Yogananda Podcast

Chris, Lauren, Mike & Priyank

A podcast focussed on the teachings of our guru Paramahansa Yogananda, in a way that is intended for the general populace, following a structured but informal format and presented by devotees: Chris, Lauren, Mike & Priyank. NB: we are not experts & not everything mentioned is fact checked, but if you enjoyed the book/film, this unofficial podcast for you! Series 2: Autobiography of a Yogi — Line by Line Series 1: Awake: The Life of Yogananda Minute by Minute instagram/facebook @yoganandapodcast yoganandapodcast@gmail.com youtube.com/@YoganandaPodcast Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts etc

  1. 1d ago

    Autobiography Chapter 37, Part 1: Yogananda is going to America

    This episode covers the start of chapter 37 to: “Surely the Lord will bring us together once more.”  Swami Yogananda makes his preparations to travel to America. We explore how he received divine assurance from his guru Swami Sri Yukteswar and material support from his father for his journey. We examined Yogananda's vision of Western faces and his announcement to the Ranchi school about his plans, noting the historical significance of his invitation to speak at the International Association for Religious Freedom congress in America. We discussed Yogananda's concerns about speaking English and his father's initial resistance to his son's plans to leave for America, highlighting the emotional challenges of parental sacrifice for spiritual calling.  0:00 Introduction; 0:30 Expectations from the chapter; 1:35 Goodbye to Ranchi School, for now; 16:24 Blessings from Sri Yukteswar; 26:00 Blessings from the human father; 44:55 Looking Ahead.  Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 37 from: “As I went about my preparations to leave Master and my native land...” to “an artist to draw, for this book, a true picture of the Yogi-Christ of modern India.”  #autobiographyofayogi  #autobiographylinebyline  #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS  yogananda,podcast,autobiography of a yogi,srf,yss,meditation

    Autobiography Chapter 37, Part 1: Yogananda is going to America
  2. Sep 20

    Autobiography Chapter 36, Part 3: Babaji’s teleportation tree

    This episode covers the next part of chapter 36 from: “I soon left Banaras, and set to work in Serampore on the scriptural writings requested by Babaji...”  to “... a voice like a celestial flute, Babaji disappeared into the hidden radiance.”  This section of the chapter focuses on Babaji's interest in the West and the writing of "The Holy Science" book by Sri Yukteswar. We discusses how Sri Yukteswar suddenly developed Sanskrit poetry skills after meeting Babaji, allowing him to write the book that reconciles Eastern and Western teachings. We examined the cultural significance of offering refreshments to gurus and how Sri Yukeswar's excitement caused Babaji to disappear, teaching the importance of maintaining stillness and peace in spiritual encounters. The conversation included detailed analysis of Sanatan Dharma versus Hinduism, the concept of Aryavarta, and the practical nature of vegetarianism and human biology.   0:00 Introduction; 0:42 Prior Episode; 1:30 Night work in Serampore; 19:15 A morning bath at Rai Ghat; 26:48 Sweetmeats and an empty tree; 41:50 In Lahiri Mahasaya's Parlour; 56:00 Looking Ahead.  Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the last part of chapter 36 from: “That was one of my last visits to Banaras to see my guru...”  to the end of the chapter  #autobiographyofayogi  #autobiographylinebyline  #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS

    Autobiography Chapter 36, Part 3: Babaji’s teleportation tree
  3. Sep 13

    Autobiography Chapter 36, Part 2: Lahiri Mahasaya learns that the end is near...

    This episode covers the next part of chapter 36 from: “You, Swamiji, have a part to play in the coming harmonious exchange between...”  to “...infuse greater divine faith in a wide circle of men who learn the story.”  Please note, we made a slight mistake with the order of text, I hope you will forgive us: Sri Yukteswar’s Holy Science assignment and the conversation with Lahiri Mahasaya about Sri Yukteswar’s meeting with Babaji.   The episode focusses on Babaji's interest in the West and his interactions with Sri Yukteswar regarding the same. We discuss the need of sending a disciple to the West for yoga dissemination, and the spiritual vibrations in the West during the late 19th century that attracted many seeking souls. We also analysed Babaji's message to Lahiri Mahasaya about his life's power running low, debating whether this indicated Lahiri was entering a samadhi state or simply reacting humanely to profound news about his impending death. We try to understand the intriguing elements of why Babaji prevented Sri Yukteswar from recognizing him during their first meeting, with theories suggesting it was to maintain intellectual engagement rather all consuming devotion. The conversation also covered Sri Yukteswar's assignment to write "The Holy Science" book comparing Christian and Hindu scriptures.  0:00 Introduction; 0:30 Prior Episode; 1:20 Yogananda is chosen; 11:30 Tell your guru of your paramguru; 23:22 Write a book; 39:56 Death may be at thy door; 1:01:30 Looking Ahead  Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 36 from: “I soon left Banaras, and set to work in Serampore on the scriptural writings requested by Babaji...”  to “... a voice like a celestial flute, Babaji disappeared into the hidden radiance.”  #autobiographyofayogi  #autobiographylinebyline  #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS

    Autobiography Chapter 36, Part 2: Lahiri Mahasaya learns that the end is near...
  4. Sep 6

    Autobiography Chapter 36, Part 1: Babaji’s tree

    This episode covers the start of chapter 36 to:  “...base its religious beliefs on the unshakable foundations of yogic science.”  Chapter 36 features the first and only appearance of all four gurus in the book. We explored the significance of the Kumbh Mela festival, where Sri Yukteshwar met Mahavatar Babaji under a sacred tree, though he didn't recognize Babaji at the time due to Babaji's ability to prevent specific thoughts from arising in others' minds. We also examined Babaji's teachings about finding wisdom like a wise ant that seizes only the sugar and leaves the sand untouched, discussing how this metaphor applies to discerning spiritual truth amidst life's imperfections.   0:00 Introduction;  1:34 Expectations from the chapter;  3:55 The Kumbha Mela;  23:28 The Disguised First Meeting with the Master and Swamiji;  34:48 Be like the wise ant;  42:05 The East and West;  49:29 Looking Ahead;  Links mentioned in this episode:   https://open.spotify.com/episode/58FyWOSvI9iGlDpO5enlYF  https://www.youtube.com/live/wJSbq4YRkpc    Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 36 from:  “You, Swamiji, have a part to play in the coming harmonious exchange between...”   to  “...infuse greater divine faith in a wide circle of men who learn the story.”  #autobiographyofayogi  #autobiographylinebyline  #paramahansayogananda  Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India  #SRF #YSS

    Autobiography Chapter 36, Part 1: Babaji’s tree
  5. Aug 30

    Autobiography Chapter 35, Part 5: Lahiri Mahasaya’ grandson Ananda Mohan Lahiri

    This episode covers the last part of chapter 35 from:  “Lahiri Mahasaya’s handwriting and signature, in Bengali script, are shown...”   to the end of the chapter.  As we examined the beautiful Bengali lettering and signature from Lahiri Mahasaya, we review the scientific foundation of yoga mudras like Shambhavi Mudra, which involves fixing the gaze between the eyebrows without blinking. Lahiri Mahasaya's teachings on the Bhagavad Gita and Mahabharata set the tone for the age, where modern science has confirmed ancient yoga practices dating back thousands of years. The conversation covered Paramahansa Yogananda’s approach to sharing miraculous stories, noting his discrimination in what to include in his writings, and emphasized the universal nature of Lahiri Mahasaya's teachings that transcended religious boundaries.   0:00 Introduction;  0:42 Prior Episode;  1:25 Lahiri Mahasaya’s Handwriting;  13:03 Knot-points;  21:14 Passion and bondage;  38:36 Kriya Mathematics;  45:20 New Hope;  1:00:00 Reflections on the chapter.  Links mentioned in this episode:   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nataraja  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pashupati_seal  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Carlyle?wprov=sfla1  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sartor_Resartus?wprov=sfla1    Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the first part of chapter 36 to:  “...base its religious beliefs on the unshakable foundations of yogic science.”   #autobiographyofayogi  #autobiographylinebyline  #paramahansayogananda  Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India  #SRF #YSS

    Autobiography Chapter 35, Part 5: Lahiri Mahasaya’ grandson Ananda Mohan Lahiri
  6. Aug 23

    Autobiography Chapter 35, Part 4: The fine line between eagerness and arrogance

    This episode covers the next part of chapter 35 from:  “If a disciple neglected any of his worldly obligations, the master would...”  to  “... Evidently the master’s blessing was a necessary ingredient”  This section of the chapter covers Lahiri Mahasaya’s intriguing secular approach to including Muslims, Christians, and people of various faiths into Kriya Yoga practice in the 1890s. We explored how Lahiri Mahasaya maintained his Brahmin caste status while breaking social barriers by accepting students from different religious backgrounds, emphasizing that preparation and readiness were more important than faith background for Kriya initiation. We also have a discussion of how Kriya Yoga fits within the broader paths of yoga (Bhakti, Karma, Jnana, and Raja Yoga).  00:00 Introduction;  1:00  Prior Episode;  2:24 The barbs that nobody fled;  17:45 Brinda Bhagat, who could not deliver the letters;  40:30 The fragrance, and the refusal;  58:26 A pension, and an oil that would not distil;  1:11:40 Looking Ahead;  1:12:15 Panchanan Bhattacharya.  Links mentioned in this episode:   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Umz_yN2vY8  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6atoS1XS2GA&t=4s  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Swami_Bhaskarananda_Saraswati  https://balanandaashrams.org/in/sri-sri-balananda-brahmachari-maharaj-ji/  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ayurveda  Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the last part of chapter 35 from:  “Lahiri Mahasaya’s handwriting and signature, in Bengali script, are shown...”   to the end of the chapter.  #autobiographyofayogi  #autobiographylinebyline  #paramahansayogananda  Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India  #SRF #YSS

    Autobiography Chapter 35, Part 4: The fine line between eagerness and arrogance
  7. Aug 16

    Autobiography Chapter 35, Part 3: Solve all your problems through meditation

    This episode covers the next part of chapter 35 from: “A significant feature of Lahiri Mahasaya’s life was his gift of Kriya...” to “...I have already initiated you, in a dream,’ Lahiri Mahasaya replied.”  This section of the chapter covers Lahiri Mahasaya’s intriguing secular approach to including Muslims, Christians, and people of various faiths into Kriya Yoga practice in the 1890s. We explored how Lahiri Mahasaya maintained his Brahmin caste status while breaking social barriers by accepting students from different religious backgrounds, emphasizing that preparation and readiness were more important than faith background for Kriya initiation. We also have a discussion of how Kriya Yoga fits within the broader paths of yoga (Bhakti, Karma, Jnana, and Raja Yoga).  00:00 Introduction; 1:15 Prior Episode; 1:40 Universal; 15:20 Act now; 23:10 Follow your path faithfully; 39:27 Meditation has the answers; 45:55 The Master's Omnipresence; 55:10 Looking Ahead.  Links mentioned in this episode:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninety-five_Theses https://yogananda.com.au/pyr/pyr_self-realization.html#self https://yogananda.com.au/gurus/yogananda_quotes31meditation.html#meditation https://www.kriya.org/guru/shrimat-bhupendranath-sanyal-mahashaya/en https://yogananda.com.au/lessons.html  Homework for next episode— Read, absorb and make notes on the next part of chapter 35 from: “If a disciple neglected any of his worldly obligations, the master would...” to “... Evidently the master’s blessing was a necessary ingredient..”  #autobiographyofayogi  #autobiographylinebyline  #paramahansayogananda Autobiography of a Yogi awake.minute Self-Realization Fellowship Yogoda Satsanga Society of India #SRF #YSS

    Autobiography Chapter 35, Part 3: Solve all your problems through meditation

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About

A podcast focussed on the teachings of our guru Paramahansa Yogananda, in a way that is intended for the general populace, following a structured but informal format and presented by devotees: Chris, Lauren, Mike & Priyank. NB: we are not experts & not everything mentioned is fact checked, but if you enjoyed the book/film, this unofficial podcast for you! Series 2: Autobiography of a Yogi — Line by Line Series 1: Awake: The Life of Yogananda Minute by Minute instagram/facebook @yoganandapodcast yoganandapodcast@gmail.com youtube.com/@YoganandaPodcast Listen on: Spotify, Apple Podcasts etc

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