A Handbook on Discipleship

by Kriyananda

ANANDA COURSE IN SELF-REALIZATION A comprehensive home study course in yoga and meditation, based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda. Step three of the course is A Handbook on Discipleship , which shares insights into the importance and practice of the guru-disciple relationship. STEP THREE Yogananda described Kriya Yoga as "the greatest key to salvation." The effectiveness of his teachings has been proven by people from all walks of life, nationalities, cultures, and religions. This is why Yogananda called Kriya, "the easiest, most effective, and most scientific avenue of approach to the Infinite." In addition, there is a section on what it means to specifically become a disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda and the Ananda line of Gurus. Those who are interested can take part in a home discipleship initiation ceremony, joining thousands of other disciples who are part of Ananda.

Genres: Spirituality, Self Help, Nonfiction, Health, Religion, Psychology, Hinduism

160 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1957

About the author

See also: J. Donald Walters

Kriyananda (born James Donald Walters; May 19, 1926, Azuga – April 21, 2013, Assisi) was a direct disciple of the yogi Paramahansa Yogananda, and the founder of the Ananda, a worldwide movement of spiritual intentional communities based on Yogananda's World Brotherhood Colonies ideal. Yogananda made Walters a minister for his organization, Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF).

Reviews

[Meryl Landau · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tiny little book overflowing with massive wisdom.

[Ritu · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I may not consider myself an avid follower of Paramahansa Yogananda, I've often found myself drawn to his teachings on numerous occasions. Whether it's through his dedicated social media accounts, random chapters of his biography, and similar avenues. Reading this book was just another one of those encounters.

[Stacy Frahm · Rating 5 out of 5]

would read and read and read this over and over again!

[Miss Magenta · Rating 1 out of 5]

In short: this book has a few nuggets of wisdom, at least the kindle version needs cleaning up as it has spelling and formatting mistakes, it glosses over abstract topics superficially, and it casually expresses blatantly sexist views such as "By allowing the serpent of evil curiosity and the Eve or weak feminine nature in him to tempt him to transgress the law of regulated and non-identified sense experience, man is driven from his perfect garden of Bliss Consciousness and loses the joy of self-control." One cannot read such distorted views of the relationship of the feminine to the masculine within a person without questioning the validity of the author's views on what he considers to be "man". This book has the potential to be a light and beginner-friendly introduction into the metaphysical but it needs serious editing and updating before that can happen.

[David Gofton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life is dreamlike, the experience of sickness is also so. It's possible to wake up.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Uplifting

This brief book provides numerous affirmations relating to physical, mental, and financial health. Nice to just ponder these inspiring thoughts.

[Anisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a short yet powerful read. I am so glad I was drawn to this book. I loved the the methodical approach to affirmations/meditation. In my opinion this is the essence of the book.
My biggest takeaway - During meditation focus on the medulla oblongata/ the third eye. This has really helped me focus and control my thoughts during meditation.

[Vebbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The original law of attraction!

Sadhakas who are practicing kriya yoga or those who have read autobiography of a yogi should definitely read this. This is the way to practice the law of attraction using the affirmations mentioned in the book for overall development of the seeker.

[Tiffany · Rating 2 out of 5]

This little book contains gems like this: "If you read one hour, then write for two hours, and reflect for three hours. This is the proportion ... to cultivate the power of reason."

[Anbukarasan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good read

Relaxing my inner on the new year..

Affirming with common beliefs is very good.

Various simple practices with affirmations.

The opening was very relaxing.

[RAGHAVENDRA S K · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is part of the Level 3 Kriya Meditation class and emphasizes the critical importance of discipleship and attuning oneself to a guru. Just as an athlete or engineer requires a mentor to achieve mastery, the spiritual path, being the most significant of all, also necessitates the guidance of a guru. Without this guidance, one risks going astray or losing focus over time. The book beautifully illustrates the importance of attuning to a guru, devotion to God, and how these, combined with techniques, lead one to deeper spirituality.

It provides simple yet profound examples of what a guru is, why one is essential, how to find a guru, and how to cultivate a connection with them to progress in spirituality. Swami Kriyananda’s inclusion of personal anecdotes, including how he corrected himself as a young disciple, adds authenticity and relatability to the teachings. His openness not only shows his humanity but also serves as a guide for readers to avoid similar pitfalls. This book is a must-read for anyone serious about pursuing the spiritual path and seeking to connect with the divine.

[Koduvayur Harikrishnan · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the ocean of self-help books in the market, this little book stands out as a beacon of light - a light we can ourselves be in full control of. Swami Yogananda Paramahamsa tells us about the power of positive thoughts and words, especially when we recite them with full conviction, faith and concentration. He then goes on to explain the scientific reasoning for this hypothesis and then sets out precise methods for practising this form of meditative yoga. It is impossible not to be totally impressed by the reasoning and suggestions in the book, and personally I can vouch for the positivity that arises from practising these simple methods. Each reader would need to modify the suggestions in the book to suit their personal lifestyles and needs. At the very least, this technique is a wonderful way of calming one's mind - which in itself is a great way to set course to happiness and success in one's endeavours. An easy read, a must read for everyone.

[Kathryn · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was recommended to me by a client, which is the only reason I picked it up. I had no idea what it was about before reading it. The author seems to be writing from a state of religious psychosis. This book attempts to fuse science with fiction. The author uses scientific language to present fictional stories as fact. The affirmations were positive as long as the reader understands the information in this book to be fiction, for amusement purposes only.
He claims multiple times in the book that disease is born out of negative thoughts and can be definitively cured through positive thinking.
If you are someone who is suffering from a chronic illness, please know that it is not your fault, negative thinking didn’t get you here, and while it’s important to stay positive, positive thinking alone is not going to cure you.

[Piet Aukeman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Paramahansaji finds you when you need him. The soft, God-illumined eyes of Sri Yogananda stopped me when entering my coffee shop one morning, and this title was sitting on their small “take a book/leave a book” shelf. I had read his Autobiography of a Yogi in 2019 and would recommend that as testament to the soul conviction of this slim volume of Truth.

At the time of discovery, I was reading Florence Scovel Shinn and found the Yogi’s wisdom a great compliment to the New York mystic’s. They make a formidable duo when enjoyed together, a salutation to your latent divinity and invocation of your God-Power.

[Daina Proud]

I believe that we shall be grateful for everything we have and coming to our life. It is well explained in this book, how we can pursue our dreams and by daily affirmation and meditation, all our dreams will come true. But it is not just mambo jumbo, you really need to believe what you are saying. The universe will give you anything you asked. Open your heart and soul and you will receive all ( abundance, health and wealth, joy and happiness, love and passion)...

[D Tharun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Affirmations as a tool given by God to heal

I have seen many books talk about affirmations but this one is different. Paramahamsa Yogananda ji links them to the God. His argument about flesh as a gross vibration and consciousness as a subtle vibration of the spirt makes a lot of sense to me. The book is very informative and it helps us belive that affirmations do actually work.

[Dianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn't read a 45 pages book in a while, maybe never. But I did discovered this book on manifestation Tiktok. I do manifest a lot of good things into my life, always did, but sometimes reading about it keeps it fresh. It's so interesting to see how other perceive this magic.

I do recommend this book even for a 5 min read, you'll walk with wisdom.

[aman goyal · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small book with great insights

I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to know the science of affirmations and how to apply it in daily life. The insights from yogic perspective is so different and detailed rather then modern YouTube interpretation of same.
Thank you.

[Rsraob · Rating 2 out of 5]

It might be a ground breaking discovery for some one uninitiated into the world of yoga and meditation. But someone who has been practicing this for 30 years, it does not amount to anything more than a teaser of what this world offers.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The teachings of this book are so profound, it creates within me a sense of inner peace. I really enjoy reading / learning about his teachings and the wisdom attached to it. This man was perhaps one of the greatest sages of all time.

[Valerie Garza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had to read some of this twice but it was worth the double reading. I came to better understand the nature of consciousness and my connection to the self and infinite intelligence. I have yet to try the affirmations, though.

[laura Bielser · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok

I enjoyed reading it. Some resonated some did not. Good intentions for sure. I believe our thoughts create our lives.

[Ana Rangel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, it didn't blow my mind!

[Yash Kapoor · Rating 1 out of 5]

Book has nothing to give you. There are prayers which you can use for healing but each prayer differs from person to person. It was pure waste for me.

[Kemparaj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Massive knowledge for betterment of life.

[Cheri Flake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect timing. Practical and applicable truth.

[Amit Chadha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing book
a very powerful yet very simple technique of affirmations is explained in a scientific manner.
I am using this technique since last few years and strongly recommend the same

[Sukanya Viswanathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Treasure trove of energised words, so healing and uplifting to read. To be read and re-read through life.

[Grace Grossmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Useful for yoga teachers and everyone who is ready to embrace the power of positive thinking.

[Tejpal Singh]

Life changing books