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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 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 and 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, Kriya Yoga, 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:
• Meditation
• The History of Yoga and the Cycles of Time
• The Paths of Yoga
• Karma
• Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga
• The Yamas
• The Niyamas
• The Battlefield: Stand Unshaken Amidst Challenges
• Affirmations
• Energy, Energization
• Magnetism
• Guru Disciple Relationship
• The Anatomy of Yoga
This life-changing course provides tools to learn and grow spiritually! Please call with any questions, or to schedule a visit to the center (805) 885-8444.
Dates: This 12-week series meets Saturday mornings. Our next series is tentatively scheduled to begin August 2, 2025, 9:00am-noon. If you need to miss a class, don’t worry. All topics are included in the accompanying online program, used worldwide.
Your registration includes: Supplemental online program The Art & Science of Raja Yoga, (over 20 hours of audios by Swami Kriyananda and others, videos, and PDF of entire textbook). This program is used worldwide and offers invaluable support.
Cost for entire 12-week series: $375. Please register in advance using ticketing feature to the right.
Once you’ve completed the course, you’re warmly invited to retake The Art & Science of Raja Yoga as often as you feel inspired—for just $30 each time. Many truth-seekers find that each return deepens their understanding and awakens a richer inner attunement to the timeless truths of Self-realization.
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-eight 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.
Neda Pourtolami, a Kriyaban and disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, has over 15 years of yoga practice. She has refined her skills through the Ananda Bridge program. With a loving heart and a commitment to service, Neda passionately guides others on their yoga journeys, nurturing deeper connections and fostering inner peace.
