Kriyananda

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Kriyananda (1926–2013), born J. Donald Walters, was a direct disciple of the Indian yogi and guru Paramahansa Yogananda. He was an influential spiritual teacher and a prolific writer, speaker, and musician, who dedicated his life to spreading his guru's teachings, especially the practice of Kriya Yoga. Kriyananda is best known for founding Ananda Village, a spiritual community based on Yogananda's principles, in Northern California in 1968. His contributions to spiritual literature and music have inspired thousands of seekers worldwide.

Early Life

Kriyananda was born in Romania to American parents. He grew up in various countries in Europe and attended school in England. His early exposure to different cultures and philosophies sparked a deep interest in spirituality. In 1948, after reading Yogananda's Autobiography of a Yogi, he traveled to the United States to become a disciple of Yogananda.

Meeting Yogananda

Upon his arrival in the United States, Kriyananda was accepted as a disciple by Paramahansa Yogananda and entered the Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) monastery in Los Angeles. He spent the next several years closely associated with Yogananda, until the latter's death in 1952. During this time, Kriyananda was ordained as a minister and took vows of renunciation.

Ananda Village

In 1968, Kriyananda founded Ananda Village in the Sierra Nevada foothills as a spiritual retreat and intentional community based on Yogananda's teachings. Ananda has since grown to include several communities worldwide. The core teachings at Ananda focus on the practice of Kriya Yoga, meditation, and living a life of inner joy and service. Kriyananda's vision was to create a spiritual environment where people could live and work together in harmony, guided by the principles of self-realization.

Writings and Teachings

Kriyananda was a prolific author, having written over 150 books on various aspects of spiritual life, including commentaries on the Bhagavad Gita and the Bible, as well as books on leadership, education, and community living. His writings emphasize the practical application of Yogananda's teachings in daily life. Kriyananda also composed over 400 pieces of music, which are integral to Ananda's worship services and spiritual practices.

Legacy

Kriyananda's legacy is marked by his efforts to make spiritual teachings accessible and relevant to modern life. He was a pioneer in the movement to establish spiritual communities, and his work has influenced the lives of thousands of people around the world. Ananda Village and the other Ananda communities continue to thrive, serving as living examples of Yogananda's vision of world brotherhood colonies.

Controversies

Like many spiritual leaders, Kriyananda faced controversies, including legal challenges related to his leadership of Ananda. Despite these challenges, he remained focused on his mission to spread Yogananda's teachings.

Death

Kriyananda passed away on April 21, 2013, in Assisi, Italy. He left behind a global spiritual community and a vast body of work that continues to inspire seekers of truth.