Shows
Yogananda PodcastSpecial: Kumbh Mela 2025Priyank is asked to give a talk on his experiences of the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. He speaks about its historical significance, why 660 million devotees attended and the link to Mahavatar Babaji and our lineage of Gurus.0:00 Agenda;1:55 Significance of Prayagraj;6:23 Kumbh Legend from scripture;12:23 Astrological timing;16:23 Naga Babas and their Akharas;20:47 Mahavatar Babaji;23:33 What do you do during the mela?;38:50 Organisation and Planning;45:18 Maha Shivaratri47:20 Q&A;Image: Samudra Manthan (The...2025-02-261h 01
Yogananda PodcastAutobiography Chapter 15, Part 5: Yogananda’s favourite festivalsThis episode covers the next section of chapter 15 from: “Sri Yukteswar sponsored four yearly festivals...” to “...the human souls wandering in maya-delusion.”
Summary: Sri Yukteswar encourages ashram residents to partake religious festivities, particularly those tied to the equinoxes and solstices, and we discuss the cultural and spiritual significance of these events. Paramahansa Yogananda begins in this section to explain the importance of music, chanting, and the Vedas in Indian culture. We share our experiences on the power of music and its potential to evoke emotions and enhance concentration, and finish with the significance of the Goddes...2024-11-2653 min
Yogananda PodcastAutobiography Chapter 13, Part 7: Overcoming our limitations, supported by SRF YSS GurusThis episode covers the next part of chapter 13: “You are asking illumination from me...” to “...to the star of unqualified divine attainment.”
Summary:
Mukunda assesses the spiritual impact of Ram Gopal Mazumdar’s austere sadhana and is surprised that the latter considers it of little consequence when contrasted with the eternal existence of God. We share our experiences of the difficulty/ease of long meditations while evolving on this spiritual path with our guru Paramahansa Yogananda.
01:00 Summary of prior episode 02:02 Humility - Never enough meditation; 25:35 The Sleepless Saint; 38:32 Insight; 2024-09-1152 min
Yogananda PodcastAutobiography Chapter 2, Part 3: The Spiritual EngineThis episode the next 8 paragraphs of the chapter 2 from: “Fourteen months after Mother’s passing...” to... "...impels my deathbed message.”
Perhaps the most intriguing section of the whole book is covered in this episode, Paramanansa Yogananda receives blessings (in his infancy) from his param guru Lahiri Mahasaya, who also provides a moving prophesy that proved to be true for all of us.
0:00 Preamble;
1:36 Summary;
2:53 Worldly ambitions;
7:31 Priyank's absence and Vlogs;
8:14 Why did Yogananda's mum wait?;
22:40 Why did she pick Ananta?;
27:12 Spiritual Bapt...2023-03-211h 35
Yogananda PodcastAutobiography Chapter 1, Part 6: Mukunda’s Minor MiraclesThis episode covers the last section of the chapter 1 from:
“Another early recollection is outstanding; and literally so, for I bear the scar to this day.” to... The end of the chapter 1.
0:00 Summary of episode;
2:30 Uma’s boil story and the art of necromancy;
35:12 Prayers to Goddess Kali and meditating with snakes;
57:42 Coué and Paramahansa Yogananda’s word bombs;
1:11:57 Two kites story and its meaning for us;
1:32:50 Summary of chapter 1 and the deepest questions for ourselves.
Questions asked to the audience in this episode: 1. What...2023-02-281h 47
Yogananda PodcastAutobiography Chapter 1, Part 1: The Disciple-Guru RelationshipOur first episode to cover the chapters themselves for the following section of 7 paragraphs— “The characteristic features of Indian culture...”to...“I have heard very early recollections from the lips of veracious men and women.”
Topics of podcast include the guru-disciple relationship, Indian spiritual heritage, yogis, ancient civilization, past lives and adolescent memories. Paramahansa Yogananda brings in very weighty words about his own Christlike guru as well as being able to remember his past, discern his present and glimpse the future. Literary gold-dust! We apologise for the extra-long episode but the profound content needed that much a...2023-01-232h 05
Yogananda PodcastAutobiography of a Yogi Eternal Law of Righteousness and SRF IntroductionWe found that the “Introduction” written by SRF in 2007 is important to absorb, as it provides background information and general gold-dust pertinent for readers of this century. We start the episode by reflecting on the first biblical quote referenced in the book and further information provided for the same verse in Discourse 20 of Paramahansa Yogananda’s ground breaking work “Second Coming of Christ: The Resurrection of the Christ Within You”. The Eternal Law of Righteousness is often skipped by the eager reader, but it provides an Indian context that is essential if the reader is going to really make the teachi...2023-01-171h 26
Yogananda PodcastAutobiography of a Yogi Legacy, Acknowledgements, Contents and PrefaceThe spiritual legacy of Paramahansa Yogananda merely begins with the Autobiography of a Yogi. How much of his ‘literary corpus’ have you read? The ‘Author’s Acknowledgements‘ are quite revealing if you scratch beneath the surface, the life of Tara Mata for example provides an inspiration for us all. The reader’s first glance at the contents page can be quite daunting as well as exciting, as an aside, we discuss our favourite illustration in the book. Dr Evans-Wentz' beautiful ode to the author and Swami Sri Yukteshwar was certainly quite revealing and his books certainly had a massive influence on...2023-01-101h 36
Yogananda PodcastAutobiography of a Yogi Title, Cover, Editions and SRF LogoThis, our first episode dedicated to the Autobiography of a Yogi proper covers essential background material relevant to both the time-tested devotee and new reader alike. We discuss the background to the title of the book, the different editions of the book as well as the Self-Realization Fellowship logo — as expertly designed by our beloved guru Paramahansa Yogananda (or is it Paramhansa [sic] Yogananda?). We also discuss that famous picture: The Standard Pose, its origins, evolution and impact on devotees far and near.
0:00 London Centre Christmas Concert Social; 1:58 Summary of Section of AoY covered; 4:39 Thirteenth edit...2023-01-021h 12
Yogananda PodcastIntroduction to Autobiography of a Yogi: Line by Line PodcastWelcome to our podcast about the spiritual classic Autobiography of a Yogi, written by our beloved guru Paramahansa Yogananda. Before diving into the main content, you may wish to listen to this introductory episode to provide you some basic information on our podcast, our goals and to meet the hosts! Jai Guru.
0:00 Why are we doing this podcast?; 1:55 Introducing ourselves and our experiences with this book; 36:00 The format and structure of this podcast series; 42:25 How you can watch and listen to the podcast; 43:37 Awake: The Life of Yogananda Minute by Minute; 45:59 We need...2022-12-271h 02
Yogananda PodcastAwake Finale Minute: For our Guru Paramahansa Yogananda, who helped us become AwakeEverything is joy, especially when we reflect on a wonderful 18-month journey that explored every nook and cranny of our favourite film Awake: The Life of Yogananda. Carolina, Daanish, Grace, Marguerite, Mark, Reva and Tahiel join us on a special panel discussion for this beautiful ending to the film (we recommend you watch this on YouTube!). We are reminded that Paramahansa Yogananda’s mahasamadhi was actually the beginning of the stunning phase of the disciple-guru relationship for each of us that had to adjust to a life that relies purely on experiencing His divinity within. We review the credit sequence in...2022-12-201h 26
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 80: Hamara Guru Yogananda, Paramahansa SadhgurudevaThe final scene of this film features some hard-hitting and thought-provoking lines by the great Krishna Das himself. He relates a beautiful story about how the guru-disciple leela is constantly being played out through our very-own eyes(!) and we take the opportunity to share some stories about Neem Karoli Baba (his Guru Maharaj-ji). The music in this minute is by Alanis Morisette and we reflect on the stunning lyrics therein. The film ends with a cacophony of scenes of Paramahansa Yogananda’s centres and devotees from around the world and we look at each of them in turn, while Mike tr...2022-12-1259 min
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 79: Guru-nessThis minute starts with Paramahansa Yogananda’s oft used analogy of the wave and the sea, reminding us of the famed chant: “I am the bubble, make me the sea”. Krishna Das weighs in heavily on his own particular take on the guru-disciple relationship and coining the amazing phrase: Guru-ness. How does this definition apply to disciples of the Self-Realization Fellowship of Gurus?
0:00 Preamble on next series;
1:20 Summary of minute;
2:09 Chris' Roman holiday;
9:19 Ocean and bubble of consciousness;
20:00 Krishna Das's Guru-ness concept;
33:44 Obedience and yourning for a true Guru;
58:16 Images used in minute.
Link used in the minute: https://yssofindia.org/abo...2022-12-061h 02
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 78: An ode to Yogananda’s blessed bodily templeThis minute has some exceptionally moving scenes giving the viewers a glimpse (and those fortunate devotees present one final darshan) of the blessed bodily temple that once housed the infinite spirit of Paramahansa Yogananda. Erin joins us to discuss the yogic tradition of taking Mahasamadhi, the ‘heart attack’ medical ‘cause of death’ paradigm and the incorruptibility of Guruji’s mortal frame. We also recall some relevant instances of resurrection in our Guru parampara (lineage).
0:00 Meet Erin;
5:06 Summary of minute;
8:28 Being near Guruji's body;
15:42 Would you want to know when you will die?;
27:33 Why did Doctors diagnose a heart attack?;
34:36 Guruji's divine body...2022-11-291h 09
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 77: Paramahansa Yogananda’s glorious MahasamadhiParamahansa Yogananda’s mahasamadhi was spectacularly timed and delivered his life message as a timeless yogic testament. Daya Mata speaks beautifully about her experience as if it were yesterday and we dig into this experience in the detail it deserves. We also discuss how this anniversary is still celebrated across the world.
1:08 Daya Mata's remarkable account of the blessed moment;
19:50 Paramahansa Yogananda commemorative stamp;
25:10 The last supper;
29:30 Pictures used in the minute*, cremations and Lahiri Mahasaya's samadhistan;
44:30 Dr. Lewis' account.
* Note, Priyank incorrectly quoted Kashi, he should have referenced Benares!
Links discussed in the episode: https://yssofindia.org/paramahansa-yogananda/final-years-and-mahasamadhi https...2022-11-2252 min
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 76: Paramahansa Yogananda prepares for MahasamadhiThis minute provides an apt climax that sets the background for Paramahansa Yogananda's glorious Mahasamadhi and emphatic (conscious) exit from the body. We discuss the background to this momentous occasion with the Indian ambassador Dr Sen's beautiful impressions of SRF and the incredible story of Daya Mata's prior knowledge of what was to transpire. Swami Kriyananda's inclusion in this film would have raised some eyebrows from audiences, our discussion offers more information about him and the Ananda Sangha organisation that he created, to which our guest Nirmal belongs.
0:00 Meet Nirmal and hear about his unique journey;
13:05 Summary of Minute;
14:36 The...2022-11-151h 06
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 75: Shaping the 20th CenturyProfessor Wadhwa and Clooney speak about Paramahansa Yogananda's teachings of limitless possibilities of the soul and overcoming diseases. We reflect and discuss Guruji’s reaction to India's independence and the scenes of inspiration included in the minute. There are also segues that include speculation of divisions in Hiranyaloka, sleeping during meditation and the most impactful audio & video events recordings in the history civilization.
0:00 Summary of minute;
2:25 Wake to your limitlessness;
15:47 Tank man;
19:56 Nehru;
31:16 Guruji's poem My India and Hiranyaloka;
39:04 Our Potential.
Jawaharlal Nehru Speech on Tryst with Destiny 1947:
https://youtu.be/lrEkYscgbqE
Jawaharlal Nehru Interview with UK Media 1953:
https://youtu.be...2022-11-0854 min
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 74: Actualize YourselfThe recognition of an International Yoga Day is a culmination of events starting from Paramahansa Yogananda’s USA sojourn and the subsequent epoch-making release of the Autobiography of a Yogi. It is no coincidence that Steve Jobs arranged for the distribution of the same book to all those who attended his funeral and that he was able to sit in perfect Padamasana (lotus pose) while designing epoch-making technology. All these delightful subject matters create apt topics of conversation inspired by this minute of the film.
0:00 Summary of Minute;
1:33 International Day of Yoga;
9:34 Autobiography of a Yogi translations;
18:34 Marc Benioff;
20:50 Steve Job...2022-10-3147 min
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 73: Pranam Brother ChidanandaWe take the opportunity to pay our homage to the current president of Self-Realization Fellowship and Yogoda Satsanga Society of India, Brother Chidananda, especially reflecting on what his leadership and guidance has meant to us. This minute also contains more on Gandhi, where the topic of self-reformation is the order of the day. Ananda Malhotra inspires an intriguing (and rare) one to one discussion on what it means to be an eco-warrior in the ascending Dwapura age.
0:00 Summary of last few episodes;
2:06 Summary of minute;
4:35 Self reformation;
22:41 Brother Chidananda;
48:02 To live in a concrete jungle vs an actual jungle.
Guruji's wor...2022-10-251h 01
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 72: If you can wait and not be tired by waitingIn following acclaimed motivational speakers, writers and philosophers we often find that they have clearly read the Bhagavad Gita, kept it in some marrow of their consciousness, and then paraphrase the pearls of wisdom into their own phrase. This is a case in point with the speakers from this minute: Russell Simmons, Phil Goldberg and Georges Billard-Madrieres. Paramahansa Yogananda often quoted the famous biblical passage “The kingdom of God is within you”, which is particularly pertinent for this minute. Lux and Lauren join us in song, both literally and metaphorically.
0:00 Preamble;
2:00 Meet Lux;
4:54 Summary of Minute;
6:46 Kipling's poem - If;
31:41 Kingd...2022-10-1757 min
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 71: I think, therefore I amGrace joins us for a largely philosophical and scientific discussion that reflects on the key points of interest of the minute: experimentation, consciousness, parts of the mind and whether to conceptualise God from the outside in, or the inside out. We focus on Paramahansa Yogananda’s writings on these subjects in God talks with Arjuna to frame the conversation and the complex topics therein.
0:00 Summary of minute;
2:01 The subject-object split;
20:04 Lake Shrine Funerals and cremations vs burials;
23:58 Mindstuff and schooling;
38:41 The Cloud Gate sculpture and the vastness of God.
Parts of the mind article discussed in the minute: https://isha.sadh...2022-10-1053 min
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 70: Matter, Energy and... Consciousness?Grace and Nik join us to discuss Anita Goel’s epic dialogue on Einsteinian notions that elegantly interweave science, consciousness, spirituality and man’s relentless pursuit for dominion in this material world. Paramahansa Yogananda had many emphatic literary contributions to these complex subject matters, not least to “Stand unshaken midst the crash of breaking worlds”. A wonderful minute that opens many vistas for our intellectual faculties to explore.
0:00 Meet Grace;
10:28 Summary of Minute;
17:14 Einsteinian thought and "The Law of Miracles;
26:55 Energy, Matter and (Cosmic / Christ) Consciousness;
46:26 Oh to "stand unshaken midst the crash of breaking worlds".
Readings on Energy and Prana:
...2022-10-0455 min
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 69: I am become Death, the destroyer of Worlds (sic)Living in spiritual communities would certainly be supportive to our sadhana but do we really need to go down this extreme social lifestyle vs living the “householder Yogi” norm, does an adequate spiritual community even exist? The discovery of atomic bomb and the Atomic Age was predicted by Paramahansa Yogananda and the other great ones and we discuss how this is related to the human race’s own Yuga story (Chris again!). Oppenheimer's famous, moving speech about the Atom bomb heavily referenced (and made even more famous) the Bhagavad Gita, we discuss the ramifications of the use of that lethal weapon...2022-09-2651 min
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 68: To serve, scribe and strive for GurujiThe Autobiography of a Yogi was a phenomenally influential work which is still the most popular route to devotees taking refuge in Kriya Yoga as taught by Paramahansa Yogananda. Guruji also wrote many other books (God Talks with Arjuna, Second Coming of Christ and the lessons), numbering many thousands of pages, Tara Mata, Daya Mata and Mrinalini Mata have their seva stretched to the limit in typing the truth for us future devotees. We discuss how this process would have been transformative their own sadhana as well as professional skills!
0:00 Meet Michael;
6:00 Summary of minute;
7:40 Keeping a spiritual blog;
10:59 Autobiography o...2022-09-2056 min
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 67: Pranam Sri Mrinalini MataWe discuss the benefits of experiencing your body as stone, consciousness and light, as expounded by Paramahansa Yogananda in this minute. We also reflect on what Asana/posture would be most conducive for this experience. Brother Chidananda talks about the importance of Yogananda’s writings during this time (after returning from India in 1936) and how Sri Mrinalini Mata was crucial in this respect, we recollect some the most moving moments from her memorial service. Guruji’s writings in English are just as powerful as ancient Sanskrit mantras to devotees around the world, encapsulating the famous quote: “When I am gone, the te...2022-09-1249 min
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 66: A surprise turnParamahansa Yogananda is surprised by his devotees with a hermitage in Encinitas, and Brother Chidananda, Leo Cocks, Sri Daya Mata and Sri Mrinalini Mata provide their insight how it was different being with Guruji after he returned from India, after Sri Yukteswar had mahasamadhi. Nita joins us to share her reflections of this minute.
0:00 Meet Nita;
8:51 Summary of minute;
10:30 Encinitas "surprise";
19:23 Guruji entering different states of consciousness;
24:33 Glassy eyes;
40:03 Mrinalini Mata;
43:57 Why did guruji enter this state?
Video on Mrinalini Mata discussed in the video:
https://yssofindia.org/about/mrinalini-mata-in-his-presence2022-09-0549 min
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 65: War and PeaceParamahansa Yogananda spoke often about the ramifications of war and the way of peace. We dig a little deeper and explore the wealth of Guruji’s writings to find relevant material to discuss, relevant for both this minute and the current, troubling, state of affairs around the world. A sombre episode, but with reason for hope.
0:00 Preamble;
1:10 Summary of Minute;
2:03 World War 1 and the Cosmic Dream;
21:31 The End of the World;
50:13 Hitler;
53:36 The need for the teachings.
Articles discussed in minute from East West Magazine July – August, 1927 Vol 2-5:
www.mysticalportal.net/2-5.html2022-08-291h 00
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 64: Home is anywhere, everywhere and nowhereParamahansa Yogananda shares some optimistic reflections on how to consider home as anywhere and everywhere. Our guest Lauren joins us to discuss what this means for us, using the apt example of the lovely Cosmic Chant “Divine Gypsy”. We recite and reflect on Guruji’s related poem “God’s Boatman”, inciting both indebtedness and gratitude by devotees. We also explore a comment put forward by a follower on the subject of whether following the “News” should be a mandatory part of our lives.
0:00 Mike sings a song that none have sung;
2:12 Meet Lauren;
3:33 Summary of Minute;
6:16 Divine Gypsy and the beauty of Cosmic...2022-08-2358 min
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 63: Sri Yukteswar’s Mahasamadhi and ResurrectionThe Mahasamadhi of Sri Yukteswar has an intriguing background, we share the stories and sequence of events as covered by Paramahansa Yogananda in the Autobiography of a Yogi, as well as the last moments they shared together. Was it right for the producers to include the scenes of Sri Yukteswar’s soul-free frame? The documentary only hints at Yogananda's experience of Sri Yukteswar’s resurrection, we fill in the gaps and also reflect on our experiences of death within our own families. A minute to stop, think deeply and savour our journey of life.
0:00 Preamble;
1:37 Summary of minute;
3:54 Sri Yukteswar gives...2022-08-161h 17
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 62: Pranam Anandamayi MaParamahansa Yogananda dedicates a whole chapter of his Autobiography to Anandamayi Ma. In this minute we only have a small glimpse of their divine tryst, but as a picture tells a thousand words, so we thought it only right to elucidate our experience of this beautiful moment in our Guru’s history. The narrator reflects that Paramahansa Yogananda had no ‘attraction’ to return to America, but if he had actually followed through, how would the world have been different for us devotees? The narrator also speaks of Krishna and the Jamuna river, reminding us of Master’s cosmic chant: My Krishna...2022-08-081h 10
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 61: Taking Darshan of Paramahansa YoganandaThis minute is filled with a beautiful collage of images and moving pictures of Paramahansa Yogananda and Sri Yukteswar. It gives us the opportunity to discuss the significance of taking Darshan of saints, temples and holy places. We also ask ourselves about the importance of physical proximity to a spiritual master. The narrator mentions the spiritual zeal and ardour of the devotees surrounding Guruji while he was in India and that they did not need coaxing, but why do we have so much inertia? There is a lovely video of Ramana Maharshi and we share our experiences of this famous s...2022-08-0157 min
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 60: Pranam Mahatma GandhiIn this minute Mahatma Gandhi welcomes Paramahansa Yogananda into his ashram. Our guest Philip joins us to discuss the spiritual background of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi (before his Kriya initiation) and some epic philosophies he founded that are as applicable today as they were a century ago. Paramahansa Yogananda is then reunited with his own guru, Swami Sri Yukteswar Giri in a compelling cinematography sequence. We also discuss Richard Wright and his witnessing the magical scene as it unfolded.
0:00 Meet Philip;
4:47 Summary of Minute;
6:53 Mahatma Gandhi;
12:25 A fast on silence;
17:42 Challenging the caste system;
28:40 Was Gandhi already a Yogi before his i...2022-07-251h 18
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 59: Yogananda’s return route to IndiaSri Yukteswar recalls Paramahansa Yogananda back to India, with a lightening force! We discuss the beautiful and rare images used in this minute, as well as the background of the Great Depression that would have made Guruji’s sojourn back quite difficult. Yogananda established the London Centre of Self-Realization Fellowship while in England as well as taking the route through the Middle East and other important places of pilgrimage, providing an excellent tour guide for future generations of disciples such as us!
1:09 Summary of minute;
2:12 An image of an austere Sri Yukteswar;
9:12 The timing of Sri Yukteswar calling Guruji back;
27:25 Th...2022-07-1953 min
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 58: Psychiatry vs Guruchiatry (C)Leo Cocks shares his beautiful life experiences with Paramahansa Yogananda. He talks about self-transformation and unconditional love in such a heartfelt way that it warrants an entire hour discussion on these important topics. Our friend Deeksha joins us during her lunch break to share her unique reflections.
0:00 Meet Deeksha;
7:56 Summary of Minute;
10:47 Memoires of Leo Cocks;
33:24 Psychiatry vs Guruchiatry;
1:05:22 Pictures from the minute and closing Prayer.
References: Leo Cocks Book: I Became My Heart.
Brother Ananadamoy's talk: https://yssofindia.org/blog/your-thoughts-can-change-your-life2022-07-111h 09
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 57: Pranam Brother AnandamoyThe unique oratory skills of Brother Anandamoy, a direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda, beautifully expressed the main theme of this minute: rechannelling. Through George Harrison we discuss how this was achieved through sound and through Sister Parvati through outward sight and inner vision. We dissect these topics with sniper like precision!
0:00 William the Conqueror;
5:37 Summary of Minute;
7:02 George Harrison and gifting the AoY;
18:01 Brother Anandamoy;
39:00 Sister Parvati.
Brother Anandamoy's book referenced by Priyank:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RYME4lvhvvsGP3aAogO6QajobuioLKu3/view?usp=sharing
Brother Anandamoy's talk on Loyalty:
https://bookstore.yogananda-srf.org/product/loyalty/2022-07-0451 min
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 56: NeuroplasticityParamahansa Yogananda tells us about electrical pathways in the brain, but we ask the difficult question – why do we take the paths that we take in life? What grooves do our lives follow? How does Kriya help determine the path? The latter question is answered by Dr Andrew Newberg, confirming Yogananda was talking of neuroplasticity some 50 years before modern-day scientists. Fellow devotee Marguerite, who is great supporter of the podcast, joins us to share her insightful reflections.
0:00 Meet Marguarite;
14:55 Summary of the minute and Yogananda's advanced vocabulary;
21:20 Preparing for death;
29:13 Neuroplasticity;
59:47 Marguerite's feedback about our podcast.
Hear more about Dr. And...2022-06-271h 05
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 55: Mt. Washington MonasteryWe talk about Paramahansa Yogananda rebuilding his organization. The approach is quality over quantity, enabling the transformation of the Mt. Washington community into a full-fledged monastery. We discuss the relevance, to us, of the monastic vows of loyalty, celibacy, obedience and simplicity. Furthermore, actor and singer Herb Jeffries makes an appearance and talks Guruji's acceptance of his renegade lifestyle. We delve a little more into their relationship, musing over topics such as self-transformation, miracles and free will.
0:00 Minute Summary;
1:38 Re-organisation and renunciation;
9:03 Getting to know Herb Jeffries;
24:11 Miracles and whether to believe;
39:32 Vows - Simplicity, Celibacy, Obedience and Loyalty.
Talk b...2022-06-2046 min
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 54: Pranam Ananda Mata, Sri Gyanamata and Durga Mata“A picture tells a thousand words” does not apply for us in this minute, as there is far too much inspirational personage hastily included in this minute to do it justice. We explore the glorious lives and contributions of some of those souls shown in this minute including Ananda Mata, Sri Gyanamata and Durga Mata, and are lives are certainly richer after this devotional discussion.
0:00 Meet Juanito;
5:03 Summary of minute;
11:25 Important devotees from the minute;
14:15 Ananda Mata;
25:47 Sister Gyanamata;
58:46 Durga Mata;
1:02:37 How does a Monastic life apply to us?.
For more on Sri Daya Mata, please see minute 52.
For more on Ra...2022-06-131h 15
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 53: Pranam Sri Daya MataSri Daya Mata’s sweet line “He began to draw disciples... One of them was me” is perhaps the most understated elements of the entire script. Daya Mata deserves a more detailed look, and this podcast is the perfect excuse to offer this to the world! Paramahansa Yogananda looks to rebuild the Self Realisation Fellowship, after facing severe trials and tribulations. Seeing God in all beings, even his enemies, he takes renewed strength in his mission to bring Yoga to the West.
0:00 Preamble on Fasting;
3:24 Summary of minute;
5:44 Journalism and the price of truth;
14:44 Guruji images and Mother Centre;
17:42 Sri Daya M...2022-06-071h 23
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 52: Supporting your sadhanaThis episode really is an ode to detail. Priyank and Pablo rejoin us to discuss soil for food, and soil for grace, both no doubt sanctified by God and Gurus in nuanced ways. We also discuss incense, signs and fasting. Paramahansa Yogananda ponders over the age-old question: "is it really worth it"? As usual we break this down into some detail with our main discussion topics, attachment in the jungle of civilisation.
1:49 Where was Priyank for the last 8 weeks?;
8:50 Summary of Minute;
10:50 Taking the dust off of one's Guru;
19:42 Incense and reining in the senses;
28:47 Brother Vishwananda's altar;
35:39 Being taken b...2022-05-311h 02
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 51: Yogananda’s darkest hourThis minute discusses Paramahansa Yogananda's grief after discovering the news about Swami Dhirananda leaving the swami order. We* also discuss his visit to Mexico and meeting with the then President Dr. E. Portes Gil. The minute also shows Brother Vishwananda's pilgrimage to Babaji's cave (Dwarahat), which is unpacked and reflected upon with our friend Ben, from the London Centre.
0:00 Meet Ben;
13:00 Summary of minute;
14:10 Guruji grieves in Mexico;
22:22 Guruji wonders about his mission;
32:20 A meeting with the president of Mexico;
35:30 Pilgrimage to Babaji’s cave.
* Priyank is not present during this episode due to being away for an extended period (me...2022-05-2453 min
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 50: Basu Kumar Bagchi sues Guruji :(This episode focusses on the legal battle between Basu Kumar Bagchi and Swami Yogananda, and the subsequent sorrow felt by Guruji at having lost a long-time disciple (Swami Dhirananda). Some say their relationship spans nine centuries! Paramahansa Yogananda would have had to deal with so much remote litigation during his time in India in 1935, it is a wonder how he managed. Guruji also goes to Mexico, to recover from this troubling time in his life, so well captured by the film but never mentioned in the Autobiography of a Yogi.
0:00 Minute Summary;
7:44 Why did Mr Bagchi sue Guruji?;
14:30 Newspaper coverage;
17:16 G...2022-05-1638 min
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 49: Swami Dhirananda leaves GurujiSwami Dhirananda decides to part ways with Swami Yogananda and Self-Realization Fellowship. What could the reasons have been? Why would people follow him and not stay with an avatar such as Paramahansa Yogananda? Where do all the fantastic little videos of Guruji come from, why do we not have all the footage available free online? All superb topics of conversation from this minute.
0:00 Summary of minute;
2:18 Why did Dhirananda leave?;
9:00 Why is this rare footage unavailable;
25:50 The immediate impact of Dhirananda leaving.2022-05-0932 min
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 48: Difficult times for Paramahansa YoganandaThe ramifications of the Swami Dhirananda ‘scandal’ had to be handled with poise, patience and pragmatism by Paramahansa Yogananda. There were legal, public relations and general management challenges for Guruji to navigate. They enabled a resilient SRF to develop into the strong organisation it is today. Anya joins us to discuss how Guruji fought the good fight and the legacy he left behind, so relevant for the troubled world today. We finish with a prayer for world peace and harmony.
0:00 Meet Anya;
6:00 SRF scene in Russia;
8:58 Summary of Minute;
10:48 Why give the controversy more screen time?;
15:33 Unorthodox views of the serpe...2022-05-021h 01
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 47: Yogoda Wedding VowsThis episode contains messages that are relevant in today's world as they were in 1931, woman’s rights and freedom to marry who you wish.
There is a beautiful, if elaborate, wedding ceremony conducted by Paramahansa Yogananda himself. Priyank discusses how this differed from the SRF vows he took during his own ceremony (conducted by an SRF monk). We also take a detailed look at the vows themselves, which are both pure and profound.
The couple getting married in this minute were Nirad Ranjan Chowdhury (aka Brahmacharee Sri Nerode) and Agnes Spencer. In the end they betray...2022-04-2549 min
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 46: Swami Dhirananda scandalMarkus joins us from Frankfurt to discuss the famous incident involving a bruised Swami Dhirananda and battling Swami Yogananda. We review the incident itself, the aftermath, misinformation in the printed press and why this became a mountain from a molehill.
0:00 Meet Marcus;
4:37 Summary of minute;
5:23 The incident and context;
24:20 Hypothesis on misunderstandings;
28:43 Damage limitation;
33:48 Newspaper reports and other scenes;
37:33 Why did Swami Dhirananda leave Guruji?.2022-04-1945 min
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 45: Indian Independence and American Civil RightsCosmic delusion would have been a difficult hurdle to overcome for Gandhi (in the Indian Independence) and equally so for Martin Luthar King Jr. (in the American Civil Rights movement). Although the latter had great admiration and took inspiration from the former, they both relied on Ahimsa, non-violence to achieve their glorious aims. We discuss all of this in the context of the Paramahansa Yogananda’s teaching and especially his famous commentary on Bhagavad Gita: God Talks with Arjuna.
0:00 Hatha Yoga Preamble;
8:24 Minute Summary;
11:25 Gandhi and the Indian Independence movement;
29:12 Martin Luthar King Jr.;
35:07 Ahimsa, vegetarianism and the path;
56:15 Guruji le...2022-04-121h 12
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 44: President Greets Swami YoganandaWe are joined by our friend, Daanish, who introduces himself with a heartfelt and divinely inspired poem. This episode discusses Paramahansa Yogananda’s meeting the President of USA, the civil rights and racial segregation issues he faced in Washington DC, and how he went on to establish the Afro-American Yogoda Centre.
0:00 Meet Daanish, ready with a poem;
10:29 Setting the scene and Summary of minute;
14:36 Racial segregation in USA;
20:34 Culture of decrimination;
29:00 Prerequisites for meeting a President of USA;
41:52 Founding a Yogoda Centre for Afro-Americans.
The article discussed in the minute can be found in the following ink of the EAST WEST...2022-04-0454 min
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 43: Vedic PhilosophyJay joins us from California to discuss Anita Goel’s monopolisation of this whole minute. Thankfully she has some quite thought-provoking dialogue. We relish the discussion on the Vedas, unity in nature, consciousness and Paramahansa Yogananda’s life long goal of marrying the East and the West. The majority of the scenes are filmed in the Harvard Faculty Club, but thankfully we, as guests, will be allowed to enter through this exclusive minute.
0:00 Meet Jay;
5:37 Summary of minute;
6:49 Vedic philosophy;
17:26 Mining for knowledge without WiFi;
24:20 Anita Goel in the Harvard Faculty Club;
30:05 The discovery of unity in nature;
47:51 Anita's Lab and o...2022-03-2858 min
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 42: Change your brain groovesThis minute starts with the narrator (Paramahansa Yogananda) asking you “to create a church within yourself”. We dig a little deeper into what this would mean, taking inspiration from Guruji’s famous book: Journey to Self-Realization. Dr. Andrew Newberg talks more about brain scans, and the impact of the meditation. Dr. Newberg suggests there is a decrease in a sense of yourself, orientation of space time and a general feeling of connectedness and oneness with the world.
0:00 Chris's guns;
1:20 Minute Summary;
2:44 The inner church;
11:36 Changing your brain;
31:00 Partaking in Christ Consciousness;
35:14 Be in this world, but not of it.2022-03-2153 min
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 41: The SupernaturalWhat is the purpose of the display of miracles and how are some souls able to perform abilities of the supernatural variety? Paramhansa Yogananda talks about this in detail in the Autobiography of a Yogi, chapter 30: The Law of Miracles. This minute also has Bikram talking about the topic, with old footage of him doing a stunt. We talk about Robert Love, an eloquent speaker that has a big part to play in the rest of the film.
0:00 Meet Carlos;
7:10 Summary of minute;
9:35 Robert Love;
12:28 Bikram's showboating l and the supernatural;
34:42 Developing intuition powers.
“We are not human beings having a sp...2022-03-1454 min
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 40: Willpower and volitionBrother Chidananda talks about willpower and energy, but how are the two connected? Brother Jayananda tells a story about Paramahansa Yogananda using both of those dimensions together to catapult six men across a stage! Did you know energization exercises were first titled: “Yogoda or Tissue Will System of Physical Perfection”? Mas Vidal tells us of another story of Guruji being able to control his pulse, indeed, this minute is packed with intriguing content and we do our best to unwrap it all.
0:55 Summary of minute;
1:52 Pictures of Guruji and his gaze;
10:10 Willpower and energization;
20:13 Volition on early infancy;
25:32 Hindu rites of pas...2022-03-071h 00
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 39: SRF, YSS and Life Lessons featuring Vivek AtrayWe are delighted to be joined by Vivek Atray, one of India's most renowned Motivational Speakers, a Best Selling Author, a Columnist, a Visiting Professor and a devoted disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda.
In this minute we focus on the formulation and importance of the Self-Realization Fellowship / Yogoda Satsanga Society of India study at home lessons (now also available on digital platforms). Some rare footage of Paramahansa Yogananda teaching us how to sleep is reviewed, along with the many newspaper clippings shown during this minute on varied topics such as material and spiritual success, harmony and attracting a soul mate.
0:00 Hear...2022-02-281h 06
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 38: Jagadguru on tour in the USASwami Yogananda travelled extensively in USA during the mid 1920s, speaking to large audiences in cities: breaking new ground; exposing minds and souls to yogic philosophy. In this minute we have contributions on this topic from Brother Chidananda, Varun Soni, Philip Goldberg and hear the voice of our guru Paramahansa Yogananda. One question he asks in this minute is as relevant now as it was back then: are we being distracted away from God by our many multifarious hobbies?
0:00 Jurassic Covid;
2:04 Summary of minute;
2:50 Why did Guruji travel across USA;
11:03 Where did he go and who did he meet?;
20:11 Swami...2022-02-2143 min
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 37: Swami Dhirananda aka Basu Kumar BagchiBasu Kumar Bagchi (Swami Dhirananda) and Mukunda Lal Ghosh (Paramahansa Yogananda) grew up together, serving together to establish spiritual sangas, libraries, and schools in their youth. They worked very closely during the formative years for Ranchi School (Brahmacharya Vidyalaya). The early success of Boston and Los Angeles would have been difficult to attain without (Swami Dhirananda). This minute focusses on the positives, before things took a sour turn for the relationship of these two childhood friends.
0:00 Preamble;
1:53 How Yogananda met Dhirananda;
6:58 The first time they worked together;
10:34 Pictures of Yogananda, Dhirananda and Satyananda;
13:34 Yogananda becoming Dhirananda’s Guru;
18:33 Did Dhirananda work...2022-02-1447 min
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 36: Prima Voce and discovering resonanceAmelita Galli-Curci was devoted to Paramahansa Yogananda and praises the impact his teachings had on her life and career. The teachings are our Guru in recent times and the new Self-Realization Fellowship lessons no doubt have a similar impact on devotees around the world. We discuss the famous opera, Aida, that forms part of this minute. Amelita also delightfully meditates with Guruji, albeit with a less than ideal posture, but if you were with Master, would it matter? We also discuss the other parts of this minute including why Swami Yogananda would call Swami Dhirananda to LA (using a telegram...2022-02-071h 00
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 35: The KundaliniIn this minute, we look at the nature of reality, dreams and mysticism, both through our own experience and as taught by Paramahansa Yogananda. When you wake up a from a dream you think, ah it was just a dream. Guruji tells in reality this whole life is a dream, we are not material beings having a spiritual dream, we are spiritual beings having a material dream. Tahiel, a Self-Realization Fellowship devotee and musician joins us from Buenos Aries, Argentina. Tahiel quotes Claude Debussy: "Works of art make rules; rules do not make works of art".
0:00 Meet Tahiel;
8:20 Summary of...2022-01-3159 min
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 34: EnergizationIn this episode Paramahansa Yogananda talks about the science behind the energization exercises, Neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Newberg talks about the science of enlightenment and Bro. Chidananda creates context by describing the effects of Kriya Yoga. We go into detail of neuroscientific findings on meditation and ask the question, what is energy?
0:00 Botany;
1:39 Summary of minute;
2:40 Electrify, Recharge and Energise;
5:44 Andrew Newberg;
8:24 A brief history of Energization Exercises;
25:06 Andrew Newberg and his research on the Enlightened State;
59:50 Swami Smaranananda;
1:03:25 Can you meditate on pipes?;
1:07:27 Bro. Chidananda and the airplane route.
Ted Talk: Finding our enlightened State, Dr A Newberg
https://www...2022-01-231h 20
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 33: What is Yoga?Reva joins us from London to discuss Yoga and Meditation in the context of this minute where Brahmachari Martin (of Self-Realization Fellowship), Varun Soni and Mas Vidal weigh in on their definitions. Why are people moving away from religion? What is meditation? Why is Hatha Yoga not taught in SRF (in as much depth as Kriya Yoga)? We offer some guidance, as given by Paramahansa Yogananda (and some Monastics), on these intriguing questions.
0:00 Meet Reva;
4:50 Summary of minute;
8:57 Brahmachari Martin, what is behind religion?;
16:45 What if you don't have any techniques for meditation?;
29:30 Meditation paraphernalia;
33:59 Yoga Stage 3 - Asanas;
47:07 Yoga...2022-01-191h 19
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 32: True ChristianityWhat is meant by true or the original Christianity? We discuss Paramahansa Yogananda's extensive coverage of Jesus Christ's life, high inclusion in the Self-Realization Fellowship’s lineage of gurus and the controversies and interpretations of the Bible’s New Testament and Gospels.
In 2021 we interviewed subject matter expert Professor Clooney of Harvard University about this subject (still available on the podcast) and now take the opportunity to review the content of that discussion in more detail including Christ’s missing years (excursion into India) and the Council of Nicaea.
0:00 Preamble;
1:30 Summary of minute;
3:09 What is true Christianity?;
7:52 Can we better our fa...2022-01-101h 37
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 31: Mt. Washington SRF HQ“We’ll have a big place on a mountain”, is what Swami Yogananda told one of his students in Boston, three months before moving to Los Angeles and miraculously establishing the Self Realization Fellowship headquarters on Mt. Washington. We conduct a deep dive on the background stories, the spiritual and the financial aspects of life in the early stages of the famous ashram. Our guest Christine (Mike’s sister) has been a devotee all her life shares her unique experiences at "Mother Center".
0:00 Meet Christine;
8:19 Summary of minute;
9:40 Mt. Washington, a brief history;
12:40 Making the trip to see Mother Center;
10:31 Divine g...2022-01-031h 08
Yogananda PodcastAwake Special: The art of the possible with Yuri and #YoganandaBrasilYuri Branco joins us from São Paolo, Brazil. In the past we have interviewed guests that have done tremendous work through guruji, outside of Self-Realization Fellowship. Yuri and Yogananda Brazil provides a tremendous example of how SRF publications can inspire people in the various branches of society: children, schools, libraries and even prisoner rehabilitation charities. In this interview Yuri tells us of his approach and the lessons he has learned along the way, all the while never relinquishing the humbleness of a regular devotee of guruji. Whether you are seeking inspiration, a feel-good story or simply a passing interest i...2021-12-2758 min
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 30: Pranam Rajarsi JanakanandaThis minute focusses on the inspirational life of James Lynn, who became Rajarsi Janakananda, the much-loved first president of Self-Realization Fellowship. We delve into the book published about him: A Western Yogi, which contains excerpts of his life and letters to our guru, Paramahansa Yogananda. In his youth he was an excellent student, as an adult a business extraordinaire and above all, spiritual exemplar. If you are looking for a life role model that is at once relatable, as well as remarkable, look no further. He must have been a great soul to have had the privilege of being such...2021-12-201h 04
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 29: The Power of InitiativeWe are joined by our friend Josh, from the Young Adult Sangha, to cover in detail Swami Yogananda’s momentous move to LA. His journey from the East to the West coast was intriguing; as will be seen from the fantastic stories from we discovered about the events along the way. In this minute we also have appearances from Varun Soni, Felicia Tomasco, Stefanie Syman and Mas Vidal all setting the scene and exploring the immediate impact Paramahansa Yogananda had in Los Angeles, the city of angels.
0:00 Meet Josh;
9:42 Summary of Minute;
12:00 Why LA?;
18:50 What is a seeker and what is he/she se...2021-12-131h 05
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 28: Bostonian YoganandaHow did Swami Yogananda spend his first years in America and Boston. He had to live in humble circumstances but quickly adapted to the American lifestyle. To attract devotees, it was necessary to use a curious and innovative vocabulary that was decades ahead of its time, talking about concepts such as concentration power, everlasting youth, life energy and life force control. He had some help from Swami Dhirananda and conclude by discussing the movement’s state of affairs when the critical decision to move to Los Angeles was made.
0:00 Summary of minute and time jump analysis;
3:42 Landing and adapting in Bo...2021-12-0652 min
Yogananda PodcastAwake Special: Chi Kri, going spiritually off-pisteSpecial interview with Neil Patel, founder of Chi Kri and fellow disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda. We discuss how Neil has used yoga for his own self-transformation as well as to raise the general consciousness in the troubled society we live in, with Yogananda's divine guidance. Neil has harnessed his creative spiritual flair to tackle knife-crime with rap and hip-hop music and reached prominent audiences such as the houses of parliament in London. We hope you will enjoy this unique and thought-provoking interview; it should not be missed.
0:00 Meet Neil Patel;
8:55 Why did Guruji not place Hatha Yoga in the lessons?;
12:55...2021-11-291h 05
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 27: Swami YoganandaThis minute focusses on the monastic life led by our guru as he becomes Swami Yogananda. What does “Yoga is freedom” mean to you? Rodrigo joins us from Brazil to help us tackle this intriguing question that the minute asks us to ponder on. We talk in detail about Paramahansa Yogananda’s experience in cosmic consciousness (samadhi). The multiple images used in this minute are dear to our hearts, fully deserving of our attention and devotion.
0:00 Meet Rodrigo;
5:32 Minute summary;
8:26 Opening the Eye of Wisdom;
12:18 Meditating is difficult, but lose not hope;
16:28 Prelude to the Samadhi experience;
21:50 The glorious Samadhi Poem;
...2021-11-221h 07
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 26: The Brahmachari LifeLife in Sri Yukteswar's hermitage for Mukunda (Paramahansa Yogananda) was hard work! In this episode we discuss what it would have been like to live the brahmacharya life of an aspiring yogi, striving to know God. Even though Sri Yukteswar had a disciplinarian style of teaching, there were plenty of fascinating stories over the ten-year period Mukunda spent in the hermitage, till the time he joined the ancient swami order.
0:00 Priyank's pilgrimage;
1:24 Summary of minute;
3:26 Joy giving chores;
9:27 Sri Yukteswar's style of training;
15:30 Pictures used in the minute;
19:27 What was Sri Yukteswar like?;
29:50 Meditating in strange places and moments;
36:56 Our...2021-11-1656 min
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 25: Swami Sri Yukteswar GiriThis minute focusses on the significance of Mukunda's meeting with Swami Sri Yukteswar and what why it is so important to have a God realized Master when we're looking for God. Our guest Mohit gives us an interesting perspective, as a YSS devotee in India, that moved to the west. There are interesting revelations about Banyan trees, thorns and the relationship between the river ganga water flow and the flow prana in the spine. Paramahansa Yogananda and Sri Yukteswar's relationship is discussed in more detail in Minute 27.
1:13 Meet Mohit;
12:40 Summary of Minute;
13:24 “Oh my own“;
18:33 Why didn't Awake use the same...2021-11-0857 min
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 24: Wait, was that my Guru?This minute depicts the monumental moment from the life of Paramahansa Yogananda: the meeting with his Guru Sri Yukteswar. We take the time to really set the scene to ensure maximum impact: discuss his difficult time in the ashram with Swami Dayananda, the receipt and disappearance of mysterious astral Amulet. The artistic cinematography of that moment is discussed, and the reasons for the intriguing omission of certain elements from the Autobiography vs the film.
Have you ever had a sign, a sign that tells you the way you should go at certain pivotal moments of your life? We pondered this...2021-11-011h 09
Yogananda PodcastAwake Special: Yugas and the meaning of time, with Walter CruttendenIn this special episode we welcome subject matter experts: Walter Cruttenden and Donna Nairi. Walter and Donna are fellow devotees, who share passion for the scientific and metaphysical exploration of the Yugas.
We discuss the spiritual implications of Sri Yukteswar’s famed hypothesis on the correct length of the Yugas, compare this with other traditions (including mainstream Hinduism which is convinced we are still in Kali Yuga and will continue to be so for another few hundred thousand years) and the implications of being in Dwapara 321 (dating system [for 2021] as defined in The Holy Science — published by Self-Realization Fellowship SRF) for...2021-10-241h 07
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 23: Would my real Guru please stand upAfter the tragic death his mother — Gyan Prabha Ghosh, Mukunda (Paramahansa Yogananda) finds himself occupied with the search for his Guru. Joined in this episode by our friend, Mark, we discuss each individual's unique journey to find their guru, sharing stories of our own experiences, as well as what it means to recognise people from past lives.
1:41 Meet Mark;
10:03 Summary of minute;
12:36 Cracking open the door;
22:13 Choice vs Mission, this Hospital Pass;
31:47 Why run away to the Himalayas?;
37:17 To seek, discover and accept a Guru;
1:00:47 What does a Guru look like?;
1:06:11 Recognising past life acquaintances.2021-10-181h 23
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 22: Have you ever had a dream, Neo...Minute 22 goes straight to Divine Mother. We analyse how she responds, so sweetly, to Mukunda (Paramahansa Yogananda). When reviewing the tiger story from the minute we can’t help but debate the difference between dreams and reality. What is the purpose of the dream death? Mike is convinced that he is not actually dreaming, but how can we be sure? We can’t help but bring into the dialogue current films that have shaped the imagination of many into a spiritual search: The Matrix and Inception.
1:22 Minute Summary;
2:18 Planning for Ananta's wedding;
6:14 Divine Mother becomes manifest for Mukunda;
12:17 Personifications of Divi...2021-10-1157 min
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 21: Why Cosmic MotherStewart joins us from Glasgow and shares his unique insight into all things in Minute 21. We discuss the psyche of the young Mukunda, to understand the emotional pangs that are featured in the minute, with material from biographies that you may not have heard before. We take a deep dive into esoteric matters such as death, cremations, burials and resurrection (in particular of Sri Yukteswar). We also discuss why Paramahansa Yogananda favoured the divine mother form of God and how we connect with her just as he did.
1:00 Meet Stewart;
5:54 Summary of the minute;
7:14 The psyche of the boy Mukunda...2021-10-041h 07
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 20: Tragedies are sometimes blessingsIn this minute, Chris, Mike and Priyank discuss a big event in Paramahansa Yogananda's youth, the sudden passing of his mother. Minute 20 breaks into this event in artistic flair, we cover the topics of Indian weddings, SRF weddings, visions and share some personal soul-shaking experiences which turn our minds to God and Guru.
2:20 Summary of minute;
4:44 Mukunda's reaction to his mother passing;
11:39 Mukunda's visions and a Hospital Pass;
23:29 Dealing with tragedies.2021-09-2739 min
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 19: I give you three books, one will be your GuruWe welcome Pablo, from Le Paris, as we grapple with timeless question: what is the meaning of life. Paramahansa Yogananda also had to search, even though he was an avatar, born realised. Mas Vidal tells us that we have to be shaken to awaken our desire to know the ultimate truth. Did you know that the human body is potentially infinite? We discuss what this means and what ramification this has on our life.
0:00 Meet Pablo;
11:20 Summary of minute;
13:48 Potential of the body;
27:49 Motion picture of life and Hospital Pass definition;
39:38 Purpose;
43:51 Differences between God and Gurus;
47:45 Yogananda's voice;
50:10 Mas V...2021-09-201h 10
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 18: The yogic rite to Write DNAWe discuss how well the science of Kriya Yoga as taught by Paramahansa Yogananda resonates with the current state of consciousness in humanity today. The weight of religion and dogma looms heavily and provides a stark contrast to empirical process of meditation and related practices.
Anita Goel offers a fantastic opportunity for the audience to delve into the frangible link between biology and physics. In this minute she provides a profound description of the relationship between individual consciousness and cosmic consciousness. We discuss how the movie touches on her research interests: reading and writing DNA. The latter is on the fr...2021-09-131h 09
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 17: Not dogma, but scienceWe welcome Durga, from India, who is responsible for the instagram account mahavatarbabajii, one of the largest social media channels ever created, dedicated to Paramhansa Yogananda’s lineage (36k followers at time of recording).
This minute discusses Paramahansa Yogananda’s “radical” and scientific explanation for the technique of meditation and charging the body with cosmic energy. We also explore the many perceptions of God personally held by devotees around the world today, and how this is linked to the purpose of Self-Realization Fellowship and Yogoda Satsang Society of India.
0:45 Meet Durga;
13:00 Minute Summary;
14:08 This is not dogma;
16:30 Energization and Ascension;
19:40 Guruji's e...2021-09-0551 min
Yogananda PodcastAwake Special: Professor WadhwaHitendra Wadhwa’s appearances in Awake: The Life of Yogananda were simultaneously inspirational and graceful, no mean feat. With the much deliberated “How to Live” themes discussed in this podcast, Hitendra offers a unique (and it must be noted, world renowned) perspective on harmonising the inner spiritual striving with the outer material quest for success. We are delighted to offer you this insightful interview as part of our “special” podcast series.
1:00 Meet Hitendra Wadhwa;
8:16 The 1900s Bengal Renaissance spills into the West;
18:37 Helping entrepreneurs with spirituality;
27:46 Authenticity in Business;
34:34 Bringing up Yogananda in your classes;
39:24 Intercession with Brother Satyananda;
46:20 Spiritualising business v...2021-08-301h 04
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 16: Dr Lewis, the first western KriyabanParamahansa Yogananda arrives for the Congress of Religious Liberals and delivers his landmark talk entitled “The Science of Religion”. He naturally attracted devotees (perhaps from previous lives) such as Dr and Mrs Lewis (pictured). We review other scenes and discussion topics including Sigmund Freud, the re-conceptualisation of divinity and the book of Revelations. A mixed bag, if ever there was one.
2:09 Sigmund Freud and the re-conceptualisation of God;
17:35 Universality of Gurujis teachings;
23:43 Congress of Religious Liberals;
27:50 Dr and Mrs Lewis and Sister Yogamata;
34:30 Yogananda lecturing, finding God in the spine;
41:33 Seven Churches, Chakras and the Gospel of Thomas;
52:15 Video of Guru...2021-08-2356 min
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 15: I could do better, he’s an AvatarNik and Niva join us for the lively Minute which discusses the world that Paramahansa Yogananda was stepping into when he first landed on the shores of Boston, America. We break our usual protocol of having a maximum of four people on the podcast, the guests shared a pod from conception to birth, and we did not feel it right to separate them now. They are our first Indian guests on the podcast, and would you believe it was recorded a month ago but the stars aligned (without our planning) to have it published precisely on Indian Independence Day!
We ho...2021-08-151h 22
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 14: How Yogananda took passage and raison d'être for USAIn the Autobiography of a Yogi guruji mentions the many “Red-tape difficulties” miraculously removed concerning his passport, visa, passage and reasons for going to the West. As this was all that was only briefly mentioned in the book, we took the opportunity in this episode to discuss these in some detail. This episode also discusses Paramahansa Yogananda’s first meeting with Mahavatar Babaji and his long journey on the City of Sparta to America.
After researching the material for this subject, we now have a new found respect for guruji and the divine laws he always operated in, especially when conside...2021-08-091h 06
Yogananda PodcastAwake Special: Professor ClooneyProfessor Francis Clooney had few lines in the film, but in our opinion, delivered them so powerfully that they rank amongst the most moving dialogue in the entire script. We are exceptionally pleased to offer this interview, which allowed Professor Clooney an extended forum to speak about the influence of Paramahansa Yogananda’s commentary on the gospels: ‘The Second Coming of Christ’ in today’s interreligious world.
0:00 Meet Professor Clooney;
5:51 Involvement with the Awake film;
8:35 Influence of Christianity on Priyank and Chris;
10:32 The benefits of comparative religion;
17:52 “Because I am a believer, I can learn from all traditions where belief is important...2021-08-011h 15
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 13: America – To be, or not to beThis episode focuses on happy years spent by Paramahansa Yogananda in his Ranchi school and the sudden, shocking inner vision of going to America. We discuss more on the intricacies of school life, the academics, students and style of teaching. Daya Mata makes her first appearance in the film too, which may have been one of the reasons that we ended this episode in a prayer.
0:00 Divine Gypsy;
1:47 Minute Summary;
2:22 Headhunting Swami Kebalananda;
7:53 Peaple in the photo from the minute;
11:19 Vision of America;
17:11 Guruji leaves Rachi immediately;
21:30 The means for his invite to America;
24:59 Sister Daya Mata;
43:18 Guruji says goodbye to...2021-07-2658 min
Yogananda PodcastAwake Special: Dr. Varun SoniVarun Soni had many significant messages to offer in the film and provided them so effortlessly and concisely that they were easy to gloss over. We discuss them in detail and he reciprocates by providing his superb all-inclusive, healing, energy to our podcast in this very special interview. Two of the many different themes discussed how his family have been influenced by Paramahansa Yogananda and how the great guru’s teachings are relevant for peace and harmony between religions. The issue of mental health amongst the youth of today is also dissected, using the light of India’s timeless gift of Y...2021-07-1859 min
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 12: I sensed this is my place and since then I never stoppedWe are joined by Natalia from Colombia, we talk about young Paramahansa Yogananda founding a school in Ranchi, we see glimpses of Bro. Vishwananda and we discuss about the right education system for the Dvapura yuga.
0:00 Meet Natalia;
10:47 Minute Summary;
11:58 Was Guruji scared of his vision?;
18:05 Establishing Ranchi School;
21:32 Brother Vishwananda;
26:18 Smriti Mandir;
29:12 What is the basis for an ideal school;
1:10:11 Benefits of Hatha Yoga;
1:17:04 Strawberries with Sandy Gray;
1:21:04 How-to-live principles;
1:29:40 Natalia reading Tagore's Where the Mind is Without Fear.2021-07-111h 30
Yogananda PodcastAwake Special: Philip GoldbergPhilip Goldberg’s contribution the film was both unique and insightful, we hope you will enjoy this intriguing interview as much as we did. As a scholar and biographer of the great spiritual personalities in the West, Phil has produced beautiful chronicles that highlight the route-map taken by the unlikely but inevitable eastern spiritual renaissance in the Americas.
00:00 Phil Goldberg Bio, don't accept things on faith;
05:24 Why write: The Life of Yogananda;
08:07 Treating miracles in the famous Autobiography with objectivity;
20:24 Why did you not follow Yogananda's path;
25:48 Telling Yogananda's story in a human way;
32:28 This body is a vehicle for awa...2021-07-041h 23
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 11: Yogananda's VisionsSome classic footage of Ranchi school is part of this minute and discussed scene by scene. Mas Vidal's dialogue explains what Paramahansa Yogananda's state of mind would have been like at the time of his visions of America.
0:00 Streaming Live;
2:05 Summary of minute;
4:13 Our lineage and the #padmasana movement;
18:43 Playing football in a dhoti;
20:03 Chronology of the minute and Ranchi history;
25:17 Guruji's vision of America;
28:41 Light a lamp for meditation;
34:58 The faces shown in Guruji's vision;
40:58 Amelita Galli-Curci;
43:13 Large Hadron Collider;
48:30 Jai Guru & Om Guru etymology and use;
1:00:38 America, surely these people are Americans?.2021-06-271h 11
Yogananda PodcastAwake Special: Mas VidalWe are delighted to present this very special episode which interviews Mas Vidal, who played a prominent part in the film through interviews, narrations and influence. Mas Vidal speaks from the heart about how Paramahansa Yogananda has influenced his life and how he came to appear in the landmark documentary film.
01:00 Meet Mas Vidal;
20:55 Build up or a shunt?;
33:05 Brother Bhaktananda stories;
49:55 Life lessons;
01:12:07 How it felt to partake in Awake;
01:23:41 Dark night of the soul;
01:27:40 Dancing Shiva and Nataraja;
01:33:31 Astral Bangals and Gems;
01:40:00 Importance of Asana (Hatha Yoga);
01:47:12 Mas's current projects;
01:57:15 Closing remarks and prayer.
For more information on...2021-06-202h 00
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 10: Himalayan yogiHemond from Germany joins us for this minute that has some serious depth, including science, philosophy and mysticism. The link is for us all to see in the minute from the film.
01:48 Meet Hemond;
06:17 Astral Bangals;
12:35 True Spirit;
38:50 Past lives;
44:40 Sister Premamayee;
52:40 Product placement;
57:40 Brother Vishwananda and the Atomic Age.2021-06-131h 21
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 9: Every soul is on a (Indian train) journeyWe hear more deep dialogue from Bro. Vishwananda whilst he is travelling by train. Some lovely footage is taken by the directors for this minute and it is discussed in depth. We also hear Deepak Chopra for the first time in the film, who does a lovely job of describing the genius of Paramahansa Yogananda.
02:13 Minute summary and the life train;
11:31 Bro. Vishwananda and the monastic life;
20:48 Pilgrimage;
37:35 Young Mukunda meditating;
39:54 Deepak Chopra and Vedic Medicine;
54:50 Anxiety Healing.2021-06-061h 10
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 8: Why we need a GuruOur second guest of the show Carolina from Brazil joins us to discuss what the word "Guru" means to her and the impact of yoga to the world.
00:00 Meet Carolina;
04:00 Minute summary;
04:38 Yoga and brotherhood;
20:50 Being a guru;
38:37 Gloria Schultz and Yogic powers;
51:00 Aarti and YSS;
01:00:11 Unravelling and intrigue.2021-05-301h 12
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 7: Lahiri MahasayaThis episode rightly honours the Christlike life of Yogavatar Lahiri Mahasaya: the fragrance of flowers cannot be suppressed. We discuss his impact on the film and the world in some depth. Bro. Vishwananda also graces the film with his first appearance along with Br. Shekhar embarking on a pilgrimage journey of their own.
01:21 Holy water;
16:38 The significance of Kashi;
22:35 Indian Tea;
28:05 Brother Vishwananda;
32:39 Monkeys;
39:11 Shiva temples;
48:24 Lahiri Mahasaya and the re-enactment of Paramahansa Yogananda's birth.2021-05-231h 14
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 6: Mahavatar BabajiMahavatar Babaji has captured the hearts, minds and imaginations of millions of people around the world. This minute has the first mention of the great incarnation that is the param param param Guru of Paramahansa Yogananda devotees around the world. This episode features our first of many guests to the show. Anna Devi joins us from Switzerland and lights the podcast with her experiences. Varun Soni's* intellectual dialogue is discussed in some detail.
00:00 - Meet our first guest Anna Devi;
06:38 - Prayer Wheels;
10:03 - Varun Soni*;
19:13 - Religious diversity and expressions of worship;
25:02...2021-05-171h 15
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 5: There is no reason not to follow your heartSteve Jobs has a certain air of technology messiah about him, and his relationship with Paramahansa Yogananda discussed in detail. Mas Vidal* tells us about the correct use of Hatha Yoga, further emphasised by Bikram. Dr Clooney* from Harvard brings in his own flavour of profound prose.
01:55 - Summary of minute;
02:29 - Hitendra Wadhwa*;
06:45 - Steve Jobs (SJ);
16:25 - SJ Famous (spiritual) speech;
29:04 - Yoga and Mas Vidal*;
43:23 - Bikram Choudhury;
48:39 - Getting lost in the complexities of life with Francis Clooney*.
* See dedicated interview with him in the "Speci...2021-05-091h 01
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 4: My Sweet LordThis minute starts with a profound prayer then more from Krishna Das about Paramahansa Yogananda's impactful voice. We discuss Guruji's voice in some detail. George Harrison has had a profound impact on each of the hosts and this is discussed in detail along with his music and famous dialogue from the film.
03:42 - Minute summary;
04:34 - Hearing Guruji’s voice for the first time;
11:13 - What is your favourite prayer?;
23:10 - SRF Monastic robes;
28:49 - Guruji singing and using chants for meditation;
34:52 - Krishna Das singing;
39:19 - Cosmic Chants;
48:07 - Geor...2021-05-021h 00
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 3: Sing alongRavi Shankar and Krishna Das grace the film with their first of many appearances in the film. They discuss their first meeting with Swami Yogananda and hearing his voice for the first time. Mind. Blowing.
02:22 - Summary of minute;
04:45 - Why is Guruji sitting on an alligator;
15:20 - What was your first impression of seeing Paramahansa Yogananda;
23:30 - Bhagavad Gita 02.12 on Reincarnation in One lifetime;
25:50 - Pictures of Yogananda and his eyes;
29:49 - Ravi Shankar;
36:31 - Krishna Das;
41:05 - Bhakti Yoga and the different schools of Yoga;
45:24 - Prayer and...2021-04-251h 02
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 2: Run the meditation experiment, you might surprise yourselfA young Mukunda Lal Gosh describes his experience in infancy and even before that in the womb. Profound, the analysis and discussion is very much needed for this gem of a minute.
00:00 - Introductions;
06:01 - Expressing yourself as Spirit;
08:03 - Scene-by-scene analysis;
11:48 - Temple bells;
14:18 - Why try meditation;
17:16 - The cosmic motion picture dream mechanism of creation;
26:16 - The birth and early family life Mukunda Lal Ghosh (Paramahansa Yogananda);
31:34 - Jingle: o my saint, wake yet wake.2021-04-1836 min
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute by Minute Podcast IntroductionIntroduction to the minute by minute podcast about the movie Awake: The Life of Yogananda. Welcome to our podcast. Before diving in to the minutes you may wish to watch this short episode first to provide you some basic information on our podcast and to meet the hosts! Jai Guru!
00:00 - Who are we?;
03:36 - Why are we doing this?;
07:55 - Format of each episode;
09:27 - Our guest speakers;
10:00 - Where can you find us?.2021-04-0812 min
Yogananda PodcastAwake Minute 1: Memories from prenatal realmsThe hosts welcome you to the podcast, introduce themselves and their journey into watching this film, coming together while in London, Northern Ireland and Austria (at the time of recording) to bring you this production!
The start of the film is analysed in detail, including the narration, actors and opening scenes. Paramahansa Yogananda reflects on his prenatal and early postnatal memories. Profound.
00:00 - Who are we and why are we doing this?
04:18 - Opening cinematography analysis;
08:45 - Anupam Kher, our narrator, further discussion at 23.47;
10:00 - Screenplay, directors, producers, and reception;
15:33 - C...2021-04-0727 min