Adi Da

American writer

Died when: 69 years 24 days (828 months)
Star Sign: Scorpio

 

Adi Da Samraj, born Franklin Albert Jones (November 3, 1939 – November 27, 2008), was an American spiritual teacher, writer and artist.He is the founder of a new religious movement known as Adidam.

He changed his name numerous times throughout his life; these names included Bubba Free John, Da Free John, Da Love-Ananda, Da Kalki, Da Avadhoota and Da Avabhasa, among others.

From 1991 until his death, he was known as Adi Da Love-Ananda Samraj or Adi Da.Adi Da initially became known in the spiritual counterculture of the 1970s for his books and public talks and for the activities of his religious community.

His philosophy was essentially similar to many eastern religions which see spiritual enlightenment as the ultimate priority of human life.

Distinguishing his from other religious traditions, Adi Da declared that he is a uniquely historic avatar (Divine incarnation, fully Awake or Bright as Conscious Light prior to and after birth in human form).

Adi Da stated that devotional worship of Divine Person via his bodily form will enable spiritual enlightenment for others.Adi Da wrote many books about spiritual philosophy and related matters and founded a publishing house.

He gained praise from authorities in spirituality and philosophy, but was also criticized for his seclusion, controversial teaching style, claims of full 7th stage non-dual realization having occurred only in or as his body to date, and cult-like community.

In the mid-1980s, allegations by former followers of false imprisonment, brainwashing, sexual abuse, assault and involuntary servitude received international media attention.

These allegations resulted in lawsuits or threatened suits on both sides

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