"Awakening the Kundalini: Vegetarianism, Alcohol, Sex and More" - Swami Kriyananda

How do we awaken the power (Kundalini) that is within each of us? It is possible to awaken this power by bringing energy upward through spiritual practice to the brain. We possess a tremendous power that can be harnessed when we learn to be lions of self-control. No matter the background or religion, it is a general recommendation to avoid those things that cloud and dull the mind (lowers the energy). The entire battle of life is all in the mind. Kriyananda says that we are children of the One God and have the power to become exactly what we want to be.

These talks are based on the book: The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita Explained by Paramhansa Yogananda as remembered by his disciple, Swami Kriyananda. Rarely in a lifetime does a new spiritual classic appear that has the power to change people’s lives and transform future generations. This is such a book. The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita Explained by Paramhansa Yogananda shares the profound insights of Yogananda, author of Autobiography of a Yogi.

This revelation of India’s best-loved scripture approaches it from an entirely fresh perspective, showing its deep allegorical meaning and also its down-to-earth practicality. The themes presented are universal, including how to achieve victory in life in union with the divine; how to prepare for life’s “final exam,” death, and what happens afterward; and how to triumph overall pain and suffering.

This book is itself a triumph. Swami Kriyananda worked with Paramhansa Yogananda in 1950 while the Master completed his commentary. At that time Yogananda commissioned him to disseminate his teachings worldwide. During his lifetime, Kriyananda lectured, taught, and wrote 150 books based on Yogananda’s teachings.

The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita, Kriyananda’s was one of the crowning achievements of his highly productive life. In this, his masterpiece, he declared, “Yogananda’s insights into the Gita are the most amazing, thrilling, and helpful of any I have ever read.”

About Swami Kriyananda:

Swami Kriyananda is a direct disciple of the great Indian master, Paramhansa Yogananda. He is an internationally known author, lecturer, and composer. Widely recognized as one of the world’s foremost authorities on meditation and yoga, he has taught these principles and techniques to hundreds of thousands of students around the world.

An advocate of simple living and high thinking, his 150 books emphasize the need to live wisely by one’s own experience of life, and not by abstract theories or dogmas.

In 1968, Kriyananda founded Ananda Village in Nevada City, California, dedicated to spreading the spirit of friendship, service, and community throughout the world. Ananda is recognized as one of the most successful intentional community in the world. Today, over 1000 people reside in Ananda communities throughout the U.S. (Seattle, Palo Alto, Portland, and Sacramento) and in Assisi, Italy and Delhi, India. The European retreat and community located in Assisi, Italy, also serves Ananda meditation groups in Europe, Croatia, and Russia.

Both the Nevada City and Assisi communities have world-renowned guest retreat facilities where thousands of visitors annually visit for renewal or instruction in many aspects of meditation, yoga, and the spiritual life.

Swami Kriyananda’s books and music have sold over 3 million copies worldwide and been translated into 24 languages. He is the author of more than 150 books on a variety of topics including leadership, education, creativity, and moral values. His best-selling titles include Awaken to Superconsciousness; Meditation for Starters; The Art of Supportive Leadership; The Path – One Man’s Quest on the Only Path There Is; Money Magnetism; The Essence of Self-Realization; Affirmations for Self-Healing; Education for Life; and his best-selling Secrets gift books.

“J. Donald Walters (Swami Kriyananda) is the kindest man I’ve ever met. Walters is a born, great teacher. His books are gentle masterpieces.” —Louise Hay, best selling author of You Can Heal Your Life

“J. Donald Walters has been one of the most important Western exponents of yoga in the past 30 years.”
—Dr. David Frawley, renowned authority on yoga and author of Ayurveda and the Mind and Gods, Sages, and Kings.

“J. Donald Walters is wise teacher whose words convey love and compassion. Read and listen, and allow your life to change.”
—Larry Dossey, best selling author of Healing Words