Hriman is the co-spiritual director with his wife, Padma, of Ananda in Washington state. Hriman moved to Ananda Village in California in 1977, where he served as financial director for the worldwide Ananda work. He later managed The Expanding Light Retreat at Ananda Village. In 1993, Swami Kriyananda asked Hriman and Padma to serve as directors of Ananda in Seattle.

Hriman’s early studies in Catholic theology give him a profound respect for the shared truths of all religions and for the practical benefits of Raja Yoga. Audiences at his Sunday services and classes appreciate his gentle humor and practical insights for living, drawn from the ancient Yoga teachings. Hriman is a Lightbearer and Kriyacharya of Ananda Church of Self-Realization.

Articles

sun setting over lake, soft shades of purple and orange.
Swami Centennial

Guided by Grace

A Place Called Ananda

The Miracle of Ananda Seattle Temple of Light

Clarity Magazine

Jesus and John the Baptist: The Eternal Bond of Guru and Disciple

Answers to Spiritual Questions

Meditation

When I Observe My Thoughts, What Is It That Is Observing Them?

Dear Tewodros, Good for you! To notice that you can observe your own thoughts as if “you” were someone else: this is how one can know that the true Self is not the ego, not the subconscious ever-busy mind. Meditation

Spiritual Growth

Can a Soul’s Evolution Be Erased?

Dear Yunus, The soul’s evolution cannot be erased or reset except by one’s own errors. Until we achieve enlightenment, the possibility of returning to a more materialistic existence (consciousness) remains possible. But only by our actions, not by the unilateral

Kriya Yoga

Are We in Dwapara Yuga? And Should I Learn Kriya Yoga?

Dear Roshun, Your questions are important ones. I recommend the book, The Yugas, by David Steinmetz and Joseph Selbie. That book has explored Sri Yukteswar’s revolutionary point of view on human history. Consider too the world we live in and

Is Darkness an Illusion or Perversion of the Light?

Dear Yunus, Darkness is the absence of light. In this world, good and evil are real only in the dream-play of this world. So long as we have not awakened from the dream we must act responsibly to align ourselves

What Can We Do to Be Ready for a Guru?

Dear Karen, Very important question, thank you! Your efforts to walk the spiritual path with integrity, discipline, devotion and sincerity is all that is needed. No doubt you have read many books; probably taken classes; perhaps you are meditating daily;

What Is the Significance and Purpose of Receiving a Spiritual Name?

Dearest Nayaswami Shankari, The gift of a spiritual name is an affirmation of our spiritual goals. A name can affirm a quality we aspire to or can reflect a quality that is of our nature. Off hand I cannot quote

Spiritual Growth

What Does Yogananda Mean by “Knowing, Knower, Known as One”

Will, very good question. My understanding of knowing, knower, and known is as you have indicated. Knower being the Self; knowing as the act of cognition; known as the object of cognition. And yes, it would seem that these have

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