Ask a Yogi

What is a Yogi, Anyway?

A yogi is one who practices yoga. Yoga is more than physical movements and postures; it includes meditation and other practices whose purpose is to achieve a harmony of thought, feelings, and actions that leads toward calm self-awareness. By stilling the natural turbulence of the mind, one gradually feels one’s unity with all life and with the Giver of Life.

The “Ask a Yogi” newsletter gives readers the opportunity to ask questions to Nayaswami Hriman McGilloway, co-spiritual director of Ananda Washington.  Hriman has over 50 years of experience meditating with a technique called Kriya Yoga.

Below, you can subscribe to the newsletter, ask a question, or browse Hriman’s answers to previous questions.

Ask a Question!

Previous Questions

What Happens when we Die?

A description of the release of the astral body from the human form.
(Talk by Nayaswami Hriman)

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What Happens when we Die?

A description of the release of the astral body from the human form. ...

A description of the release of the astral body from the human form.
(Talk by Nayaswami Hriman)

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Son of God

What does it mean to be a "Son of God"? While we are all children of ...

What does it mean to be a "Son of God"? While we are all children of God, a "Son of God" refers to a soul who has achieved realization of ...their soul's oneness with God.
(Talk by Nayaswami Hriman)

ABOUT ANANDA WASHINGTON
Ananda is a worldwide movement to help individuals realize the joy of their own higher Self. Ananda is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda and was founded by his direct disciple Swami Kriyananda in 1968. Learn more at anandawashington.org
___
HOW TO STAY IN TOUCH
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: /anandawashington
Follow on Instagram: /anandawa
Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnandaWashington

Take our most popular course in yoga and meditation: https://www.anandawashington.org/raja-yoga/

Learn to meditate with our Online or In Person Lessons in Meditation courses: https://www.anandawashington.org/learn-to-meditate/

Download the FREE Ananda Meditation app and watch guided meditations https://www.ananda.org/meditation/app/

Visit the beautiful Ananda Washington Temple in Bothell, WA http://www.anandawashington.org

Visit “Heart Song", Ananda Washiingtons guest retreat: https://www.anandawashington.org/heart-song-retreat/#paramhansayogananda #yogananda #swamikriyanandaShow More

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Is Jesus Christ the only "Way" ?

Is Jesus Christ the only "Way" to Salvation? In a past life, Jesus ...

Is Jesus Christ the only "Way" to Salvation? In a past life, Jesus Christ achieved God-realization: realization of his oneness with the Father. But so also have other great souls ...who, when they return to human form, are "saviors" with the power and grace to bring many souls to God. Jesus never said he was the ONLY son of God.
(Talk by Nayaswami Hriman)#paramhansayogananda #yogananda #swamikriyananda

ABOUT ANANDA WASHINGTON
Ananda is a worldwide movement to help individuals realize the joy of their own higher Self. Ananda is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda and was founded by his direct disciple Swami Kriyananda in 1968. Learn more at anandawashington.org
___
HOW TO STAY IN TOUCH
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: /anandawashington
Follow on Instagram: /anandawa
Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnandaWashington

Take our most popular course in yoga and meditation: https://www.anandawashington.org/raja-yoga/

Learn to meditate with our Online or In Person Lessons in Meditation courses: https://www.anandawashington.org/learn-to-meditate/

Download the FREE Ananda Meditation app and watch guided meditations https://www.ananda.org/meditation/app/

Visit the beautiful Ananda Washington Temple in Bothell, WA http://www.anandawashington.org

Visit “Heart Song", Ananda Washiingtons guest retreat: https://www.anandawashington.org/heart-song-retreat/Show More

Now Playing

How to Tame the Monkey Mind

How Do I Quiet the Monkey Mind in Meditation? In addition to the daily ...

How Do I Quiet the Monkey Mind in Meditation? In addition to the daily practice of a time-tested meditation routine, here are some practices you can do anytime of day ...to teach the conscious and subconscious minds to enjoy and dwell in the quiet spacious mind.

(Nayaswami Hriman) ABOUT ANANDA WASHINGTON
Ananda is a worldwide movement to help individuals realize the joy of their own higher Self. Ananda is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda and was founded by his direct disciple Swami Kriyananda in 1968. Learn more at anandawashington.org
___
HOW TO STAY IN TOUCH
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: /anandawashington
Follow on Instagram: /anandawa
Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnandaWashington

Take our most popular course in yoga and meditation: https://www.anandawashington.org/raja-yoga/

Learn to meditate with our Online or In Person Lessons in Meditation courses: https://www.anandawashington.org/learn-to-meditate/

Download the FREE Ananda Meditation app and watch guided meditations https://www.ananda.org/meditation/app/

Visit the beautiful Ananda Washington Temple in Bothell, WA http://www.anandawashington.org

Visit “Heart Song", Ananda Washiingtons guest retreat: https://www.anandawashington.org/heart-song-retreat/#paramhansayogananda #yogananda #swamikriyanandaShow More

Now Playing

Do Yogis Celebrate Christmas?

Do Yogis Celebrate Christmas? Yogis recognize Jesus Christ as a world ...

Do Yogis Celebrate Christmas? Yogis recognize Jesus Christ as a world savior, an avatar. Accordingly, yogis honor, revere and celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. (Talk by Nayaswami Hriman)

ABOUT ANANDA ...WASHINGTON
Ananda is a worldwide movement to help individuals realize the joy of their own higher Self. Ananda is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda and was founded by his direct disciple Swami Kriyananda in 1968. Learn more at anandawashington.org
___
HOW TO STAY IN TOUCH
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: /anandawashington
Follow on Instagram: /anandawa
Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnandaWashington

Take our most popular course in yoga and meditation: https://www.anandawashington.org/raja-yoga/

Learn to meditate with our Online or In Person Lessons in Meditation courses: https://www.anandawashington.org/learn-to-meditate/

Download the FREE Ananda Meditation app and watch guided meditations https://www.ananda.org/meditation/app/

Visit the beautiful Ananda Washington Temple in Bothell, WA http://www.anandawashington.org

Visit “Heart Song", Ananda Washiingtons guest retreat: https://www.anandawashington.org/heart-song-retreat/

#paramhansayogananda #yogananda #swamikriyananda #christmasShow More

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Is Meditating enough for World Peace?

Does Meditating Contribute to World Peace? For most of us, the ...

Does Meditating Contribute to World Peace? For most of us, the greatest contribution we can make to world peace is to "be the change (ourselves)."

(Talk by Nayaswami Hriman)

ABOUT:

ANANDA WASHINGTON
Ananda is ...a worldwide movement to help individuals realize the joy of their own higher Self. Ananda is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda and was founded by his direct disciple Swami Kriyananda in 1968. Learn more at anandawashington.org
___
HOW TO STAY IN TOUCH
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: /anandawashington
Follow on Instagram: /anandawa
Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnandaWashington

Take our most popular course in yoga and meditation: https://www.anandawashington.org/raja-yoga/

Learn to meditate with our Online or In Person Lessons in Meditation courses: https://www.anandawashington.org/learn-to-meditate/

Download the FREE Ananda Meditation app and watch guided meditations https://www.ananda.org/meditation/app/

Visit the beautiful Ananda Washington Temple in Bothell, WA http://www.anandawashington.org

Visit “Heart Song", Ananda Washiingtons guest retreat: https://www.anandawashington.org/heart-song-retreat/

#paramhansayogananda #yogananda #swamikriyanandaShow More

Now Playing

Kundalini

What is Kundalini? This mysterious force, often depicted as a serpent ...

What is Kundalini? This mysterious force, often depicted as a serpent or a goddess, is greatly misunderstood. It represents our commitment to our own separateness. It is a powerful force ...for delusion or for enlightenment. You get to choose which.
(Talk by Nayaswami Hriman)

ABOUT ANANDA WASHINGTON
Ananda is a worldwide movement to help individuals realize the joy of their own higher Self. Ananda is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda and was founded by his direct disciple Swami Kriyananda in 1968. Learn more at anandawashington.org
___
HOW TO STAY IN TOUCH
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: /anandawashington
Follow on Instagram: /anandawa
Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnandaWashington

Take our most popular course in yoga and meditation: https://www.anandawashington.org/raja-yoga/

Learn to meditate with our Online or In Person Lessons in Meditation courses: https://www.anandawashington.org/learn-to-meditate/

Download the FREE Ananda Meditation app and watch guided meditations https://www.ananda.org/meditation/app/

Visit the beautiful Ananda Washington Temple in Bothell, WA http://www.anandawashington.org

Visit “Heart Song", Ananda Washiingtons guest retreat: https://www.anandawashington.org/heart-song-retreat/Show More

Now Playing

MEDITATION MORE THAN MINDFULNESS

Is there more to Meditation than Mindfulness? Absolutely: a lot more ...

Is there more to Meditation than Mindfulness? Absolutely: a lot more but mindfulness, too, is essential.
(Talk by Nayaswami Hriman)


ABOUT ANANDA WASHINGTON
Ananda is a worldwide movement to help individuals realize the ...joy of their own higher Self. Ananda is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda and was founded by his direct disciple Swami Kriyananda in 1968. Learn more at anandawashington.org
___
HOW TO STAY IN TOUCH
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: /anandawashington
Follow on Instagram: /anandawa
Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnandaWashington

Take our most popular course in yoga and meditation: https://www.anandawashington.org/raja-yoga/

Learn to meditate with our Online or In Person Lessons in Meditation courses: https://www.anandawashington.org/learn-to-meditate/

Download the FREE Ananda Meditation app and watch guided meditations https://www.ananda.org/meditation/app/

Visit the beautiful Ananda Washington Temple in Bothell, WA http://www.anandawashington.org

Visit “Heart Song", Ananda Washiingtons guest retreat: https://www.anandawashington.org/heart-song-retreat/

#paramhansayogananda #yogananda #swamikriyanandaShow More

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WHAT IS A YOGI

What is a Yogi? One who practices some form(s) of yoga, whether by ...

What is a Yogi? One who practices some form(s) of yoga, whether by training or intuitively. Anyone can be a yogi, including one who has never even heard of "yoga."

ABOUT ...ANANDA WASHINGTON
Ananda is a worldwide movement to help individuals realize the joy of their own higher Self. Ananda is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda and was founded by his direct disciple Swami Kriyananda in 1968. Learn more at anandawashington.org
___
HOW TO STAY IN TOUCH
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: /anandawashington
Follow on Instagram: /anandawa
Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnandaWashington

Take our most popular course in yoga and meditation: https://www.anandawashington.org/raja-yoga/

Learn to meditate with our Online or In Person Lessons in Meditation courses: https://www.anandawashington.org/learn-to-meditate/

Download the FREE Ananda Meditation app and watch guided meditations https://www.ananda.org/meditation/app/

Visit the beautiful Ananda Washington Temple in Bothell, WA http://www.anandawashington.org

Visit “Heart Song", Ananda Washiingtons guest retreat: https://www.anandawashington.org/heart-song-retreat/


#paramhansayogananda #yogananda #swamikriyanandaShow More

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YOGA AND HEALTH

Shouldn't Yoga Practice heal my illness? The connection between yoga ...

Shouldn't Yoga Practice heal my illness? The connection between yoga and health is very strong but our karma is complex. It's important to have the proper perspective on the what ...and why of the spiritual path.

ABOUT ANANDA WASHINGTON
Ananda is a worldwide movement to help individuals realize the joy of their own higher Self. Ananda is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda and was founded by his direct disciple Swami Kriyananda in 1968. Learn more at anandawashington.org
___
HOW TO STAY IN TOUCH
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: /anandawashington
Follow on Instagram: /anandawa
Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnandaWashington

Take our most popular course in yoga and meditation: https://www.anandawashington.org/raja-yoga/

Learn to meditate with our Online or In Person Lessons in Meditation courses: https://www.anandawashington.org/learn-to-meditate/

Download the FREE Ananda Meditation app and watch guided meditations https://www.ananda.org/meditation/app/

Visit the beautiful Ananda Washington Temple in Bothell, WA http://www.anandawashington.org

Visit “Heart Song", Ananda Washiingtons guest retreat: https://www.anandawashington.org/heart-song-retreat/

#paramhansayogananda #yogananda #swamikriyananda #healthShow More

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How do find my Spiritual Path

Why am I not able to find my Spiritual Path? Success always involves ...

Why am I not able to find my Spiritual Path? Success always involves energy and a committed heart.ABOUT ANANDA WASHINGTON
Ananda is a worldwide movement to help individuals realize the joy ...of their own higher Self. Ananda is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda and was founded by his direct disciple Swami Kriyananda in 1968. Learn more at anandawashington.org
___
HOW TO STAY IN TOUCH
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: /anandawashington
Follow on Instagram: /anandawa
Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnandaWashington

Take our most popular course in yoga and meditation: https://www.anandawashington.org/raja-yoga/

Learn to meditate with our Online or In Person Lessons in Meditation courses: https://www.anandawashington.org/learn-to-meditate/

Download the FREE Ananda Meditation app and watch guided meditations https://www.ananda.org/meditation/app/

Visit the beautiful Ananda Washington Temple in Bothell, WA http://www.anandawashington.org

Visit “Heart Song", Ananda Washiingtons guest retreat: https://www.anandawashington.org/heart-song-retreat/#paramhansayogananda #yogananda #swamikriyanandaShow More

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Protection Against Psychic Attack

My Family is Under Psychic Attach. What can I do? Here I share some ...

My Family is Under Psychic Attach. What can I do? Here I share some mantric practices.#paramhansayogananda #yogananda #swamikriyananda

ABOUT ANANDA WASHINGTON
Ananda is a worldwide movement to help individuals realize the joy ...of their own higher Self. Ananda is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda and was founded by his direct disciple Swami Kriyananda in 1968. Learn more at anandawashington.org
___
HOW TO STAY IN TOUCH
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: /anandawashington
Follow on Instagram: /anandawa
Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnandaWashington

Take our most popular course in yoga and meditation: https://www.anandawashington.org/raja-yoga/

Learn to meditate with our Online or In Person Lessons in Meditation courses: https://www.anandawashington.org/learn-to-meditate/

Download the FREE Ananda Meditation app and watch guided meditations https://www.ananda.org/meditation/app/

Visit the beautiful Ananda Washington Temple in Bothell, WA http://www.anandawashington.org

Visit “Heart Song", Ananda Washiingtons guest retreat: https://www.anandawashington.org/heart-song-retreat/Show More

View the Ask a Yogi Archive