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Book Review: Conversations with Yogananda by Swami Kriyanandai

Conversations with YoganandaReview by Michael Laughrin

The author of Conversations with Yogananda, Swami Kriyananda (a.k.a. J. Donald Walters) says that he has almost a perfect memory. As one of Paramahansa Yogananda's most important Western disciples, he spent many years with the Master and, because of his memory, we can benefit from the great wisdom of the first Vedic master teacher to America in the 20th century.

The form of the book is quite interesting. It includes 461 vignettes - little stories - from the author's live experience with his teacher that serve to illustrate all aspects of Yogananda's teachings in parable form. Past lives, sex, money, spiritual practice, obstacles to inner development, and the personalities of the disciples are but a few of the topics that are mentioned. The reader will learn a fair amount about Yogananda's early life as well as the time he spent in California.

The effect on me was extremely uplifting and soothing. It reinforced in me the ancient Wisdom teachings that I have been hearing for the last 40 years or so. This volume serves to keep the true seeker on the straight and narrow; to raise the beginner in metaphysics to the level (at least intellectually) of an initiate; and to serve as a practical guide on how to deal with issues in daily life that may have some impact on the life of one who is trying to gain Enlightenment in this life. It is truly wonderful and I do think that all of you should read it.

Review (c) copyright 2009 Michael Laughrin.

From the February/March 2009 issue of Michael Laughrin's North American Jyotish Newsletter. Click to subscribe to this free Jyotish newsletter.


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