Based on an interview with Nayaswami Savitri and Revelations of Christ by Paramhansa Yogananda (as remembered by Swami Kriyananda) Growing up in the West, I was familiar with the traditional story of Jesus: Humanity has been sinful ever since Eve took that apple from the serpent, so God sent his only son Jesus to die, thereby cleansing us of our … Read More
A proper diet free from fanaticism is an important part of any yogic practice. So often we see advertisements promising quick and easy results that tempt even those who value mental stability over a six-pack. There are so many ways to eat: vegetarian, vegan, raw, paleo, and fruitarian, just to name a few, that it’s overwhelming. We don’t even know … Read More
To attain enlightenment, or even just be happy, we must raise our consciousness. Here are some ways that will help you do that: 1. Practice Meditation Meditating is probably the best thing you can do to raise your consciousness, even if it is only for 10 minutes a day. It’s important to have regularity, though, with your practice, or you … Read More
What Are Chakras? Chakras are centers of energy that go up through the middle of our bodies (called the astral spine) from the base of the spine up through the top of the head. Each chakra expresses a different quality, such as love or power. These qualities can manifest in a positive or negative way, depending on which direction our … Read More
Here are five simple exercises that will help you get a feel for the art of concentration. Remember to stay relaxed. Yes, you may have to tear your attention away from alluring distractions. But you’re sure to find that the state of deep, relaxed concentration is soothing, renewing, and can even be blissful. Ananda’s founder, Swami Kriyananda, was able to … Read More
It’s morning again, and I ask myself the same eternal questions: meditate or sleep in? Cookies or salad? Real book or Facebook? Every moment I ask myself, “What will make me happier right now?” It seems simple enough to predict what will happen. Sometimes I’ll go to meditation and sometimes not. If each question were independent it would probably be … Read More
First things first: what is an altar? An altar is a structure used for spiritual practices. Many religions have them for ceremonies such as weddings, funerals, church services, and festivals, as well as for daily worship in the home. They are also a helpful source of inspiration when you are meditating. When you lose concentration, you can open your eyes … Read More
Unlike the 1960s when many young people were drawn to Eastern teachers, few came to live in Yogananda’s monastery. And relatively few stayed. It was a life of long, daily meditation and service to others. But Walters blossomed. He had a natural capacity for long meditation, a deep mind, and an openness to learning. Yogananda knew one of his own … Read More
He was a young man of considerable intellect and a burning desire for truth that isolated him from most of his peers at the time. It was 1948, and life in post-WWII America was a desperate scramble for normalcy. Millions of young people were seeking home, family, and career—anything that could sooth the horrors of war and the insecurity of … Read More
To all my dear Ananda Friends, I know how much all of you must be grieving for your beloved Master but if its any consolation to you I just wanted you all to know that he passed away at a most auspicious time. The year is in Uttarayanam – the northward journey of the sun which is the auspicious time … Read More
