The Teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda
Paramhansa Yogananda came to the West in 1920 and brought a complete approach to the art and science of meditation. What he called the “Highest Technique of Concentration and Meditation” is based on the ancient yet timely technique which he called “Hong Sau.”
Supporting this powerful technique Yogananda gave a complete and inspired range of creative visualizations, prayers, and affirmations which appeal to the different temperaments of feeling, will, and action.
Successful meditation requires the power of “pranayam:” the ability to relax the body, internalize your life force, and raise your energy upward to the seat of concentration and wisdom (the spiritual eye). Yogananda realized that pranayama begins with the body: energizing the body, become aware of the life force energy, and then learning to consciously withdraw that energy from the periphery of the body.
At the heart of Yogananda’s approach to meditation is a term he coined: “superconsciousness!” Unlike so many approaches which focus on being only mindful of the influences of the subconscious or conscious mind, Yogananda teaches us how to awaken to the intuitive, superconscious mind from which flows life, solutions, inspirations and health.
Dates
Course begins January 30th, 2027 and includes 8 Saturdays from January 30th to May 1, 2027
10:30 am to 5:30 pm Pacific Time
Dates include Jan. 30, Feb. 13 & 27, Mar. 13 & 20, Apr. 3 & 17, May 1.
Cost
$745 for 8 Saturdays from 10:30a – 5:30p
$800 for 8 Saturdays from 9a – 5:30p that includes yoga class from 9a – 10:15a (required for Yoga Teachers credit)
Location
In-person at the Ananda Blue Lotus Temple in Bothell or online; plus one class at the Ananda community in Lynnwood and a class and retreat at Heart Song near Lake Stevens.
Prerequisite
The Art & Science of Raja Yoga
Questions? Email us or call 425-806-3700.
By Sharing We Can Learn
Few things touch our lives like the blessings of meditation: the ability to uplift our consciousness; to learn to act rather than react; and to relax away from stress and respond creatively to the challenges of this world.
And few practices can rival our capacity to learn and go deep than sharing what we have learned with others. Ananda Meditation Teacher Training guides you into this process of learning and sharing by combining study of the practices and philosophy of meditation with group practice and sharing. The company of others of like-mind, focusing and sharing creates a vibrant atmosphere of learning and friendship.
“Having completed this program, it's hard to imagine NOT having this information and experience since meditation is so integral to my life. The resources that I now have are very, very helpful.”Eric
We explore . . .
- the nuts and bolts of how meditation works: the science of breath, of posture, and of concentration; the importance of inspiration, visualization and feeling; energizing will power and concentration; the power of soul alignment and the grace of God and guru.
- what is superconsciousness? What are the two most important chakras and why?
- what is the best sitting posture for meditation? What are the alternatives?
- the importance of one’s voice: projection, vibration, and feeling.
- how to respond to questions from students?
- how to handle difficult students!
Join us for a series of eight Saturdays and you’ll learn what you need to take the next steps on your meditation journey.
Learn everything you need
Some of the topics of the course also include:
- Investigate the science behind meditation
- Experience breath-control exercises (pranayama), and learn how and why to use them?
- Feel the power of creative visualization & affirmations
- Why is chanting “half the battle?”
- Learn the value of telling a story
- How to shift from “doing” to “being” in meditation
- Dissecting the 3-phases of meditation: relaxation, concentration, and expansion of awareness
- Why observing the breath is universal and effective
- Where do the Eight Limbs of Yoga fit in?
- Understanding the chakras
- Monkey mind solutions that work!
- Any reason is a good reason to meditate: from health to heaven!
- Answering questions about meditation
- How to sit: floor or chair?
- Overcoming resistance, sleepiness, & other common challenges
- Practice leading guided meditations
- Speaking techniques
- How to teach meditation on Zoom
- Dealing with problem students
A typical Saturday class
9:00 – 10:15 am: Yoga Class in the Yoga Hall (required for Yoga Teachers taking the course for Yoga Alliance Credit and a great option for all other students)
10:30 – 11:00am: Guided Meditation
11:00 am – 1:00 pm: Inspirational talk with Learning Activities
1:00 – 2:00 pm: Nutritious Lunch together
2:00 – 3:30 pm: Exploring our Theme for the Afternoon
3:45 – 5:30 pm: Student Practice
“This class has opened my mind to a greater awareness and understanding of what meditation is truly about!”
Frequent Questions
What are the prerequisites for participating in this course?
The prerequisite for this course is the following class:
The Art and Science of Raja Yoga
And it is important that you have been meditating regularly for one year.
Can I see the course syllabus?
Sure. Click here for a PDF.
Is the course self-paced, or does everyone need to move through the course together?
This course is hybrid: meaning you can attend in person or participate online. It is not self-paced.
Can I miss a class and watch the recorded video instead?
Attendance at all classes is required. One excused absence is permitted with make-up lessons at our discretion. You would need to watch the video of the missed class. We may ask for a $25 fee for our time in conducting make-up material or classes.
Will I get to interact with other students and instructors in the course?
Yes! In the morning session, we will present the material for the day along with interactive activities. During the afternoon session there will be a Student Practice unit where participants work in small groups to practice what they have learned.
Instructors will be available to support the small groups and give feedback.
My meditation background is different from the practices taught by Ananda. Is that okay?
Yes. This course takes place using the meditation practices taught by Paramhansa Yogananda, so naturally, that is our focus.
We do not ask that you discontinue your current meditation practices if they are different; we simply ask that you do the practices that are part of this program for learning and sharing purposes.
What tech skills will I need?
If you are taking the course on-line, you will need a computer with audio and video capability along with a Zoom account.
You will also need to access the Learning Management System through our website. We can help you access this system.
Is a payment plan available?
Yes! We can divide the payment into 3 payments of $260 (this includes a 3% processing fee).
Does this course offer credit toward any advanced Ananda certifications?
Those who have graduated with a 200-hour Yoga Teacher certificate may take this course for 65 hours toward your 500-hour certificate with the Ananda Institute of Living Yoga.
Does this course offer continuing education credit with Yoga Alliance?
Yes, for Yoga Alliance purposes. If you already have your 500-hour certification from another school or you do not plan to pursue your 500-hour certificate with the Ananda Institute of Living Yoga you can apply the 65 hours as continuing education.
You may not count this class towards both your 500-hour certificate and Continuing Education requirements for Yoga Alliance.
If you have questions about this please ask us!
Will I get support from Ananda after I graduate?
Absolutely! Our faculty are always available, plus you’ll have lifetime access to all course materials.
Your instructors
Nayaswami Hriman
Nayaswami Hriman McGilloway is a co-spiritual director of Ananda Washington. Commissioned in 1993 by Ananda’s founder, Swami Kriyananda, and to that of kriyacharya in 2009, Hriman has taught and counseled in areas of meditation, yoga philosophy, leadership, intentional community, and the Biblical commentaries of Paramhansa Yogananda.
Author of Once and Future Christ, Hriman also has an abiding interest in sharing the universal, nonsectarian aspects of the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Robyn Mattis
Robyn Mattis has been teaching Ananda Meditation classes for many years and also trains other meditation instructors. She has been practicing meditation for over 20 years.
She is inspired to create a sense of community for her students and give them the experience of peace through meditation.
Murali Venkatrao
Murali Venkatrao is the director of the Ananda Institute of Living Yoga. He has been teaching yoga and meditation since 2002, and is an active researcher studying Yoga’s impact on diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and other metabolic disorders. He is currently the Director of yoga teacher programs at the Ananda Institute of Living Yoga in Bothell, Washington, and a Professor of Yogic Physiology at Vivekananda Yoga University in Norwalk, California.
Nayaswami Padma
Nayaswami Padma, is the co-spiritual director of Ananda Washington. She is also a Kriyacharya, Lightbearer, and teacher of Ananda.
Apply Now for Winter 2027
If you’ve been meditating for at least one year, then you are ready to apply for this class!
We also recommend taking at least one of our meditation classes first, to learn the techniques we will dive into deeply.
Just fill out the application, and we’ll be in touch with you soon.
“Whosoever will, with supreme devotion, impart this supreme, secret knowledge to My devotees, shall without a doubt come to Me. No one among men performs a more priceless service to Me. Nor is there in all the world anyone more dear to Me.”
—Bhagavad Gita