In 1920 one of India’s great spiritual emissaries, Paramhansa Yogananda (author of the spiritual classic Autobiography of a Yogi), arrived in America to share a fresh and dynamic expression of the ancient Indian tradition of yoga. In 1948, J. Donald Walters – later to be known as Swami Kriyananda – arrived in Los Angeles, California, to become a disciple of the great Master. Since Yogananda’s passing in 1952 Swami Kriyananda has become recognized around the world as one of Paramhansa Yogananda’s foremost disciples.
This book is a “next generation” disciple’s experience of Swami Kriyananda, the path of Self-Realization, life in the early years of Ananda Village – a spiritual community based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda – and an exploration of the purpose and practice of discipleship.
Along with a behind the scenes description of the early years at Ananda Village in Nevada City, California, this volume includes an up-close and personal view of Swami Kriyananda up to the year 1977. Although it is written in an autobiographical style, Traveling with Swamiji goes far beyond the experiences of one person to explore many nuances of discipleship. Multiple layers of inspiration and understanding are woven into a sometimes poignant and often entertaining life journey – including a seven and a half month trip around the world.