Lessons for Home Study
Learn more about how the YSS Lessons can transform and bring balance to your life.
Overview
Launch Event for the New Edition of the Yogoda Satsanga Society of India/Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons
Instruction in Ancient Yoga Techniques
Paramahansa Yogananda viewed the Self-Realization/Yogoda Satsanga Lessons as the very core of the teachings he was ordained to bring to the world as a special spiritual dispensation for the coming global civilization.
In his talks and writings printed in his many acclaimed books for the public, Paramahansaji offers a wealth of practical guidance for spiritual living — how to live joyfully and successfully amidst the unceasing challenges and opportunities in this world of change. The Yogoda Satsanga Lessons are for those who want to learn to convert that inspiration into a daily spiritual practice.
The Lessons are unique among Paramahansa Yogananda’s published works, in that they give his step-by-step instructions in the yoga techniques of meditation, concentration, and energization that he taught, including Kriya Yoga.
These simple yet highly effective yoga techniques work directly with life energy and consciousness, enabling you to recharge the body with vitality, awaken the mind's unlimited power, and experience an ever-deepening awareness of the Divine in your life—culminating in the highest states of spiritual consciousness and union with God.
Since Yoga is based on practice and experience rather than on adherence to a particular set of beliefs, followers of all religions—as well as those who do not affiliate with a religious path—can benefit from the spiritual teachings in the basic series of Lessons and the techniques taught therein. When practised regularly, these methods lead unfailingly to deeper levels of spiritual awareness and perception.
Read the Introductory Lesson by Paramahansa Yogananda
An inspiring and in-depth overview of the teachings in the Lessons is given in Paramahansa Yogananda’s introduction to the series, entitled “Highest Achievements Through Self-realization,” available on request here. [Link to Contact Us for Free Literature]
As a first step, we suggest that you read and absorb the thoughts in this introductory Lesson. This will enable you to determine if you wish to go further on the journey to Self-realization by enrolling for the course of eighteen Lessons that teach the meditation techniques that prepare one for initiation in Kriya Yoga.
You may also enrol right away by following the instructions on this page under the “Apply for the Lessons” tab.
Purpose of the Lessons: Teaching the Science of Kriya Yoga
In his Autobiography of a Yogi, Paramahansa Yogananda introduced the lineage of illumined gurus behind the Yogoda Satsanga Society of India work: Mahavatar Babaji, Lahiri Mahasaya, and Swami Sri Yukteswar. He describes how these fully God-realized masters chose and prepared him to bring the lost, ancient Kriya Yoga science of God-realization to the West and spread it worldwide.
The Yogoda Satsanga Lessons in Self-realization are intended for those who wish to undertake an actual practice of the Kriya Yoga path of meditation described by Paramahansa Yogananda in Autobiography of a Yogi. He explained:
“In a book available to the general public I cannot give the techniques themselves; for they are sacred, and certain ancient spiritual injunctions must first be followed to insure that they are received with reverence and confidentiality, and thereafter practised correctly.”
Enrolment in the Lessons offered by Yogoda Satsanga Society of India (Self-Realization Fellowship), the organization Paramahansa Yogananda founded to disseminate his teachings and for the continuing fulfilment of his mission, will insure proper guidance and optimum benefit for all who wish to follow the path and practise the sacred meditation techniques he brought for the world.
Origin and Evolution of the SRF/YSS Lessons
During the three decades of his mission in the West, starting in 1920, Paramahansaji presented his teachings through a variety of means. In the 1920s and ’30s, he travelled all over the United States, giving public lectures in major cities from coast to coast, attended by tens of thousands. Many of these talks were printed in Self-Realization Fellowship’s magazine, and (much later) in the anthologies of his Collected Talks and Essays, available in book form for the general public.
Following his public lecture series, which lasted one to two weeks in each city, he invited those who wished to commit to a deeper study to enrol for the additional series of lessons classes on the Self-Realization (Yogoda Satsanga) teachings and meditation techniques that he conducted each night over the next several weeks. In the early years, students were provided with brief printed outline notes about the subject matter in each class.
It was in 1934 that he announced the first edition of a comprehensive set of printed lessons for home study. Here are his words on that occasion:
“Day and night for fourteen years I have been thinking how to give to the students a continuous flood of that spiritual awakening which will assure that they will never fall asleep again. So I have planned to send weekly lessons to them. They will start next week and come every week thereafter. We have been working day and night to get them started. Students in all parts of the country have asked, ‘Why don’t you give weekly lessons?’ I have at last found the plan that I know is going to free thousands of souls.”
Thus the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons were born — and they were inaugurated in India as the Yogoda Satsanga Lessons not long afterward. The series was assembled over the course of several years, from 1934 through about 1938. During his visit to India in 1935–36, Paramahansaji made arrangements for a YSS edition of the Lessons to be offered to devotees in India. Under his direction, the terminology in the Lessons was slightly adapted for Indian devotees, though the teachings and sadhana and meditation techniques were identical. These Lessons remained in circulation, with some improvements and modifications, until 2019.
Major Enhancement of the Lessons Announced in 2017
In the last years of his life, the Guru devoted himself to an intense period of writing new material and review of his previously published works. Among other projects, he worked on the Lessons personally with Sri Mrinalini Mata (who was then a young disciple, and later served as the fourth president of Self-Realization Fellowship/Yogoda Satsanga Society of India). Paramahansaji reviewed the Lessons presentation with her and instructed her in his wishes for a thorough revision, noting a number of problems and defects that he wished to address. He told her to draw from the many writings and talks he had given in the intervening years since the Lessons were first compiled. “The Lessons will be your life’s work,” he said to her.
The result of that “life’s work” is the current series, completed shortly before her passing in 2017—featuring vastly improved organization and a wealth of new material from Paramahansaji that was not available for the original 1934 compilation. This new edition of the YSS Lessons is the most comprehensive ever offered, and includes much inspiration and teaching that was never previously published.
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Organization and Sequence of the Lessons
1. YSS Lessons (Basic Series)
Take your practice to a deeper level of commitment through the establishment of the sacred guru-disciple relationship.
After learning and practicing the three basic techniques during the first eight months of Lessons study (in which you will have completed the first sixteen Lessons in the basic series), if you feel that you are ready to deepen your practice by formally establishing the sacred guru-disciple relationship with Paramahansa Yogananda and his lineage of gurus, you can apply for initiation in Kriya Yoga.
The technique of Kriya Yoga is given in person at special initiation ceremonies, as well as sent to each initiate in a special series of printed lessons that cover every aspect of the Kriya science.
2. YSS Kriya Yoga Initiation Lessons Series
This series of 5 Lessons gives instruction in the technique of Kriya Yoga for those who qualify by having established a regular practice of the three principal meditation techniques given in the basic YSS Lessons.
Initiation in Kriya Yoga is a sacred step that involves a deeper commitment to the spiritual path of Yogoda Satsanga Society of India and the establishment of the guru-disciple relationship with Paramahansa Yogananda. The student will receive an invitation to apply for Kriya Yoga with Lesson 17.
3. YSS Supplement Lessons Series
At any time after completing the basic 18 YSS Lessons, students are invited to order any or all of the Supplement Lessons. As with the other Lessons, these present Paramahansa Yogananda’s personal instruction, compiled from his classes and writings, for YSS students.
The Supplement Lessons contain in-depth presentations of key subjects for followers of the Kriya Yoga path to God-realization. They are grouped by topics and themes, in order to give students a deep and comprehensive understanding of subjects that are of particular interest to them.
Advanced Lessons are available for those who have received Kriya Yoga. These present Paramahansa Yogananda’s deeper instruction in many of the principles and techniques of the YSS yoga path.
4. YSS Kriya Yoga Higher Initiation Lessons Series
This special series of Lessons is for Kriya Yoga initiates who are interested in and qualified to receive the Second, Third, and Fourth Kriya Yoga techniques.
In addition to the actual techniques, instruction in auxiliary practices such as Khechari Mudra and other advanced techniques for Kriya Yogis is imparted in these special Lessons.
5. Satsanga With Paramahansa Yogananda Series
This series is available to all who have completed the basic series of YSS Lessons described in 1., above.
Satsanga means “fellowship with truth.” In India’s ancient spiritual tradition, a satsanga is a gathering where the spiritual teacher meets with devotees for meditation and imparting spiritual teaching and inspiration.
“When I am gone, the teachings will be the guru,” Paramahansa Yogananda said. The mailings in this series provide all followers of Paramahansaji with a lifelong, continuous contact and attunement with the spiritual power flowing through his teachings.
Each “Satsanga” in this series is about 6 pages in length, and is focused on a specific topic, compiled from the voluminous library of Paramahansa Yogananda’s previously published writings, classes, and talks.
The Satsanga With Paramahansa Yogananda series is not studied sequentially. All persons receive the same mailing each week, regardless of when they enrol. Thus, by enrolling for this series of mailings, you will be linked in fellowship with YSS/SRF members all over the world, since through these “Satsangas” all YSS/SRF members will be focusing on the same spiritual topics together each week.
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Kriya Yoga Initiation
Application for Kriya Yoga may be made after completing the first sixteen Lessons in the basic series, a period of approximately eight months if the Lessons are studied without interruption as they are received on a biweekly basis.
Initiation in Kriya Yoga signifies formally establishing the time-honoured guru-disciple relationship with Paramahansa Yogananda and his lineage of enlightened masters. Kriya Yogis pledge their spiritual loyalty to the Gurus and to Yogoda Satsanga Society of India.
In Lesson 16, you will receive an in-depth explanation of the holy guru-disciple relationship, and of the spiritual duties and commitment inherent in acceptance of this relationship.
YSS Lessons Observe Sacred Guidelines for the Teaching of Kriya Yoga
In Autobiography of a Yogi (chapter 34), Paramahansaji relates the story of how, in 1861, Kriya Yoga came to be resurrected by Mahavatar Babaji for humanity at large. He instructed his disciple Lahiri Mahasaya in the ancient science, and told him that his role in life was to teach it openly to others (as had not been done for many centuries).
At first Babaji set a very high standard for Kriya Yoga initiation. Lahiri Mahasaya then requested that Babaji relax the traditionally strict requirements for discipleship. “Be it so,” Babaji compassionately acquiesced. “The divine wish has been expressed through you. Give Kriya to all who humbly ask you for help.”
Speaking to disciples at the SRF Mother Center in 1949, Paramahansa Yogananda gave more details about this: “Although the ancient restrictions of asceticism and renunciation were waived by Babaji in order that the masses might benefit from Kriya Yoga, he nevertheless required of Lahiri Mahasaya and all descendants of his spiritual line (the YSS/SRF line of Gurus) that they impose on any who sought initiation a period of preliminary spiritual training, by way of preparation for Kriya Yoga practice.”
From the earliest years of his mission in the West, Paramahansaji began developing a systematic course of instruction in the yoga principles and techniques that would prepare serious students for initiation in Kriya Yoga according to the requirements set in place by Babaji. This course was initially taught only in classes conducted personally by Paramahansaji, and included three basic techniques whose practice he felt was integral to the full effectiveness of Kriya Yoga: the Technique of Energization, the Hong-Sau Technique of Concentration, and the Aum Technique of Meditation.
Since 1934, detailed instruction in all of the above techniques has been given in the SRF/YSS Lessons.
Unique Features of the Lessons
What You Will Receive in the Lessons
- The YSS/SRF yoga techniques of meditation—progressively higher methods for producing Self-realization and God-communion, given at specific intervals during one’s study of the Lessons.
- Practical “how-to-live” wisdom, which aids in solving the myriad problems of life and creating harmony and success in every area of human existence.
- Vibrant affirmations for applying the power of concentrated mind and will for self-improvement and spiritual progress.
- Divinely inspired prayers and poetically expressed experiences in Self-realization to awaken heart-centred devotion and desire for God.
- Scientific explanations of the principles and philosophy on which the meditation techniques are based—to satisfy your reason as well as your heart.
- Spiritual teachings on scientific health culture for prevention and healing of disease— physical, psychological, and spiritual.
- Instructive stories illustrating moral and spiritual principles for yourself and your family.
- A constant stream of inspiration—through the divinely charged words of Paramahansa Yogananda—to support and motivate your personal journey to life’s highest goal: God-realization.
Personal Guidance and Other Services to Students
The spiritual path taught in the Yogoda Satsanga Lessons is individual, not institutional. The materials sent to your home are sufficient in themselves, and no organizational participation is required. However, for those who wish the support of a spiritual community and fellowship, many other (completely optional) services are offered. In addition to the printed Lessons, YSS members receive the following benefits, amongst others:
A Sampling of Some of the Lessons Topics
- Spiritual counsel: Personal guidance and answers to questions regarding your practice of Paramahansa Yogananda’s teachings and techniques, provided by experienced YSS sannyasis pledged to a life of seeking God through Kriya Yoga and selfless service to Paramahansaji’s work.
- Special classes on the YSS techniques, given periodically by YSS sannyasis in various cities all over the world, and online, which are open only to students of the Lessons. (These are in addition to the programs conducted for the general public.)
- A yearly Sharad Sangam held in Ranchi: a weeklong intensive immersion in Paramahansa Yogananda’s meditation techniques and teachings, attended by thousands from all over India and other countries.
- Regular letters and messages of inspiration and encouragement from the president and spiritual head of Yogoda Satsanga Society of India/Self-Realization Fellowship, sent throughout the year.
- Yoga: The Universal Science of Knowing God
- The Art of Relaxation: Doorway to Inner Silence
- The Spiritual Genesis of Cosmic Creation
- The Spinal Highway to the Infinite
- Yoga Principles of Health and Healing
- The Art of Balanced Spiritual Living
- The Cycles of Life and Death
Request Free Introductory Packet About the YSS Lessons
YSS Lessons App
A Digital Resource to Aid Your Spiritual Journey
The Yogoda Satsanga Lessons — as well as all their auxiliary and supporting content — are available to YSS students in digital form via a proprietary app that is available for Apple (iOS) and Android devices.
This YSS Lessons app enables students to access the auxiliary multimedia content provided for Lessons students, and to benefit from studying the Lessons while away from home.
Through January 31, 2020, students of the Yogoda Satsanga Lessons will receive free digital access to the Lessons and exclusive auxiliary content through the YSS Lessons app.
Some of the Features of the Lessons App
- Audio recordings of Paramahansa Yogananda
- Guided meditations and visualizations led by YSS/SRF sannyasis
- Classes on the YSS meditation techniques
- Step-by-step video instruction in the YSS Energization Exercises
- Study guide for each Lesson
- Interactive search
- Bookmark and highlighting function to mark key passages
- Adjustable font sizes and themes
If you are a YSS Lessons student, please use your verified YSS Devotee Portal account to access the app or create an account. You will need your YSS Lessons Reg. Number to verify your account.
Frequently Asked Questions About the YSS Lessons App
The app is under construction. It will be available soon.
Cost and Timing
The YSS Lessons (basic series) is divided into 18 in-depth Lessons(approximately 24-40 pages each), each of which students receive every two weeks for 9 months. All of the basic meditation techniques that are preparatory to Kriya Yoga are mailed by the end of this period.
Until January 31, 2020, we are offering the basic series of the YSS Lessons at a special introductory price — Rs. 600 for Lessons sent by Ordinary Post, and Rs. 1000 for Lessons sent by Courier/Special Post — substantially much lower than their actual cost.
The above rates are applicable only for India. Subscription rates for Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka are INR 3,120. Lessons Students in Nepal are requested to contact our meditation center in Kopundole for subscription.
This price includes complimentary access to the digital version of the Lessons in the YSS Lessons app, and all the auxiliary content for the Lessons through January 31, 2020.
Special note: We are introducing the new edition of the Lessons at the lowest price we can, so that the Lessons can be available to all who otherwise may not be able to afford them. We are only able to offer this low price because of the generous support that we anticipate from many devotees of Yogoda Satsanga Society of India toward the spread of Paramahansa Yogananda’s work to people in all lands.
If you are able, we would be very grateful if when enrolling you could also consider making a donation. This will allow us to meet our general operating expenses and extend the availability of Paramahansa Yogananda’s teachings to all sincere seekers.
Please allow 2 to 4 weeks for the first Lesson to arrive.
“After practising your Lessons for six months, I have found all you have taught me to be true. You have proven the existence of God to me, something I once thought impossible.”
– C.C., Vienna, VA
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STEP 1: Create an account
STEP 2: Complete an application
STEP 3: Print, sign, and mail the pledgeGet started now! Apply for the YSS Lessons
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do the YSS Lessons differ from the other works by Paramahansa Yogananda, such as his anthologies and commentaries on the scriptures of East and West?
The Yogoda Satsanga Lessons are unique among Paramahansaji’s published writings in that they provide his confidential, step-by-step instructions in the yoga techniques of meditation, concentration, and energization that are described but not fully explained in his other works, which are for the general public. These advanced techniques are offered through the Lessons to all sincere seekers of truth—regardless of religious affiliation—and prepare for the Kriya meditation technique those who wish to consider a deeper commitment to this spiritual path.
The Lessons have been newly enhanced and greatly expanded, making them the most comprehensive edition ever offered. This new edition contains a wealth of previously unpublished material from Paramahansaji’s writings and classes on the YSS meditation techniques and many other subjects on how to live a spiritually balanced and successful life.
May I also continue other spiritual studies and techniques while studying the YSS Lessons?
Paramahansa Yogananda welcomed those of every faith as students of his teachings. He explained that the results of practising the scientific methods of yoga he taught come not from accepting a particular belief system, but from direct personal experience of God. He did advise, however, that combining spiritual techniques of different paths produces diluted results. Steadfastly following a single path and applying its prescribed methods will take you most quickly to your spiritual goal.
Students who are already following a given faith may of course continue to participate in such forms of worship if they wish. Many persons of different religions have found great benefit, and enhancement of their own faith, by practising the methods given in the YSS Lessons. (Those students who wish to dedicate themselves wholly to the YSS path may formally take this step by receiving Kriya Yoga after fulfilling the requirements for this sacred initiation.)
How do I enrol in the YSS Lessons?
Enrolment is simple, and can easily be done online. To begin, we ask that you create an online account and then you will be asked to complete the Lessons application including the payment. ENROL NOW.
Why is a pledge of confidentiality required for receiving the Lessons?
As part of enrolling in the Yogoda Satsanga Lessons, you will be asked to affirm that you will preserve the confidentiality of the instructions therein. As explained above, the teaching given by Paramahansa Yogananda in the Lessons is deeper than that which he gave in talks and books for the public at large. He wrote:
“In a book available to the general public I cannot give the techniques themselves; for they are sacred, and certain ancient spiritual injunctions must first be followed to insure that they are received with reverence and confidentiality, and thereafter practised correctly.”
From his earliest years of teaching the meditation techniques of the Kriya Yoga science and their accompanying principles, Paramahansa Yogananda faithfully observed the spiritual principles governing transmission of sacred knowledge. When he put those teachings in printed form, he perpetuated that tradition of confidentiality in the Lessons Pledge that all recipients of the Lessons are asked to sign as part of the enrolment process; and that practice continues today.
What is the cost of the new edition of the Lessons?
We are offering the basic series of 18 Lessons at a special price of Rs. 600 for Lessons sent by Ordinary Post, and Rs. 1000 for Lessons sent by Courier/Special Post — substantially much lower than their actual cost, so that as many people as possible benefit from Paramahansa Yogananda’s liberating instructions in the new edition.
This introductory price will be available through January 31, 2020, and includes complimentary access to the digital version of the Lessons in the YSS Lessons app and all the auxiliary content for the Lessons through January 31, 2020. (If you order the new edition on or after November 1, 2019, you will receive three months access to digital content.)
We are only able to offer this low price because of the generous support that we anticipate from so many members of YSS. If you are able, we would be very grateful if you could also consider making a donation when you enrol for the Lessons. This will allow us to meet our general operating expenses and extend the availability of Paramahansa Yogananda’s teachings to all sincere seekers.
Can I share my Lessons with my spouse? Or do we need to enrol separately?
If another member (12 years or older) of your family residing at the same address wishes to study and share your set of Lessons, he or she is welcome to enrol as a companionate student. A separate online Application should be submitted by each applicant, together with Rs. 300 as full subscription for all companionate privileges including complimentary access to digital content until January 31, 2020. Those living at the same address temporarily, or who those wish to receive their own set of Lessons are encouraged to enrol separately.
I was a companionate student of the previous edition of the Lessons with my husband/wife/friend. Can we share the new edition of the Lessons?
We encourage that Companionate students sign up for the new edition by paying the subscription fees of Rs. 300/-. They will not only be able to share the printed Lessons, but will also have independent access to the YSS Lessons App to read the digital Lessons, and view other supplementary audio/video/written content on a complimentary basis until January 31, 2020.
Why has YSS released a new edition of the Lessons now, so many years after Paramahansa Yogananda left his body?
The previous series of SRF Lessons originated in the 1930s — and they were inaugurated in India as the Yogoda Satsanga Lessons not long afterward. In the last years of his life, before his passing in 1952, Paramahansa Yogananda devoted himself to an intense period of writing new material and review of his previously published works. Among other projects, he worked personally with Sri Mrinalini Mata (who was then a young disciple and later served as the fourth president of Self-Realization Fellowship/Yogoda Satsanga Society of India). Paramahansaji reviewed the Lessons presentation with her and instructed her in his wishes for a thorough revision, noting a number of problems and defects that he wished to address. He told her to draw from the many writings and talks he had given in the intervening years since the Lessons were first compiled. “The Lessons will be your life’s work,” he said to her. The result of that “life’s work” is this new edition, completed shortly before her passing in 2017.
More on the history and evolution of the SRF/YSS Lessons can be found in the “Overview” section of this page.
How does the new edition of the Lessons differ from the previous Lessons?
The new edition of the Lessons is the most comprehensive ever offered, and includes much previously unpublished teaching that was not available when the Lessons were originally created in the 1930s—featuring clearer and more detailed instruction on the YSS meditation techniques, including Kriya Yoga, and many other subjects.
The new edition has been completely reorganized for clarity and ease of learning. The most essential principles of the YSS path have been distilled into a more systematic and focused presentation and sequence, so that students will find it much easier to learn, absorb, and practise the techniques and way of spiritual living taught by Paramahansa Yogananda.
The enhanced and expanded edition of the Lessons includes a basic series of 18 Lessons, each 24 to 40 pages in length, mailed every two weeks for nine months.
There is also an expanded series of Kriya Yoga Initiation lessons.
Also, a wealth of additional instruction from Paramahansa Yogananda is offered to students who complete the basic series, described in the “Organization and Sequence” section of this page.
The Lessons are also available digitally on iOS and Android mobile devices through the new proprietary YSS Lessons app. Written, audio, and video auxiliary content will be available through the online member portal, as well as in the Lessons app.
Other improvements in the new edition include:
- The basic meditation techniques are now taught much sooner after the student enrols in the series. And instead of taking one year to prepare for Kriya Yoga, the new series makes it possible to apply for Kriya initiation after about eight months.
- Lessons on the techniques and other key subjects now are now consolidated into one comprehensive Lesson each, instead of being spread out over many separate Lessons as was done in the earlier edition.
- Additional in-depth Supplement Lessons have been created, using material from the current series as well as previously unpublished material by Paramahansaji, including on various advanced topics never before explained in print.
- Clarification and elaboration of many points in the Lessons, done by Paramahansaji when he worked on revising them in 1949-51, including much new helpful information about the practice of Kriya.
- Much previously unpublished material has been added from the original source material and classes from which the 1934 Lessons were compiled—as well as from classes, writings, and dictation given by Paramahansaji in the years after the 1934 series was compiled.
- A careful review has been made of all the early editions of the Lessons, from 1923-34, in order to be sure this new edition incorporates everything authored by Paramahansaji for the Lessons.
Why can’t I get the digital version of the Lessons on my computer or Windows devices?
At this time, the proprietary software for delivering these confidential studies is only available through our YSS Lessons app. We are exploring the possibility of making the Lessons available on computers and Windows mobile devices in the future.
However, we are planning to make the auxiliary content included with the new edition of the Lessons—written, audio, and video—available on the online member portal of the YSS website. It will be accessible in a browser window on all computers and mobile devices. (This section of the member portal is currently under construction.)
I am presently subscribing to the previous Lessons. Should I continue with them, or enrol in the new edition of the Lessons?
We highly recommend that you enrol in the new edition of the Lessons to avail yourself of all the additional material available in this greatly enhanced and expanded edition.
The Lessons series to which you have been subscribed will no longer be available after April 1, so you must select one of three options to continue your Lessons studies. Switching to the new edition will not delay your eligibility to apply for Kriya Yoga. (More detailed information about your eligibility for Kriya will be communicated individually by email.)
1. Transfer to the new edition of the Lessons only, beginning with Lesson 1. (By selecting this option, you will begin receiving the new Lessons edition immediately, and will not receive any additional Lessons from the current edition.) OR
2. Transfer to the new edition of the Lessons and also receive the remainder of your current Lessons subscription (in one bulk shipment), OR
3. Receive the remainder of the current Lessons subscription only (mailed in one bulk shipment). Please note, that if you select this option, we suggest that you still study these Lessons at the recommended rate of one per week in order to fully absorb the material in each Lesson.
Please indicate your choice by April 1, since the Lessons series to which you are currently subscribed will no longer be available after that date.
Will my Lessons subscription automatically roll over to the new edition of the Lessons?
If you have enough Lessons credit:
If we do not hear from you by April 1 and you have enough Lessons credit, we will automatically enrol you for option 1 (transfer to the new edition of the Lessons only).
If you do not have enough Lessons credit:
If we do not hear from you by April 1 and you do not have enough Lessons credit to pay for the new edition of the Lessons, we will try contacting you over phone to know your decision.
Is the new edition of the Lessons available in other languages such as Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, etc.?
At present the new edition is available only in English. It is a high priority for YSS to translate the new edition of the Lessons into other languages. We will share more on the release schedule for each language as that information becomes available. (The earlier edition of the Lessons in Hindi will remain available until translation of the new edition is accomplished.)
Can I sign up to receive the Lessons only in digital format? I don’t want to receive the paper Lessons.
We are offering the digital format as an additional resource but not as a replacement for the paper Lessons. Study of these sacred teachings is a powerful form of spiritual practice. An attitude of reverence and one-pointedly focused concentration is necessary to absorb fully the transforming vibration of divine truth that Paramahansa Yogananda’s words impart through the Lessons. For several reasons, digital devices are not as suited as printed material to helping you study in this focused, receptive state. Nevertheless, the digital version of the Lessons provides many benefits to the student when used judiciously in combination with the printed version (such as convenience while traveling, text searching within a Lesson, and bookmarking).
I studied the previous edition of the Lessons some years ago. I know that students of the new edition of the Lessons have access to helpful auxiliary digital content, including instructional videos of the Energization Exercises.
Can I get access to this auxiliary content without signing up for the new edition of the Lessons?
Only those who choose to enrol in the new edition of the Lessons will have access to the digital auxiliary content as part of their subscription. Therefore, if you would like access to any of the instructional videos or other auxiliary content available online, you will need to enrol in the new edition of the Lessons.
I am a Lessons graduate/Kriyaban. Do I have to apply again to receive the new edition of the Lessons? Can I receive them all at the same time?
Those who are graduates of the YSS Lessons (as well as those who in the past may have completed some but not all of the Lessons) will not need to fill out another Lessons application, but will need to enrol for the new edition of the Lessons. You can enrol for the Lessons by signing in to your online member portal account and following the instructions given there.
Because this expanded and enhanced edition contains much new material, all students of the Lessons, regardless of whether they are graduates of the previous Lessons or new Lessons students, will receive them one Lesson at a time, to be mailed every two weeks, so that they have the proper amount of time to assimilate the content.
We are confident even if you studied the previous edition, you will find that going through the new edition, one Lesson at a time, will be profoundly inspiring and useful in re-energizing your spiritual life—and that you will also find a deeper inner connection with Paramahansa Yogananda and his lineage of Gurus.
Remember: Spiritual study—in the focused, intuitive way taught in the Lessons—is in itself a powerful technique of soul-progress and attunement with the Guru.
I am a YSS Kriyaban. Can I receive only the new Kriya Lessons, without going through the basic eighteen preliminary Lessons?
No. Because of the way the new edition is reorganized and systematically presented, there is invaluable information in the basic 18 Lessons that is necessary for practice of Kriya. A significant portion of this information was not included in earlier editions of the Lessons. Therefore, all Kriyabans will greatly benefit from study of the new edition, starting from the beginning.
I have been receiving the previous edition of the Lessons and want to apply for Kriya as soon as possible. Since I will be starting the new edition of the Lessons with Lesson 1, when will I be eligible to apply for Kriya?
Students of the current Lessons who have not yet received Kriya Yoga will also become eligible for Kriya after eight months of study, and at least a few months of regular twice-daily practice of all the three techniques: Energization Exercises, Hong-Sau, and Aum Technique – whether they choose to transition to the New Edition, or stay with the current Lessons.
I have created two online member portal accounts with different email addresses. How can I merge them into one account?
Please email us, informing us of the email addresses of the accounts you have created and which email address you want to use going forward. Or, call our Help Desk:
Mon – Sat: 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Ph:(0651) 2460071/72/73/74, 9431917333, 9431917444, 9431917555
