Yogoda Satsanga Lessons
At Paramahansa Yogananda's direction, classes and lectures he gave on meditation and the art of balanced spiritual living were compiled to form the Yogoda Satsanga Lessons. Through a series of printed lessons that can be studied at home, Yogoda Satsanga students devote themselves to a period of preliminary study and meditation in order to prepare themselves physically, mentally, and spiritually for Kriya practice. During this time they learn three important techniques of the Yogoda Satsanga teachings:
1. Technique of Energization:
enables one to draw energy consciously into the body from the Cosmic Source. This technique of life-energy control purifies and strengthens the body and prepares it for meditation, making it easier to direct the energy inward in order to reach higher states of consciousness. Regular practice also promotes mental and physical relaxation and develops dynamic will power.
2. Technique of Concentration:
helps to develop one's latent powers of concentration. Through practice of this technique one learns to withdraw thoughts and energy from outward distractions so that they may be focused on any goal to be achieved or problem to be solved. Or one may direct that concentrated attention toward realizing the Divine Consciousness within.
3. Technique of Meditation:
shows one how to use the power of concentration in the highest way - to discover and develop the divine qualities of one's own true Self. The technique expands the awareness beyond limitations of body and mind to the joyous realization of one's infinite potential.
Since Yoga is based on practice and experience rather than on adherence to a particular set of beliefs, followers of all religions can benefit from these techniques. When practiced regularly, the methods of Yoga lead unfailingly to deeper levels of spiritual awareness and perception.
After the preliminary period of study and practice, which takes about a year to complete, students may decide whether they want to receive KriyaYoga, which signifies the establishment of the disciple-guru relationship. Before making such a decision, however, all students - whether already versed in metaphysics and meditation or just beginning - study the first two steps of the Yogoda Satsanga Lessons and practice the three techniques described above. These techniques prepare body and mind to receive the liberating power of Kriya Yoga. And such practice also gives students the opportunity to apply the teachings and make them a part of their lives and consciousness before deciding to go on to Kriya Yoga.
Should students wish, they may continue to study the teachings and practice the basic methods of meditation taught in the Lessons without receiving Kriya Yoga. All those who are sincere and earnest in their practice will realize for themselves the truth in Paramahansa Yogananda's assurance that one can reach the highest states of Divine Consciousness through any of the Yogoda Satsanga techniques of concentration and meditation.
Further information about the Yogoda Satsanga Lessons is included in free introductory literature, available on request.
"Those who have come to Yogoda Satsanga Society truly seeking inward spiritual help shall receive what they seek from God. Whether they come while I am in the body, or afterward, the power of God through the link of the YSS Gurus shall flow into the devotees just the same, and shall be the cause of their salvation."
- Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda
Go to top
A Selection of Subjects Covered in the
Yogoda Satsanga Lessons
In-depth Instruction in the Science of Yoga Meditation
Taught by Paramahansa Yogananda
- How to Weave God Into Your Daily Life
- Yoga Principles of Healing and Rejuvenation
- Strengthening Will Power to Achieve Success in All Aspects of Life
- Finding Your True Vocation in Life
- Developing Creativity and Memory
- How to Select Your Life Companion
- Creating Harmony in Marriage and Family Life
- The Workings of the Human Mind
- The Art of Getting Along With Others
- Methods of Relaxation and Rejuvenation
- Understanding Karma and Reincarnation
- Living Without Stress and Fear
- Yoga Principles of Diet
- Quickening Human Evolution
- Building World Unity
- Life After Death
Go to top |
