Whenever we become serious in any field of study, we tend to seek the wisdom and guidance from one who has mastered his ‘art.’ For success depends on learning from those who have the insight and ability to guide our efforts ever-closer to our goals. This is especially true on the spiritual path. The Guru-Disciple relationship is one filled with deep inspiration, offering our lives a clear direction to focus our spiritual efforts.
Through discipleship we are able to achieve a balance of self-effort and divine grace that is essential to spiritual progress. Swami Kriyananda shares insights into the importance and practice of the Guru-Disciple relationship. Through personal stories and reflection of his experiences with Paramhansa Yogananda, he helps prepare the student for a life of discipleship to a great Yoga master. If, after completing this course, you feel ready for this level of commitment, you may receive an at-home or in-person initiation into this line of Masters of Self-Realization.
Who is This Course For:
A Course on Discipleship provides seven core lessons over a period of ten weeks that deepen one’s understanding of what the Guru-Disciple relationship truly means. Topics that are explored include: what discipleship is and isn’t, the need and the role of a guru, how to find your guru, what is attunement, and an understanding of the mission of Paramhansa Yogananda. The instructor will work with each student to help them see if this path of Self-Realization as brought by Paramhansa Yogananda is their divine path, and if so, this course will offer the student an opportunity to embrace discipleship with Paramhansa Yogananda as their guru.
Tuition for 10-Week Course: $89.95
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What You'll Receive:
- Seven lessons designed to help guide you through the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda on discipleship.
- Textbook (PDF format).
- Digital videos of Swami Kriyananda and other Ananda ministers.
- Interactive forums for discussion with fellow students and instructor.
- Weekly classes, guided meditations, and discussions online with the instructor.
- Personal support from instructor (via email, telephone or live chat).
More About Course
This course explores the Guru-Disciple relationship, what it IS and how to deepen your spiritual life by following the guidance of a God-Realized Master. Throughout the lessons, you will see that your spiritual potential is that of a saint, you but only need to remember your divinity. The help of the saints is always with us, and in this course we learn how to call on their blessings so that we, too, may realize our highest potential.
While the material in this course is universal to all spiritual paths and traditions, we will focus on discipleship of Paramhansa Yogananda and Ananda’s spiritual lineage. If after completing this course you feel that Yogananda is your guru, you can take part in a home discipleship initiation ceremony. This course can also prepare one for an in-person ceremony at a local Ananda Center. In becoming a disciple, you will be joining thousands of other disciples worldwide who are part of Ananda.
This course offers several methods for student engagement through the lesson material, forums, live webinars, and email correspondence with the course instructor. Each lesson contains reading assignments, digital videos of Swami Kriyananda, audio learning tracks, and live as well as recorded webinar classes. In addition, each lesson contains a quiz which allows for further interaction and guidance.
The recommended pace of this course is one lesson per week. You will have 10 weeks to complete the seven lessons in this course.
Course Outline
ASSIGNMENTS
- Reading Assignment, Part One
- Audio Assignment: Blessings of Discipleship, Part One
- Recording: Do I need a Guru?
- Recording: Understanding the Need for a Guru
ACTIVITIES
- Lesson One Quiz
ASSIGNMENTS
- Reading Assignment, Part Two
- Audio Assignment: Blessings of Discipleship, Part Two
- The Disciple’s Part
ACTIVITIES
- Lesson Two Quiz
ASSIGNMENTS
- Reading Assignment, Part Three
- Audio Assignment: Blessings of Discipleship, Part Three
- Recording: Attunement
ACTIVITIES
- Lesson Three Quiz
ASSIGNMENTS
- Audio Assignment: Blessings of Discipleship, Part Four
- Reading Assignment, Part Four
- Recording: Life With a Master
ACTIVITIES
- Lesson Four Quiz
ASSIGNMENTS
- Audio Recording — Samadhi
- Reading Assignment, Part Five
- Audio Assignment — Blessings of Discipleship, Part Five
- Video Recording — Paramhansa Yogananda: Incarnation of Divine Love
ACTIVITIES
- Lesson Five Quiz
ASSIGNMENTS
- Reading Assignment, Part Six
- Audio Assignment — Song: O Master
- Video Recording — The Importance of Having a Guru
ACTIVITIES
- Lesson Six Quiz
ASSIGNMENTS
- Reading Assignment, Part Seven
ACTIVITIES
- Lesson Seven Quiz
Frequently Asked Questions
Once you complete Lessons in Meditation, you are eligible to enroll in the Course on Discipleship Review course which will give you lifetime access to all course material. Additionally, you are able to download all pdf and mp3 material.
The weekly webinars are 2:00 to 3:00 pm Pacific Time, on a Tuesday or a Wednesday, depending on the cohort you are in.
Each webinar will focus on the particular chapter of that week, offering plenty of time for discussion and Q&A.
As far as the lessons are concerned, once a lesson is open, the content is available 24/7 for the duration of the end of the course. A new lesson is made available every Monday, starting on the course start date.
*All webinars are recorded and posted within the course, available for later viewing.
All live events are recorded for those unable to attend live. We send the link to the recording to everyone enrolled in the course.
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Meet Your Instructors
Nayaswami Premdas
Nayaswami Premdas serves in various roles with Ananda Sangha. Through The Path of Kriya Yoga, he guides and assists seekers & devotees worldwide. An Ananda Lightbearer-Minister, he’s a credentialed teacher of meditation and yoga & for many years has been leading devotional services & classes at Ananda Village and Ananda Meditation Groups.
A 20-year resident of Ananda Village with his wife Jivani, he is known for his joy, devotion, hospitality (Expanding Light Executive Chef, 10 years, 25 years corporate) but most importantly he is appreciated for listening, counseling and sharing the many blessings he receives from this path of self-realization.
Nayaswami Sagar
Nayaswami Sagar resides in the Ananda Monastery located at Ananda Village in Northern California. Born into a family of kriya yogis, Sagar read Paramhansa Yogananda’s Autobiography of a Yogi at a young age, an influence that culminated in his decision to serve Yogananda’s mission through Ananda.
Sagar led Ananda’s work in Mumbai for about five years and has served Ananda’s work in India and the US as a teacher and counselor to students and as a meditation and stress-relief workshop facilitator for corporates.
Sagar currently serves in Ananda’s Online Ministry. He is one of the principal instructors for the Ananda Course in Meditation and has helped create several online offerings such as the full-length courses The Yoga Teachings of Jesus, Karma and Reincarnation and the webinars The Anatomy of the Astral Body, Losing the Fear of Death Through the Science of Yoga, How to Stand Unshaken amidst Life’s Challenges and Refine Your Energization Practice. You can read some of his articles here.
Prior to commencing his life of service at Ananda, Sagar was a graduate student with full scholarship at Boston University and holds advanced degrees in Engineering.
159 reviews for Course on Discipleship
It feels like coming home… I have just completed the Discipleship course with Sagar and Nayaswami Premdas, I enjoyed it immensely.
I was made to feel like I belonged as if I was an old friend coming to stay. The teachings in all of the 3 courses were very well put together.
I am very grateful for all of you taking the time to teach us. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, love, and blessings to you all.
Recently, I completed the online Discipleship Course, with the anticipation of taking the discipleship vow and eventually attaining Kriya Yoga. Initially, I harbored reservations about enrolling in an online discipleship course. Given the profound nature of the connection between Guru and disciple, the concept of completing such a course remotely, followed by taking the vow, didn’t sit well with me. However, I’ve discovered that my intuition has been enhanced by a combination of previous online courses completed with Ananda and participation in a home group in Thousand Oaks, CA, as well as extended meditation sessions. It appears that my emotions were influencing my expectations for what an ideal discipleship experience should entail.
The course spans seven weeks and provides a balanced mix of reading materials, videos, and recordings. Weekly Zoom calls were available either live or recorded, which proved particularly advantageous for me as the in-person sessions coincided with my working hours. While the course allows for self-pacing, maintaining attentiveness is crucial to avoid falling behind. Nayaswami Premdas and Sagar, both remarkable individuals, infused a personal touch into the experience. They exemplify the teachings of discipleship in every aspect. Their unwavering support was palpable throughout the course. The course cost was minimal considering the wealth of knowledge received. I highly recommend this course to anyone seeking insight into the essence of a relationship with Yogananda.
Bailey 2024
This program is well laid out, easy to use and lots of great material. I feel like I could take it all again and learn even ore. You have access to teachers, they give great feedback. It is up to you what you get out. It takes time and it it well worth it.The connection is so real and it does change your life in ways that are helpful
If you feel drawn to this path, I strongly urge you to take this course. The instructors were amazing, the material answered so many of my questions. It is profound.
I found the course inspiring and uplifting. The feedback from the teachers was particularly helpful – it encouraged me to continue on the path in times of doubt and feelings of unworthiness.
Gabriel
I want to say thank you to all the instructors and the time they spent to teach all of these amazing lessons. I have learned so much in such a short time and have enjoyed all the classes. Thank you again to Nayaswami Premdas and Brahmachari Sagar for all your kindness and energy put into these classes.
First of all, thank you very much for all the gurus. It’s a wonderful experience in my life. this course has given me a clear guideline for my spiritual journey.
Amazing course! Before I took it, I was very hesitant about having a guru in my life. During this course I’ve learned so much about Yogananda and the importance of the Guru on my spiritual Path. Today I went through the Discipleship Initiation Ceremony and accepted the Master as my Guru. Thank you to all wonderful teachers. 🙏❤️🙏
5 Stars! This course was an excellent prelude to the Kriya Preparation Course. The levels of knowledge, commitment, and teaching skills of both instructors, Premdas and Sagar, added immensely to the spiritual value derived from this course. I am sincerely grateful to them both.
Scott S.
This is a truly great coarse that will benefit all that take it.
5 Stars for this course!
I’m stunned and delighted to report that this Course in Discipleship magnified and expanded my experiences from the first two courses. I thought I would get very little from it, and the opposite occurred! I feel much more attuned to these teachings now, and I am even more excited to continue my journey with Ananda. What a blessing these last three months have been!
Recommend highly! Educates you on the spiritual journey of why you need a Guru and your relationship as a disciple. Thank you Nayaswami Premdas and Sagar for a very informative class.
Now I have completed the third course in this Ananda program that is transforming me into a more loving, self-aware and centered being. With each course, I feel more growth, more happiness, more love. This course in discipleship has prepared me to touch the guru every day, and more deeply than before. I believe that is its purpose, and it is superbly organized and presented to accomplish that goal. Thank you to all of you for leading me forward.
Another great course from Ananda! Very structured and provides great round foundation to the other 2. Wonderfully delivered by instructors. Enjoyed specially the enthusiasm from Premdas. Great blessing! Highly recommended
A great blessing for a sincere seeker. Marvelous! Keep going! Jai Guru Aum :-)
Thank you so much for sharing the knowledge and all your help and time towards enhancing my experience in this journey of mine! Very well structured and focussed content followed by a set of questions that triggered thoughts and challenged me at every step to rethink go deeper and understand my ‘WHY’ on this path. Thanks again!
The Course In Discipleship was a Very Beautiful and Informational course. It helped further my understanding of the Guru disciple relationship and the importance of having a Guru. I truly appreciate the teachers time sharing this information, grading our tests and always being there to answer any questions the students have. I am So looking forward the next course in Preparation For Kriya!!
When I read Autobiography of a Yogi last summer, I knew I wanted to learn Kriya Yoga and follow Parmahansa Yogananda. This powerful course brought into focus the beauty of the guru-disciple relationship, and helped me to understand its importance in my spiritual path. The pace of the course creates space for one to understand and digest the material, allowing time to go deep within to assess whether this is the path for you. The instructors are knowledgeable, kind , supportive, and available for questions and conversation. Once I completed the course I knew I was ready to take my next steps on my spiritual path. The ceremony at the end is beautiful, and as a result of it all, I now feel I am home.
The Course on Discipleship was my favorite of the three courses I’ve taken at Ananda. The concept and methods of personal attunement to a guru are incredibly helpful for anyone on a spiritual path, and they were especially useful for getting to know, understand and love Paramhansa Yogananda. By the end of it you will know for certain whether you want to continue as a disciple. The instructors, Premdas and Sagar, are extremely kind and helpful. Highly recommended course.
When I started these courses, I knew I wanted to learn Kriya. When I started this particular 3rd course, to become a disciple, to be honest, I wasn’t sure – I knew I loved Yogananda already, but being a disciple was a totally foreign idea. After a couple of classes, I knew I wanted to be a disciple. As always, the teachers (Premdas and Sagar), are absolutely wonderful, loving, supportive. With their loving guidance, becoming a disciple only made sense to me…and they always made sure that there was no pressure and that they are always available if we had any questions. I couldn’t have asked for a more loving and supportive environment. If you are just curious, I recommend this highly! If you know discipleship is for you, I recommend even higher. 😁 either way, it’s a win win.
For those who feel moved to follow a path involving a guru, this is one of the best courses available. Yogananda was, and still is on the subtle planes, a teacher of the highest moral and spiritual integrity. The Ananda guides who present this course do so in a way that is heartfelt, accessible and easy to follow. When a practitioner completes the course, they will be well prepared to live out the rest of their lives–and future lifetimes–as a devoted disciple of the Self Realization path and all the deep blessings it has to offer.
I feel like sharing about the Ceremony at the end of the course where I felt completely in the company of the Master and the dear friends from the Ananda community. Tears of joy, devotion and gratitude washed my eyes, heart and mind and put me directly in contact with His pure presence. That experience remains alive for me, like a guiding beacon, even now that I am signing up for Step 4 on the Kriya Yoga Path. Thus culminated the Course in Discipleship, a path rich in wisdom, information, awareness and inner transformations. More than Step 1 and 2, this third step put me even more in touch with my heart, and implicitly with the Master and with God. Sometimes I feel that words are superfluous to express this feeling in my heart, which touches my interior and exterior day by day, spilling out into the world through me. I am grateful to carry forward these qualities of the ray of divine light on which Yogananda also shone on. I warmly invite you to step on to the path if you feel the call. Namaste!
This course is part of a suite of courses. It is step three of five steps needed for those who want to learn a sacred technique called Kriya Yoga. I took this course as I wanted to learn the Kriya technique. The course focuses on the role of a personal guru in the quest to know God. It is tailored to those who are on the path to knowing God through “Self Realisation”, set out by Paramahansa Yogananda. While it could be helpful for those who are not on this particular path, you can expect to clarify the nature of your own commitment to Yogananda as an important outcome of this course. With seven lessons set over 10 weeks, the course is well paced. I appreciated the extra time towards the end to catch up on lessons and review the material before the course finished. Interacting with sincere participants from many parts of the world was a highlight. Well done to Ananda to making course delivery so well suited to the worldwide interest in Yogananda and to the technology available to help spread this message of divine hope and joy to participants in different time zones. While the power of the teaching speaks for itself, the course instructors are absolutely committed to participants getting the most out of the content. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
This course helped me understand the importance of the guru in the path to self-realization and the sacredness of the guru-disciple relationship. The course instructors were deeply knowledgeable about the subject and went out of their way to respond to our questions on the topic. I greatly enjoyed the course readings and webinars, including readings on Swami Kriyananda’s personal account of his years as a disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda. The supplemental material to the course readings further deepened my understanding of the role of the guru in the spiritual journey of a seeker. The one-on-one Zoom call gave me an opportunity to talk with an instructor directly and get answers to some of my questions about the path. All-in-all the course was very enjoyable, interactive and informative. I feel deeply blessed to have had the opportunity to complete this course and would highly recommend it to all sincere seekers of self-realization.
Such an inspiring and beautiful course! Each week I eagerly looked forward to the class and webinar. Instructors were very supportive and available for any questions. It’s a beautiful path we’re all on and this class supports our long-sought union with Spirit. You can feel the loving vibration throughout the course. It’s a trajectory of LOVE and JOY. What else could there be? Thank you so much!
Another wonderful course with Ananda.
These teachings are profound, it feels like I have finally come “home” and found what I was looking for after many years of wandering.
Thank you to the instructors Sagar and Premdas, for your dedicated inspiring and supportive guidance through this course,
always ready to answer questions or respond to anything that might come up.
This course was amazing! I grew more and more everyday in ways unexplainable. Thank you teachers for the support and love!
Fantastic course, easy accessible and easy to follow!
It has changed a lot in my life, self-realization.
Have tried a lot, this is the right way.
I can recommend it to everyone.
Deep truths!
Love Ben
Today is January 1, 2023. Looking back the year, starting the Kriya path since May is one of the most significant event in the past year or I may say in my life.
My life has been changed so profoundly in a positive way, thank the guidance of our Gurus which comes very subtle and in various way. I’m much more happier and grounded.
This course has helped me to really connect to the Gurus and the Divine. The feedback from the instructor was very uplifting and inspiring. I feel to be supported at any time.
I am so in gratitude to be on this path and have taken this course.
Thanks for everyone and everything which makes the path and this course possible
This course is so special to me because it gave me a much deeper understanding of the incredible Divine qualities that our beloved Guru “Paramhansa Yogananda” have, which was described in such a loving way by his great disciple “Swami kriyananda” whom I hold so deeply in my heart. The more I learn about our Guru, the more I feel a deeper connection with him. Accomplishing such a sacred relationship with the Guru is the ultimate bliss that one can have. Deep gratitude for our Teachers (Angels) in Ananda who are helping us to know how to accomplish such an ancient Divine relationship. As our lovely teacher, Nayaswami Premdas said, “We have good Karma!” We indeed have!
This course truly helped me to feel the presence of the Master more deeply within myself. Nayaswami Premdas and Bramachari Sagar provided excellent support and inspiration all the way through the discipleship ceremony and the feeling of welcome has brought forth a flood of gratitude from my heart. If you seek the Light and the words and spirit of Yogananda and the Masters resonate within your heart, do yourself a huge favor and take this course!
If you really search for true Discipleship and willing to open your heart for Guidance, this is the right Path to follow. The Course Instructors (Teachers) sparkle for Joy and Grace. You can feel the Atunement to the True Guru. The Course deepens an overall insight in the Spiritual Path and covers all the necessary steps.
This course, the community, and the teachers are excellent. I had no idea several years ago when I read Autobiography of a Yogi, that the author’s essence would become such a guiding light for my journey, that his teachings existed, or that I would have the opportunity to take the vow of discipleship as I just did today. This has been such a warming, rewarding, and humbling experience. Thank you Ananda for this path of opportunity and thank you to instructors Brahmachari Sagar and Nayaswami Premdas for your teaching, presence, example, and encouragement. Very grateful. I highly recommend this course.
Today I became a disciple and what an experience that I will never forget. The course enriched my life in ways that I never imagined it would. There are too many things to say in one review, but the course was excellent, the instructors were helpful and knowledgeable and the format and lessons were easy to follow and I will want to go back and review over and over again. Thank you Ananda.
A deeply heartwarming experience. The lessons and wisdom shared have guided me toward (or back to) my true and eternal relationship with what really matters most in life, my Beloved Guru. The instructors are very knowledgeable, generous and kind. The power of devotion can not be understated and this course helps to reawaken that divine love from deep within.
After first learning about P. Yogananda late in 67 today I become a disciple .Quite a joy ,quite a journey. The course was excellent ,well structured and the teachers were great and they can open your heart , your mind and your soul to something Higher; you may not see it but you can feel it.
May God bless you all at Ananda
J W Muscadin MD
great experience, Thank you
What a deepening journey! The course on Discipleship is such a blissful experience, which will open your heart. You can feel all the devotion, love and joy emanating from the teachers. A must have for your spiritual growth. I highly recommend this course.
Great experience. Thank you!
Hi
My name is marcia, i’ve recently taken an online course through Ananda, and it was fabulous!
The course was very organized and fun and I learned a lot!
The instructors were very helpful, fun and have a good sense of humour.😊
Ananda is like they say… they are a great tide of loving, joyful energy that wants to give and give as long as people are happy to receive it.
Thank you God for Ananda!
and thank you to all who helped me
God bless
😊🥰🙏
It was a beautiful experience to hear about all stories on Master and Swami Kriyananda. The course is so well designed to make us ready to become disciple gradually with lessons. The teachers ( Sagar and Premdas) were equally supportive and brilliant in teaching and assessment. It will gradually open the heart and bring us intune with the masters consciousness. Wish everyone luck and progress on this path.
This course gave me so much more rich insight into myself and the oaths of My Guru. I am thankful my God and Guru gave helped me to open up my heart again to love God and receive all his guidance.
What else could I say that couldn’t have been said in the hundred outstanding reviews before this?
Little could I add except perhaps how happy I am and the joy I’m feeling today, less than a day after having submit humbly my vow to become a disciple of the great soul Paramhansa Yogananda…
How incredible it is to have this deep insight… Very difficult to express in words. Just imagine a sunset or maybe a sunrise, or both! It is the course of life flowing thru one’s own spirit… Besides never more ever alone. Look for a flower and see its innocence with your heart , then listen also with your heart the sing of a bird… Watch the clouds dance in the sky…
This is only about how I feel today.
Thanks Sagar, Premdas, Jitendra, Dhyan, Susan .. thanks you all.
The Course in Discipleship has indeed crowned all the teachings of Paramhansa Yoganandaji. I have done a few other courses with ANANDA. All the lectures are very well structured, clearly explained and well delivered.
This course along with the others clearly shows all religions are essentially teaching the same, one God. This course like the others are for every one, irrespective or what ever back ground you from.
The course instructors Nayaswami Premdass and Brahmachari Sagar have expertly delivered the course with love and understanding and always willing to help where there may be a challenge. Thank you very much and I do look forward to continue this great path leading to self realization.
With divine love.
I appreciate all the teachings and support all those involved in the course bring to us.
Such a joy to receive these wonderful blessing through the instructors!
I feel so grateful to be guided unto this path and to have taken this next step on it. Divine light illuminates my life since I embarked on this journey and especially after this course on discipleship with the joyful ceremony.
A heartfelt thanks and blessings to all of you who are joining in… In divine friendship.
Love & Light!
Another beautiful course in the power and practical application of discipleship. If you are fortunate enough to be this far along the journey, know that this next course will be a true delight filled with a multitude of blessings. I thoroughly enjoyed Premdas’ easy and down-to-earth teaching style. Sagar is also a wonderful teacher. Together they weaved ancient teachings into a blend of highly applicable techniques and wisdom to create this awesome course. I have so much gratitude for having been able to take it and complete it this year. Enjoy!
These classes have been amazing as well as the teachers. I have had the pleasure of Sagar being involved in all three classes for me so far and I just Love him and his energy when teaching, Premdas has great energy as well and I have enjoyed his approach and enthusiasm. I look forward to the next step and being a part of this community and teachings of these great Ascended Masters.
Aum, Love and Joy to All.
What an honor to experience such a profound awakening upon the true meaning of discipleship in the path of kriya yoga toward self realization. My gratitude to Nayaswami Premdas and Brahmachari Sagar for your devotion to the development of each disciple and knowing how to meet us where we are. Ananda is truly a special community and I feel blessed to be a part of it. If one is ready, there is no need to hesitate in taking this next step on the path.
The course in Discipleship was such an amazing experience which helped me connect much deeper with the Divine. I am truly greatful to Brahmachari Sagar and Nayaswami Premdas for all their love and wisdom shared throughout the course. I am blessed to have been apart of this journey and so looking forward to what lies ahead. A highly recommended course.
Thank you Nayaswami Premdas and Brahmachari Sagar – Great course. They helped me understand discipleship and the importance of attuning to the Guru for self-realization.
The course on Discipleship is the sweetest course of all. It is boundless love, joy, and devotion. It is somehow more special than other classes; one feels pure bliss among fellow students and teachers. The course materials are vibrant, directly speaking to the heart.
This course has been an amazing spiritual experience for me! I have been a spiritual seeker for over 50 years and have never felt I needed or wanted a guru. After following the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda and experiencing the love and guidance from Ananda’s spiritual teachers, I realized the power and help that comes from a true loving commitment to a guru. I feel blessed and am grateful that I can call myself a Disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda and follower of his God-realized Masters.
Meredith Smith
How wonderful is to have come across this guru, how amazing it is when we are lifted by these teachings, and even more amazing when we receive them through such caring and loving teachers! Life has surprised me with this path a few months ago and I can only say that I can’t wait for whatever will be next. In the meantime, moment by moment, we gift ourselves with the learning of life. I can’t ask for more. THANK YOU.
I never thought I would follow a guru let alone become a disciple but this course has set me more firmly on that path to attune with Yogananda. The lessons were engaging and enlightening and our instructors, Premdas and Sagar were responsive and kind. I sincerely enjoyed diving in and moving forward on this path!
Starting the year on a beautiful footing Master’s Disciple
The course itself: Similar to to the prodigal son, I was lost and now I am found. I am thankful.
Thank you Ananda for being an instrument for self realisation
So grateful for this course! One can feel the divine blessings coming his way if attuned to its deep wisdom. The warm and kind guidance of Nayaswami Mantradevi is very supportive and full of subtle hints how to apply and stay in tune with the profound Teachings of Yoganandaji. A big step on the way home!
Thank you, dear Mantradevi!
My dear Mantradevi,
The courses helped a lot to turn back to regular meditating and keep on doing the important exercises. And there was the sincere friendliness of all teachers. Although having done several Yoga exercises for a very long time almost every day (mostly surya namaskar and kapalabhati) the energization exercises have especially increased the body vitality and energy as well as attentiveness. Since more than 50 years Divinity, Limitlessness, Fearlessness, Truth, Divine Love have been fascinating me and have been increasing all the time. During this time there have been many meetings with enlightened ones who kept the fire burning. The “contact” with Yoganandaji has again intensified the call for Divinity and this contact still remains. Your loving presence has also been a great joy to me and has truly stimulated my friendship to you and Yoganandaji. Most important in my life will always be the yearning for the Divine, which will never fade away. There will come a time where the Divine will fully embrace my soul, when the ego has completely understood its limitations. May I wish you, the Ananda family and all students the Grace and Blessings of the Divine. Love, Aloysius
This course was a life-changing experience! Nayaswami Mantradevi was a Divine joy to work with during this course. She lovingly shared her experiences and gave great insight into Master’s teachings to connect and resonate with.
It was a wonderful experience to take the Course in Discipleship with Nayaswami Mantradevi. The teachings helped me deepen the understanding I have already gained in the previous two courses on the path to Kriya. Mantradevi also helped me to deal with a couple of personal curve balls that came my way during the course. For that I am deeply grateful. I would recommend this course to anyone wanting to strengthen their current practice, to learn more about the steps to spiritual freedom and to become part of a family of Seekers from around he world.
Excellent journey and learning in past three programs (Ananda Courses in Meditation, Living the Principle of Self Realization and Discipleship), step by step progression from one chapter to the other helped grasping the principles on path of Self Realization. Learning helped changing the perception of life and understand the true purpose. Amazing support a from all teachers/ instructors, their timely & comprehensive feedbacks helped clarify many things in these programs. Looking forward to join final program to Kriya Yoga.
It is a pleasure to write this review about my experience for the 3 last courses that I did with Ananda online. These first three courses are part of the Kriya Yoga path according to the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, and there two more to learn and deepen the teachings. The courses have been marvelous and are simply the best method and teaching in regards to learning how to meditate and to follow your inner path to Self-realization. I can only highly recommend to try this path to every serious seeker. After you tried you will realize that you have arrived home and from now on its all about deepening your inner work and opening your heart as you continue on your path towards eternal truth. Thank you to all the wonderful teachers at Ananda. With Love,
Chris
The Discipleship courses have contributed enormously to my further transformation process. The professional guidance of Nayaswami Premdas as my spiritual counselor has helped me immensely in this process. Through his trust in me and through his compassionate support I have been able to make this journey to expand my soul in its qualities. The lessons of discipleship and the guidance I have received have helped me step by step and given the necessary support in the process I have found myself in what was necessary for me to grow further spiritually. I am very grateful for all the blessings that have come through in this path of becoming a disciple of a God realized Master. I look forward to the next step on this path of Kriya Yoga.
I could never have imagined that I would be here, having done the Discipleship ceremony with N. Premdas and the rest of the class… my heart is so full!
This class truly helped me open my heart more to the Divine Light than ever before. I am normally “stuck”, as it were, in my mind and with trying to understand things, often grimly… this class gave me an opportunity to surpass that mind and to lead with my heart in a way that is refreshing and joyous! It’s like remembering to be a child, in Love, and it’s a wonderful experience!
I highly, highly recommend this class to anyone who is on the Path and looking for that devotion… it can be found!
About one month ago, along with my classmates, we were being welcomed (back) in the big family of P. Yogananda’s disciples.
Since then, every time I think about the discipleship ceremony, I am smiling, inside and outside.
That is it !
An enormous amount of joy, a warm feeling of being loved every second of my life.
I never thought I would go through with discipleship.
A few months ago, I was still pretty unaware of meditation techniques, and what a daily routine can bring to your life. Even when I started this class, I was not sure it would fit me to commit to a guru’s teachings, nor to accept his unconditional love and protection.
Now I have experienced for myself.
Home sweet home…
All my gratitude for Mantradevi, and her unique way of loving us all.
Mantradevi guided me so sweetly and skillfully to a stronger spiritual connection with Yogananda , the master teachings and Meditation. I could feel divine mother working through her to help us each step of the way in the classes. This is an excellent course – the readings, videos and personal communication with Mantradevi, our teacher – masterly designed to strengthen our spiritual growth and connection to God.
This has been an incredible experience for me.
Is an excellent course that connects you deeply with the teachings of Yogananda and the relationship with Master.
It helped me a lot in understanding the importance of having a Guru and the meaning of being a Disciple.
Mantradevi has been a very experienced and available teacher!
I highly recommend this course to everyone seeking spiritual growth
Dear Ones,
I write this review with immense pleasure and joy to highly recommend this course, which is the exit to the final freedom. I came to this path, after losing the battle of life, to however realize that surrendering to life is surrendering to self-will, in which lies the victory of the soul. The soul did not awaken in my case until I saw the abyss. I had to crawl out a pretty long way to find my spirit badly mangled in all the seven deadly sins of life. I believe with all my might, that A saint is a sinner, who never gave up. So I chose to be a warrior, my fight against my own evil. After taking first two courses I gathered the do’s and don’ts of life, and other valued aspects that I thought if practiced daily will help my soul transcend, but this course was like getting a new pair of glasses, tapping in to the actual path, a Master guide, a user manual perhaps, like the powerful 100 watts bright source that helped me see what I did not even perceive before. Mantra Devi is a very unique soul appointed for this process by the Master, she is a walking divine consciousness. I have felt that in the heart of my hearts. A nurturing kind soul ready to embrace you when you are ready to open the door. As you continue to walk you see more, and as you carry that light you see even more. I have come to experience the blazing light of Master that has been dispelling the darkness of my own self little by little, a process indeed, to overcome the shadows my own soul. The true union of my soul with my own inner self is the ultimate yoga, the union. The duality is outside, inside there is none. So I invite you to explore the journey of your life time, if you are here , you are the chosen one….. do not come in your own way anymore…. you will find the path to the labyrinth of your longing. Prayers for all the souls seeking freedom from self. In Divine friendship, Ashwini
I’ve just completed the Course on Discipleship with Nayaswami Mantradevi (August – October 2021). A wonderful course with a wonderful teacher. Not only was the material spot on but so were Mantradevi’s presentations. She spoke directly to my soul and for that I will always be deeply grateful. Highly recommended.
Dive deep in meditation and realize we are a part of something bigger than just our selves. There is a scientific path towards a fulfillment that we only need to participate to realize. Mantradevi teaches an absolutely beautiful course and helps to remind us how important it is to have a guru and teaches us that self realization is only possible with the help of a guru. If you have questions about this path, this course will point you in the right direction and will stimulate your mind encouraging you to continue moving forward.
Every course I do with Ananda is an absolute joy …a power house of inspiration, teachings, guidance and blessings. The joy springs from being guided so gracefully into total comprehension of the lesson, due to the familiar way of teaching via reading, watching and listening to the same message. This course is slightly different in that we dive really deep with perhaps less ‘study’ than the courses to date, and more of a deep pathway guiding us home to Masters open arms.
I have loved this course beyond words. To be in the precious hands of such a clear channel of wisdom, Nayaswami Mantradevi, who has no end of patience, time.. and a tailor made understanding of each of us as unique individuals on the path HOME. Personally I had no reservations of embracing Master as my guru and so Nayaswami Mantradevi took me ever deeper into ways I could channel my devotion further.
Her love and care and teachings were exquisite. As ever, the course is so professionally organised and comprehensive. Ananda is a soul family that loves us unconditionally and this is the deepest blessing. We have, very, very good karma to be on this course – and I took that teaching to my heart daily.
Victoria Woodward
Devon Uk
The Course in Discipleship with Nayaswami Premdas was amazing! He is very knowledgeable, inspirational and a personable instructor with Very Good Karma! Although, I loved the first 2 courses and the instructors, I was skeptic to move forward because of the concept of having a guru. My understanding of having a guru was like serving two gods. In addition, upon reading one of my lessons, I read our God is not jealous, when in fact our God is a jealous God. Exodus 34:14 states “for you shall worship no other gods for the Lord whose name is jealous are a jealous God.” God is jealous in the sense that He wants us to love and trust Him with our whole heart and when we direct our love on worldly things, we pull away from God.
Through meditation and research, I realized that we all need help in whatever journey we choose in life. Thus, a guru has journeyed and successfully made a spiritual connection with God through a deeper consciousness. Therefore, I now understand that a guru should be received and appreciated as a divine mentor who will share their experiences and provide a guided path to the light within.
Many blessings, love, peace, joy and harmony!
GURUBHAI Zina
What a privilege it’s been to be guided by our ever thoughtful and loving teacher, mentor and friend, Nayaswami Premdas! Thank you for assisting me in clearing away some of the cobwebs of western cognition and make room for the ancient traditions and wisdom of the eastern Masters; for your insight and encouragement, and always for your loving presence on my path. Thank you for helping open my heart ever wider and deepen my spiritual practice through attunement with my guru. Thank you for introducing me to our beloved guru. I am blessed, I am grateful. Aum Guru Aum
So grateful for this course on discipleship. The lessons helped to confirm this is the correct path for me. The instructor , Nayaswami Premdas was / is helpful and encouraging , and, I feel I have found a true Divine Friend.
The course instructor puts all effort in to really make the lessons engaging and inspirational. The readings, videos, songs and quizzes all are very well selected and suite to the topics for each lesson. I see discipleship in a different light and feel very blessed to have found this path. The personal contact from the instructor especially helps and is the stand out part of this course.
Taking the discipleship course has been a blessing. It has brought me infinitely closer to Master. I really enjoyed the weekly talks from Nayaswami Premdas and I got a lot out of the readings as well. Definitely recommend it to those who are looking to take the next step in their spiritual journey.
Wow! what a wonderful spiritual journey this has been. Nayaswami Premdas thank you for your wisdom and guidance. I have learnt so much from this course. Thank you for also reminding us that we are doing this because we have very very very good karma! The lessons were thorough and inspirational. I really appreciated the additional materials that were provided. This course has given me the motivation to stay disciplined with the full support and love of Guru every step of the way.
Every course I have taken by Expanding Light has been impressive. The professionalism and in depth course studies continue to amaze and inspire me to continue on this path. I truly appreciate all the teachers, their patience, joy and kindness. In the Discipleship course, Mantradevi guides us to understand the teachings of Yogananda and the meaning and importance of discipleship. Thank you Mantradevi for your wisdom and knowledge!
Many blessings,
Shenina
I feel fully blessed by my line of Gurus
I have found all of the Ananda courses professional, well organized and informative, along with sensitive and caring instructors. In my book, Motradevi is a saint. I am grateful to be on this path. I am also a little nervous because it is not in my nature to make commitments but I have found during times of stress and uncertainty that when I turn to Ananda in any way, I discover relief and joy that leads back to a much stronger and natural state of being. Om – Peace – Amen
It was one of the important life’s experience moments . It came naturally as step 3 , an essential one on the way to understanding the sense of life and how to live it . Mantradevi is a channel of knowledge and directed energy , she has firmly mastered this course , taylor -cutting it according to each devoteee .
Looking forward the ceremony and everything coming after that ,
I recently completed the “Course in Discipleship”. With a heart filled with love and gratitude, I continue my journey, now with my beloved Guru, on this beautiful path of Kryia Yoga.
Nayaswami Premdas embodies his name. He exudes love. He infuses his teachings and his relationship with his students, with this quality. He also brings a wealth of knowledge and the energy of “ever new joy ” not only to his webinar lectures but to his comments on our weekly quizzes.
It was a wonderful course!
What a wonderful course this has been! We were truly blessed with our amazing teacher Nayaswami Premdas, who is super passionate and extremely well organized. He always greeted us with a loving smile, reminding us that ‘tat tvam asi’ – YOU ARE THAT – and how very very very good our karma is, just because we are here :-) These wonderful reminders help our spiritual growth so much!! The course material goes deep and is heart-opening, which makes the reading and learning extremely fulfilling. It has melted away all doubts that Western minds may have about a guru-disciple relationship, so that it became easy to embrace this very important step on the spiritual path. I am very grateful to have been able to participate in this course and for the amazing teachings Nayaswami Premdas has shared with such passion and in such joyous ways. This life-changing course is a true delight and so rewarding on all levels, I highly recommend it.
Thank you for a wonderful course and dedicated instruction. I was wondering about the Guru relationship and whether Paramhansa Yogananda is my Guru. During this class all blocks around the Western concept of Guru and Disciple bubbled up and were released. And, when the timing was right for God to reveal to me that indeed Yogananda is to be my Guru (and me his Disciple) my heart filled with such love and knowing that all doubts were healed. It is a beautiful path that is laid out for us to follow. Thank you to Nayaswami Premdas and the Ananda team.
Thank you, it was great being in the course, I have learned so much.
This course was a true blessing and helped to deepen the connection with Yoganandaji and to understand and embrace the Guru-diciple relationship. I have never before embraced decipleship and may have had some unconscious reservations, which all melted away as I understood that this relationship is there to polish the unique crystal that lies within me. The material was inspiring and heart opening, the videos and audio recordings of Swami Kriyananda transmitted his deep love for his Guru and for the work of carrying on the flame of this unique ray. The teacher, Nayaswami Premdas, was excellent, always available, bright, inspiring and very supportive. The weekly quizes were like an opportunity to talk to a spiritual friend. This is the third course on the way to Kriya and I must say that I am impressed and grateful to be part of this journey, the teachers are always available for questions, the material is presented clearly-in a very enthusiastic and inspiring way- and the interactive format helps to stay the course. Deep, timeless truths are offered in a way that fosters self-study and growth in ease and with joy.
Course on Discipleship will help us tune in with our guru Yogananda. Nayaswami Premdas is my teacher and he is always willing to help and guide me in the right direction. I am blessed to have him as my teacher. Content shared in this course has deep meaning and it will help us stay closer to our guru. I feel blessed to be a disciple of Yogananda and many thanks to Ananda. I highly recommend this course for those who want to receive kriya initiation and be part of Ananda Community.
The Course on Discipleship guided me to “dive deep” in my spiritual practice and become a true disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda. Nayaswami Premdas is an excellent instructor, full of Master’s energy and wisdom, and he shares these gifts willingly. The course materials and lectures enriched my understanding of the Guru-Disciple relationship. Reading and meditating on the material was (and will always be) a cornerstone of my spiritual life. I highly recommend this course to one and all.
This course on discipleship like the other two courses leading up to this one are life-changing and allows ones heart and soul to open and blossom. Nayaswami Premdas is down both to earth and elevating at the same time, you can really feel his devotion and great energy of spirit. I felt fully supported in every way. I feel very grateful for these teachers and teaching of Yogananda and I recommend it to anyone looking for a connection to the Divine.
The Discipleship course is a true delight, and such a powerful expansion and deepening of all the practices learned thus far. Nayaswami Premdas teaches with infectious joy and passion, and embodies completely the idea of Divine Friendship. This course, though less intensive as far as learning new day-to-day pranayamas and routines, is all about the LOVE dimension of the Guru-Disciple relationship. And let me just say, that by the end of this course, I truly feel the blossoming of a deep connection to Yogananda where I feel his presence powerfully in my being. I could not be more grateful or humbled or excited to join this long line of disciples. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Thanks for the opportunity to be a part of this course. I learned a lot and am thankful it is being offered.
No matter how many times you you get lost along the way, nothing compares to the feeling of joy one has has when they realize they have found the way home at last. Many blessings to all, Aum. Peace. Amen.
I am so grateful and filled with so much joy and love after completing the discipleship course with beautiful Nayaswami Mantradevi. Nayaswami Mantradevi is such a beautiful teacher, I felt so inspired every step of the way. Taking the vow in the discipleship ceremony has filled my heart more deeply with my love for master. I live in Australia so I got up at 4am to watch the ceremony live and connect with the divine energy of Nayaswami Mantradevi and the other participants. I am now enrolling for the next course “Preparation for Kriya” . My life has totally transformed through the wonderful teachings of my beautiful Guru Paramahansa Yogananda, I am eternally grateful.
With much love Suzie Price ❤️
Course on discipleship is following the same template as it was established in previous courses. That means you have a solid base to come to every week. A lot of useful information, gently guiding you deeper and deeper. On top of that there is Mantradevi. I really felt her compassion for us in all of live webinars, and especially in one to one meeting. Her feedbacks on quizzes were exactly what I needed. Calming me down, soothing my soul and encourage me to make progress. The discipleship ceremony she prepared for us is something I will never forget. I felt… there are no words to describe that. Thank you Mantradevi and thank you Ananda :).
I feel very blessed and after the disciple ceremony , I feel the joy in my heart every moment,Swami yogananda guidance in everything and every where. Finally I am home. Tears rolled out with joy after taking the vow.
Nayaswami Mantradevi was very kind and her inspiring words and blessings helped me in every way. Thank you very much to Ananda efforts to come back to this joy.
Aum Amen
As always, the online course offerings of Ananda are inspirational and supportive. The content is rich, the structure is helpful and allows the student to gradually progress through the course without feeling overwhelmed, but still making strides each week. There is a palpable sense of community and connection. The instructor offered amazing, loving support, for which I am most grateful and appreciative. This course culminates in a beautiful discipleship ceremony for those who choose to take the step. Every course I have taken with Ananda has been wonderful, and this course especially so because it brings the life changing blessings of discipleship.
Another journey into the unknown not knowing but trusting that I am on the right path. Thank you for a wonderful opportunity of diving deeper into the Gurus teachings and leading us into a heartfelt ceremony and for welcoming me as part of your family.
Much Blessings
Dinah
This course was a blessing, I felt so moved during the final ceremony to be part of this great lineage.
I highly recommend this course for anyone who desires to explore discipleship, even if you have been on the Path for some time! The course is well planned, and delivered. The instructor is intentional and available.
This course was very inspiring! As were all the courses I attended through Ananda online until now.
I highly recommend any sincere spiritual seeker to follow this course, as it will give important insight on the role of a Master and also how to follow such a Master from within, and how to relate to the actual generations he has left behind him for us.
This was a truly life-changing course. The first two courses were influential, but I feel like something happened during this third course. The content seemed to anticipate each step of my journey in that each week what I learned seemed timely and relevant to exactly where I was on my journey. Our teacher, Nayaswami Premdas, was tremendous. His feedback on each quiz was helpful and inspiring. All in all, I highly recommend this course.
Please note: I left review this morning that was focused mostly on my appreciation of Nayaswami Premdas rather than the course. What follows is a more comprehensive review.
I am deeply grateful to have discovered Ananda’s path to Kriya Yoga online and to have been deeply spiritually nourished by inspiring instructors. As with the other courses, there is a wealth of material provided online, much of which can be downloaded. There are many videos and voice recordings of Swami Kriyananda and other Ananda teachers to supplement the weekly video lessons, and chants are also included. My instructor, Nayaswami Premdas, is a wonderful teacher and spiritual friend who is very welcoming and encouraging. I have really appreciated being able to talk with him via Zoom to get my “very beginner” questions answered in a gentle and inspiring manner. I look forward to continuing my discipleship of Paramhansa Yogananda.
I feel blessed to have signed up for the discipleship course. Nayaswami Premdas has been a great mentor , a caring friend, sharing his personal experiences and answering all questions with insight and depth. All your mental resistance towards discipleship fades away as you go through the lessons, for they give clear answers to all your unasked questions. By the end of this course, I came to understand the role of a guru in one’s spiritual development and I am forever grateful for the experience.
Highly recommend this course to anyone who searches for God within and without. Thank-you sincerely to everyone who who has worked so hard to make this course what it is today.
I am very grateful to have discovered Ananda’s path to Kriya Yoga online and to have been so deeply spiritually nourished by inspiring instructors. Nayaswami Premdas is a wonderful teacher and spiritual friend who is very welcoming and encouraging. In sharing his personal experiences, he gives us examples of spiritual growth and faith. I have really appreciated being able to talk with him via Zoom to get my “very beginner” questions answered in a gentle and inspiring manner. Nayaswami Premdas is a very giving and loving teacher who has fostered within me a commitment to become a disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda.
Anastra
This course was masterfully presented by Nayaswami Premdas who is so incredibly generous and devoted to Master, the richness of the material, and all students. Clarification of the Reality of a Guru, why one needs a Guru, and how the Guru’s ray of joy permeates all of one’s life ~ all come together like a beautiful tapestry adorned with golden threads of spiritual essence leading one toward Self-Realization. Amazingly, it does not get better than this!
Yet another fantastic online offering from Ananda :-) Thank you to Nayaswami Premdas for his inspiring and uplifting satsangs throughout! It was a gift to have been able to participate from Europe and to watch all the recordings (due to the time difference, this was very helpful). The themes of the course are extremely well organised and allow you to go deeper into the question of what it means to be a disciple, clarifying the many facets of this beautiful relationship. It was a pleasure to be a part of this course, and I very much look forward to the next step.
Two thumbs up for the course on Discipleship. It is appropriate for both new and long time members of Ananda or SRF. The instructor, Nyaswami Mantradevi was extremely knowledgeable and welcoming. She was available to answer questions by phone and email. She helped me to deepen my dedication to the path and encouraged me to take the plunge into discipleship. I couldn’t be happier with the results.
It is an absolute blessing to be apart of this path. This course gave me the ability to deepen my vow as a disciple and to begin to understand the guru/chela relationship on a more impersonal level. Mantradevi is a clear channel of this ray that delivered the information on many different levels to reach all whose hearts are yearning for Eternal Truth. Thank you so much for all the guidance and help along the way! Jai Guru!
I highly recommend this course to anyone interested in learning more about the guru disciple relationship and particularly recommend to those who want to deepen their devotion to Paramhansa Yogananda. I learned so much during this course. Most importantly, my inner relationship with Yoganandaji and my connection to my higher Self were greatly strengthened. There are aspects of the path that I learned about during Lessons in Meditation and Living the Principles of Self-Realization that seemed way beyond reach, and I’ve started to actually experience them through the discipleship course. Most importantly, I feel a sense of growing peace and calmness within my soul, as well as an enhanced and renewed dedication to this path. Nayaswami Mantradevi teaches with humility and grace, and her joy and devotion are so inspiring and an essential part of this course. Thank you so much for this offering! Jai Guru.
I am on the path to Kriya Yoga. This third course made things come together for me and cemented my commitment to carry on. The first part of this course was on why have a guru and become a disciple. This was good and it gave lots of examples but I never felt forced. In other words, deciding to become a disciple was mine alone. I respect how Nayaswami Mantradevi led us gently, but clearly, in this direction. Now I know there is lots of work to do, but I am ready for it now.
This course was the most supportive class ever! It helped me to realign my priorities in life which is my daily practice and to go within. Nayaswami Mantradevi was a JOY to work with and SO INSPIRING! I highly recommend this course. It will enhance and enrich your life—I already miss being in a part of this class—and now I’m apart of a virtual family —and family in general that enriches my heart and soul. THANK YOU for helping me to live my life to fullest each day-in connection to the ONE that is inside each and all of us. THANK YOU
I always felt much better after reading the lessons for this course. I was always late submitting the answers for the quizzes, then trying to quickly read the coursework so I could answer correctly. The lessons always resonated deeply with me and I found that they relieved the stress I had. I don’t think anyone makes it this far on the journey by accident.
This is a great course dedicated to the relationship between Guru and disciples and explains the way to be attuned with Guru to realize God. Nayaswami Premdas explained this complex spiritual knowledge in very simple and enthusiastic way. This course taught us the importance of Guru for God realization. Each lesson and supplemental resources provided great insight into the discipleship lesson. Feedback through quizzes, phones were very practical and useful. Discipleship ceremony was wonderful.
Aum!
Jai Guru
Great course with very personal guidance of Nayaswami Premdas. It’s an incredible blessing to share this path towards God and Guru with the Ananda teachers and the spiritual family all around the globe. Looking forward with great joy to the next course on Kryia! Thank you so much to Nayaswami Premdas and all brothers and sisters on the path!
Thank you very much! I am very grateful for the chance to be part of this course. It is the third course and it changed my view of living and intensified my relationship to God and Guru. There are still many up and downs – but this is part of our life in duality. We are never alone and we are loved so much.
It is really a piece of self realisation and understanding one self better.
Thank you Nayaswami Prendas for your words, call by skype, motivation and lots of energy an love.
Blessing to all of you,
Michael
Lovely course, becoming a member of this spiritual family has given me so much Joy. This was a blessing that came to me in the right time. After 5 years meditating and learning Master’s teachings, I am sure this was the perfect time to take this course and deep into my practice. Thank you Dear Nayaswami Prendas for all your love and enthusiasim in every lesson, feedback and a wonderlful ceremony.
Blessings to everyone
Joselyn
This is the third course in the Path of Meditation. Each course is a stepping stone in the journey of meditation. Weekly satsang with Nayaswamy Premdas along with study material, videos, and chats are very helpful. The most I liked was one on one call with Nayaswami Premdas. He patiently answered my questions and we end up discussing for almost 90 minutes. 7 weeks were passed very fast. During the eighth week, N. Premdas initiated all students with the vow of discipleship. That was an amazing ceremony. I could feel the energy and divine blessing. I would recommend attending this course after completing the first two courses, Lessons in Meditation and Principles of Self Realization.
I am extremely GRATEFUL for the teachings of Yogananda in my life, in our universe and it being so accessible if so called.
THANK YOU Nayaswami Premdas you are a steadfast teacher sharing the teachings of Yogananda. It has been a pleasure
navigating through the course of Raja Yoga and Discipleship with you as the facilitator and valuable resource.
I feel honored to have been called to follow this path and to call Yogananda my guru and my guide to become closer to god.
Aum Peace Amen
I was on a solitary path following Yogananda’s teachings for 13 years. I came to a point where I had led myself to the highest point that I could attain on my own, and started to feel stagnant and stuck in my devotion over time. I started feeling a pull to form community, and was always fond of the energy of Ananda. I started classes with Ananda, and have felt my spiritual life blossom over the course of a few months more so than I have in those 13 years. The classes are supportive, easy to follow, well organized, and truly devotional. Blessed to be here.
“I have come home.”
I spent 3 years abroad among different spiritual paths and religions. Until I finally came to realize the same God beyond all those paths. Only through true devotion it was possible. Ananda and Yogananda taught me the real need and importance of Devotion. More important than any spiritual technique.
If you feel attuned to this particular ray of God, come and join this lovely familiy.
I can only repeat: I have finally come home.
Jai Guru.
Aum Peace Amen.
How can I describe what this course have meant to me? I feel a door to God’s light has opened during troubled times. I am very grateful to Mantradevi and Premdas for their kind and loving guidance on this very important journey. It is indeed a blessing to have found the path of Kriya Yoga. By the grace of God and gurus I will diligently work towards Self-Realization.
Great course. This course help me to know and understand how important the relationship between the disciple and the guru and how we need to stay attune with the guru in this journey of Self Realization.
The materials and structure are well organized and the instructors are very knowlegeable and helpful. I really appreciate the instructors and everyone who helps make his course available to us.
Thank you!
This course focused on the heart of the relationship with Paramhansa Yogananda. I was a bit intimidated to take such a course titled “Discipleship” as the title gave me the feeling of having parameters and rules. However, I risked it because I was already in a relationship with PY and had learned so much from Ananda. After taking this course and then buying the yearly access to other information and also getting the apps, I am even more astonished by the love and humility of Ananda. I grew to understand more of the beauty of the discipleship relationship thanks to all the instructors and the materials.
If you have fallen in love with Yogananda, take this class to feel and see this love realized.
With love
Michelle
Great course which gives a lot of insights on why to become a disciple is important and how a guru can help you in your life. Some will wonder if by becoming a disciple they are giving up their freedom, but that is not the case. You can learn this and more in this course.
With each course I take I feel closer and closer to Paramhansa Yogananda. The loving support of both Nayaswami Premdas and Nayaswami Mantradevi was a bonus. I am forever grateful to for the opportunity to live and learn from Ananada. Blessings.
I am so happy that I took this course. Nayaswami Premdas is a naturally gifted teacher. The online format was really well set up, there was plenty of time to get the coursework done, lots of support and interesting topics. Jai Guru !
For me this course opened a whole new view on the concept “Guru”, one that I can accept and understand. The importance of the Heart and the way it will lead us there were we can not come with the mind only, was one of the key points that I’ve learned in this course, just as the role of the Guru in this whole proces. I want to thank Nayaswami Premdas, our instructor, for this wonderful journey and the insights I received during this 3 months. I could feel an open, joyful and supporting energy from him, no matter what choice I should make. This was a true blessing.
This course is incredible in that it guides the way to the divine. My teacher was available and helpful throughout the course. I recommend this to anyone inspired by Yogananda and drawn to the path. It will deepen your connection to God.
This course was a deep discussion of the benefits of discipleship. it dispelled many myths and fears, and clarified what a gift and boon to have this opportunity presented in one’s life. it eased my fears about my worthiness for discipleship. it strengthened my sense of the importance of my spiritual path and the purpose of my life, and validated that this choice is between me and the guru, and that i can listen within to know if/when this it the right choice for me. an empowering and illuminating course whether or not one decides to pursue discipleship.
It has been an incredible journey so far with Ananda. This course on ‘Discipleship’ in particular has been a eye opener for me which was brilliantly delivered by Nayaswami Premdas ji. Learning the significance of Heart seat into meditation was a “Aha” moment for me . I could actually feel the warmth and coolness in my heart post invocation to the Guru . It was a key lesson to understand and build the relationship with your Guru. It also helped me a long way understanding the true meaning and dissolving any doubts and misconceptions of what Discipleship Truly means. Thank you for all the resources and teachings provided in this course and I wish to carry the learnings with me for the rest of my life. Blessings to all!
Highly recommend taking this course. Nayaswami Premdas was a great instructor who I now consider a great friend. He was supportive, inspiring, and was there to answer any questions/concerns that came up throughout the course. I am so grateful to be officially initiated as a disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda and to have gotten to know Premdas. Thank you to all at Ananda.
I am very grateful for this course. And I am also grateful to Nayaswami Premdas for all his inspiration, learning, encouragement, informations, and very friendly approach. It made me feel to be a member of the family :-)
The course itself has been very well organized and it helped me a lot to deepen my understanding of this Path.
Nayaswami Premdas is an amazing instructor and really cares about his students. This course and this path will change your life forever.
A Course in Discipleship helps you see that you are not separate from the love of God. With each week of prayer, chant, and instruction, you not only see but feel yourself opening to fuller blessing and greater purpose. If you are feeling like you are “without a rudder” in this often confusing and chaotic world, this course provides a direction inward and upward. I recommend it as a “next step” on the path toward greater self-realization.
I really wanted to thank Nayaswami Premdas, my instructor for the discipleship course. We had 2 long conversation on the phone where he got to know me as well as got to know him, he is truly an amazing joyful person full of wisdom. My experience with Ananda has all been online courses, and I really cant say enough about how well organized the online course is. I continue my journey on the path to kriya and look forward to meeting more of the staff someday in the future.
The Course in Discipleship has helped me a lot to deepen my connection to the guru and to better understand and live the aspect of devotion. A very good course and highly recommended.
Jai Guru Jai
This course has done a great job conveying the true meaning of the guru, the relationship between the guru and the disciple, and why you must have a guru to find God. I am ever thankful for this wonderful community full of loving and caring people that provide these teachings to the world.
I see the ray of divine power light up my heart. Each and every course that I have done with Ananda online has taken me on a journey within. I will continue to learn and grow.
Nayaswami Premdas illustrates beautifully what joy and creativity await in discipleship! His attentive, always available guidance has touched me deeply. I know now for sure, I am choosing discipleship for myself. Highly intelligent and understanding, Nayaswami Premdas brings so many of Master’s own qualities into this class. I have grown tremendously both as a person and in my spiritual understanding. Of course, all of my teachers at Ananda, although different in their personalities, have the radiant beam of Master reaching through to their students. OM. Forever thankful for this experience.
This is an excellent course that helps go deeper in understanding the relationship with the Master. Nayaswami Premdas is extremely clear in his explanations and always available to help. During the classes all necessary material is provided. We strongly recommend this course to anybody who seeks a deeper relationship with Paramahansa Yogananda.
The discipleship course intent is to have a better understanding of what becoming a disciple means, what is the guru-disciple relationship and to ultimately find limitless love through that relationship, here more specific to Yogananda and this lineage. It’s a powerful class using webinars, audio and PDFs to ensure the messaging solidifies with you in each chapter followed by weekly quizzes. Nothing is ever felt forced or pressured but providing the wisdom and hopefully clarity for you to make a decision is this a path you want to further pursue.
It has been a great class and with an excellent teacher. After the discipleship vow I have that feeling that I am anchored in something a very strong foundation and feel more love, joy, blessings from Master. Thank you so much Nayaswami Premdas for your support and wonderful teaching.
Jai Guru.
This has been such a fantastic journey. Giving me hope for a higher state of Being and bringing me one step closer on the path of Kriya Yoga.
This discovery, (of Ananda and the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda), has been a Godsend and I hope others will be as fortunate as I am in finding this path.
Course on Discipleship has taught me that attunement with the guru is an important aspect of the Kriya Yoga path. Why not take advantage of a Master? Kriyananda’s book helped me understand what it was like to live as a disciple of Yogananda. As usual, he shared great insights. Premdas’ enthusiasm and positivity made the course refreshing and relevant. I always looked forward to his supplemental materials. I highly recommend this course. I appreciate the great work done by the Ananda organization. If you did not exist, I would still be seeking a guru.
I found the Course on Discipleship fantastic. Nayaswami Premdas is so inspiring and supportive. Each step on the Path to Kriya Yoga with Ananda has gradually shown and allowed me to feel those god qualities from the Guru getting stronger. This course was the natural progression for me after the first two, as was the Discipleship vow at the end of the course. May I add that taking the vow was fully explained and supported by Nayaswami Premdas making it all just feel right. Each day I know I am being drawn in the right direction with my efforts to find self-realisation, and with the support of our guru Paramhansa Yogananda, and the wonderful spiritual family at Ananda I am feeling more and more sure I will find what my soul is calling for.
The Discipleship Class with Nayaswami Premdas is powerful course that has an intelligent momentum and allows for ever deepening devotion. So grateful to our teacher, who is devoted to helping us progress and understand. Julie
Once again, the on-line format definitely works for me! And having contact with a live teacher is essential and well incorporated in this course as with the other courses. It definitely helps that Premdas is so suited to the role! I loved how he guides without being preachy and always seems to be in tune with love and joy, by being helpful when I asked questions and providing me with ample supplementary documentation when needed or thought to be useful (and it was!). I also was granted extra time and space to figure things out when needed, and that was important to me! Thank you to Ananda and Premdas for making this course available and a pleasure to take!
Great class!
This book answered my questions and helped me make the decision for discipleship.
Thank you Premdas for hosting this and helping us navigate this process.
Although I have been a follower of Paramhansa Yogananda for a long time, only after this course did I realize the importance of Guru on the spiritual path. Having an extremely knowledgeable and helpful teacher in Premdasa helped a lot in navigating this course.
I am enrolling for the next course “Preparation for Kriya Yoga” to continue my spiritual journey.
Premdas has been an incredible storehouse of knowledge and responsive with his support throughout this course. Definitely an essential clarifying step on the path.
Highly recommended for spiritual evolvement. You will get a lot from it.
Wonderful course and feedback from teachers!
This course helped clarify what Discipleship is truly about. Thank you !!!
I was unable to take the Discipleship Course in person due to a hectic work schedule. I was glad to find an online version available so that I could continue my education without interruption. I appreciated having the videos and literature to read during my free time. Jitendra was always available for feedback and questions through the forum and messages. I would recommend taking the online courses if taking the class in person is not an option for you.
Awesome course
Thanks to this course how to be in tune with Yogananda. It helped me to understand the meaning and importance of the Guru in my spiritual path and the blessings of being a disciple of him. I highly recommend this course.
Excellent course that helps you deepen your relationship with the Master. Wonderfully presented and easy to follow at any stage in the Path. I always wanted to improve my discipleship and find this course the best way to start achieving my goal. Highly recommended to all sincere seekers of the Eternal Truth.