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. By integrating these teachings and techniques into your daily life, you can reach your highest potential—experiencing true happiness, inner peace, and the soul’s dynamic joy.

This course offers techniques for self-mastery in every aspect of life—from calming turbulent emotions to awakening deep compassion and love for others. It provides a time-tested pathway to divine union, one that yogis and mystics have walked for centuries.

This program was 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’sAutobiography of a Yogi, this Raja Yoga class series serves as 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, followed by a brief meditation. After a short break, the main class and discussion starts at 6:45 pm, exploring 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​

Nayaswamis Dharmadas and Nirmala will teach this class. They have worked closely with Swami Kriyananda since the 1970s—over 40 years—and have taught yoga and meditation across three continents. Their accomplishments include helping establish four Ananda spiritual communities worldwide and serving as the founding spiritual directors of Ananda India (2003–2012). They currently serve as the spiritual directors of Ananda Sacramento. Ananda ministers Dr. Michelle and Nayaswami Suryadas will assist with instruction, while Astara Gustin and/or Nayaswami Devaki will lead the hatha yoga sessions.

When​

This 8-week program will take place on Thursdays, 5:30 – 8:00 pm beginning January 30th. 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 15, 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 registering below. 

Past participants may retake this course by making a donation. Please contact the church office to arrange this.