The courses offered at the Institute are based on the art and science of raja yoga as taught by Paramhansa Yogananda and as expanded into daily life by his direct disciple, Swami Kriyananda, founder of Ananda.

Paramhansa Yogananda

Paramhansa Yogananda is the author of the spiritual classic, Autobiography of Yogi. He was sent to the West by a line of yoga masters to bring Kriya Yoga, an advanced technique of raja yoga. Based on inner realization born of meditation, Yogananda also came to show the underlying unity of the teachings of Jesus Christ and of Krishna.

Swami Kriyananda

Swami Kriyananda has written over eighty books, composed several hundred pieces of music, and is founder of the worldwide Ananda network of communities, retreats, and schools. He has spent a lifetime exploring the practical, cultural, and philosophical applications and implications of the reawakened art and science of meditation. The subject of his books range from scripture to science, art to education, marriage and family, community and commerce, leadership, meditation and hatha yoga. Founded upon the wisdom of Paramhansa Yogananda, these writings have endowed the Institute with an enduring legacy of practicality, wisdom, and inspiration that shows how to make “yoga” (Oneness) a way of life for truthseekers everywhere.

Ananda

The Institute is operated by the Ananda Church of Self-Realization of Seattle and reflects its commitment to share the nonsectarian and universal practices and precepts of raja yoga. The teaching staff at the Institute share a personal, daily commitment to the spiritual life which includes meditation, service, devotion, study, support, and discipleship. Each of the Institute's Archaryas (spiritual directors) and senior Lightbearers (ministers) have been serving Ananda's international work for 20 years or more. All teaching staff are seasoned teachers and practitioners. See Our Teachers for individual descriptions.