ABOUT THIS COURSE
This course is Step 2 in the Path of Kriya Yoga and is offered through Ananda Portland in person at the temple and teaching center. You can register for the Spring 2024 course HERE.
This course is a comprehensive exploration of the ancient science of yoga philosophy and the practices that can lead to the discovery of our highest Self potential.
The Art and Science of Raja Yoga gives us the balanced, comprehensive approach of raja yoga, which is also known as the “royal” yoga. The course is organized around seven topics – Philosophy, Meditation, Postures, Breathing, Routines, Healing, and Diet. It also includes in-depth discussions of the paths of karma, bhakti, and gyana yoga.
The text is written by Swami Kriyananda, a direct disciple of the great master, Paramhansa Yogananda, who brought yoga to the West.
Divided into 14 chapters or steps, the topics are:
- Step 1: The History of Yoga
- Step 2: The Paths of Yoga
- Step 3: The Eight Stages of Self-Realization
- Step 4: Yama
- Step 5: Niyama
- Step 6: Duality
- Step 7: Affirmations, Part 1
- Step 8: Affirmations, Part 2
- Step 9: Energy and Energization
- Step 10: Magnetism
- Step 11: The Need for a Guru
- Step 12: The Anatomy of Yoga, Part 1
- Step 13: The Anatomy of Yoga, Part 2
- Step 14: The Yogic Scheme of Life
Each class includes yoga postures, energization exercises, chanting, meditation, discussion, practice of pranayams, snacks and satsang (fellowship) with truth seekers. Together we explore the deepest teachings of the East and the eternal truths of our spiritual nature.
Ananda Yoga® is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda and the ancient practices of the east. Ananda Yoga® is safe, gentle and energizing for all bodies. It is also a spiritual practice that goes beyond the physical. The use of uplifting and truthful affirmations, the emphasis on consciousness as well as strength, energy flow and the spine, all help the practice to be spiritually beneficial and connects us with our highest inner Self.
Meditation is the core of yoga and Raja Yoga is a path of meditation and awakening inner awareness. This course will introduce the student to the power and practice of meditation as taught by Paramhansa Yogananda and his direct disciple, Swami Kriyananda.
