former acolytes. Roberts writes, Swami Kriyananda (J. Donald Walters) devoted 45 years of his life to studying the teachings of Parmahansa Yogananda.. But, as I was to discover later, the capacity to serve as a channel for the Guru does not preclude fallibility. The organization, meanwhile, left me indifferent. American law does not look kindly on religious monopolies. A close look at the resumes of YA board members reveals some interesting connections. I received a reply from Daya Matas secretary, in which she said that Daya Mata wished me well in my new life. Living at Ananda, I often reflected on SRFs animosity towards us. Welcome to Ananda Village A Spiritual Cooperative Community in the Tradition of Paramhansa Yogananda For 50 years Ananda Village has exemplified the spiritual ideals of Paramhansa Yogananda's "World Brotherhood Colonies". Contact them at 530-478-7611 or email [emailprotected]. But nothing, certainly, that convinced the courts. Explore the path of Self Realization and learn Paramhansa Yoganandas effective techniques for expanding your sense of self, such as meditation, Kriya Yoga, spiritual Hatha Yoga, and divine friendship. To place reliance upon prophetic utterances may strike some people as superstitious. Ananda Village is a spiritual community of over 200 residents approximately 25 minutes north of downtown Nevada City. They consider themselves freer for their possessions, and dont see how their possessions in turn have possessed them!. (Master considered running an ideal exercise, Brother Bhaktananda wrote in a letter. I also occasionally attended services at the Richmond and Los Gatos SRF centers. In addition to wars there will be a depression the like of which has not been known in a very long time. I was a member of the Lay Disciples group during the latter part of that period, and I served briefly as a part-time volunteer gardener and second service leader at the SRF church in Redondo Beach. Ananda Margis took out a silent procession on April 30 to protest the killing of 16 monks and a nun, allegedly by CPM cadres in Kolkata 32 years ago. Her ordeal began in 1991, when a handout from Ananda caught her eye. Was I in good health? This was true of each SRF gathering I ever attended. Some of the pictures I took during those walks remain among my most treasured. After the verdict was handed down in her favor on Thursday, Bertolucci told the Weekly that she has been afraid to go to her local coffee shop recently because of all the publicity surrounding the civil suit she brought against Ananda. Certainly these articles will not be nominated for Pulitzers. But others in their enthusiasm regarding this pop craze have been less prudent. Learn how your comment data is processed. June 1st to October 1st, 2021, Experience a deeper connection with your Divine Potential through selfless-service in Anandas Karma Yoga Ashram Program. But beware. For, what SRF wanted was nothing less than to gain sole and exclusive legal ownership of all of Yoganandas writings, as well as his transcribed lectures, photographs, and recordings. Thank you so much for your detailed journey. The saintslie? The young man surprised and delighted me when he said, I no longer attend formal church meetings. Some say it may also lead to a sense of inner calm and tranquility. She is considering moving from Palo Alto to put this chapter of her life firmly behind her, she said. Washington, they were answered by a mens or womens correspondent. Doin the Vatican Rag! Countless times, I have felt Paramhansa Yoganandas blessings on these businesses. Contact the Meditation Retreat at 530-478-7557 or emailmailto:[emailprotected]. This means that the patient is frequently very vulnerable and suggestible. In fact, SRFs legal arguments sometimes approached the ludicrous. Her reasoning, sound enough in itself, was that in this way the student would gain the most, spiritually, not from the lessons, only, but from the added benefits of pilgrimage to Masters colonies, advice by correspondence, and, above all, by inner attunement with the line of gurus. Hopefully, visitors to her website will do some cursory checking before becoming involved with some of the groups listed. Are you affiliated with them?, Despite twenty years of clear evidence to the contrary, SRF was still trying to prove the old myth that Ananda was trading on its good name. I was at first disappointed to find that SRFs leaders, with Daya Mata and Brother Anandamoy in their forefront, could lie about Swami Kriyananda and Ananda and, for no good reason that I could ever fathom, try relentlessly to destroy them. The SRF headquarters were not yet called Mother Center at the time. Its title pretty much describes what you'll see: " Miss . These controversial sources are hardly what medical doctors would typically rely upon to form any clinical opinion. Sai Babas supposed Siddha powers seem to have consumed him. View The Expanding Light Calendar, The Ananda School of Yoga and Meditation (based at The Expanding Light) offers teacher training in yoga, meditation, yoga therapy, and spiritual counseling. Manifest contractive, cold-hearted attitudes based on ruthless organizational pettiness and jealousy? Regardless of SRFs official attitudes, I was deeply conscious of the priceless benefits I had gained from its teachers, and I was determined to correct any misunderstandings about the organization, as I knew it, that I might encounter among my new friends at Ananda. Ananda Communities could be described as modern "ashrams" that include individuals, couples, and families from all walks of life and from around the world. I cant think of a single exception. Newsweek says, Theres a yoga bonus: the way it sharpens your mental gamethe meditative breathing calms their nerves and hones their focus.. Meditation and selfless See more 4,108 people like this 4,276 people follow this 6,807 people checked in here http://www.anandavillage.org/ (530) 478-7500 info@anandavillage.org Open now 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Swami Satchidananda, Yogi Bhajan and Bhagwhan Shree Rajneesh are three examples of such migrating God men who marketed their supernatural powers in the United States. Daya Mata is known to have referred to newcomers on the spiritual path as pipsqueaksa foreshadowing, perhaps, of SRFs growing tendency to view its members as statistics. After recounting his personal history Hoffman eventually answers a readers inquiry about the meaning of dreams. Certainly, in the twenty-seven years Ive known him, Ive never known Swami Kriyananda to strike a pose. And exercising such an influence over a patient is most often seen as a violation of the ethical code prescribed by most State Boards and/or mental health licensing organizations. That is, unless you are a witch doctor.. When I saw the exhibit, I nearly expired with laughter. I have seen hundreds of children being educated in living wisdom, discovering that life has a deep meaning and a joyful purpose, and that positive values are the surest path to happiness. S-90-0846 EJG PAN. Thus, our teacher and divine friend, Swami Kriyananda founded the global movement called Ananda Sangha Worldwide. I have enjoyed these benefits for more than twenty-five years, not only in my living situation but also during the many years that Ive spent working in Anandas businesses. Two-and-a-half months later, at the end of June, a forest fire destroyed 21 of the villages 23 homes. In 1998, The Union reported the church's legal costs alone approached $4 million between both legal battles, forcing Ananda to file for bankruptcy. When I was first learning to lecture, he writes in his autobiography, The Path, Master gave me the following words of advice: Before lecturing, meditate deeply. And since their gurus death those devotees continue to manage the swamis considerable material legacy. In the apartment complex where I live, no one ever complains when someone organizes a rousing kirtan in the beautiful central courtyard on a balmy summer evening. In 1998 Greene also won a $1.6 million jury verdict in Bertolucci v. Ananda against The Church of Self Realization led by Swami Kiyananda in California for fraud, coercion and sexual exploitation. I took Kriya Yoga initiation in 1969 at the SRF headquarters in Los Angeles, and until 1970, I attended services and meditations at the SRF churches in Fullerton, Redondo Beach, and Hollywood. Videos from Ananda Village Lessons from the Story of Martha and Mary (Based on Yogananda's Teachings) Nayaswami Jyotish May 10, 2020 Swami Kriyananda's Birthday Nayaswami Devi, Nayaswami Jyotish May 19, 2020 The Inward Path to Self-Realization: the Meditative Arts and Discipleship Nayaswami Devi, Nayaswami Jyotish February 7, 2020 A devotee answered evasively, "You won't lose your mind and be brainwashed." Speaking to Daya Mata in his last years, Yogananda lamented, How you all will change the work after I am gone. Maybe thats because where there is so much smoke, a fire might be burning? In numerous news reports former members have spoken out about the abuse they endured under Spriggs harsh totalitarian rule. Why dont they even bother to visit us? we wondered, amazed by SRFs lack of concern for the truth of their claims. How an SRF monastic had criticized Kriyananda scathingly to a group of visiting Ananda members at SRFs guest retreat in Encinitas. Millions will die., On one occasion he cried: You dont know what a terrible cataclysm is coming!. Genuflect, genuflect, genuflect. But where the church impinged upon my devotional life, I was increasingly uncomfortable. The gurus property holdings alone are worth millions. According to official records this credit union has more than $4 million dollars in assets, with two employees on salary to manage its funds. Community life offers opportunities for group meditation and yoga, spiritual friendship and service to the ideals and work of Ananda. Even these people, however, may be interested to note that, of persons reputed to have prophetic vision, every single one has predicted terrible sufferings for humanity in the years to come. Her reasoning was, as I say, sound. It gives me comfort to get more involved with the Ananda community. Take a Program Online Online with Ananda It is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda and was founded by his direct disciple Swami Kriyananda in 1968. I meditated twice daily with unwavering consistency, and I increasingly felt Paramhansa Yoganandas guidance and inspiration in my life. Most seem to rely on word-of-mouth endorsements from friends, but there are some organizations that register schools and teachers. They expose wrongdoing and the authorities often follow-up through criminal prosecution or some other enforcement action. An angry God, a vengeful God, would surely have cast them down in damnation. "When I learned what other people had gone through, I decided to go forward," she said. There certainly seems to be plenty of gullibility on this side of the globe. Therefore, it stands to reason that we speak for the Master. But can anyone honestly believe that Paramhansa Yogananda would countenance the destruction of an entire community of deeply sincere devotees, or the forced subjection of thousands to SRFs doctrinal control? 10Tay 10Dik: (Bihar) (Gram panchayat)) (awas yojna) ! . Please explore our site and contact us with your inquiries or to say hello. That SRFtheyre too churchy! as Yogacharya Oliver Black laughingly observed. Ananda had a small legal office in the community, which was staffed by Sheila Rush, an Ananda member who was an attorney, and Keshava Taylor, who had been at Ananda almost since the beginning. Ananda became more and more famous as Walters tirelessly promoted it around the country. Ive been on the path for 35 years. But she doesnt mention that the Self-Realization Fellowship founded by Parmahansa Yogananda has disavowed Kriyananda. Ananda Village has, since its founding, given birth to six other . Later, I realized that Swamiji had simply been trying to set my mind at ease, and to let me know that genuflection wasnt a feature of life at Ananda. The prominent lawyer litigated and won the landmark appellate court decision, Molko v. Holy Spirit Association (1988) 46 Cal.3d 1092. If I stumble and fall, I know that my gurubais will consult their consciences before they judge me. Menu. I stumbled upon Ananda websites, and only feel goodness from mission as I understand it. Therefore, the discussion or mention of a group, organization or person on this page, is not necessarily meant pejoratively. In addition, you will hear the deeply inspiring personal stories of people who dedicated themselves to living by sincere self-offering to God and Guru in prayer and meditation and humble service to Their cause, and how, as a result, they found profound success and happiness. Hoffman discusses his exploration into what was called New Age Psychiatry,' which might be more objectively seen as his odyssey through the world of cults., The doctor admits he has studied with Rajneesh, Shirley McLaine, Kevin Ryerson, Edgar Cayce, Ramtha, and Yogananda.. I would come to understand that saints who havent yet fully realized God are like spiritual elder brothers and sisters, holding a light to guide our way. Should SRF be allowed to remain legally in a position sue them all? Unless otherwise noted, all material on this site is Copyright Rick Ross. The reporter for the Ithaca Times says the Twelve Tribes are a unorthodox religious groupthat worships Jesus.. One faction, which bore a striking resemblance to the Christian fundamentalistsof today, believed that the Bible was literally true, and that salvation could be attained only after death. For twenty-five years, Ive discovered that whenever I follow Swami Kriyanandas suggestions, I thrive spiritually, but when I resist them, my spiritual light wanes and I feel distanced from God. Always interested in the broader issues at stake in the lawsuit, I read an excellent book, The Gnostic Gospels, in which the author, Elaine Pagels, describes the early history of the Christian church. God Bless Beloved Paramahansa Yogananda Thank you for protecting Ananda Society and giving Swami Kryananda the strength and wisdom to be victorious in his virtues, Bless Srf I send you Love peace and blessings I hope you have changed back to the attitude of good will to absolutely all, I met Kryananda in a dream 2 years ago now on his guru discipleship anniversary it lasted ages he was a divine friend all-sorts happend in this dream miracles meeting angels so much cant tell all but I awoke and felt as though I had been with him for the entire day or at least 5 hours. Green was nominated along with three other California attorneys for his work regarding a 22-year legal battle to collect a multi-million dollar personal injury judgement awarded to Lawrence Wollersheim against the Church of Scientology. She says that his practice is designed to awaken Kundalini energy., Well, if Kundalini energy means collecting cash and sex scandals, Bhajan certainly has conducted something of a wake up call.. More recently a controversy arose regarding an Integral Yoga International (IYI) student in New York City who attended a 30-day retreat at Yogaville, the groups retreat in Virginia. The next journalist to offer up what amounts to cult apologies works in Ithaca, New York. I had just moved to Ananda Village and had begun working at Pubble, the communitys publishing house. How could I not feel inspiration there. In Autobiography of a Yogi, he writes: A significant feature of Lahiri Mahasayas life was his gift of Kriya initiation to those of every faith. The article reads almost like an infomercial with a plug for the groups website at the end. The story of how he completed that commission is spiritually inspiring, heroic, often humorous, and will be of interest to devotees of all paths who are seeking a new definition of religion for this dawning Age of Energy-Awareness. The blessed role of Kriya Yoga in the West . Ananda was only 10 years old and a schoolboy in Switzerland when he succeeded his uncle, King Prajadhipok, in 1935. Monists and dualists, those of all faiths or of no established faith, were impartially received and instructed by the universal guru. Om Peace Amen. Swami Ramdas told him that he would find his guru later; and so it proved. Swami Satchidananda, now deceased, had his share of sex scandals. In sharp contrast within the United States God men like Brooklyn born Frank Jones, who calls himself Adi Da, most often operate with impunity. Donna Karan once promoted IYI within Vanity Fair magazine, without apparently doing much of a background check. And I believe it is so even today. matheson rooftop menu. The Expanding Light Retreat Center also offers overnight accommodations, with advance reservations. What have I gained personally from Ananda? Winners will be announced July 22nd at the foundations 21st annual awards dinner in San Francisco. And authorized by Swami Kriyananda, you have a great work to do Yogananda has disavowed Kriyananda the universal.! Learned what other people, especially young women. `` an infomercial with a plug for the groups Networking,... In Kriya yoga be burning I have felt Paramhansa Yoganandas blessings on these businesses Bhaktananda in. Inquiry about the abuse they endured under Spriggs harsh totalitarian rule, Molko v. Holy spirit Association 1988... Ive known him, Ive never known Swami Kriyananda founded the global movement Ananda. California, in the twenty-seven years Ive known him, Ive never Swami! Later ; and so it proved of the groups Networking Committee, studied! Worldwide: India, Europe, throughout the U.S. a variety of multimedia presentations from around the country second... To relax and enjoy the spiritual path, he would digress to urge people to act upon proposal! The first such community was Ananda Village and had begun working at Pubble, the communitys publishing.... The sick who are in a position sue them all communion quietly and in secret a minister and authorized Swami... Sensed this and moved to Ananda Village reports former members have spoken out the! Ananda is a worldwide movement to help you realize the joy of own! Reason that we speak for the truth of their claims 's verdict sent other! ( J. Donald Walters ) devoted 45 years of his life to studying the of! Guess youll just have to accept me as I am, I picked up a copy Runners. 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