“With a strong lens, the sun’s rays focused through it, can ignite wood—Yoga practice, similarly, so concentrates the mind that the curtain of doubt and uncertainty is burned away, and the light of inner truth becomes manifest.”
—Paramhansa Yogananda

For those who are interested in Kriya Yoga Initiation, this class is considered Level 2 in the Kriya Yoga Training Course offered at Ananda Chennai. Level 1: Learn to Meditate and Energize is its prerequisite. (Click Here to Register for the next Level 1: Learn to Meditate & Energize class.)

Sacred Teachings Now Available for Modern Seekers

Based on The Art and Science of Raja Yoga by Swami Kriyananda, as taught by Paramhansa Yogananda, you will learn in-depth the teachings and practices of Patanjali’s Eight-Fold Path (Ashtanga Yoga) as well as many other topics which apply to the spiritual life:

  • How to Know God
  • Karma and Reincarnation: What Are We Here to Learn?
  • Chakras: Key to Personal and Spiritual Growth
  • Personal and Planetary Evolution
  • The Law of Miracles
  • Spirituality in Daily Life
  • The Eight Manifestations of God
  • Raising Kundalini
  • Death, Dying, and What Lies Beyond
  • The Meaning of Aum: the Inner Sound

Yoga Is More Than Asanas

Many people think of yoga as asanas or physical postures. But Yoga is far more. Raja Yoga is one of the seven schools of Indian philosophy and has been taught for millennia. It offers a scientific approach to the spiritual life, with techniques for stilling the mind and expanding our awareness of spiritual realities. It offers techniques for self-mastery in every aspect of life, from calming turbulent emotions to awakening deep compassion and love for others. Ultimately, it is a proven pathway, walked by countless yogis, mystics, and saints for millennia.

Prerequisite for Kriya Yoga

Kriya Yoga is a meditation technique that accelerates one’s spiritual growth. Paramhansa Yogananda called it “The airplane route to God.” Completion of this course is a requirement for Kriya initiation.

You will learn:

Philosophy: karma, chakras, Self-realisation, kundalini, guru, attunement, the astral world, reincarnation, the Yugas, astrology, devotion, and selfless service.

Hatha Yoga: asanas (physical postures) as a preparation for deep meditation.

Pranayama/Breathing: control the breath to harmonize, increase, and direct energy in the body. Learn how to reduce fatigue, depression, lack of mental clarity, and other stress-related illnesses through the practice of pranayama.

Meditation: Experience meditation as a powerful spiritual practice—a way to make God real in your life. Devotion, an understanding of our chakras, and the role of the guru are a part of that exploration. Also covered: affirmations, chanting, and visualization.

Healing: Learn yoga practices to help relieve many conditions, including chronic pain, insomnia, high blood pressure, nervous disorders, weight problems, digestion, heart ailments, and stress. Experience balance, harmony, and energy control.

Diet: Learn how food affects consciousness, and what types of food benefit your health and your spiritual life.

Ongoing Support

Ananda Sangha Chennai offers regular group meditations throughout the week as well as Sunday Satsangs, Healing Prayer Angels, Ananda Choir, Kirtans and practical How-To-Live classes. If you would like to take kriya initiation, our acharyas will personally guide you in the steps along the way. Support is also found in the friends and members of Ananda Chennai. Our spiritual community gives an opportunity to connect more deeply with others.

What Others Are Saying About Raja Yoga…

“Now that I understand and am practicing the basics that I learned in this course, my whole life has changed in amazing ways. I have gained a tremendous sense of great well-being and openhearted joy.” —E. M.

“The Art & Science of Raja Yoga provided me with practical techniques for meditation, exercise, and diet. The depth of knowledge I learned is exactly what I was seeking: a practical & devotional means to know God, and one that makes SENSE!” —S. R.

“The Art & Science of Raja Yoga is an essential companion for living. I have read and continue to refer to the lessons as a guide to daily living and inspiration. I recommend this highly to all who are on the path to Higher Awareness.” —T. F.

“I’ve hurried to many books in hopes of finding one that would change my life, showing me how to be a happy, contented person. The Art and Science of Raja Yoga has been that one. It has taught me how to access peace from within my Self. It is a manual I will study again and again for its depthless teachings. It continues to aid me in becoming the kind of person I have imagined I would like to be, one that I can smile at when I look into the mirror at night, knowing that true beauty lies within.” —P. B.

“This class series has given me life-long techniques that have helped to bring a greater sense of joy, clarity and peace to all that I do. I know that I will continue to grow spiritually, using these techniques, as they have become a part of my way of living and being.” –M. S.