The Art and Science of Raja Yoga – An Eight-Week Intensive on the Yogic Lifestyle

A Journey of Self Awakening…

Experience the inner peace and joy of the soul through this eight-week immersion into the practice of yoga and meditation. This is the most comprehensive course on yoga and meditation available today, giving you a profound and intimate understanding of how to apply these age-old teachings, on a practical, as well as spiritual, day-to-day level in this modern age.

This course includes detailed instruction on hatha yoga (yoga postures), yoga philosophy, affirmations, meditation, and breathing techniques. Also included are suggestions for daily yoga routines, helpful information on diet, and alternative healing techniques. Apply these teachings and techniques in your daily life and you will attain your highest soul potential: true happiness, inner peace, and the dynamic joy of your soul.

This course offers techniques for self-mastery in every aspect of life, from calming turbulent emotions to awakening deep compassion and love for others. Ultimately, it is a well-explored pathway, walked by countless yogis and mystics, to union with God.

This program was originally created by Swami Kriyananda and is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, author of the well-known book Autobiography of a Yogi. The main text for the course is Swami Kriyananda’s book The Art and Science of Raja Yoga.

For those interested in learning the Kriya Yoga technique, as described in Paramhansa Yogananda’s book Autobiography of a Yogi, this Raja Yoga class series is the first step towards initiation. 

Curriculum​

Each class begins at 5:30 pm with an hour of gentle hatha yoga postures tailored to meet the needs of the group, and a brief meditation. There is a short break, and class and discussion begin at 6:45 pm devoted to the many aspects of Raja Yoga, including:

Philosophy: karma, chakras, Self-realization, kundalini, guru, attunement, astral worlds, the yugas, astrology, devotion, and selfless service.

Hatha: yoga postures as a preparation for deep meditation.

Pranayama: control the breath to harmonize, increase, and direct energy in the body. Learn how to reduce fatigue, depression, lack of mental clarity, and other stress-related illnesses through the practice of pranayama.

Meditation: Experience meditation as a powerful spiritual practice—a way to make God real in your life. Devotion, an understanding of the chakras, and the role of the guru are a part of that exploration.

Healing: Learn yoga practices to help relieve many conditions, including chronic pain, insomnia, high blood pressure, nervous disorders, weight problems, digestion, heart ailments, and stress.

Each Week We Will Explore a Specific Aspect of the Spiritual Life as Listed Here:

Class 1 — Principles of Energy and Energization

Class 2 — Raja Yoga and the Paths of Yoga

Class 3 — Ashtanga Yoga: Patanjali’s Eight Limbed Path

Class 4 — Yama: The Dont’s of the Spiritual Path

Class 5 — Niyama: The Do’s of the Spiritual Path

Class 6 — Transforming Habits and the Science of Using Affirmations

Class 7 — Environment is Stronger than Willpower: The Principle of Magnetism

Class 8 — The Nature and Purpose of Creation

Meet Your Instructors​

This class will be taught by Nayaswamis Dharmadas and Nirmala. Dharmadas and Nirmala worked closely with Swami Kriyananda for over 40 years beginning in the 1970s and have taught yoga and meditation on three continents. They helped create four Ananda spiritual communities around the world and were the founding spiritual directors of Ananda India from 2003-2012. Nirmala and Dharmadas are currently the spiritual directors of Ananda Sacramento. They will be assisted by Ananda ministers Dr Michelle and Nayaswami Suryadas.

When​

This 8-week program will take place on Thursdays, 5:30 – 8:00 pm beginning February 1st. Classes are structured as follows: 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm Yoga Postures 6:45 pm – 8:00 pm Class & Discussion.

Where

We will have two options – You can join us live at the Ananda Sacramento temple in Rancho Cordova (see address and map below), or you can join us on Zoom. A Zoom link and password will be emailed to each enrollee. We encourage those who are able to attend in person for a more dynamic experience. 

Cost

The EARLY BIRD price for this eight-week course is $325. After January 21, the price will be $350. This includes all materials and the book, “The Art and Science of Raja Yoga” by Swami Kriyananda.

Enrollment

You can register for this class by purchasing a ticket below. 

If you would like more information about the Raja Yoga Class Series please fill out the form below and we will contact you. 

If you have already taken this course and would like to retake it, please contact NIrmala or the church office – 916-361-0891.