Conversations with Yogananda

by Kriyananda

This is an unparalleled, first-hand account of the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, featuringnearly 500 never-before-released stories, sayings, and insights. This is an extensive, yet eminentlyaccessible treasure trove of wisdom from one of the 20th Centurys most famous yoga masters.One of Yoganandas closest disciples, Kriyananda faithfully recorded these words of his guru,giving us this intimate glimpse of life with Yogananda, as never before shared. Also features 25photos of the yoga master, many of which are previously unreleased.

Genres: Spirituality

466 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

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

[Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a comprehensive collection of short stories about, and sayings and discussions by the great Indian Avatar, Paramhansa Yogananda. The information contained in this book was recorded by Swami Kriyananda, a direct disciple of Yogananda, during Yogananda's last years of life and gives a surprisingly different perspective of the great Saint. I found the book to be both entertaining and enlightening. It is a book I've read multiple times and look forward to reading again soon. This is a great book to read a little at a time.

[Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a starter book for those interested in either Yogananda or his disciple Kriyananda, but it's a book that shows some of the spirit of Yogananda's person and mission. One should read Autobiography of a Yogi before reading this book.

There's a running thread of balancing the devotional and intellectual aspects of yoga, balancing the work of seeking personal realization and uplifting society.

Kriyananda paints a picture of his guru as someone who could read a person's thoughts and karma like an open book. He was a mirror in which people could see themselves clearly. He had a playful side with people, but it was always about searching for God.

There are numerous mentions of some of the people mentioned in Autobiography of a Yogi, but not in a gossipy way. There are a lot of tasty, titilating tidbits about who was who in what life when, but that's not the main theme. The main theme is "Press on to apprehend, to realize, to avoid the standard-issue delusions. Don't just talk about realization, press on toward realization with every fiber of your existence."

Yogananda gives great comfort and strong consolations to those who are seeking God, or even just thinking about seeking God. The quote "Every sincere effort is registered in the divine consciousness" is a great blessing to me.

After reading this book, your mind and heart will taste some of the joy that Kriyananda feels when he recalls his beloved guru.

[Kalyani Chandrasekar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book contains the record of day to day conversations that Swami Kriyananada observed in the company of Yogananda. It is so inspirational and simple read. This book tells how Yogananda handled people and events to imbibe the love for God. It is so elegantly written and contains the universal truth. It is an awesome guide for any sincere spiritual seeker.

[Pratyusa Mohanty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Valuable lessons taught through author's interactions with the Master!

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for all who seek.