Paramhansa Yogananda (1893-1952), was the first yoga master of India to take up permanent residence in the West. He arrived in America in 1920, and traveled throughout the United States on what he called his ‘spiritual campaigns.’ His enthusiastic audiences filled the largest halls in America. Hundreds of thousands came to see the yogi from India. He continued to lecture and write up to his passing in 1952.

His initial impact was truly impressive. But his lasting impact has been even greater. His Autobiography of a Yogi, first published in 1946 (available on-line), helped launch a spiritual revolution in the West. His message was nonsectarian and universal. Yogananda’s teacher (Swami Sri Yukteswar) sent him to the West with the admonition, “The West is high in material attainments, but lacking in spiritual understanding. It is God’s will that you play a role in teaching mankind the value of balancing the material with an inner, spiritual life.”

Self-realization

Yogananda brought to the West the path of Self-realization. He said that “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.”

The path of Kriya Yoga, which he called the "jet-airplane" route to God, consists of ancient yoga techniques to hasten the spiritual evolution of the student. These techniques can be learned through the classes offered by Ananda Portland as described on our Kriya Yoga page.

Ananda: Fulfilling Yogananda’s Vision

Swami Kriyananda, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, founded Ananda Village in 1968 to fulfill Yogananda’s vision of "World Brotherhood Colonies," or spiritual cooperative communities. Yogananda envisioned a place where all people, not just monastics, could devote themselves to a spiritually-focused life, practicing the teachings of yoga in every aspect of their daily experience.

Ananda Village has over 300 adult members and children. Ananda Worldwide now includes intentional spiritual communities in several American cities, including Portland, and in Assisi, Italy. Residents practice Yogananda’s teachings and apply his principles to all facets of life in this world: business, schools, relationships, healing, and much more. Ananda’s Expanding Light retreat has been sharing these principles for over 25 years.

Ananda also has meditation groups in over sixty cities worldwide. This list is available online at Ananda's central website.

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