Yogananda Podcast

This episode covers the last part of chapter 29 from:  “Rabindranath invited me to stay overnight in the guest house...”  to the end of the chapter.  Summary:  Today we focus on Rabindranath Tagore's educational philosophy and cultural impact, including his approach to teaching and the universal themes in his poetry. We also explored Tagore's influence on education through his university a...

This episode covers the next part of chapter 29 from:  “About two years after founding the Ranchi school...”  to   “...Dwijendra, was a deep-seeing philosopher, beloved even by birds and woodland creatures”.  Summary:  As Paramahansa Yogananda and Rabindranath Tagore share some divine fellowship and compare teaching techniques, guruji takes a moment to appreciate the flesh and blood form of the di...

This episode covers the start of chapter 29 to:  “...Tagore’s version of an old Bengali song, “Light the Lamp of Thy Love.”  Summary:  As Paramahansa Yogananda speaks so fondly of Rabindranath Tagore's achievements and influence both in and beyond India, we explore Tagore's educational legacy through Shantiniketan and Viswa Bharati University, discussing his approach to teaching and integr...

This episode covers the last part of chapter 28 from:  “I returned to Ranchi a few days later...”  to the end of the chapter  Summary:  Paramahansa Yogananda’s search for the reincarnated Kashi in Kolkata comes to a beautiful crescendo and an emotional encounter with Kashi's new family to be. We examined Guruji's abilities to detect electrical impulses and translate them into profound intu...

This episode covers the next part of chapter 28 from:  “I returned to Ranchi a few days later...”  to  “...I practised the yoga method steadily for about six months after Kashi’s death”.  Summary:  Paramahansa Yogananda’s emotional confrontation with Kashi's family after learning of Kashi's death was a little shocking to us gentle readers, but discuss the ramifications of the same. The the...

This episode covers the start of chapter 28 to:  “...unfavourable publicity to the school. He saw no choice but to go.”  Summary:  We introduce this chapter and set our expectations focusing on themes of reincarnation and the spiritual journey of Kashi, who received Guruji's unconditional support despite not being his formal disciple. We discuss various stories and teachings from Paramahansa Y...

This episode covers the last part of chapter 27 from:  “The body of Pranabananda, which had appeared so well and strong during...”  to the end of the chapter.  Summary:  Swami Yogananda's asks Swami Pranabananda some probing questions surrounding his connection with God in the twilight years of his life. Swami Pranabananda’s principal devotee Sanandan informs us about the last days with his gu...

This episode covers the next part of chapter 27 from:  “With twenty fertile acres at our disposal, the students, teachers, and I...”  to  “... So keep up Kriya Yoga ceaselessly, and reach the divine portals quickly.”  Summary:  This chapter contains a beautiful image of Ranchi School which shows how it has, since then, transformed into a full-fledged ashram with complete facilities, including a me...

This episode covers the next part of chapter 27 from:  “I organised a programme for both grammar- and high-school grades...”  to  “...he observed with twinkling eyes, ‘but I can feel for you!’”  Summary:  Paramahansa Yogananda's educational vision and the establishment of the Yogoda School is the core theme of this episode, we discuss how he incorporated both secular and divine teachings while...

This episode covers the first part of chapter 27 to:  “...new school, which I called “Yogoda Satsanga Brahmacharya Vidyalaya.”  Summary:  This episode focuses on self-inquiry, and the role of rituals in achieving spiritual understanding with respect to Kriya Yoga. We discussed various philosophical perspectives on self-realization and the concept of Shankaracharya’s Advaita Moksha, including refer...

This episode covers the last part of chapter 26 from:  ‘“Introspection, or “sitting in the silence,” is an unscientific way of trying’  to the end of the chapter.  Summary:  This episode focuses on self-inquiry, and the role of rituals in achieving spiritual understanding with respect to Kriya Yoga. We discussed various philosophical perspectives on self-realization and the concept of Shankarachar...

This episode covers the next part of chapter 26 from:  ‘“Introspection, or “sitting in the silence,” is an unscientific way of trying’  to   “...and Death once dead, there’s no more dying then.”  Summary:  This section of the chapter exploring the extremes of having perfect Kriya and no Kriya. We explore the nuanced spiritual concepts including meditation techniques, consciousness states, and the...

This episode covers on the next part of chapter 26 from:  “The ancient yogic technique converts the breath into mind-stuff...”   to  “...And Death once dead, there’s no more dying then.”  Summary:  Paramahansa Yogananda’s gentle promotion of the benefits of Kriya Yoga and its scientific principles is varied and persistent. We explore Guruji's teachings on the relationship between breath, consc...

This episode covers on the next part of chapter 26 from:  “Kriya Yoga is mentioned twice by the ancient sage Patanjali...”   to  “...which constitutes the first materially active expression of Spirit.”  Summary:  Paramahansa Yogananda teaches us Kriya Yoga's connections to Christian texts and its significance in spiritual evolution of man. We discuss the importance of devotion, concentration,...

This episode covers on the start of chapter 26 to:   “...because of priestly secrecy and man’s indifference, the sacred lore gradually became inaccessible”.  Summary:  We explore the science and metaphysics of Kriya Yoga as taught in this beautiful chapter and other of Paramahansa Yogananda’s writings, discussing its origins, techniques, and historical connections to various spiritual traditions....

This episode covers on the last part of chapter 25 from:   “On my return from Japan, I learned that during my absence...”   to the end of the chapter.  Summary:  This section of the book covers the various healing practices and spiritual techniques from Paramahansa Yogananda and Sri Yukteswar's teachings, including how faith, physical objects, and specific practices contributed to Nalini's...

This episode covers on this part of chapter 25 from:   “Soon after Ananta’s passing, my younger sister Nalini was...”   to   "...their marriage, begun so inauspiciously, turned out to be ideally happy.”  Summary:  This section of the chapter continues the themes of sibling dynamics, cultural perspectives on marriage, and spiritual healing. We explore the cultural differences between Indian an...

This episode covers on the start of chapter 25 to:   "...in all family affairs he played this dual parental role.”  Summary:  This chapter covers some fascinating themes of family dynamics, spiritual growth, and the balance between spiritual topics and storytelling elements. We examine Guruji's experiences, including his intuitive realization about his brother's death, his brief journ...

This episode covers on the last part of chapter 24 from:   "There are a number of great men, living today in American...”  to the end of the chapter.  Summary:  Michael and Priyank explored the distinctions between yogis and swamis, while discussing Paramahamsa Yogananda’s inclusive perspective on Western spiritual practitioners who embody yogic qualities despite not following traditional Hin...

This episode covers on the next part of chapter 24 from:   " The ancient rishi Patanjali defines yoga as “neutralisation of the alternating waves in...”  to  “...with egotistical desires and plays his part in life as a willing instrument of the Divine.”  Summary:  Paramahansa Yogananda focusses on Patanjali's Yoga Sutras and the eightfold path of yoga, including the author Patanjali himse...

* This episode had to be republished due to Spotify instructed copyright removal of small snippet used from John Lennon music, for full version you may see it on youtube at ~12mins * Our second guest of the show Carolina from Brazil joins us to discuss what the word "Guru" means to her and the impact of yoga to the world.  00:00 Meet Carolina; 04:00 Minute summary; 04:38 Yoga and brotherhood; 20:5...

* This episode had to be republished due to Spotify instructed copyright removal of small snippet used from George Harrison music, for full version you may see it on youtube at ~48mins * This minute starts with a profound prayer then more from Krishna Das about Paramahansa Yogananda's impactful voice. We discuss Guruji's voice in some detail. George Harrison has had a profound impact on each of th...

This episode covers on the next part of chapter 24 from:   "As I knelt before Sri Yukteswar, and for the first time heard...”  to  “... a manifest need exists for yoga: the science of mind control.”  Summary:  Mark and Reva from the London centre join us to discuss Mukunda's initiation ceremony into the Swami order, the historical significance of Shankaracharya in reorganizing Hinduism, a...

This episode covers on the start of chapter 24 to:   "...such as: “This atma is Brahma” or “Thou art That” or “I am He.”.  Summary:  This section is all about Mukunda’s journey to becoming Swami Yogananda. We reflect on our own Kriya initiation experiences and the need to balance spiritual life with family responsibilities. Paramahansa Yogananda quotes of John Ruskin, we take a closer look at...

Title:   Autobiography Chapter 23, Part 4: Dear Guruji, you inspire me because...    Description:  This episode covers on the last part of chapter 23 from:   " The second instruction on the sheet read...”   to the end of the chapter.  Summary:  As Mukunda answers the easiest of exam questions (how his Guru inspired him), we share how we would answer that critical question on guru-disciple rel...