Conversations with Yogananda

Stories, Sayings, and Wisdom of Paramhansa Yogananda

This is an unparalleled firsthand account of Paramhansa Yogananda and his teachings, written by one of his closest students.

Yogananda is one of the world's most widely known and universally respected spiritual masters. His Autobiography of a Yogi has helped stimulate a spiritual awakening in the West and a spiritual renaissance in his native land of India.

More than half a century ago, in a hilltop ashram in Los Angeles, California, an American disciple sat at the feet of his Master, faithfully recording his words, as his teacher had asked him to do. Paramhansa Yogananda knew this disciple would carry his message to people everywhere.

Kriyananda was often present when Yogananda spoke privately with other close disciples; when he received visitors and answered their questions; when he was dictating and discussing his important writings. Yogananda put Kriyananda in charge of the other monks, and gave him advice for their spiritual development. In all these situations, Kriyananda recorded the words and guidance of Yogananda, preserving for the ages wisdom that would otherwise have been lost, and giving us an intimate glimpse of life with Yogananda never before shared by any other student.

These Conversations include not only Yogananda's words as he first spoke them, but also the added insight of an intimate disciple who has spent more than 50 years reflecting on and practicing the teachings of Yogananda. Through these Conversations, Yogananda comes alive. Time and space dissolve. We sit at the feet of the Master, listen to his words, receive his wisdom, delight in his humor, and are transformed by his love.

Paramhansa Yogananda born in India in 1893, lived in the United States from 1920 until his passing in 1952. For years he toured America conducting "spiritual campaigns" which filled the largest halls in most of the major cities. He introduced thousands of people to the eternal truths of Self-realization. Many also took initiation into an ancient technique of meditation called Kriya Yoga. Widely considered to be one of the most influential spiritual teachers ever to come to America, Yogananda became known as India's "Spiritual Ambassador to the West."

In addition to his best-selling classic Autobiography of a Yogi, his spiritual legacy includes music, poetry, and extensive commentaries on the Bhagavad Gita, the Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, and the Christian Bible, showing how the principles of Self-realization are the unifying truth behind all religions.

Swami Kriyananda (J. Donald Walters), became a student of Yogananda in 1948. Yogananda guided and trained him for a life of editing, writing, and lecturing.

Kriyananda is the founder of Ananda Sangha, a worldwide organization for the dissemination of Yogananda's teachings. Ananda includes eight communities in the United States, Europe, and India based on Yogananda's ideal for "world-brotherhood colonies." Kriyananda has also written 79 books, which have been translated into 27 languages, and has composed over 400 pieces of music, which have won international awards.

Kriyananda divides his time between the United States, Europe, and India.

Details: Paperback, 466 pages
Author: Swami Kriyananda

Testimonials

"Not many theologians can speak of Conscious bliss from a place of personal experience. Paramhansa Yogananda, a renowned twentieth-century spiritual teacher...can. His personal authority lends dramatic credibility to concepts and methods for spiritual aspirants from any tradition, from uncertain agnostics to fervent believers." —ForeWord Magazine

"Yogananda reaches out to everyperson and therein lies his natural and powerful attraction. He speaks to the deep well of wisdom within and beckons us to our highest calling." —Michael Toms, Co-Founder of New Dimensions Radio; author of A Time for Choices and True Work

"As a bright light shining in the midst of darkness, so was Yogananda's presence in this world. Such a great soul comes on earth only rarely, when there is a real need among men." —His Holiness, the Shankaracharya of Kanchipuram

"A rare gem of inestimable value, the like of whom the world is yet to witness, Paramhansa Yogananda has been an ideal representative of the ancient sages and seers, the glory of India." —Swami Sivananda, founder of Divine Life Society, Rishikesh, India

"There is a clarity in Yogananda's words that transcends our superficial differences, a purity that reflects the timeless heart of that true spirituality that underlies and unites all of us...." —Ken Carey, author of The Third Millenium

Read the Autobiography of a Yogi Online

About Swami Kriyananda

More about J. Donald Walters (Swami Kriyananda), including photos and videos, is available at the official Swami Kriyananda website.

J. Donald Walters (Swami Kriyananda) 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 more than 80 books emphasize the need to live wisely by one’s own experience of life, and not by abstract theories or dogmas.

In 1968, Walters 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 1,000 people reside in five Ananda communities throughout the U.S. (Seattle, Palo Alto, Portland, Sacramento and Ananda Village) and in Europe. 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. Walters has also established “Living Wisdom” schools for grades K-12 in Nevada City, Sacramento, Portland, and Palo Alto.

Mr. Walters books and music have sold over 3 million copies worldwide and been translated into 28 languages. He is the author of more than 80 books on a variety of topics including leadership, education, creativity, and moral values. His Best-selling titles include Awaken to Superconsciousness, Meditation for Starters, God Is for Everyone,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.

A composer since 1964, Walters has written over 400 musical works. His music is inspiring, soothing, and uplifting. Many of his new albums are instrumental works with brief affirmations or visualizations. Chuck Dilberto, of Awareness Magazine says, “Walters’ words and music are full of his life and light. His sole intention is to heal, something we could all use during these chaotic times”. His recent albums include Secrets of Love, Music to Awaken Superconsciousness, Windows on the World and Surrender: Mystical Music for Yoga. As a composer, Walters is best known for the top-selling albums Mystic Harp and Mystic Harp 2, featuring the legendary harpist Derek Bell, of the 5-time Grammy Award-winning group The Chieftains.

What others are saying about J. Donald Walters:

“J. Donald Walters 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 an ability to uncover countless unusual aspects of a subject, and to reveal them in an unexpected and original light. When he turns the spotlight of his concentration on any given subject, he leaves no aspect of it uncovered. What we have in J. Donald Walters, then, is an unusual and powerfully magnetic mind, and also one whose judgment is always fair. He is truly one of the great men of our time.”–Derek Bell, 5-time Grammy Award-winning harpist of The Chieftains

“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

“My listeners felt fed by the interview, and were inspired to ask for more. What a blessing it was to have an opportunity to have such understanding and wisdom on major media. After the interview was over, listeners called in for nearly two hours afterwards thanking us for interviewing Mr. Walters.”–Jan Hutchins, KCBS radio

“Mr. Walters is a delight to hear. His talks are always based on high spiritual wisdom, but it is wisdom made practical and accessible for ordinary people. His clarity and sincerity, his devotion, and his talks are sure to leave you feeling a renewed commitment to spiritual living, with deeper understanding of how to do that sensibly.”–John White, author of Thinking the Unthinkable

“There is a peace and quietness surrounding him that give a hint of his spiritual stature. Many times have I listened to him speak, and always have come away feeling refreshed and energized. It is not only the lectures, the teachings, and the books of J. Donald Walters that shed light on areas of darkness or confusion in people’s lives. Above all, perhaps, it is the example of the man himself, the peace and calm that surround him, the spiritual power that emanates from him, that point the way to each person’s own inner enlightenment.”–John Harricharan, Body, Mind, & Spirit magazine

“J. Donald Walters is one of the New Age movement’s best known voices.”– India Currents

“J. Donald Walters is one of the best known modern exponents of the ancient science of yoga. He is a gifted lecturer, author, teacher, composer, singer, and philosopher, as well as an artist, scientist, and businessman. In 1969, J. Donald Walters founded Ananda Village, which has become widely recognized as one of the most successful New Age communities in the world.”–Science of Mind Magazine

“I feel I can recommend this man of love and his sparkling teachings without reservation.”–David Alan Ramsdale, Meditation Magazine

“J. Donald Walters is perhaps the most respected non-Indian exponent of yoga in the world.”–Justine & Michael Toms, New Dimensions Foundation

“Your openness, your undeviating devotion to life and service, and your joyous good humor express themselves in your book…it came to an end too soon!”–Ken Keyes, Jr. best selling author of Handbook to Higher Consciousness