The Essence of Self-Realization: The Wisdom of Paramhansa Yogananda [Paperback]

Swami Kriyananda (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 25, 1990

The scope of this book is vastit offers as complete an explanation of lifes true purpose, and theway to achieve that purpose, as may be found anywhere. A few of the chapters include The TruePurpose of Life On Meditation How to Pray Effectively The Law of Karma The Lesson ofReincarnation and Ways in Which God Can Be Worshiped. Filled with lessons and stories thatYogananda shared only with his closest disciples, this volume offers one of the most insightfuland engaging glimpses into the life and lessons of a great sage. Much of the material presentedhere is not available anywhere else.

Editorial Reviews

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.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 212 pages
• Publisher: Crystal Clarity Publishers (January 25, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0916124290
• ISBN-13: 978-0916124298
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,677,433 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Words of Deathless Wisdom, May 10, 2006

By 

Richard Salva "Host: 'LincolnReincarnation.co... (San Jose, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Essence of Self-Realization: The Wisdom of Paramhansa Yogananda (Paperback)

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]

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Divine Quotes for meditation, April 29, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Essence of Self-Realization: The Wisdom of Paramhansa Yogananda (Paperback)

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.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Words Cannot Describe!, June 8, 2005

By 

P. R THOMPSON "Galactic Master" (Brooklyn NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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This review is from: The Essence of Self-Realization: The Wisdom of Paramhansa Yogananda (Paperback)

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