Product Description

Yogananda was one of the most significant spiritual teachers of the 20th century. Since his classic, Autobiography of a Yogi, was first published in 1946, its popularity has increased steadily throughout the world.

Great teachers work through their students, and Yogananda was no exception. Swami Kriyananda writes in the introduction to the present volume, "After I'd been with him a year and a half, he began urging me to write down the things he was saying during informal conversations." The Essence of Self-Realization, nearly 300 sayings rich with spiritual wisdom, is the fruit of that labor of love.

The scope of this book is vast–it offers as complete an explanation of life's true purpose, and the way to achieve that purpose as may be found anywhere. A few of the chapters include: The True Purpose of Life; On Meditation; How to Pray Effectively; The Law of Karma; The Lesson of Reincarnation; and Ways in Which God Can Be Worshiped.

Filled with lessons and stories that Yogananda shared only with his closest disciples, this volume offers one of the most insightful and engaging glimpses into the life and lessons of a great sage. Much of the material presented here is not available anywhere else.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #989770 in Books
• Published on: 1990-01-25
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 212 pages

Review
"A wonderful book! To find a previously unknown message from Yogananda now is an extraordinary spiritual gift." -- Body, Mind, Spirit magazine

About the Author
J. Donald Walters (Swami Kriyananda) is an internationally known author, lecturer, and composer. Widely recognized as one of the world’s foremost authorities on meditation and yoga, he has taught these principles and techniques to hundreds of thousands of students around the world.

An advocate of simple living and high thinking, his more than 80 books emphasize the need to live wisely by one’s own experience of life, and not by abstract theories or dogmas.

In 1968, Walters founded Ananda Village in Nevada City, California, dedicated to spreading the spirit of friendship, service, and community throughout the world. Ananda is recognized as one of the most successful intentional community in the world. Today, over 1,000 people reside in five Ananda communities throughout the U.S. (Seattle, Palo Alto, Portland, Sacramento and Ananda Village) and in Europe. The European retreat and community located in Assisi, Italy, also serves Ananda meditation groups in Europe, Croatia, and Russia. Both the Nevada City and Assisi communities have world-renowned guest retreat facilities where thousands of visitors annually visit for renewal or instruction in many aspects of meditation, yoga, and the spiritual life. Walters has also established "Living Wisdom" schools for grades K-12 in Nevada City, Sacramento, Portland, and Palo Alto.

Mr. Walters books and music have sold over 3 million copies worldwide and been translated into 28 languages. He is the author of more than 80 books on a variety of topics including leadership, education, creativity, and moral values. His Best-selling titles include Awaken to Superconsciousness, Meditation for Starters, God Is for Everyone,The Art of Supportive Leadership, The Path – One Man’s Quest on the Only Path There Is, Money Magnetism, The Essence of Self-Realization, Affirmations for Self-Healing, Education for Life, and his best-selling Secrets gift books.

A composer since 1964, Walters has written over 400 musical works. His music is inspiring, soothing, and uplifting. Many of his new albums are instrumental works with brief affirmations or visualizations. Chuck Dilberto, of Awareness Magazine says, "Walters’ words and music are full of his life and light. His sole intention is to heal, something we could all use during these chaotic times". His recent albums include Secrets of Love, Music to Awaken Superconsciousness, Windows on the World and Surrender: Mystical Music for Yoga. As a composer, Walters is best known for the top-selling albums Mystic Harp and Mystic Harp 2, featuring the legendary harpist Derek Bell, of the 5-time Grammy Award-winning group The Chieftains.

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
Chapter 2-1

"Those who are immersed in body-consciousness are like strangers in a foreign land. Our native country is Omnipresence. On earth we are but travelers-guests on a brief visit."

"Unfortunately, most people make undesirable guests of themselves! They insist on monopolizing a small portion of this earth as their very own. Their constant thought is 'my home, my wife, my husband, my children.' Material entanglements, sweet and mysterious, keep them dreaming through the sleep of delusion. They forget who and what they really are.

"Wake up! before your dream of life vanishes into the infinite. When this body drops in death, where will your family be? your home? your money? You are not this body. The body is only a plate, given to you that you might eat from it the feast of spirit.

"Why not learn this essential lesson before death? Why wait? Don't tie yourself to the limitations of human consciousness, but remember the vastness of the spirit within."

Customer Reviews

Divine Quotes for meditation
What a wonderful tool this book is for any spiritual seeker. The author has recorded quotes from his great guru, Paramhansa Yogananda, and has presented them in such a way as to bring the reader very close to the consciousness of Yogananda. Each of the twenty chapters focuses on a theme, for instance, "The Lesson of Reincarnation", and covers many aspects with numerous quotes, some of which cover multiple pages. The author must have an amazing memory to be able to produce such volumes of quotes, or a great ability to tune in to the wisdom of his great guru.

Words of Deathless Wisdom
Luckily for us, Swami Kriyananda wrote down in his journals practically everything beautiful and wise that his guru, Paramhansa Yogananda, said to him in private conversation. The Essence of Self-Realization, a compilation of many of these private teachings, gives us an idea of what it was like to speak with an enlightened master on a variety of spiritual topics. Yogananda didn't go in-depth into these things with every disciple. He tried to encourage many to develop a silent, inner attunement. But he foresaw that Kriyananda would share what he learned with many thousands of people, so he blessed him with these pearls of wisdom. This is a book that should be read and mentally digested slowly. Take your time, read a little bit, and meditate on it. At least, that is how I've gotten the most out of it. And there is a great deal here to absorb.

Richard Salva--author of Soul Journey from Lincoln to Lindbergh [UNABRIDGED]

Words Cannot Describe!
This book, like all things relating to Yogananda, is a priceless gem. What more can I say? Words cannot adequately describe it.