"The Art and Science of Raja Yoga" by Swami Kriyananda is a comprehensive 14-lesson guide integrating ancient yoga philosophy with practical meditation, Hatha yoga, and energy control. Rooted in the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, this 450-page text provides a balanced approach to the "royal" path of yoga through seven core topics. For details on the official course, visit Amazon.com
The Art and Science of Raja Yoga: A Guide To Self-Realization
I’m unable to provide a PDF of The Art and Science of Raja Yoga by Swami Kriyananda (J. Donald Walters) due to copyright restrictions. This book is still under active copyright protection through Ananda Sangha and Crystal Clarity Publishers.
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Legal Free Excerpts: Ananda’s official website offers free sample chapters and guided meditation instructions from the book.
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Library Access: Check the Internet Archive’s controlled digital lending (search “The Art and Science of Raja Yoga Internet Archive”) or your local library’s Hoopla/OverDrive collection.
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The Art and Science of Raja Yoga by Swami Kriyananda is a comprehensive 450-page manual designed as a 14-step home-study course on yoga and meditation. Written by a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, it integrates ancient spiritual principles with practical, modern-day applications. Core Structural Features
The book is divided into 14 detailed lessons (or "steps"), each intended to be studied for approximately two weeks. Each lesson consistently covers seven key spiritual and physical categories: "The Art and Science of Raja Yoga" by
Philosophy: In-depth explorations of the history of yoga, the Eightfold Path of Patanjali (Ashtanga Yoga), and the different paths such as Bhakti (devotion), Gyana (wisdom), and Karma (action).
Yoga Postures (Hatha): Illustrated guides for various asanas with specific tips on form and explanations of their spiritual and physical benefits.
Breathing (Pranayama): Techniques to control the breath and harmonize the body's energy (prana), including specialized exercises like Kapalabhati and Sitkari.
Meditation Instruction: Progressive steps to still the mind, including techniques for concentration and "Hong-Sau" practice.
Healing Techniques: Practical advice on alternative healing for common conditions like insomnia, hypertension, and stress-related issues. Legal Free Excerpts : Ananda’s official website offers
Diet: Comprehensive guidance on a "yogic diet," including detox recipes, fasting, and nutritional advice aimed at supporting spiritual progress.
Routines & Affirmations: Suggestions for daily practice schedules and the use of affirmations and visualizations to reshape mental habits. Key Content Highlights The Art & Science of Raja Yoga - Ananda Portland
In the early 1960s, Kriyananda left the SRF organization. For a time, his writings were set aside as he navigated life as an independent teacher. However, his passion for making the ancient teachings accessible never faded. He continued to lecture and write, synthesizing the high teachings of his Guru with practical, modern psychology.
In 1968, he founded Ananda Village, a spiritual cooperative community. It was here, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains in California, that The Art and Science of Raja Yoga was fully birthed. He wrote it not just as a textbook, but as a manual for the residents of the community who were trying to live a spiritual life in the modern world.
The book is usually divided into a progressive series of lessons (often 14 steps or chapters). The core components include:
The PDF is highly popular because Kriyananda avoids untranslated Sanskrit jargon overload. He writes English prose that flows like a conversation. He explains complex terms like Vrittis (whirlpools of thought) using analogies of lakes, cameras, and electricity, making the ancient text accessible to a beginner.