The truth simply is. It cannot be voted into existence. It must be perceived by every individual in the changeless Self within.   -Paramhansa Yogananda

This course is one of Ananda’s most popular offerings and is perfect for anyone seeking spiritual expansion whether they are new to the spiritual path or an experienced yogi. It offers ample opportunities for spiritual conversations and questions.

The Art & Science of Raja Yoga offers both a heart and scientific approach to the spiritual life, with techniques for calming the mind and expanding our awareness of spiritual realities. Based on The Art and Science of Raja Yoga by Swami Kriyananda, as taught by Paramhansa Yogananda, it is the most comprehensive course for realizing our spiritual destiny offered today.

This 12-week series shares, in a practical way, the fundamentals of Raja Yoga (Royal Union): the comprehensive yogic path that shows us how to spiritualize our entire life, with meditation as its central practice. Raja yoga 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 series offers ample opportunity for discussion, and to ask questions that help you apply these teachings within your own life experiences. Raja Yoga teachings explain that this world is a school, where we are sent to develop our “spiritual muscles” by learning the many lessons life teaches us. When all lessons have been learned, and our consciousness spiritualized; we are able to graduate the School of Life and earn the true “Certificate of Completion:” Self-Realization.

Raja yoga  encompasses all the different types of yoga including meditation, devotional practices, dispassionate discrimination and wisdom, as well as the yoga postures well-known in the West.

This course is also step-two on the path of Kriya Yoga. It is open to everyone, whether or not you have taken step-one, Lessons in Meditation. Taking Lessons in Meditation is encouraged prior to this course, however, you will also learn Yogananda’s meditation techniques in this twelve-week series.

Ananda is a nonprofit, nondenominational center for meditation, spiritual expansion, and community. The teachings of Self-realization are compatible with the core teachings of all great world religions. Devoted members of all faiths participate in Ananda worldwide.

Your course registration includes twelve in-person classes covering topics including:

  • The History of Yoga and the Cycles of Time Explore the origins of yoga as a complete way of life.
  • The Paths of Yoga   Devotion (bhakti), Karma (action), Gyana (wisdom). Yoga is suited to every different temperament.
  • Karma  Its role in our spiritual evolution
  • Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga  The eight limbs of yoga that define and describe the steps of spiritual development.
  • The Yamas  Practices to avoid that produce unhappiness.
  • The Niyamas  Practices to cultivate that produce contentment, success and fulfillment.
  • Life is a Battlefield  How to develop inner peace in the midst of life’s chaos.
  • Affirmations  Techniques to help you achieve your goals: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual.
  • Energy, Energization, Meditation  Discover the ways and means of optimum health and lasting joy.
  • Magnetism  The key to success and abundance in every undertaking, from meditation to one’s material goals.
  • Guru Disciple Relationship What is a guru and do we need one?
  • The Anatomy of Yoga  Your deepest nature is immortal and infinite. What is keeping us from realizing this? Learn the ancient techniques that yogis use to break down the barriers keeping us separated from our highest Self.
This life-changing course provides tools to learn and grow spiritually! Please call with any questions, or to schedule a visit at the center (805) 372-1691.

Dates: Our next 12-week series begins Saturday, June 8, 2024, 9:00am-noon. If you need to miss a class, worry not. All materials are also included in the accompanying online program, used worldwide.

Your registration includes: Supplemental online program “The Art & Science of Raja Yoga” (over 20 hours of audio, video, and PDF textbook). This program is used worldwide and offers invaluable support.

Additionally: Once you have taken this course, you can re-take the The Art & Science of Raja Yoga as often as you like, for free! Most participants take this course multiple times, experiencing a greater resonance of inner knowing each time.

Cost for this 12-week series per person for couples is $275. Register using “Ticket” function in the side bar.

Location: Ananda Thousand Oaks, 1321 Thousand Oaks Blvd., #124.

Instructor: It is Chela’s great joy to be of service leading Ananda Thousand Oaks. She is an Ananda Minister, a Tyagi, a certified Ananda Meditation instructor, a disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda and a Kriyaban. Chela loves sharing the teachings of Self-realization, leading classes for Ananda, meditations, satsangs, and more. She has been married for thirty-seven years and is mom to two adult children. She offers a loving heart to anyone seeking support in their spiritual journey. Chela is author of Bhakti, A journey of Soul discovery.