From Ego to Spirit

From Ego to Spirit

God did not create evil as an absolute force, but set in motion a universe of duality in which each soul moves either toward divine harmony or farther into separation and suffering. Good and evil are understood spiritually as directions of consciousness: whatever draws us closer to our Source is good, and whatever deepens ego, ignorance, and disharmony is evil. The path of liberation lies in practicing God’s presence, surrendering the ego, and attuning our energy, will, and awareness to the divine center within.

The Art of Joyful Living

This talk was given in Chicago 1978 Swami Kriyananda says that yoga is presented as a practical, scientific way to become more centered, effective, and harmonious in daily life rather than a remote or mystical practice. Kriyananda argues that inner energy, attitude, and joy create a kind of spiritual magnetism or protective aura that influences relationships, circumstances, and even one’s ability to face hardship. Through stories about his community, Yogananda, and other spiritual figures, he emphasizes that real joy and spiritual attunement can transform both personal life and the lives of others.

Finding God Within - Part B

Talk given at Himalayan Institute of Chicago - Part B of two part talk Swami Kriyananda says enlightenment (nirvana) is the “extinction” of everything that separates you from your true self—likes and dislikes, desires, karma, and all the labels you wrap around identity—like peeling an onion until nothing is left, yet you remain conscious. Swami argues that people follow a master not for sadness or judgment but for a calm, healing joy, and that yoga becomes practical and transformative when you start from the inner center through daily meditation rather than from outer forms. From that centeredness come intuition (calm feeling), love/devotion, and a kind of spiritual “magnetism” that can uplift others—because the goal is self-realization: knowing the deeper spark within that lets life fall into place.

Finding God Within - Part A

Talk given at Himalayan Institute in Chicago - Part 1 of two part talk Swami Kriyananda describes the life, teachings, and influence of Yogananda, sharing personal stories that illustrate his intuition, miracles, and transformative spiritual presence. He emphasizes that modern life’s complexity pushes people away from intuition and inner peace, while yoga offers a path toward simplicity, inner awareness, and direct experience of the divine. Ultimately, he encourages seekers to cultivate inner centeredness, develop personal responsibility on the spiritual path, and understand that true fulfillment comes from connecting with the divine within.

The Secret of Happiness

Swami Kriyananda emphasizes cultivating inner contentment, non‑attachment, and centeredness by recognizing that true happiness arises from within rather than from external circumstances. He explains that spiritual growth unfolds through practices such as purity of heart, inward awareness, calmness, and devotion, which gradually transform one’s consciousness and lead to deeper joy. Finally, he teaches that by remaining centered in the spine, still in body and mind, and focused on higher awareness, one naturally progresses toward inner freedom, divine perception, and true spiritual realization.