Paramahansa Yogananda is revered worldwide as a spiritual luminary whose life mission was to bring the ancient science of Self-realization to people of all cultures, faiths, and walks of life. Born in India in 1893, Yogananda was commissioned by his guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar, to travel to the West and share the universal teachings of yoga and meditation—teachings that transcend religion and speak directly to the human quest for inner peace and lasting happiness.
Unlike paths that emphasize withdrawal from worldly life, Yogananda championed spiritual growth through balance—harmonizing material responsibilities with inner awakening. This vision of living a spiritually centered yet active life remains a cornerstone of Ananda’s way of life, reflecting Yogananda’s practical and compassionate approach to enlightenment.
The spiritual foundation of Ananda, a global movement founded by Yogananda’s direct disciple Swami Kriyananda, is deeply rooted in these teachings. Through intentional communities, meditation centers, educational initiatives, and selfless service, Ananda continues to live and share Yogananda’s ideals across the world.
At the heart of Yogananda’s teachings lies Kriya Yoga, a powerful and precise meditation technique passed down through an unbroken lineage of realized masters. Describing it as a scientific method of spiritual advancement, Yogananda explained that Kriya Yoga accelerates inner evolution by harmonizing breath, life force, and awareness along the spine—offering sincere seekers a direct path to Self-realization.
Importantly, Yogananda emphasized that Kriya Yoga is not merely a technique but part of a complete spiritual discipline. He taught the importance of right attitude, devotion, ethical living, and service to others as essential supports for deep meditation. Central to his message was the idea that joy is the soul’s natural state, and that true happiness arises not from external achievements, but from inner awakening.
Through his seminal work Autobiography of a Yogi—one of the most influential spiritual books of the modern era—and through the ongoing global work of Ananda, Paramahansa Yogananda’s teachings continue to illuminate the path for millions. His timeless message guides seekers toward inner freedom, Self-realization, and a life anchored in joy, harmony, and divine awareness.
