Take the First Step on the Path of Kriya Yoga

Ananda Course in Meditation

Next Session: May 02 to July 11, 2024

Cost: $139.95

Whether a beginning or experienced meditator, take this meditation class to develop or deepen your daily meditation practice and connect with your higher Self.

Tambien en Español

Meditation Meditation Courses

Take the First Step on the Path of Kriya Yoga

Ananda Course in Meditation

Next Session: May 02 to July 11, 2024

Cost: $139.95

Whether a beginning or experienced meditator, take this meditation class to develop or deepen your daily meditation practice and connect with your higher Self.

Tambien en Español

Meditation Meditation Courses

Take the First Step on the Path of Kriya Yoga

Ananda Course in Meditation

Next Session: May 02 to July 11, 2024

Cost: $139.95

Whether a beginning or experienced meditator, take this meditation class to develop or deepen your daily meditation practice and connect with your higher Self.

Tambien en Español

303 reviews

 5/5

What You'll Learn in Ananda Course in Meditation

Step 1 on the Path of Kriya Yoga

This foundational 10-week meditation master class based on Paramhansa Yogananda’s teachings of Self-realization covers:

How to sit properly for meditation
Hong Sau technique of meditation for relaxing the body, calming the mind and stilling the heart
Ancient pranayama techniques for relaxation and interiorizing energy
Energization Exercises for developing willpower and life force control as taught by Paramhansa Yogananda
Prayer, chanting and visualization for focusing the mind on the Divine
Completion of Step 1 of 5 toward learning the advanced Kriya Yoga technique

Why Take This Meditation Class?

For the past 50 years, Ananda has taught Paramhansa Yogananda’s meditation techniques that show us how to attain optimal wellbeing on all levels: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.

Build a Daily Meditation Routine That Works for Youding Text Here

Our 10-week online meditation class is structured to guide you step-by-step through the various tools and meditation techniques you need to create a sustainable practice.

Receive Caring Support from Experienced Instructors

Your instructors are there to answer your questions, to offer individual feedback, and to encourage you as you learn to meditate or deepen your existing practice.

Join a Worldwide Community of Truthseekers

With our cohort model, you will go through the course and meditate online with like-minded classmates from all over the world.

Learn Paramhansa Yogananda's Meditation Techniques for Self-Realization

These universal scientific techniques will help you connect with your higher Self, the Divine, or God.

"I thought going into this course that I could do this all myself and did not need a class if I had the proper discipline. Not true. I needed this class and feel like it came to me at the exact right time in my life."

Abby

California, Event Planner & Aspiring Writer, June 2020 Graduate

Meet Your Instructors

Nayaswami Sagar

Sagar resides in the Ananda Monastery located at Ananda Village in Northern California. Born into a family of kriya yogis, Sagar read Paramhansa Yogananda’s Autobiography of a Yogi at a young age, an influence that culminated in his decision to serve Yogananda’s mission through Ananda.

Jitendra Guidon

Director of Online with Ananda’s Online Outreach ministry, is a disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda living at Ananda Village in Northern California. While serving with Ananda, he enjoys spreading the ancient teachings of Yoga to all truth seekers around the world and look forward to connecting with new friends from different backgrounds and affiliations.

Suzanne Ilgun

Suzanne was born, raised, and schooled in Santa Barbara, CA. She started studying Ananda’s Lessons in Meditation while she was an ICU nurse. Learning meditation and studying the science of yoga was key in her ability to continue working in the high-stress, hectic-paced world of intensive care medicine until she retired from the field in 2006.

Bandhu Kinsey

Bandhu has been a meditator and a member of Ananda since 2007. Living now at Ananda Village in Northern California, he takes part in leading community meditations from time to time. “Chanting is half the battle” says our Guru Paramhansa Yogananda, and Bandhu might want to run that percentage higher, being a musician and classical guitarist.

Ashima Cardona

Ashima has been a meditator for 34 years and a member of Ananda since 1988. She has served at East West Bookstore in Seattle and for Ananda University online. Above all, Ashima has a passion for developing meaningful relationships with students in order to inspire them to develop tools that empower the creation of a joyful life.

Marissa Riojas

Marissa has graduated in several teacher trainins at Ananda. She has spent time at Ananda Village as a seva yogi, serving at The Expanding Light Retreat. She views meditation and the cultivation of higher consciousness as the ultimate form of worldwide healing and service.

Nayaswami Nefretete

Nefretete lives in Ananda Village and serves in various capacities in the community. She feels blessed to live and share the teachings of this path. She received her doctorate from New York University and worked in New York City for many years as an artist, educator, and therapist.

"The level of care and support extended by the instructors makes you feel as though you are a part of an extended family who genuinely care about your spiritual growth and well being. . . . There was 100% support from the fully present instructors every step of the way."

Kiana B.

2018 Graduate

FAQ

Is this an online meditation class?

Yes this is a 10-week online meditation class.

Is this a meditation class for beginners?

This is a comprehensive meditation class for both beginners and long time meditators designed to help you learn to meditate deeply. You will receive 8 lessons in meditation with two weeks to pace your learning. This course includes step-by-step instruction as well as personalized guidance from instructors to help you cultivate a rewarding meditation practice.

Is this online meditation course for me?

If one of the following applies to you, you will benefit tremendously from this course:

Beginners at meditation
Those who struggle with consistency in meditation and want to develop a strong, daily meditation routine
Those who have been meditating, or teaching meditation, for several years but want to dive deeper in meditation practice or clarify understanding of meditation based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda
Those who want to begin their journey on the Path of Kriya Yoga
Those who have read Autobiography of a Yogi and feel deeply inspired to practice Yogananda’s teachings and techniques

How many participants do you have in a cohort?

We often have over a 150 students from more than 30 countries!

Can I continue to have access to the meditation course after the end date?

Once you complete the Ananda Course in Meditation, you are eligible to enroll in the Ananda Course in Meditation Review course which will give you lifetime access to all course material. Additionally, you are able to download all PDF and MP3 material.

What time of day are the meditation classes?

The online meditation classes are not at any particular time of day. One lesson is opened up each week. The content is available 24/7. Once opened, the meditation lessons will remain open for the duration of the course. Only the live events are at specific times.

When are the live events?

The once a week webinar consisting of guided meditation and inspiration, and occurs from 12 Noon to 1 PM Pacific time, on Tuesdays for one cohort or Fridays for another. We also offer 2 additional webinars: Opening Orientation Webinar on course start date and a Next Steps Webinar in the final week of the course. All live events are recorded for those unable to attend live. Many participants watch the recordings as we have students from all over the globe.

What if I can't complete the course in time?

If you have extenuating circumstances, and are unable to complete the course in the given time frame, you may request a one-time re-enrollment (within two years or course purchase) in the next session at no charge.

What is the total estimated time commitment?

The time commitment varies with each student and varies with each lesson. Each week’s lesson includes readings, videos, and quizzes. It can take 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. Assimilating the contents deeply requires revisiting them. Additionally, participating in the live webinars and forum interactions add significantly to the benefits that can be accrued from the course.

What is the meditation class cost?

This 10-week meditation class costs $129.95.

How do I access the live webinars?

We currently use Zoom for our webinars.

If you have never attended a Zoom Webinar before: Test Your Connection
You will need the latest version of Zoom on your computer in order to attend our webinars:
- Free download of the latest version of Zoom for Windows and Mac
- App to join Zoom Webinars on your iPhone or iPad
- App to join Zoom Webinars on your Android and other mobile devices
Once you have signed up for one of our webinars, simply log into the webinar event page. This is where you will find the link to the webinar along with instructions to join.
You will also be sent by e-mail a link for the webinar through the course announcement forum
Click on the link provided for the webinar shortly before scheduled starting time
Select “Open URL: Zoom Launcher” to launch Zoom
Enter your email address and name in the boxes provided
Click on “Join Webinar”

What if I am in another time zone?

Regardless of the time zone you are in, you can take any of our online courses. All material (reading, audio, and video) in our courses are open and available 24/7. You can engage in the course when ever it is convenient to your schedule or time zone.The only aspect of a course that is time specific are webinars and live broadcasts. They are recorded for those are unable to attend live. Recordings are sent to enrolled students and are also posted within the course itself.

How do I access the meditation course?

Log into Online with Ananda. Once you are logged in, you will be directed to the course overview page, which contains a list of all the courses you are enrolled in. Click the title Ananda Course in Meditation to access the course. You can also hover over your profile in the upper right corner of the screen. You will see a drop down menu that will include “My Courses.” All the courses you are enrolled in are listed there.

Do you have a refund policy?

Yes, click here.

Can I download all the course material after the course ends?

Most of the videos on our site are copyright protected and not downloadable. However, there are some exceptions. Audio and reading material are downloadable in every course.

Testimonials & Reviews

I thought of taking the Lessons in Meditation course in 2020 with a view to learning meditation as taught by Paramhansa Yogananda and our lineage of Gurus. I never knew there were 4 steps! But here I am now having completed them and receiving the gift of Kriya thanks to Gurudevas grace. Ever since the first course, the Ananda course teachers gradually help you to start expanding your consciousness and to attune it to the consciousness of the great ones. I would encourage anyone who wants to live a life of bliss, peace and of service in their own unique way as a ray of light in this world to consider walking on the Path of Kriya. Best Regards, Siddhant

I was glad of the four courses prior to Kriya initiation, I liked the need to attend the webinars and answer the quizzes, because the discipline of that helped me build a desire, and a routine, to meditate, and it also gave time for the thought-provoking teachings to sink in. Also, you learn not just from the ideas but by observing devotees who have been on this path for many years, for they are living examples of Master’s teachings. It’s nice to see familiar names of students progressing from course to course, just like you.

I was not surprised to find how much was involved in achieving Kriya initiation. Having followed a number of spiritual paths over many years, I understand that a spiritual initiation is a major undertaking and really should not be offered to those who are just looking around. We live in an age of instant gratifications and need to understand that such deeply spiritual gifts should not be cast ‘as pearls before swine’. I have been so impressed by the quality of the Ananda presenters from my very first contact and the whole organisation. I continue to say, ‘By their fruits shall ye know them’, and thank you all for your wonderful, devoted work.

Enrolling this wonderful course was one of the best decisions that I took in years! For months I was struggling with anxiety and panic attacks. Besides that also trying to develop a meditation routine. Today both situations are solved! The most important is, that little by little, meditation is growing in our family as a life style. About the teachers, I just have to say: they are the best! Sagar, Jitendra and Sambahva, made all the difference during the path. They are loving, caring, joyful and supportive. Always open to ours questions and give excellent feedbacks! I really recommend this course to those that are looking for inner peace and joy. With all gratitude I’m looking forward to take the next step with Ananda!

A great course at a great value! I have a regular meditation practice and I like to explore additional ideas and techniques to keep the practice evolving. This filled the bill perfectly for me and I’d recommend it for a beginner or the seasoned practitioner alike. There are also many tools aside from the weekly lessons which makes this a great value for the cost. If you were on the fence in making the decision to join this course, just do it, it’s worth your time!