Swami Kriyananda’s life was marked by remarkable spiritual generosity, as he selflessly shared the teachings and philosophy of his guru, Paramhansa Yogananda. He played a crucial role in bringing Yogananda’s well-known Autobiography of a Yogi to life for many individuals. Swami Kriyananda’s approach to teaching was personalized, helping each soul deepen their spiritual journey and reach their highest potential. His … Read More
Swamiji is 21 years older than I. When I became his secretary, I was just 25. Despite my youth and inexperience, I held strong views on many subjects and didn’t easily give in, even if it was Swamiji who disagreed with me. Decades later, when I began to work with strong minded young people, I appreciated how respectfully Swamiji had … Read More
ABOUT SWAMI KRIYANANDA In 1948 at the age of twenty-two, Swami Kriyananda (J. Donald Walters) became a disciple of the Indian yoga master, Paramhansa Yogananda. Yogananda is best known for his spiritual classic, Autobiography of a Yogi. Yogananda moved to America and developed the energization exercises and taught the meditation techniques of Hatha Yoga and especially Kriya Yoga. At Yogananda’s … Read More
I was born at Ananda and have lived here all my life. When I was six years old, Swami was in the dining room at the Retreat, and for some reason, all the children started going up and hugging him. At first, I held back – I didn’t want to do it just because everyone else was. Finally, I decided … Read More
Ananda Village annually celebrates Moksha Day, in honor of Swami Kriyananda’s dedication to achieving spiritual liberation. The day is marked by a six-hour meditation at Swamiji’s home, Crystal Hermitage, which is known for its tulip gardens that he loved. Swamiji embodied qualities such as enthusiasm, discipleship to Master (Paramhansa Yogananda), and universal kindness, friendship, and love. He believed that enthusiasm … Read More
Swami Kriyananda reads and comments on his book Conversations with Yogananda. The TV series A Way to Awakening was recorded in India. ABOUT SWAMI KRIYANANDA In 1948 at the age of twenty-two, Swami Kriyananda (J. Donald Walters) became a disciple of the Indian yoga master, Paramhansa Yogananda. Yogananda is best known for his spiritual classic, Autobiography of a Yogi. Yogananda … Read More
A Pilgrim’s Story Going on pilgrimage with Swami Kriyananda was always interesting. He had such an expansive, uplifting energy that you could not help but get pulled into whatever he was doing. He would talk to shopkeepers with a big, warm smile like they were his long-lost friends and they, in turn, were equally eager to talk to him. Swami … Read More
With no jobs and two children to support, I felt all alone and in desperate need of spiritual guidance and inspiration. A friend had recently moved to Ananda and she suggested I come there for Spiritual Renewal Week. I knew nothing about Master and had never met Swami Kriyananda, but I had promised God I would walk through every door … Read More
Recorded June 10, 2006 at Ananda Village ABOUT SWAMI KRIYANANDA I n 1948 at the age of twenty-two, Swami Kriyananda (J. Donald Walters) became a disciple of the Indian yoga master, Paramhansa Yogananda. Yogananda is best known for his spiritual classic, Autobiography of a Yogi. Yogananda moved to America and developed the energization exercises and taught the meditation techniques of … Read More
The child was retarded, and the unaccustomed energy of having Swamiji and our whole tour group staying in her home as guests of her mother was making her loud and unruly. She was about fourteen years old and a formidable force in the middle of the kitchen where we were trying to make breakfast. I had no idea how to … Read More
