The Art and Science of Raja Yoga is the most comprehensive course on yoga and meditation offered today. It gives us the balanced and complete approach of raja yoga, which is also known as the “royal” yoga. The course is organized around seven topics: Philosophy, Meditation, Postures, Breathing, Routines, Healing Principles and Techniques, and Diet. It also includes in-depth discussions of the paths of karma, bhakti, and gyana yoga. The author, Swami Kriyananda, excels in showing the interdependence of these seemingly separate areas and how all of them, when correctly approached, further our spiritual progress.
The main purpose of yoga postures, for example, sometimes thought to bestow only physical benefits, is to prepare the body and mind for meditation. Affirmations, visualizations, breathing exercises, healing techniques, the different paths of yoga, and, to a certain extent, diet are similarly helpful. What unites these various areas is raja yoga’s inward, spiritual focus, which achieves its fullest expression in the practice of meditation.
What You’ll Receive:
- Complete textbook (pdf format)
- Audio learning tracks to accompany each lesson (mp3 format)
- Digital videos
- Webinar Recordings from “Becoming a Spiritual Warrior Series”
- The Battle of Life
- Transcending Ego
- Victory! Satchidananda Ever New Joy
- Interactive forums
- Regular online discussion meetings with instructor
- Personal support (via email, telephone, or live chat)
- Certificate of Completion
More About Course
“Yoga, literally, means ‘union.’ This union can be understood on different levels: philosophically, as that of the relative, limited self with the absolute Self; religiously, as that of the individual soul with the Infinite Spirit; psychologically, as the integration of the personality – a state wherein a person no longer lives at cross-purposes with himself; emotionally, as the stilling of the waves of likes and dislikes, permitting one to remain in all circumstances complete in himself.” — Swami KriyanandaThe recommended pace of this course is one lesson per week and you will have 24 weeks to complete the 14 lessons. You will receive an email reminder seven days before your enrollment period expires. We offer enrollment extensions freely, so if you find you need more time to complete the course, you can let us know at admin@onlinewithananda.org.
Course Outline
Assignments
- Reading Assignment — The History of Yoga
- Audio File — First Steps in Yoga & Meditation
- Digital Video — Qualities of Dwapara Yuga
Activities
- Lesson One Quiz
- Forum Discussion Topic — Dwapara Yuga
Assignments
- Reading Assignment — The Paths of Yoga
- Audio File — Pathways to God: Heart, Head, & Hands
Activities
- Lesson Two Quiz
- Forum Discussion Topic — What have been your experiences with the Paths of Yoga?
Assignments
- Reading Assignment — Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga
- Audio File — Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga
Activities
- Lesson Three Quiz
- Forum Discussion — Ashtanga Yoga, Does It Work?
Assignments
- Reading Assignment — Yama
- Audio File — Weeding Your Garden of Self-Realization
- Digital Video — The True Spirit of Ahimsa
Activities
- Lesson Four Quiz
- Forum Discussion Topic — Yama Helpful for Meditation?
Assignments
- Reading Assignment — Niyama
- Audio File — Watering Your Flowers of Self-Realization
Activities
- Lesson Five Quiz
- Forum Discussion Topic — Superconsciousness
Assignments
- Reading Assignment — Life Is a Battlefield
- Audio File — How to Develop Good Habits
- Digital Video — Overcoming Ego
Activities
- Lesson Six Quiz
- Forum Discussion Topic — Devotion
Assignments
- Reading Assignment — Affirmations, Part One
- Audio File — How to Control Your Subconscious Mind
Activities
- Lesson Seven Quiz
- Forum Discussion Topic — Ananda Yoga
Assignments
- Reading Assignment — Affirmations, Part Two
- Audio File — How to Focus Your Mental Powers
Activities
- Lesson Eight Quiz
- Forum Discussion Topic — Your Favorite Chant?
Assignments
- Reading Assignment — Energy and Energization
- Audio File — How to Become a Dynamo of Energy
Activities
- Lesson Nine Quiz
- Forum Discussion Topic — Energization Exercises
Assignments
- Reading Assignment — Magnetism
- Audio File — How & Why To Develop Your Magnetism
Activities
- Lesson Ten Quiz
- Forum Discussion Topic — Magnetism
Assignments
- Reading Assignment — The Guru
- Audio File — What Is a Guru?
- Digital Video — Yogananda’s Discipline with Love
Activities
- Lesson Eleven Quiz
- Forum Discussion Topic — Guru Disciple Relationship
Assignments
- Reading Assignment – The Anatomy of Yoga, Part One
- Audio File – The Anatomy of Yoga
Activities
- Lesson Twelve Quiz
- Forum Discussion Topic – Divine Mother
Assignments
- Reading Assignment — The Anatomy of Yoga, Part Two
- Audio File — Secret Teachings of the Bible
Activities
- Lesson Thirteen Quiz
- Forum Discussion Topic — Attitudes
Assignments
- Reading Assignment – The Yogic Scheme of Life
- Audio File – How to Test Your Spiritual Progress
Activities
- Lesson Fourteen Quiz
- Forum Discussion Topic — Kriya Yoga
Instructor and Reviews
Nayaswami Premdas
Nayaswami Premdas is online instructor for Art and Science of Raja Yoga and Course on Discipleship. He is an Ananda Lightbearer-Minister and has been teaching meditation and yoga for many years. A resident of Ananda Village, he served a decade as the Head Chef and Culinary Instructor at Ananda’s The Expanding Light Retreat. He is known for his joy, devotion and hospitality.
9 reviews for Art and Science of Raja Yoga
Deep GRATITUDE for these lovely tools Ananda provides for us to learn and grow spiritually! Thank you for allowing me to expand and drink further more from the fountain of truth! THANK YOU for your support Premdas! It’s been a pleasure!!!
It was a great pleasure and I really enjoyed this course. It gave me so much – not only deeper understanding of some of yoga issues, but also a lot of inspiration and support.
Nayaswami Premdas is an excellent lecturer!
Many blessings of deep appreciation dear Premdas for being my guide and mentor for the past three months plus! These courses with you and your Team Ananda have been. more than a magnificent experience! I learned so much and have become more than ever thought possible.
Not only have I learned to walk more strongly in the light of peace, compassion, harmony, and reverence – I feel deeply attuned to being a channel of God’s will, joy, power, wisdom, and love.
Thank you dear God – dear Universe – dear Masters – dear Ananda – dear Teachers – dear Friends. I am blessed and eternally grateful. I pray that Divine Mother’s grace shines forever from the sanctuary of my heart.
Aum, Shanti, Shanti, Shanti
Margit
This course has been a wonderful experience. Very easy to follow and easy to understand the concepts of Raja Yoga. Premdas, thank you for your inspiring messages and responsiveness to questions and information. I look forward the spending more time under your guidance in the Discipleship Course. Blessings and joy.
Namaste
Sherri
I got so much from this course, Premdas delivered and clarified all points of the course with his deep commitment in ensuring all points were easily understood. Thank you Premdas.
In Divine friendship and keep safe during this covid 19 outbreak. Bill Winn
Nayaswami Premdas was extremely helpful and informative. The course was packed with information and solid experiences coupled with opportunities for reflection.
Hari Aum,
Chris
For those on the spiritual path seeking a deeper understanding of the meaning and purpose of yoga & meditation you cannot go wrong with this course. It is indispensable. Premdas is an inspiration & big help along the way as well. All one need do is reach out.
Namaste,
Justin
Taking this course made me appreciate the depth and richness of Raja Yoga. It motivated me to double my meditation, and with devotion than before. Nayaswami Premdas’s input after each lesson has inspired me even more to complete the steps towards Kriya initiation. Joy and AUM!
This course gave me the wonderful opportunity to dive deeper into the tremendous science and art of Raja Yoga. Premdas is a stroke of luck for this course.
Thank you very much!
Blessings and Joy,
Wolf