Watch this inspiring Sunday Service talk by Nayaswami Devi recorded at Ananda Village on June 11th 2023. How do devotees rise? Nayaswami Devi says: "We rise by seeming paradoxes": Will and effort beside surrender, incremental growth and deep life-changing flashes of inspiration, active service next to contemplation. Nayaswami Devi explains how these paradoxes are united in love and gives encouragement and inspiration to all those committed to following the spiritual path.The reading for this week from Swami Kriyananda's book "Rays of the One Light" is"How Devotees Rise" Truth is one and eternal. Realize oneness with it in your deathless Self, within. The following commentary is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda.Last week we asked the question, Why do devotees fall? and we considered the downfall of Judas in this context. Jesus, in answer to Judas’s criticism for allowing Mary to rub his feet with spikenard, a very costly ointment, said, “The poor always ye have with you: but me ye have not always.” Jesus is saying here that there is one supreme “injustice” that needs eradication: poverty, yes, but not of a material kind: poverty in a spiritual sense.Divine blessings are not common in this world. They are extraordinary. When they come, we should give them priority above every other consideration. Never allow a moment of inner joy, for instance, to be set aside for lesser “duties.” Divine attunement is our highest priority.As Lahiri Mahasaya, the guru of Yogananda’s guru, said, “To listen to the heart’s inner sound (AUM, which issues from the very center of our being) is man’s highest duty.” Mary was not, at that moment, communing with the Master inwardly. She was serving him outwardly – but in a spirit very different from the restless fussing for which Jesus had reprimanded her sister, Martha. Those who see a radical difference between the paths of action and meditation should understand this distinction. To serve in the right spirit is necessary, for only thereby can we overcome our karmic tendencies toward restless activity. The important thing is that that spirit be always inwardly focused: that in everything we do we act in loving service to the Lord.Therefore the Bhagavad Gita says in the third Chapter: The state of freedom from action [that is, of eternal rest in the Spirit] cannot be achieved without action. No one, by mere renunciation and outward non-involvement, can attain perfection. Whenever the spirit of God descends upon you, however, remember the words of Jesus, “Me ye have not always with you.”Thus, through holy Scripture, God has spoken to mankind.

Watch this inspiring Sunday Service talk by Nayaswami Devi recorded at Ananda Village on June 11th 2023. How do devotees rise? Nayaswami Devi says: "We rise by seeming paradoxes": Will and effort beside surrender, incremental growth and deep life-changing flashes of inspiration, active service next to contemplation. Nayaswami Devi explains how these paradoxes are united in love and gives encouragement and inspiration to all those committed to following the spiritual path. The reading for this week from Swami Kriyananda's book "Rays of the One Light" is "How Devotees Rise" Truth is one and eternal. Realize oneness with it in your deathless Self, within. The following commentary is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda. Last week we asked the question, Why do devotees fall? and we considered the downfall of Judas in this context. Jesus, in answer to Judas’s criticism for allowing Mary to rub his feet with spikenard, a very costly ointment, said, “The poor always ye have with you: but me ye have not always.” Jesus is saying here that there is one supreme “injustice” that needs eradication: poverty, yes, but not of a material kind: poverty in a spiritual sense. Divine blessings are not common in this world. They are extraordinary. When they come, we should give them priority above every other consideration. Never allow a moment of inner joy, for instance, to be set aside for lesser “duties.” Divine attunement is our highest priority. As Lahiri Mahasaya, the guru of Yogananda’s guru, said, “To listen to the heart’s inner sound (AUM, which issues from the very center of our being) is man’s highest duty.” Mary was not, at that moment, communing with the Master inwardly. She was serving him outwardly – but in a spirit very different from the restless fussing for which Jesus had reprimanded her sister, Martha. Those who see a radical difference between the paths of action and meditation should understand this distinction. To serve in the right spirit is necessary, for only thereby can we overcome our karmic tendencies toward restless activity. The important thing is that that spirit be always inwardly focused: that in everything we do we act in loving service to the Lord. Therefore the Bhagavad Gita says in the third Chapter: The state of freedom from action [that is, of eternal rest in the Spirit] cannot be achieved without action. No one, by mere renunciation and outward non-involvement, can attain perfection. Whenever the spirit of God descends upon you, however, remember the words of Jesus, “Me ye have not always with you.” Thus, through holy Scripture, God has spoken to mankind.

Encouragement for Your Spiritual Journey

Watch this inspiring Sunday Service talk by Nayaswami Jyotish recorded at Ananda Village on May 21st 2023.How do we worship properly in spirit and in truth? First, we silence the mind sufficiently through meditation so that we are able to do it. But what does it mean to worship in spirit, to worship in truth? Nayaswami Jyotish explains the meaning and the practice.The reading for this week from Swami Kriyananda's book "Rays of the One Light" is"The Best Way to Worship".Truth is one and eternal. Realize oneness with it in your deathless Self, within. The following commentary is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda.In Chapter 4 of the Gospel of St. John, the woman of Samaria asks Jesus, Where is the best place to worship? This question might be expanded to include: What is the best church? What is the best religion? Is it important to go on pilgrimage to holy shrines? What is the best ritual? What is the best mantra or prayer? Jesus cut across all such questioning with his reply:The hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him.God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. It was not that outer considerations of place, church, ritual, etc., are irrelevant. Each person should find those practices and observances which are compatible with his own nature – one might say, with his own vibrations. Not everyone’s natural path is the same. God sent different religions into the world to satisfy different human needs. The overarching concern, however, considering that the goal is to find God, is to include in one’s worship daily, inner communion with the Lord.God is Silence: He must be sought, therefore, in inner silence. God is Absolute Love: He must be sought, therefore, in the silence of love. God is Spirit, and thus immaterial: He must be sought, above all, in the expanding peace of deep meditation. Thus, the Bhagavad Gita states in the sixth Chapter: Sequestered should he sit, Steadfastly meditating, solitary, His thoughts controlled, his passions laid away, From every craving for possession freed. Wherever you are, whatever your outward beliefs and observances, seek God in the silence of your own soul.Thus, through holy Scripture, God has spoken to mankind.

Watch this inspiring Sunday Service talk by Nayaswami Jyotish recorded at Ananda Village on May 21st 2023. How do we worship properly in spirit and in truth? First, we silence the mind sufficiently through meditation so that we are able to do it. But what does it mean to worship in spirit, to worship in truth? Nayaswami Jyotish explains the meaning and the practice. The reading for this week from Swami Kriyananda's book "Rays of the One Light" is "The Best Way to Worship". Truth is one and eternal. Realize oneness with it in your deathless Self, within. The following commentary is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda. In Chapter 4 of the Gospel of St. John, the woman of Samaria asks Jesus, Where is the best place to worship? This question might be expanded to include: What is the best church? What is the best religion? Is it important to go on pilgrimage to holy shrines? What is the best ritual? What is the best mantra or prayer? Jesus cut across all such questioning with his reply: The hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. It was not that outer considerations of place, church, ritual, etc., are irrelevant. Each person should find those practices and observances which are compatible with his own nature – one might say, with his own vibrations. Not everyone’s natural path is the same. God sent different religions into the world to satisfy different human needs. The overarching concern, however, considering that the goal is to find God, is to include in one’s worship daily, inner communion with the Lord. God is Silence: He must be sought, therefore, in inner silence. God is Absolute Love: He must be sought, therefore, in the silence of love. God is Spirit, and thus immaterial: He must be sought, above all, in the expanding peace of deep meditation. Thus, the Bhagavad Gita states in the sixth Chapter: Sequestered should he sit, Steadfastly meditating, solitary, His thoughts controlled, his passions laid away, From every craving for possession freed. Wherever you are, whatever your outward beliefs and observances, seek God in the silence of your own soul. Thus, through holy Scripture, God has spoken to mankind.

Is Inner Communion the Best Way to Worship?

Discover the transformative power of Kriya Yoga with "Kriya Yoga: Spiritual Awakening for the New Age". This instructive and inspiring book provides a comprehensive guide to the practice of Kriya Yoga and its profound spiritual benefits.Whether you're an aspiring devotee or an experienced Kriya Yogi, this book offers valuable insights and practical tips to help you navigate the path to Self-realization. Through real-life stories from longtime Kriyabans, you'll learn about the attitudes and practices that can either help or hinder your progress on the spiritual path. As Yogananda often said, the purpose of Kriya Yoga is not to dogmatize with a new theology, but to teach people how to commune with God directly. With this book as your guide, you'll discover the pitfalls to look out for along the way and learn how to reach ultimate success on your journey to Self-realization.Watch the inspiring book launch with Nayaswami Devarshi and embark on a journey of self-discovery through the powerful practice of Kriya Yoga! Recorded with Nayaswami Jyotish and Nayaswami Devi (spiritual directors of Ananda) at the Temple of Light at Ananda Village on May 20th 2023.

Discover the transformative power of Kriya Yoga with "Kriya Yoga: Spiritual Awakening for the New Age". This instructive and inspiring book provides a comprehensive guide to the practice of Kriya Yoga and its profound spiritual benefits. Whether you're an aspiring devotee or an experienced Kriya Yogi, this book offers valuable insights and practical tips to help you navigate the path to Self-realization. Through real-life stories from longtime Kriyabans, you'll learn about the attitudes and practices that can either help or hinder your progress on the spiritual path. As Yogananda often said, the purpose of Kriya Yoga is not to dogmatize with a new theology, but to teach people how to commune with God directly. With this book as your guide, you'll discover the pitfalls to look out for along the way and learn how to reach ultimate success on your journey to Self-realization. Watch the inspiring book launch with Nayaswami Devarshi and embark on a journey of self-discovery through the powerful practice of Kriya Yoga! Recorded with Nayaswami Jyotish and Nayaswami Devi (spiritual directors of Ananda) at the Temple of Light at Ananda Village on May 20th 2023.

Kriya Yoga: Spiritual Awakening for the New Age (Book Launch)

Watch this beautiful program honoring Swami Kriyananda with Nayaswami Jyotish, Nayaswami Devi and Nayaswami Dhyana speaking from Ananda Village as well as Tyagi Arudra, Tyagi Narayani, Nayaswami Kirtani and Nayaswami Anand speaking from Ananda Assisi. Recorded April 22 2023 to honor the tenth anniversary of his moksha.ABOUT SWAMI KRIYANANDAIn 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 master Babaji, and how Babaji reintroduced the life changing meditation technique of Kriya Yoga. He tells of his life with his guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri, of his guru Lahiri Mahasaya, and his meeting with Anandamayi Ma. Yogananda moved to America and developed the energization exercises and taught the meditation techniques of Hatha Yoga and especially Kriya Yoga.At Yogananda’s request, Swami Kriyananda devoted his life to lecturing and writing, helping others to experience the living presence of God within. He taught on four continents in seven languages over the course of 65 years. His talks, his music, and his many books have touched the lives of millions. An advocate of simple living and high thinking, his more than 150 books emphasize the need to live wisely by one’s own experience of life, and not by abstract theories or dogmas. A composer since 1964, Walters has written over 400 musical works. His music is inspiring, soothing, and uplifting.#kriyananda #yogananda #anandaFind out more at https://www.swamikriyananda.org/Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nayaswamikriyananda Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/kriyananda

Watch this beautiful program honoring Swami Kriyananda with Nayaswami Jyotish, Nayaswami Devi and Nayaswami Dhyana speaking from Ananda Village as well as Tyagi Arudra, Tyagi Narayani, Nayaswami Kirtani and Nayaswami Anand speaking from Ananda Assisi. Recorded April 22 2023 to honor the tenth anniversary of his moksha. 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 master Babaji, and how Babaji reintroduced the life changing meditation technique of Kriya Yoga. He tells of his life with his guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri, of his guru Lahiri Mahasaya, and his meeting with Anandamayi Ma. Yogananda moved to America and developed the energization exercises and taught the meditation techniques of Hatha Yoga and especially Kriya Yoga. At Yogananda’s request, Swami Kriyananda devoted his life to lecturing and writing, helping others to experience the living presence of God within. He taught on four continents in seven languages over the course of 65 years. His talks, his music, and his many books have touched the lives of millions. An advocate of simple living and high thinking, his more than 150 books emphasize the need to live wisely by one’s own experience of life, and not by abstract theories or dogmas. A composer since 1964, Walters has written over 400 musical works. His music is inspiring, soothing, and uplifting. #kriyananda #yogananda #ananda Find out more at <a href="https://www.swamikriyananda.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.swamikriyananda.org/</a> Like on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/nayaswamikriyananda" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/nayaswamikriyananda</a> Follow on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/kriyananda" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/kriyananda</a>

Honoring Swami Kriyananda - A Beautiful Program from Ananda Village and Ananda Assisi

With Nayaswami Jyotish and Nayaswami Devi and a beautiful musical program entitled The Divine Romance, recorded at Ananda Village April 21 2023.ABOUT SWAMI KRIYANANDAIn 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 master Babaji, and how Babaji reintroduced the life changing meditation technique of Kriya Yoga. He tells of his life with his guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri, of his guru Lahiri Mahasaya, and his meeting with Anandamayi Ma. Yogananda moved to America and developed the energization exercises and taught the meditation techniques of Hatha Yoga and especially Kriya Yoga.At Yogananda’s request, Swami Kriyananda devoted his life to lecturing and writing, helping others to experience the living presence of God within. He taught on four continents in seven languages over the course of 65 years. His talks, his music, and his many books have touched the lives of millions. An advocate of simple living and high thinking, his more than 150 books emphasize the need to live wisely by one’s own experience of life, and not by abstract theories or dogmas. A composer since 1964, Walters has written over 400 musical works. His music is inspiring, soothing, and uplifting.#kriyananda #yogananda #anandaFind out more at https://www.swamikriyananda.org/ Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nayaswamikriyananda Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/kriyananda

With Nayaswami Jyotish and Nayaswami Devi and a beautiful musical program entitled The Divine Romance, recorded at Ananda Village April 21 2023. 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 master Babaji, and how Babaji reintroduced the life changing meditation technique of Kriya Yoga. He tells of his life with his guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri, of his guru Lahiri Mahasaya, and his meeting with Anandamayi Ma. Yogananda moved to America and developed the energization exercises and taught the meditation techniques of Hatha Yoga and especially Kriya Yoga. At Yogananda’s request, Swami Kriyananda devoted his life to lecturing and writing, helping others to experience the living presence of God within. He taught on four continents in seven languages over the course of 65 years. His talks, his music, and his many books have touched the lives of millions. An advocate of simple living and high thinking, his more than 150 books emphasize the need to live wisely by one’s own experience of life, and not by abstract theories or dogmas. A composer since 1964, Walters has written over 400 musical works. His music is inspiring, soothing, and uplifting. #kriyananda #yogananda #ananda Find out more at <a href="https://www.swamikriyananda.org/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.swamikriyananda.org/</a> Like on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/nayaswamikriyananda" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/nayaswamikriyananda</a> Follow on Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/kriyananda" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/kriyananda</a>

The Divine Romance - Swami Kriyananda's 10 Year Moksha Anniversary Commemoration at Ananda Village

Watch this inspiring Sunday Service talk by Nayaswami Devi recorded at Ananda Village on Easter Sunday April 9th 2023.Why are those that bring the most light and integrity often persecuted? Why does God allow us to suffer? Nayaswami Devi beautifully explains the ways of God in this Easter message and invites us to look beyond His dream and see: God is the only reality.The reading for this week from Swami Kriyananda's book "Rays of the One Light" is "Resurrection for Every Soul".Truth is one and eternal. Realize oneness with it in your deathless Self, within. The following commentary is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda.In the Gospel of St. John, Chapter 20, we read the inspiring account of Jesus’ resurrection: The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord! . . . Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in their midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.The resurrection of Jesus, doubted by many but affirmed by those who were close to him, was a miraculous event, though one not unique in history. For many great saints of other religions have appeared to their disciples after death. Sometimes their appearances have been, as that of Jesus was, in flesh-and-blood form, and not only in vision. Paramhansa Yogananda relates in Autobiography of a Yogi the account of his guru Sri Yukteswar’s resurrection after his earthly passing. Miracles of this type are revealed only rarely to the masses, but accounts of them, related by men and women of reputed truthfulness, have inspired many devotees with faith in the reality of subtler-than-material states of existence.Resurrection, Yogananda explained, means transformation, ultimately, from any lower state of being to a higher one. Worldly consciousness cannot imagine such transformation except in terms of, perhaps, an improvement of the present mess of potage with the addition of a new flavoring. Divine consciousness, however, is capable of taking the base metal of worldliness and transforming it into the spiritual gold of divine wisdom and love.In keeping with this truth, the Bhagavad Gita, in the ninth Chapter, tells us:Ah! ye who into this ill world are come – fleeting and false – set your faith fast on Me!Fix heart and thought on Me! Adore Me! Bring Offerings to Me!Make Me prostrations! Make Me your supremest joy! and, undivided, unto My rest your spirits shall be guided.Thus, through holy Scripture, God has spoken to mankind.

Watch this inspiring Sunday Service talk by Nayaswami Devi recorded at Ananda Village on Easter Sunday April 9th 2023. Why are those that bring the most light and integrity often persecuted? Why does God allow us to suffer? Nayaswami Devi beautifully explains the ways of God in this Easter message and invites us to look beyond His dream and see: God is the only reality. The reading for this week from Swami Kriyananda's book "Rays of the One Light" is "Resurrection for Every Soul". Truth is one and eternal. Realize oneness with it in your deathless Self, within. The following commentary is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda. In the Gospel of St. John, Chapter 20, we read the inspiring account of Jesus’ resurrection: The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early, when it was yet dark, unto the sepulchre, and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre. Then she runneth, and cometh to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and saith unto them, They have taken away the Lord! . . . Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in their midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. The resurrection of Jesus, doubted by many but affirmed by those who were close to him, was a miraculous event, though one not unique in history. For many great saints of other religions have appeared to their disciples after death. Sometimes their appearances have been, as that of Jesus was, in flesh-and-blood form, and not only in vision. Paramhansa Yogananda relates in Autobiography of a Yogi the account of his guru Sri Yukteswar’s resurrection after his earthly passing. Miracles of this type are revealed only rarely to the masses, but accounts of them, related by men and women of reputed truthfulness, have inspired many devotees with faith in the reality of subtler-than-material states of existence. Resurrection, Yogananda explained, means transformation, ultimately, from any lower state of being to a higher one. Worldly consciousness cannot imagine such transformation except in terms of, perhaps, an improvement of the present mess of potage with the addition of a new flavoring. Divine consciousness, however, is capable of taking the base metal of worldliness and transforming it into the spiritual gold of divine wisdom and love. In keeping with this truth, the Bhagavad Gita, in the ninth Chapter, tells us: Ah! ye who into this ill world are come – fleeting and false – set your faith fast on Me! Fix heart and thought on Me! Adore Me! Bring Offerings to Me! Make Me prostrations! Make Me your supremest joy! and, undivided, unto My rest your spirits shall be guided. Thus, through holy Scripture, God has spoken to mankind.

The Message of Easter: God Is the Only Reality

Beautiful and uplifting program at Ananda Village recorded on March 7th 2023, the anniversary of Paramhansa Yogananda's Mahasamadhi. With Nayaswami Jyotish and Nayaswami Devi.ABOUT PARAMHANSA YOGANANDAParamhansa Yogananda, born in 1893, was the first yoga master of India to take up permanent residence in the West. Yogananda arrived in America in 1920, and proceeded to travel throughout the United States on what he called his “spiritual campaigns.” Hundreds of thousands filled the largest halls in major American cities to see the yoga master from India. Yogananda continued to lecture and write up to his passing in 1952. Paramhansa Yogananda’s initial impact on the western culture was truly impressive. But his lasting spiritual legacy has been even greater. His Autobiography of a Yogi, first published in 1946, helped launch a spiritual revolution in the West. Translated into more than a dozen languages, it remains a best-selling spiritual classic to this day. [Read free at https://www.ananda.org/autobiography.]Yogananda brought the path of Self-realization and universal spirituality for daily life. “Self-realization is the knowing in all parts of body, mind, and soul that you are now in possession of the kingdom of God; that you do not have to pray that it come to you; that God’s omnipresence is your omnipresence; and that all that you need to do is improve your knowing. As the means of attaining this exalted spiritual state Yogananda initiated his followers into the ancient technique of Kriya Yoga, which he called the “jet-airplane route to God.” The path of Kriya Yoga, which combines the practice of advanced yogic techniques with spirituality in daily life, can be learned at https://www.ananda.org/kriya-yoga.

Beautiful and uplifting program at Ananda Village recorded on March 7th 2023, the anniversary of Paramhansa Yogananda's Mahasamadhi. With Nayaswami Jyotish and Nayaswami Devi. ABOUT PARAMHANSA YOGANANDA Paramhansa Yogananda, born in 1893, was the first yoga master of India to take up permanent residence in the West. Yogananda arrived in America in 1920, and proceeded to travel throughout the United States on what he called his “spiritual campaigns.” Hundreds of thousands filled the largest halls in major American cities to see the yoga master from India. Yogananda continued to lecture and write up to his passing in 1952. Paramhansa Yogananda’s initial impact on the western culture was truly impressive. But his lasting spiritual legacy has been even greater. His Autobiography of a Yogi, first published in 1946, helped launch a spiritual revolution in the West. Translated into more than a dozen languages, it remains a best-selling spiritual classic to this day. [Read free at <a href="https://www.ananda.org/autobiography" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.ananda.org/autobiography</a>.] Yogananda brought the path of Self-realization and universal spirituality for daily life. “Self-realization is the knowing in all parts of body, mind, and soul that you are now in possession of the kingdom of God; that you do not have to pray that it come to you; that God’s omnipresence is your omnipresence; and that all that you need to do is improve your knowing. As the means of attaining this exalted spiritual state Yogananda initiated his followers into the ancient technique of Kriya Yoga, which he called the “jet-airplane route to God.” The path of Kriya Yoga, which combines the practice of advanced yogic techniques with spirituality in daily life, can be learned at <a href="https://www.ananda.org/kriya-yoga" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.ananda.org/kriya-yoga</a>.

Yogananda's Mahasamadhi Commemoration 2023

Nayaswami Devi shares a beautiful and meaningful message on the anniversary of Paramhansa Yogananda's Mahasamadhi. Recorded March 7th 2023 at Ananda Village.

Yogananda Is with Us Now

Nayaswami Jyotish shares about the disciples role and what it means for us on the anniversary of Paramhansa Yogananda's Mahasamadhi. Recorded March 7th 2023 at Ananda Village.

Paramhansa Yogananda and Swami Kriyananda: The Role of the Disciple

Sunday Service with Nayaswami Devi at Ananda Village, recorded February 19th 2023.The reading for this week from Swami Kriyananda's book Rays of the One Light is"Can Man See God?" Truth is one and eternal. Realize oneness with it in your deathless Self, within. The following commentary is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda.There is a saying in Chapter 1 of the Gospel of St. John that would seem to respond with a definite No to the question, Can man see God? The saying is: No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. Many great saints, however, claim to have seen God. If we ask, then, “Can God be seen?” rather than, “Can man see God?” the answer is, “Yes! Else those saints lied; and, else, the Scriptures themselves lie.” The point is, it is not man – this human body, these human eyes – that sees God. God can be seen only with spiritual vision – with the eye of the soul. As the Bhagavad Gita puts it in the eleventh Chapter: “Thou canst not see Me with mortal eyes. Therefore I now give thee sight divine. Behold My supreme power of Yoga!” With these words Hari, the exalted Lord of Yoga, revealed himself to Arjuna in His infinite form.Paramhansa Yogananda, in Autobiography of a Yogi, describes the supernal experience in words more readily comprehensible to modern minds than the poetic phraseology of the Bhagavad Gita. The chapter “An Experience in Cosmic Consciousness” is one of the most inspiringly beautiful in all mystical literature. Here is a brief excerpt:An oceanic joy broke upon calm endless shores of my soul. The Spirit of God, I realized, is exhaustless Bliss; His body is countless tissues of light. [I saw] the divine dispersion of rays pour from an Eternal Source, blazing into galaxies, transfigured with ineffable auras. Again and again I saw the creative beams condense into constellations, then resolve into sheets of transparent flame. By rhythmic reversion, sextillion worlds passed into diaphanous luster; fire became firmament. I cognized the center of the empyrean as a point of intuitive perception in my heart. Irradiating splendor issued from my nucleus to every part of the universal structure.…The creative voice of God I heard resounding as Aum, the vibration of the Cosmic Motor.”This, so the great masters aver, is what God is. And this also, they insist, is what we are in our deepest reality.

Sunday Service with Nayaswami Devi at Ananda Village, recorded February 19th 2023. The reading for this week from Swami Kriyananda's book Rays of the One Light is "Can Man See God?" Truth is one and eternal. Realize oneness with it in your deathless Self, within. The following commentary is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda. There is a saying in Chapter 1 of the Gospel of St. John that would seem to respond with a definite No to the question, Can man see God? The saying is: No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him. Many great saints, however, claim to have seen God. If we ask, then, “Can God be seen?” rather than, “Can man see God?” the answer is, “Yes! Else those saints lied; and, else, the Scriptures themselves lie.” The point is, it is not man – this human body, these human eyes – that sees God. God can be seen only with spiritual vision – with the eye of the soul. As the Bhagavad Gita puts it in the eleventh Chapter: “Thou canst not see Me with mortal eyes. Therefore I now give thee sight divine. Behold My supreme power of Yoga!” With these words Hari, the exalted Lord of Yoga, revealed himself to Arjuna in His infinite form. Paramhansa Yogananda, in Autobiography of a Yogi, describes the supernal experience in words more readily comprehensible to modern minds than the poetic phraseology of the Bhagavad Gita. The chapter “An Experience in Cosmic Consciousness” is one of the most inspiringly beautiful in all mystical literature. Here is a brief excerpt: An oceanic joy broke upon calm endless shores of my soul. The Spirit of God, I realized, is exhaustless Bliss; His body is countless tissues of light. [I saw] the divine dispersion of rays pour from an Eternal Source, blazing into galaxies, transfigured with ineffable auras. Again and again I saw the creative beams condense into constellations, then resolve into sheets of transparent flame. By rhythmic reversion, sextillion worlds passed into diaphanous luster; fire became firmament. I cognized the center of the empyrean as a point of intuitive perception in my heart. Irradiating splendor issued from my nucleus to every part of the universal structure.…The creative voice of God I heard resounding as Aum, the vibration of the Cosmic Motor.” This, so the great masters aver, is what God is. And this also, they insist, is what we are in our deepest reality.

The Promise of the Guru

Each year Nayaswami Jyotish and Nayaswami Devi travel throughout the world and give programs on various spiritual topics. Here are some of their best talks.

Sunday Service with Nayaswami Jyotish and Nayswami Devi at Ananda Village, recorded January 22 2023. The reading for this week from Swami Kriyananda's book Rays of the One Light is"The Infinite Christ".Truth is one and eternal. Realize oneness with it in your deathless Self, within. The following commentary is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda.The Gospel of St. John contains some of the most profound spiritual teachings in the Bible. In the first Chapter many subtle truths are suggested concerning higher stages of Self-realization. Here, John the Baptist is described as one reaching up toward that high state. “He was not that light,” the Gospel tells us, “but was sent to bear witness of that light.” Jesus Christ, by contrast, is described as the light itself. “That was the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.”One essential truth stands out in this teaching: that Jesus came not to dogmatize people with a new teaching, but to bring them timeless, universal truths. Disciples saw the master clothed in human form, and therefore judged him in terms of his greatness relative to the greatness of other teachers. Wisdom, however, sees the master’s very greatness in terms of a cosmic unity. There is a passage in The Path, by Swami Kriyananda, in which this point is emphasized. The Master, Paramhansa Yogananda, explained, “The saint who attains that exalted consciousness never says, ‘I am God,’ for he sees it was the vast Ocean that became his little wave of ego. The wave, in other words, would not claim, when referring to the little self, to be the Ocean.” At this juncture Debi, who was present, cried excitedly, “But Sir, if you are one with that Ocean, that means you are God!” “Why I?” Master asked. “Say ‘He.’ He is God.” “But still, Sir, you are one with Him, and He is the only reality. That means you, too, are God.” “But this body isn’t God!” “You aren’t identified with your body, Sir, so one may still say that you are God.” “Well, in that case why do you say, ‘You’? You, too, are that! In a discussion of this sort, it is less confusing if we say, ‘He.’” “But what’s the difference?” “The Scriptures say . . .” Master began. “It’s only your humility, Sir,” Debi broke in, “that makes you distinguish between yourself and Him.” “How can there be humility, when there is no consciousness of ego?” Triumphantly Debi cried, “But if you have no ego left, that means you are God!” Master laughingly continued the earlier statement, which Debi had interrupted: “The Scriptures say, ‘He who knows Brahma becomes Brahma.’” “There!” cried Debi. “You said it yourself!” Master rejoined, still laughingly, “I didn’t say it. It’s the Scriptures that say so.”Master, in other words, would not identify those words with the human body speaking them. It was in his overarching spirit that he saw himself one with the Infinite. But Debi was unable to make this mental leap from a pure expression of Infinity to Infinity Itself. “You quoted those Scriptures, Sir,” he reminded Master relentlessly. “That means you agree with them!” Recognizing that the distinction was, perhaps, too subtle for many to grasp, Master concluded, “Well, he who says he is God, isn’t God. And,” he added with a smile, “he who says he isn’t, isn’t!” And there the subject rested, amid general laughter. The greater a spiritual teaching, the more greatly we betray it by particularizing it with dogmas. Truth itself, not the Christian truth or the Hindu truth, incarnates on earth with the birth of a fully liberated master.As the Bhagavad Gita teaches in the fourth Chapter:"Unborn, changeless, Lord of Creation and controller of My cosmic nature though I am, yet entering Nature I am dressed in the cosmic garment of My own maya (delusion). O Bharata, whenever virtue declines and vice predominates, I incarnate on earth. Taking visible form, I come to destroy evil and re-establish virtue."Thus, through holy Scripture, God has spoken to mankind.

Sunday Service with Nayaswami Jyotish and Nayswami Devi at Ananda Village, recorded January 22 2023. The reading for this week from Swami Kriyananda's book Rays of the One Light is "The Infinite Christ". Truth is one and eternal. Realize oneness with it in your deathless Self, within. The following commentary is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda. The Gospel of St. John contains some of the most profound spiritual teachings in the Bible. In the first Chapter many subtle truths are suggested concerning higher stages of Self-realization. Here, John the Baptist is described as one reaching up toward that high state. “He was not that light,” the Gospel tells us, “but was sent to bear witness of that light.” Jesus Christ, by contrast, is described as the light itself. “That was the true light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.” One essential truth stands out in this teaching: that Jesus came not to dogmatize people with a new teaching, but to bring them timeless, universal truths. Disciples saw the master clothed in human form, and therefore judged him in terms of his greatness relative to the greatness of other teachers. Wisdom, however, sees the master’s very greatness in terms of a cosmic unity. There is a passage in The Path, by Swami Kriyananda, in which this point is emphasized. The Master, Paramhansa Yogananda, explained, “The saint who attains that exalted consciousness never says, ‘I am God,’ for he sees it was the vast Ocean that became his little wave of ego. The wave, in other words, would not claim, when referring to the little self, to be the Ocean.” At this juncture Debi, who was present, cried excitedly, “But Sir, if you are one with that Ocean, that means you are God!” “Why I?” Master asked. “Say ‘He.’ He is God.” “But still, Sir, you are one with Him, and He is the only reality. That means you, too, are God.” “But this body isn’t God!” “You aren’t identified with your body, Sir, so one may still say that you are God.” “Well, in that case why do you say, ‘You’? You, too, are that! In a discussion of this sort, it is less confusing if we say, ‘He.’” “But what’s the difference?” “The Scriptures say . . .” Master began. “It’s only your humility, Sir,” Debi broke in, “that makes you distinguish between yourself and Him.” “How can there be humility, when there is no consciousness of ego?” Triumphantly Debi cried, “But if you have no ego left, that means you are God!” Master laughingly continued the earlier statement, which Debi had interrupted: “The Scriptures say, ‘He who knows Brahma becomes Brahma.’” “There!” cried Debi. “You said it yourself!” Master rejoined, still laughingly, “I didn’t say it. It’s the Scriptures that say so.” Master, in other words, would not identify those words with the human body speaking them. It was in his overarching spirit that he saw himself one with the Infinite. But Debi was unable to make this mental leap from a pure expression of Infinity to Infinity Itself. “You quoted those Scriptures, Sir,” he reminded Master relentlessly. “That means you agree with them!” Recognizing that the distinction was, perhaps, too subtle for many to grasp, Master concluded, “Well, he who says he is God, isn’t God. And,” he added with a smile, “he who says he isn’t, isn’t!” And there the subject rested, amid general laughter. The greater a spiritual teaching, the more greatly we betray it by particularizing it with dogmas. Truth itself, not the Christian truth or the Hindu truth, incarnates on earth with the birth of a fully liberated master. As the Bhagavad Gita teaches in the fourth Chapter: "Unborn, changeless, Lord of Creation and controller of My cosmic nature though I am, yet entering Nature I am dressed in the cosmic garment of My own maya (delusion). O Bharata, whenever virtue declines and vice predominates, I incarnate on earth. Taking visible form, I come to destroy evil and re-establish virtue." Thus, through holy Scripture, God has spoken to mankind.

Live In Your Highest Reality: Divine Light

Nayaswami Devi

Christmas Sunday Service with Nayaswami Devi and Nayaswami Jyotish at Ananda Village, recorded December 25th 2022. Badi Matlock shares the Christmas Story in the beginning.The reading for this week from Swami Kriyananda's book "Rays of the One Light" isThe Divine AscensionTruth is one and eternal. Realize oneness with it in your deathless Self, within.The following commentary is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda.In the Gospel of St. John, Chapter 14, we read:I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.What is this “I,” when spoken by a master who has conquered every vestige of ego-consciousness? Therein lies the mystery of true Scriptural teaching. That “I” that is no “I”: Does it even exist? In what way is it different from the consciousness that animates other human beings?Jesus was not saying, “Look at me. Don’t look at other masters.” He was saying, rather, “Look at the divine Self that is the essence of who you are, your very Self. You are that ‘I.’ No man cometh unto the divine consciousness except by first recognizing his own intrinsic divinity, hidden behind his delusive ego.”The Bhagavad Gita, in the fourth Chapter, states:O Son of Pritha [Arjuna], in whatever way people accept Me, in that same way do I appear to them. For all men, in some way, pursue The Path to Me.Meditate on the divine incarnations. Their lives, and the consciousness animating them, will be your stairway to the Infinite.Thus, through Holy Scripture, God has spoken to mankind.

Christmas Sunday Service with Nayaswami Devi and Nayaswami Jyotish at Ananda Village, recorded December 25th 2022. Badi Matlock shares the Christmas Story in the beginning. The reading for this week from Swami Kriyananda's book "Rays of the One Light" is The Divine Ascension Truth is one and eternal. Realize oneness with it in your deathless Self, within. The following commentary is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda. In the Gospel of St. John, Chapter 14, we read: I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. What is this “I,” when spoken by a master who has conquered every vestige of ego-consciousness? Therein lies the mystery of true Scriptural teaching. That “I” that is no “I”: Does it even exist? In what way is it different from the consciousness that animates other human beings? Jesus was not saying, “Look at me. Don’t look at other masters.” He was saying, rather, “Look at the divine Self that is the essence of who you are, your very Self. You are that ‘I.’ No man cometh unto the divine consciousness except by first recognizing his own intrinsic divinity, hidden behind his delusive ego.” The Bhagavad Gita, in the fourth Chapter, states: O Son of Pritha [Arjuna], in whatever way people accept Me, in that same way do I appear to them. For all men, in some way, pursue The Path to Me. Meditate on the divine incarnations. Their lives, and the consciousness animating them, will be your stairway to the Infinite. Thus, through Holy Scripture, God has spoken to mankind.

The Divine Ascension (with Nayaswami Devi)

Nayaswami Jyotish gives a clear and profound class about the law of karma and inspiring tips to overcome one's own karma during his Sunday Service at Ananda Village, November 27th 2022. You can find the complete talk here.

Karma as the Cosmic Teacher

Nayaswami Jyotish

Sunday Service with Nayaswami Jyotish and Nayaswami Devi at Ananda Village, recorded November 27th 2022.When "bad" things keep happening to us, it may feel like life is unfair. In this Sunday Service Nayaswami Jyotish explains the law of karma and describes it as an individualized lesson plan. He shares how we can best learn the lessons from our lesson plan through: 	Affirmations 	Attitudes 	Success thoughts 	Attunement to the Guru and 	Kriya YogaThis week's reading is:The Law of Karma – Bondage, or Soul-Release(From Rays of the One Light - Weekly Commentaries on the Bible and the Bhagavad Gita by Swami Kriyananda)Truth is one and eternal. Realize oneness with it in your deathless Self, within.The following commentary is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda.The Epistle of St. Paul to the Galatians contains this oft-quoted statement:Be not deceived: God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.In Autobiography of a Yogi Paramhansa tells a story from the life of the Benares saint Trailanga Swami:A skeptic once determined to expose Trailanga as a charlatan. A large bucket of calcium-lime mixture, used in whitewashing walls, was placed before the swami.“Master,” the materialist said, in mock reverence, “I have brought you some clabbered milk. Please drink it.”Trailanga unhesitatingly drained, to the last drop, the containerful of burning lime. In a few minutes the evildoer fell to the ground in agony.“Help, swami, help!” he cried. “I am on fire! Forgive my wicked test!”The great yogi broke his habitual silence. “Scoffer,” he said, “you did not realize when you offered me poison that my life is one with your own. Except for my knowledge that God is present in my stomach, as in every atom of creation, the lime would have killed me. Now that you know the divine meaning of boomerang, never again play tricks on anyone.”The well-purged sinner, healed by Trailanga’s words, slunk feebly away.Yogananda goes on to say:The reversal of pain was not due to any volition of the master, but came about through unerring application of the law of justice which upholds creation’s farthest swinging orb. Men of God-realization like Trailanga allow the divine law to operate instantaneously; they have banished forever all thwarting crosscurrents of ego.Not by reason alone, but by Self-realization, are the ins and outs of destiny fully understood. Their web, though tied forever to the post of ego-motivation, is too intricate to be perceived as a single thread. Only great masters can see it with clarity. It is visible to them in all its workings – not from within the tangle, but from above, in superconsciousness.As Sri Krishna said in the fourth Chapter of the Bhagavad Gita: “He who beholds inaction in action, and action in inaction, is wise among men; he is one with the Spirit; he has attained the true goal of action (perfect freedom).”Thus, through holy Scripture, God has spoken to mankind.

Sunday Service with Nayaswami Jyotish and Nayaswami Devi at Ananda Village, recorded November 27th 2022. When "bad" things keep happening to us, it may feel like life is unfair. In this Sunday Service Nayaswami Jyotish explains the law of karma and describes it as an individualized lesson plan. He shares how we can best learn the lessons from our lesson plan through: 	Affirmations 	Attitudes 	Success thoughts 	Attunement to the Guru and 	Kriya Yoga This week's reading is: The Law of Karma – Bondage, or Soul-Release (From Rays of the One Light - Weekly Commentaries on the Bible and the Bhagavad Gita by Swami Kriyananda) Truth is one and eternal. Realize oneness with it in your deathless Self, within. The following commentary is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda. The Epistle of St. Paul to the Galatians contains this oft-quoted statement: Be not deceived: God is not mocked; for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. In Autobiography of a Yogi Paramhansa tells a story from the life of the Benares saint Trailanga Swami: A skeptic once determined to expose Trailanga as a charlatan. A large bucket of calcium-lime mixture, used in whitewashing walls, was placed before the swami. “Master,” the materialist said, in mock reverence, “I have brought you some clabbered milk. Please drink it.” Trailanga unhesitatingly drained, to the last drop, the containerful of burning lime. In a few minutes the evildoer fell to the ground in agony. “Help, swami, help!” he cried. “I am on fire! Forgive my wicked test!” The great yogi broke his habitual silence. “Scoffer,” he said, “you did not realize when you offered me poison that my life is one with your own. Except for my knowledge that God is present in my stomach, as in every atom of creation, the lime would have killed me. Now that you know the divine meaning of boomerang, never again play tricks on anyone.” The well-purged sinner, healed by Trailanga’s words, slunk feebly away. Yogananda goes on to say: The reversal of pain was not due to any volition of the master, but came about through unerring application of the law of justice which upholds creation’s farthest swinging orb. Men of God-realization like Trailanga allow the divine law to operate instantaneously; they have banished forever all thwarting crosscurrents of ego. Not by reason alone, but by Self-realization, are the ins and outs of destiny fully understood. Their web, though tied forever to the post of ego-motivation, is too intricate to be perceived as a single thread. Only great masters can see it with clarity. It is visible to them in all its workings – not from within the tangle, but from above, in superconsciousness. As Sri Krishna said in the fourth Chapter of the Bhagavad Gita: “He who beholds inaction in action, and action in inaction, is wise among men; he is one with the Spirit; he has attained the true goal of action (perfect freedom).” Thus, through holy Scripture, God has spoken to mankind.

The Law of Karma: Bondage or Soul Release? (With Nayaswami Jyotish)

Sunday Service with Nayaswami Jyotish and Nayaswami Devi at Ananda Village, recorded July 31st 2022.This week's reading from Swami Kriyananda's book "Rays of the One Light" is:How Democratic Is Truth?Truth is one and eternal. Realize oneness with it in your deathless Self, within.The following commentary is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda.We live in an age when people assume that knowledge should be available equally to all. In matters susceptible of judgment by normal common sense, however, everyone knows there are exceptions. Access to a control room for intercontinental missiles is limited, by universal consent, to a very few. Access to the controls of a passenger airliner is limited to those with the necessary knowledge for operating them, and also to those with the proper authorization. If people don’t see the disadvantages of making more subtle knowledge universally available, it is only because they are ignorant of the risks involved.In the case of subtle knowledge, the main disadvantage in making it universally available is the harm it might do to the person himself. True, by mocking truth he might undermine the faith of a few truth seekers. But then, such tests can also be beneficial, as a means of strengthening faith. Again true, the clever doubter’s misrepresentation of those truths may dissuade a few seekers from following the spiritual path. But if a seeker really is sincere, he will recognize the truth eventually because it resonates with his own being.No, the greatest problem accrues to the shallow doubter himself. To give him an opportunity to affirm his ignorance might only estrange him even more from the truth, delaying the time when he will turn – as all people must, eventually – to the light.Thus, the Scriptures advise, not secrecy, but discretion in the sharing of truth. Jesus Christ says in the Gospel of St. Matthew, Chapter 7:Give not that which is holy unto dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you.And Sri Krishna says in the eighteenth Chapter of the Bhagavad Gita:Never speak of these truths to one who is without self-control or devotion, who renders no service, who does not care to hear, or who speaks ill of Me.Thus, through holy Scripture, God has spoken to mankind.

Sunday Service with Nayaswami Jyotish and Nayaswami Devi at Ananda Village, recorded July 31st 2022. This week's reading from Swami Kriyananda's book "Rays of the One Light" is: How Democratic Is Truth? Truth is one and eternal. Realize oneness with it in your deathless Self, within. The following commentary is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda. We live in an age when people assume that knowledge should be available equally to all. In matters susceptible of judgment by normal common sense, however, everyone knows there are exceptions. Access to a control room for intercontinental missiles is limited, by universal consent, to a very few. Access to the controls of a passenger airliner is limited to those with the necessary knowledge for operating them, and also to those with the proper authorization. If people don’t see the disadvantages of making more subtle knowledge universally available, it is only because they are ignorant of the risks involved. In the case of subtle knowledge, the main disadvantage in making it universally available is the harm it might do to the person himself. True, by mocking truth he might undermine the faith of a few truth seekers. But then, such tests can also be beneficial, as a means of strengthening faith. Again true, the clever doubter’s misrepresentation of those truths may dissuade a few seekers from following the spiritual path. But if a seeker really is sincere, he will recognize the truth eventually because it resonates with his own being. No, the greatest problem accrues to the shallow doubter himself. To give him an opportunity to affirm his ignorance might only estrange him even more from the truth, delaying the time when he will turn – as all people must, eventually – to the light. Thus, the Scriptures advise, not secrecy, but discretion in the sharing of truth. Jesus Christ says in the Gospel of St. Matthew, Chapter 7: Give not that which is holy unto dogs, neither cast ye your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet, and turn again and rend you. And Sri Krishna says in the eighteenth Chapter of the Bhagavad Gita: Never speak of these truths to one who is without self-control or devotion, who renders no service, who does not care to hear, or who speaks ill of Me. Thus, through holy Scripture, God has spoken to mankind.

How Democratic Is Truth? (With Nayaswami Jyotish and Nayaswami Devi)

Recorded during Ananda's Spiritual Renewal Week Wednesday, June 29th, 2022Join your energy with hundreds of truth seekers, and strengthen the Divine light within yourself and the world over. We all have a role to play in the upliftment of consciousness. When we uplift ourselves, we open a door for Divine grace to uplift others. Through Paramhansa Yogananda’s practical teachings, learn how to be a master of your energy, to live more consciously in your true Self, and how to share from your center Divine inspiration and joy with others. Whether you come in-person or join us online, Spiritual Renewal Week will leave you feeling spiritual renewed in body, mind, and spirit.

Recorded during Ananda's Spiritual Renewal Week Wednesday, June 29th, 2022 Join your energy with hundreds of truth seekers, and strengthen the Divine light within yourself and the world over. We all have a role to play in the upliftment of consciousness. When we uplift ourselves, we open a door for Divine grace to uplift others. Through Paramhansa Yogananda’s practical teachings, learn how to be a master of your energy, to live more consciously in your true Self, and how to share from your center Divine inspiration and joy with others. Whether you come in-person or join us online, Spiritual Renewal Week will leave you feeling spiritual renewed in body, mind, and spirit.

Spiritual Questions and Answers with Nayaswami Jyotish and Nayaswami Devi

The balance of world consciousness is currently caught in a tug-of-war of upward moving awareness, and downward streams of materialistic thinking. How can we help tip the balance toward a higher world-wide consciousness? Trying to change others is ineffective. We must first uplift ourselves on an individual level. Personal inner transformation is the key to contributing to the upliftment of society as a whole.With Nayaswami Jyotish and Nayaswami Devi, recorded during Ananda's Spiritual Renewal Week Monday, June 27, 2022

The balance of world consciousness is currently caught in a tug-of-war of upward moving awareness, and downward streams of materialistic thinking. How can we help tip the balance toward a higher world-wide consciousness? Trying to change others is ineffective. We must first uplift ourselves on an individual level. Personal inner transformation is the key to contributing to the upliftment of society as a whole. With Nayaswami Jyotish and Nayaswami Devi, recorded during Ananda's Spiritual Renewal Week Monday, June 27, 2022

Uplift Yourself, Uplift the World

Sunday Service with Nayaswami Jyotish and Nayaswami Devi at Ananda Village, recorded June 5th 2022.This week's reading from Swami Kriyananda's book "Rays of the One Light" is:Why Do Devotees Fall?Truth is one and eternal. Realize oneness with it in your deathless Self, within.The following commentary is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda.An endlessly fascinating question is, Why did Judas fall after receiving the extraordinary blessing of being accepted into the inner circle of Jesus Christ’s disciples? For Judas was one of the twelve apostles. Yet he be-trayed Jesus, and earned for himself the opprobrium of Christendom for all futurity for his sin.We find Judas reprimanding Jesus just days before that betrayal. Jesus, aware that his disciples would soon be facing, with his death, the supreme tragedy of their lives, allowed Mary to express her devotion by anointing his feet with costly ointment. This act of “wanton waste,” as Judas saw it, awakened indignation in that disciple.“Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?”This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and kept the purse, and bare what was put therein.Then said Jesus, “Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this. For the poor always ye have with you: but me ye have not always.”Doubt not the power of delusion. Respect it – indeed, fear it, though not in the sense of cowering before it. For, as Yogananda said, “One is not safe until he attains nirbikalpa samadhi – the state of final union with God.”Judas, through attachment to money, opened his consciousness to subtle influences, which may be called satanic, that drew his thoughts toward other related attitudes: the importance of worldly power, for instance, and of worldly influence.The Bhagavad Gita gives a graphic explanation of how easily the mind can be drawn downward, once it begins to feed on wrong attitudes. In the second Chapter, Sri Krishna states:If one ponders on sense objects, there springs up attraction to them. From attraction grows desire. Desire, impatient for fulfillment, flames to anger. From anger there arises infatuation (the delusion that one object alone is worth clinging to, to the exclusion of all others). From infatuation ensues forgetfulness of the higher Self. From forgetfulness of the Self follows degeneration of the discriminative faculty. And when discrimination is lost, there follows the annihilation of one’s spiritual life.“At the first thought of delusion,” Paramhansa Yogananda said, “that is the time to stop it.”Thus, through holy Scripture, God has spoken to mankind.

Sunday Service with Nayaswami Jyotish and Nayaswami Devi at Ananda Village, recorded June 5th 2022. This week's reading from Swami Kriyananda's book "Rays of the One Light" is: Why Do Devotees Fall? Truth is one and eternal. Realize oneness with it in your deathless Self, within. The following commentary is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda. An endlessly fascinating question is, Why did Judas fall after receiving the extraordinary blessing of being accepted into the inner circle of Jesus Christ’s disciples? For Judas was one of the twelve apostles. Yet he be-trayed Jesus, and earned for himself the opprobrium of Christendom for all futurity for his sin. We find Judas reprimanding Jesus just days before that betrayal. Jesus, aware that his disciples would soon be facing, with his death, the supreme tragedy of their lives, allowed Mary to express her devotion by anointing his feet with costly ointment. This act of “wanton waste,” as Judas saw it, awakened indignation in that disciple. “Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?” This he said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and kept the purse, and bare what was put therein. Then said Jesus, “Let her alone: against the day of my burying hath she kept this. For the poor always ye have with you: but me ye have not always.” Doubt not the power of delusion. Respect it – indeed, fear it, though not in the sense of cowering before it. For, as Yogananda said, “One is not safe until he attains nirbikalpa samadhi – the state of final union with God.” Judas, through attachment to money, opened his consciousness to subtle influences, which may be called satanic, that drew his thoughts toward other related attitudes: the importance of worldly power, for instance, and of worldly influence. The Bhagavad Gita gives a graphic explanation of how easily the mind can be drawn downward, once it begins to feed on wrong attitudes. In the second Chapter, Sri Krishna states: If one ponders on sense objects, there springs up attraction to them. From attraction grows desire. Desire, impatient for fulfillment, flames to anger. From anger there arises infatuation (the delusion that one object alone is worth clinging to, to the exclusion of all others). From infatuation ensues forgetfulness of the higher Self. From forgetfulness of the Self follows degeneration of the discriminative faculty. And when discrimination is lost, there follows the annihilation of one’s spiritual life. “At the first thought of delusion,” Paramhansa Yogananda said, “that is the time to stop it.” Thus, through holy Scripture, God has spoken to mankind.

Why Do Devotees Fall? (With Nayaswami Jyotish)

Sunday Service with Nayaswami Devi and Nayaswami Jyotish at Ananda Village, recorded May 22nd 2022.This week's reading from Swami Kriyananda's book "Rays of the One Light" is:The Best Way to WorshipThe following commentary is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda.In Chapter 4 of the Gospel of St. John, the woman of Samaria asks Jesus, Where is the best place to worship? This question might be expanded to include: What is the best church? What is the best religion? Is it important to go on pilgrimage to holy shrines? What is the best ritual? What is the best mantra or prayer?Jesus cut across all such questioning with his reply:The hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him.God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.It was not that outer considerations of place, church, ritual, etc., are irrelevant. Each person should find those practices and observances which are compatible with his own nature – one might say, with his own vibrations. Not everyone’s natural path is the same. God sent different religions into the world to satisfy different human needs.The overarching concern, however, considering that the goal is to find God, is to include in one’s worship daily, inner communion with the Lord. God is Silence: He must be sought, therefore, in inner silence. God is Absolute Love: He must be sought, therefore, in the silence of love. God is Spirit, and thus immaterial: He must be sought, above all, in the expanding peace of deep meditation.Thus, the Bhagavad Gita states in the sixth Chapter:Sequestered should he sit,Steadfastly meditating, solitary,His thoughts controlled, his passions laid away,From every craving for possession freed.Wherever you are, whatever your outward beliefs and observances, seek God in the silence of your own soul.Thus, through holy Scripture, God has spoken to mankind.

Sunday Service with Nayaswami Devi and Nayaswami Jyotish at Ananda Village, recorded May 22nd 2022. This week's reading from Swami Kriyananda's book "Rays of the One Light" is: The Best Way to Worship The following commentary is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda. In Chapter 4 of the Gospel of St. John, the woman of Samaria asks Jesus, Where is the best place to worship? This question might be expanded to include: What is the best church? What is the best religion? Is it important to go on pilgrimage to holy shrines? What is the best ritual? What is the best mantra or prayer? Jesus cut across all such questioning with his reply: The hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship Him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. It was not that outer considerations of place, church, ritual, etc., are irrelevant. Each person should find those practices and observances which are compatible with his own nature – one might say, with his own vibrations. Not everyone’s natural path is the same. God sent different religions into the world to satisfy different human needs. The overarching concern, however, considering that the goal is to find God, is to include in one’s worship daily, inner communion with the Lord. God is Silence: He must be sought, therefore, in inner silence. God is Absolute Love: He must be sought, therefore, in the silence of love. God is Spirit, and thus immaterial: He must be sought, above all, in the expanding peace of deep meditation. Thus, the Bhagavad Gita states in the sixth Chapter: Sequestered should he sit, Steadfastly meditating, solitary, His thoughts controlled, his passions laid away, From every craving for possession freed. Wherever you are, whatever your outward beliefs and observances, seek God in the silence of your own soul. Thus, through holy Scripture, God has spoken to mankind.

What Is the Best Way to Worship? (With Nayaswami Devi)

Nayaswami Devi shares with Dambara on May 2nd, 2022.Enjoy these beautiful interviews by Dambara, who talks with the founders of Ananda Village, a spiritual community in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas in Northern California. Ananda has grown now to many communities and centers around the world, and inspires thousands of people every day in their spiritual life.The Early DaysIn 1968 Swami Kriyananda, Ananda’s founder, purchased 70 acres of land in the Sierra Nevada foothills of California, near Nevada City, to be used as a retreat and hermitage. He soon attracted many like-minded — and hardy — souls, who enjoyed the challenge of living simply. These early pioneers helped build the first temple, kitchen and common area, which provided the nucleus of the Ananda Meditation Retreat. The Meditation Retreat hosted year round classes and programs on yoga and meditation and attracted hundreds of visitors.The New LandThe ideal of living simple, spiritually-centered lives appealed not only to those who were drawn to the life of the hermit, but to people in all stages of life — couples, families, single adults, retirees — and it soon became evident that more land would be needed to accommodate the rapidly expanding number of people drawn to the cooperative spiritual life Ananda had to offer. In 1969 an additional 236 acres were purchased, not far from the Meditation Retreat, which provided an ideal location for the new Ananda Cooperative Community, as it was then called. Gently hilly, with grassy meadows, mixed oak, pine and fir forest, and an open, expansive feel, including panoramic views of the Sierras and rolling foothills, the land offers its graceful beauty to residents, guests and visitors alike. In 1974, Ananda acquired another 326 acres adjacent to the original purchase. A number of years of pioneering innovation ensued. Businesses were started: macramé, incense, honey, an organic garden, an organic dairy, healthy candy, natural jewelry, book publishing, construction, and a natural foods market. Some were privately owned, some community owned – a pattern true today as well. Homes were made: teepees, tiny trailers, simple cabins. School was established: pre-school, elementary, residential high school. Basic services were established: water, sanitation, roads, electricity, phone. These years were marked by outward austerity and the joyful outpouring of cooperative spirit.Worldwide ExpansionBy 1979, the Village had grown to a population of approximately 150 adults and 50 children. As the Meditation Retreat continued to offer classes and retreats to ever increasing numbers, the model of spirit-centered life that Ananda demonstrated was attracting an eager and ever growing number of people. However, not all of them could move to Ananda Village, so it was decided to start Ananda centers and communities wherever there was strong interest. The first expansion was to Sacramento, California, and World Brotherhood Colonies in Mountain View, California, Seattle, Washington, and Portland, Oregon quickly followed. Since then, communities have been founded in Los Angeles, CA, Gaston, OR, Assisi, Italy, Gurgaon, India and Pune, India. In addition there are numerous Ananda meditation groups in the U.S., Europe and India.The Expanding LightBy the early 1980s, the original facility for the Ananda Meditation Retreat had been outgrown. There were only a handful of small cabins, kindly described as “charming,” a dormitory, and tent sites, all of which could no longer accommodate the increasing number of visitors. In 1984, the Ananda Meditation Retreat was relocated to the new land, and a new facility, enjoying close proximity to the residents and activities of Ananda Village.It was also renamed The Expanding Light, and it serves guests 365 days a year, with classes and programs to inspire them to live strong, inner-directed spiritual lives. Since opening in 1984, thousands of guests have come to The Expanding Light from well over 50 countries.Living Wisdom SchoolIn 1972, Ananda’s first classroom was a refurbished chicken coop with one teacher and a student body of 7 kids, ages 4 to 8! Soon after, parents and community members built the first schoolhouse, with two classrooms. By the early 1980s, the school campus had expanded to three buildings, 5 classrooms, a gym, playground and school garden, providing over 75 children with “how to live” education from preschool to 8th grade.Today the Ananda Living Wisdom School (which goes through 12th grade) is attended not only by the children of Ananda Village residents, but by children from the surrounding community, and boarding students from around the world. More schools, founded on the Education for Life approach, have been started in Palo Alto, California, Seattle, Washington, Portland Oregon, Gurgaon, India and, most recently, Gaston, Oregon. In 2003, the Ananda College of Living Wisdom, an alternative to traditional college education, began offering A.A. and B.A. degree programs. (Ananda College was founded and located on the original Meditation Retreat land for its first nine years. In August 2012, in true Ananda style, it expanded and relocated to Ananda’s newest community in Gaston, OR, which now serves as the headquarters for Education for Life.)TodayGravel roads and potholes have been replaced with black top and speed bumps, creatively “remodeled” old farm buildings have been replaced with beautifully designed new buildings, the teepees and travel trailers have long since been replaced by lovely handcrafted homes, many jobs requiring hand tools and physical labor have been replaced with jobs requiring laptops and brain power – but it has all been made possible by the continuous outpouring of cooperative spirit with which the community began over 40 years ago.

Nayaswami Devi shares with Dambara on May 2nd, 2022. Enjoy these beautiful interviews by Dambara, who talks with the founders of Ananda Village, a spiritual community in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas in Northern California. Ananda has grown now to many communities and centers around the world, and inspires thousands of people every day in their spiritual life. The Early Days In 1968 Swami Kriyananda, Ananda’s founder, purchased 70 acres of land in the Sierra Nevada foothills of California, near Nevada City, to be used as a retreat and hermitage. He soon attracted many like-minded — and hardy — souls, who enjoyed the challenge of living simply. These early pioneers helped build the first temple, kitchen and common area, which provided the nucleus of the Ananda Meditation Retreat. The Meditation Retreat hosted year round classes and programs on yoga and meditation and attracted hundreds of visitors. The New Land The ideal of living simple, spiritually-centered lives appealed not only to those who were drawn to the life of the hermit, but to people in all stages of life — couples, families, single adults, retirees — and it soon became evident that more land would be needed to accommodate the rapidly expanding number of people drawn to the cooperative spiritual life Ananda had to offer. In 1969 an additional 236 acres were purchased, not far from the Meditation Retreat, which provided an ideal location for the new Ananda Cooperative Community, as it was then called. Gently hilly, with grassy meadows, mixed oak, pine and fir forest, and an open, expansive feel, including panoramic views of the Sierras and rolling foothills, the land offers its graceful beauty to residents, guests and visitors alike. In 1974, Ananda acquired another 326 acres adjacent to the original purchase. A number of years of pioneering innovation ensued. Businesses were started: macramé, incense, honey, an organic garden, an organic dairy, healthy candy, natural jewelry, book publishing, construction, and a natural foods market. Some were privately owned, some community owned – a pattern true today as well. Homes were made: teepees, tiny trailers, simple cabins. School was established: pre-school, elementary, residential high school. Basic services were established: water, sanitation, roads, electricity, phone. These years were marked by outward austerity and the joyful outpouring of cooperative spirit. Worldwide Expansion By 1979, the Village had grown to a population of approximately 150 adults and 50 children. As the Meditation Retreat continued to offer classes and retreats to ever increasing numbers, the model of spirit-centered life that Ananda demonstrated was attracting an eager and ever growing number of people. However, not all of them could move to Ananda Village, so it was decided to start Ananda centers and communities wherever there was strong interest. The first expansion was to Sacramento, California, and World Brotherhood Colonies in Mountain View, California, Seattle, Washington, and Portland, Oregon quickly followed. Since then, communities have been founded in Los Angeles, CA, Gaston, OR, Assisi, Italy, Gurgaon, India and Pune, India. In addition there are numerous Ananda meditation groups in the U.S., Europe and India. The Expanding Light By the early 1980s, the original facility for the Ananda Meditation Retreat had been outgrown. There were only a handful of small cabins, kindly described as “charming,” a dormitory, and tent sites, all of which could no longer accommodate the increasing number of visitors. In 1984, the Ananda Meditation Retreat was relocated to the new land, and a new facility, enjoying close proximity to the residents and activities of Ananda Village. It was also renamed The Expanding Light, and it serves guests 365 days a year, with classes and programs to inspire them to live strong, inner-directed spiritual lives. Since opening in 1984, thousands of guests have come to The Expanding Light from well over 50 countries. Living Wisdom School In 1972, Ananda’s first classroom was a refurbished chicken coop with one teacher and a student body of 7 kids, ages 4 to 8! Soon after, parents and community members built the first schoolhouse, with two classrooms. By the early 1980s, the school campus had expanded to three buildings, 5 classrooms, a gym, playground and school garden, providing over 75 children with “how to live” education from preschool to 8th grade. Today the Ananda Living Wisdom School (which goes through 12th grade) is attended not only by the children of Ananda Village residents, but by children from the surrounding community, and boarding students from around the world. More schools, founded on the Education for Life approach, have been started in Palo Alto, California, Seattle, Washington, Portland Oregon, Gurgaon, India and, most recently, Gaston, Oregon. In 2003, the Ananda College of Living Wisdom, an alternative to traditional college education, began offering A.A. and B.A. degree programs. (Ananda College was founded and located on the original Meditation Retreat land for its first nine years. In August 2012, in true Ananda style, it expanded and relocated to Ananda’s newest community in Gaston, OR, which now serves as the headquarters for Education for Life.) Today Gravel roads and potholes have been replaced with black top and speed bumps, creatively “remodeled” old farm buildings have been replaced with beautifully designed new buildings, the teepees and travel trailers have long since been replaced by lovely handcrafted homes, many jobs requiring hand tools and physical labor have been replaced with jobs requiring laptops and brain power – but it has all been made possible by the continuous outpouring of cooperative spirit with which the community began over 40 years ago.

Talks with Ananda Pioneers: Nayaswami Devi

Nayaswami Jyotish and Nayaswami Devi — Talks and Classes

Spiritualizing Relationships

A discourse by Nayaswami Jyotish and Nayaswami Devi on the occasion of the 120th mahasamadhi anniversary of guru Lahiri Mahasaya.

Celebrating Lahiri Mahasaya

How to Find Inner Peace, Part 2

Attunement with the Guru

Mumbai Centre Dedication

Monday morning class with Nayaswami Jyotish and Nayaswami Devi during Ananda's 50th anniversary celebration and the inauguration of the Temple of Light at Ananda Village.

50 Years of Manifesting the Vision of the Masters

Achieving Inner Balance & Outer Harmony

Bhagavad Gita: Self-Offering &amp; Discipleship

Meeting Life's Challenges with Courage and Joy

Kriya Yoga: The Answer to Life's Problems, with Nayaswami Jyotish

Secrets of Success the Spiritual Path

Everyone Is an Artist

Diwali Satsang

What Is the Best Way to Pray?

Celebrating Autobiography of a Yogi

Secrets of Success the Spiritual Path, Introduction

Kriya Yoga in Daily Life

Yogananda's Advice for Accelerating Our Spiritual Growth: Techniques

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The best podcast episodes on physical health. Episodes talk about your diet, sleep, exercise and all the things that people do to improve their physical health and live a healthier life. This topic is for everyone, with applications in all of our everyday lives. Add episodes you're interested into your queue below!