Recorded at Ananda Village in 2002. 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. In his book he recalls his experiences growing up in India and his life in America. He … Read More
Video and Audio
The Wisdom of Swami Kriyananda
Recorded during Spiritual Renewal Week 2002 at Ananda Village 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. In his book he recalls his experiences growing up in India and his life … Read More
It’s the Experience of God That Counts (With Swami Kriyananda)
Swami Kriyananda discusses the limits of individual perception in seeing things for what they are. He shares an insightful story about the “6 Blind Boys and the Elephant” that demonstrates the limitations of individual beliefs and experiences for perceiving truth. Kriyananda talks about his early days with his guru, Paramhansa Yogananda, and the many challenges that some of the early … Read More
Does God Hide the Truth? (With Swami Kriyananda)
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. In his book he recalls his experiences growing up in India and his life in America. He writes of meeting the great spiritual … Read More
The More You Give Your Life to God, the More He Will Take Over (With Swami Kriyananda)
How do I know that I exist? Swami Kriyananda answers this and other questions in this inspirational talk. Kriyananda explains that the journey of the spiritual path is one of discovery that can return us to the fundamental knowledge of one’s existence. Kriyananda says that in this world of duality, our aspiration should be for inner calmness. Offer everything – … Read More
Spreading Yogananda’s Light through Communities
Watch Swami Kriyananda share this deep inspiration on July 31, 1999, during the 50th anniversary of Yogananda’s garden party speech where he spoke strongly about the need for spiritual communities as part of his worldwide mission. Paramhansa Yogananda strongly advocated the building of spiritual communities, an idea which he discussed often with Swami Kriyananda, who was so stirred by the … Read More
Whatever We Are Is a Result of What We Do (With Swami Kriyananda)
Swami Kriyananda speaks about the sweet devotion and grace of an Ananda member in transition during a terminal illness. In the face of death, she was attuned to Spirit and felt only the Joy & Bliss of the Divine. Kriyananda explains that we are the reflection of whatever actions and attitudes we manifest not just in this life but throughout … Read More
An Easter Message from Swami Kriyananda
In this Easter message, Swami Kriyananda shares many insights about the significance of Easter. Kriyananda says that he had happy memories of the holiday with his mother and family but it was not until he met Paramhansa Yogananda, his guru that he fully understood the role of Christ and the deeper meanings and symbols of Christianity. Kriyananda explains that the … Read More
The Advantages of Being a Vegetarian (With Swami Kriyananda)
Does it matter what diet I follow? Do I have to be a vegetarian? Swami Kriyananda responds to this inquiry in a talk about the advantages of being a vegetarian. Kriyananda goes on to explain the subtle but impactful influences that what we eat has on our consciousness. He also makes some recommendations about beneficial and preferential dietary choices. Kriyananda … Read More
“In the Spirit”
Swami Kriyananda wrote this song, “In the Spirit,” after visiting the island of Patmos, off the coast of Greece. On this island Saint John wrote the book of Revelations. This was the inspiration for this song. Many musicians attempted to play the introductory organ prelude but it wasn’t until 2003 in India a person named Dhananjaya played the introduction as … Read More
Yogananda’s Mahasamadhi
Listen to the voice of a direct disciple who was present when Paramhansa Yogananda left his body consciously after a talk at the Biltmore hotel for the Indian ambassador on March 7th 1952. Swami Kriyananda movingly shares the experience, accompanied by beautiful photos of Yogananda. ABOUT PARAMHANSA YOGANANDA Paramhansa Yogananda, born in 1893, was the first yoga master of India … Read More
Balancing Self-Effort with Receptivity to Divine Grace (With Swami Kriyananda)
Where does God’s grace end and your efforts begin? Swami Kriyananda shares some pertinent stories and answers this question, emphasizing the need for self-effort. We are essentially in partnership with God and need to have the courage, will, and energy to do our part and act accordingly. It does not serve us to criticize the work and dharma of others. … Read More
