Ask Me About Truth

In the first episode of Ask Me About Truth, Swami Kriyananda addresses what truth is, and how we can find it.

Moral value is not relative, Swami Kriyananda explains, and uses examples to illustrate why this is so: because our moral choices effect who we are and who we become. He also explores situations when moral choices may not be so straightforward. Questions include: Throughout the 20h century, truth was considered to be relative. My truth is different from your truth. … Read More

Attitudes that bring success, and how to face hard times — Swami Kriyananda shares practical tips for the material and spiritual aspects of our lives. Questions include: So much has changed in 100 years. We have electricity, we have computers, we have Internet and cell phones, so many things. And yet the world seems to be getting crazier and crazier. … Read More

Questions of whether or not we have free will and whether our lives are pre-destined have for centuries kept philosophers awake at  night. What is the truth? Swami Kriyananda shares it as it was presented by his guru, Paramhansa Yogananda. Questions include: A lot of people wonder what their purpose in life is. How does one discover his destiny? You … Read More

“Many religious traditions emphasize surrender, which seems rather passive. Is that true?” From the concept of passive vs. active surrender, the discussion ranges to willpower, free will, if we can see our own spiritual progress, and the effect that being a vegetarian has on our consciousness. What is the limit of acceptance? There must be situations where acceptance isn’t appropriate — … Read More

Swami Kriyananda wrote a book called Education for Life (available online for free and for purchase) and talks about Yogananda’s interest in education, and how the non-sectarian principles he taught have been implemented at Ananda Village. He talks about the different stages of development that children go through and offers thoughts for how to bring the best and the highest … Read More

The music we listen to affects our consciousness very directly. Music, indeed, is an expression of consciousness. Swami Kriyananda offers thoughts on the ramifications of this truth. You mentioned in a recet program the detrimental effect of rock music. Could you elaborate on that? What would be good music to listen to? What about Mozart? If you had to pick … Read More

Yantras, a type of spiritual design, could be what crop circles are — this is the thought with which Swami Kriyananda starts a fascinating discussion  of life on other planets, reincarnation, and where we go after we die. How do you think crop circles are created? That response pre-supposed life on other planets, then? (Implied) When the population on Earth … Read More

Listening to rock music is harmful because it emphasizes the ego and lowers your vibration. In order to raise it, listen to soothing music, such as Bach and Mozart. Questions include: Can you elaborate on the detrimental effect of rock music? What is good music to listen to? If you could pick a melody from your music that best expresses … Read More

Swami Kriyananda talks about reality as we perceive it, and how real it really is (and isn’t!), and about dreams. Should we look to our dreams for guidance? He also talks about the best way to pray to God, for ourselves or others, and tells us what he himself does in situations of extreme pain or personal trial. The Indian … Read More