About Us
Ananda Hyderabad
Ananda Sangha Hyderabad is part of a global spiritual movement called Ananda Sangha Worldwide, founded in 1968 by Swami Kriyananda, a direct disciple of the great Indian master Paramhansa Yogananda. Based on the teachings of Yogananda, Ananda Sangha embraces every aspect of human endeavor, from the search for happiness in daily living to the ultimate bliss of Self-Realisation.
What is Ananda?
Ananda is a global movement based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, writer of the spiritual classic ‘Autobiography of a Yogi‘. Ananda was founded in California in 1969 by Yogananda’s direct disciple, Swami Kriyananda. Through its classes, retreats, centres, communities and various outreach activities, Ananda serves as a spiritual oasis where truth-seekers can quench their spiritual thirst with Paramhansa Yogananda’s Self-Realization teachings and have satsang (spiritual-friendship) in the company of like-minded souls.
What is Kriya Yoga?
Kriya Yoga is a meditation technique that quickly accelerates one’s spiritual growth.
It was first made widely known by Paramhansa Yogananda in his Autobiography of a Yogi. You can learn Kriya Yoga by taking classes at one of our teaching centres, or at home through the Ananda Kriya Yoga Home Study Course. Its effectiveness has been demonstrated by thousands of dedicated Ananda Kriya Yogis, from all walks of life, religions, nationalities, and backgrounds.
Ananda Sangha India
Swami Kriyananda foresaw a big future for Ananda’s work in India. Besides spreading the teachings of Kriya Yoga and meditation, among the many projects he envisioned were Spiritual Communities, a universal Temple of All-religions based on Paramhansa Yogananda’s ideals, How-to-live Schools for the all round education of children, a Yoga University, Monasteries for men and women, a Hospice for the elderly and an Orphanage for the young.
Our Spiritual Lineage
Jesus Christ
In Autobiography of a Yogi, Yoganandaji writes about Jesus appearing to Mahavatar Babaji, with the thought of sending someone (Yoganandaji) to show the teachings of Sanatan Dharma to the West. Yoganandaji said Jesus was a great yogi and a true Master with the same message that he wished to give to his disciples.
Mahavatar babaji
Babaji simply means “revered father.” Though the great master’s birth name and date are unknown, his subtle spiritual influence is felt throughout the world. It was he who re-introduced the ancient science of Kriya Yoga, which had been lost through the dark ages due to “priestly secrecy and man’s indifference,” as Yogananda put it.
Lahiri Mahasaya
Shyama Charan Lahiri was the birth name of the great yoga master. His disciples lovingly added “Mahasaya,” which means “great-minded one.” Born in Bengal, India, to a pious brahmin family, Lahiri Mahasaya was the one who made the ancient science of Kriya Yoga available not just to those who had renounced the world, but to all sincere souls.
Swami Sri yukeswar
Paramhansa Yogananda was trained for his mission in the West by his Guru Swami Sri Yukteswar of Serampore, India.
Paramhansa yogananda
Yogananda was the first great master of yoga to make his home in the West, coming to the U.S. from India in 1920 and living here until his passing.
Swami Kriyananda
Swami Kriyananda (J. Donald Walters) is the founder of Ananda. He is one of the foremost proponents of yogic teachings in the world today. In 1948, at the age of 22, he became a disciple of the Indian yoga master, Paramhansa Yogananda.
Spiritual Directors
Swami Kriyananda lived in India from 2003 until his passing in 2013. Nayaswami Jyotish, Swami ji’s Spiritual Successor, serves as the current Dharmacharya of Ananda Sangha. He and his wife Nayaswami Devi serve as Ananda’s Spiritual Directors and travel annually to the US, Europe and India providing spiritual guidance and direction to Ananda Centers and spiritual aspirants all over the world. Ananda’s work in India is led by Nayaswami Jaya and Nayaswami Dhyana.
Nayaswamis Jaya & Dhyana (Ananda India)
