The New Path

1. The Soul's Innate Longing for Joy and Meaning

What was I doing here? Intuitively I felt that there must be some higher reality—another world, perhaps, radiant, beautiful, harmonious, in relation to which this earthly plane represented mere exile.

Early spiritual stirrings. From childhood, the author, Donald Walters (later Swami Kriyananda), experienced a profound, inexplicable joy and a sense of wonder about existence. He felt a deep intuition that a higher, more harmonious reality existed beyond the mundane, viewing earthly life as a temporary exile. This inner yearning for something more was a constant undercurrent, even as he navigated conventional childhood experiences.

Questioning the superficial. As he grew, he noticed a disconnect between his inner world and the norms of others, particularly the superficiality and competitive drive he observed in American culture compared to the more imaginative spirit of his early life in Rumania. He sought meaning beyond material acquisitions, fame, or power, feeling that these pursuits were ultimately hollow and failed to satisfy the soul's true quest for infinite, eternal, divine joy.

Disappointment as a teacher. His early experiences, including a severe illness and social alienation, served as early lessons that true happiness could not be found in external circumstances or by conforming to others' expectations. These disappointments, though painful, pushed him further inward, making him realize that his true home was not on Earth but in God, and that suffering was a necessary catalyst for spiritual growth.

2. Worldly Paths Inevitably Lead to Disillusionment

Most of us, alas, wander about in this world like pilgrims without a map. We imagine Joy’s shrine to be wherever money is worshiped, or power, or fame, or good times.

The illusion of external happiness. Kriyananda's journey through various worldly paths—from seeking popularity in high school to pursuing intellectual and artistic ambitions in college—consistently led to disappointment. He observed that people often mistake external achievements or sensory pleasures for true joy, only to find themselves restless and unfulfilled. His "Great Experiment" in high school to conform to popular values, though outwardly successful, left him no happier.

Critique of modern society. He found that modern society's emphasis on consumerism, material progress, and self-importance alienated individuals from themselves and from each other. He saw this as a "new kind of superstition," where people lost their sense of awe and communion with nature and God, becoming obsessed with problems of their own making.

• Examples of worldly pursuits and their outcomes:
  • High school popularity: Achieved, but brought no happiness.
  • Intellectualism: Led to "dryness of heart" and a sense of triviality.
  • Artistic career: Felt he had "nothing really worthwhile to say" without deeper truth.
  • Seeking peace in nature: Realized "no mere place would ever accomplish such a transformation."

The need for inner change. These experiences solidified his conviction that external changes or achievements could not bring lasting happiness. He concluded that true fulfillment required an inner transformation, a shift in attitude, and a recognition that the problem lay within himself, not in the external world.

3. The Divine Guidance of a True Guru Transforms Life

I was astounded! This was exactly what I’d been seeking! I felt like a poor man who has just been given great riches.

A pivotal discovery. Kriyananda's desperate search for spiritual guidance led him to a bookstore where he encountered "Autobiography of a Yogi" by Paramhansa Yogananda. Despite initial skepticism about an "American saint," the book's radiant cover photo and profound content immediately resonated with him, feeling like a long-lost friend.

Yogananda's teachings revealed. The book unveiled a comprehensive spiritual path, emphasizing:

• God as Infinite Consciousness, not an anthropomorphic figure.
• Man as a manifestation of that consciousness.
• The goal of experiencing divine reality as one's true Self.
• The science of Kriya Yoga for rapid spiritual advancement.

An irresistible call. The book's message of divine love and bliss, far beyond anything he had imagined, convinced him that Yogananda was his true Guru. This realization was so profound that he immediately committed to following Yogananda's teachings in every detail, including adopting a vegetarian diet, even before meeting him physically. This marked a complete and sudden break with his past life and worldly aspirations.

4. Unconditional Attunement: The Essence of Discipleship

“I will never ask anything of you,” he solemnly replied, “that God does not tell me to ask.”

The sacred guru-disciple bond. Upon meeting Yogananda, Kriyananda felt an irresistible urge to become his disciple, offering unconditional love and obedience. Yogananda clarified that his requests were always aligned with God's will, emphasizing that true freedom comes from attuning one's will to divine wisdom, not from whims and fancies. This relationship was not about subservience but about spiritual liberation.

Beyond human personality. Yogananda taught that attunement with the Guru meant attunement with his universal state of awareness, not his human personality. He often stated, "I killed Yogananda long ago. No one dwells in this temple now but God." This impersonal love was a challenge to disciples, pushing them to transcend egoic attachments and perceive the divine in all.

The Guru as a mirror. Kriyananda observed that Yogananda acted as a "flawless, highly polished mirror," reflecting back to disciples their own higher Selves rather than his opinions of them. His teaching was individualized, conveyed through subtle cues, and aimed at helping each disciple develop inner strength and intuitive insight, rather than merely imparting information.

5. Renunciation: An Inner Act of Self-Offering to God

“Living for God,” Yogananda said, “is martyrdom”: martyrdom of the ego; martyrdom of self-will and selfishness; martyrdom of all that worldliness clings to so desperately.

Redefining renunciation. Kriyananda learned that renunciation is not about outward deprivation or abandoning worldly responsibilities, but an inner state of consciousness—a complete self-offering to God. It means relinquishing egoic desires and attachments, seeing them as limitations rather than sources of happiness. This inner transformation is the "heroic gift" required for true spiritual progress.

The path of detachment. Yogananda emphasized that true renunciation leads to blissful freedom in one's true Self, not abject self-deprivation. He encouraged disciples to:

• Channel desires Godward rather than suppressing them.
• Cultivate indifference to worldly possessions and outcomes.
• See work as divine service, not a means for personal gain.
• Avoid "pseudo-ecstasy" from intoxicants, seeking bliss in God instead.

Overcoming egoic attachments. The Guru's discipline, though sometimes stern, was always rooted in divine love, aimed at destroying egoic attachments. He taught that the "pathway of the heart is too narrow for the ego and God to walk it together." This inner battle against self-will and selfishness is essential for all devotees, whether monastic or householder, to rediscover their divine image within.

6. Divine Protection: God's Unfailing Care for Devotees

“For those who stay in tune to the end,” he added, “I, or one of the other masters, will be there to usher them into the divine kingdom.”

Miraculous interventions. Kriyananda witnessed numerous instances of divine protection for Yogananda's disciples, often in response to mental calls to the Guru. These ranged from averting serious accidents and illnesses to providing timely financial aid. Such events reinforced the belief that a God-realized master acts as a conduit for God's unfailing care.

• Examples of protection:
  • Norman's truck brakes failing, but the truck stopping miraculously.
  • Jerry Torgerson escaping criminals after praying to Master.
  • Joe Carbone being pushed upright by an invisible force to avoid a fatal fall.
  • Señor Cuaron being warned by Master not to take a job that led to imprisonment.
  • Kriyananda himself being saved from electrocution and a black widow spider.

Tests for spiritual growth. Yogananda explained that while outright misfortune was spared, life's tests were necessary for spiritual growth, helping devotees to overcome delusion and develop wisdom. He emphasized that adversity, when met with divine faith, invariably proves a blessing, acting as a shortcut to higher understanding.

The power of attunement. The Guru's protection was a testament to the power of attunement and unwavering faith. He taught that people's suffering often stems from their indifference to God's help, creating problems they later blame on Him. By tuning into God's presence and the Guru's guidance, disciples could access this divine protection and navigate life's challenges.

7. Kriya Yoga: The Direct Path to Cosmic Consciousness

“Practice Kriya night and day. It is the greatest key to salvation. Other people go by books and outer disciplines, but it will take them incarnations to reach God that way. Kriya is the greatest way of destroying temptation.”

The science of inner transformation. Yogananda taught Kriya Yoga as the supreme science for achieving union with God, emphasizing that it was the most ancient, central, and direct of all yoga techniques. Kriya Yoga is not merely a set of physical exercises but a practical application of laws governing man's physical body and nervous system, designed to make one more receptive to divine grace.

Energy and consciousness. The technique involves deliberately directing a flow of energy through the spine, which is the main channel for cosmic energy in the body. This upward flow of energy:

• Neutralizes "eddies of chitta" (feelings/desires) that bind the ego.
• Strengthens nerves in the spine and brain to receive cosmic currents.
• Realigns subconscious tendencies in a single, Godward direction.

Beyond mere devotion. While devotion is paramount, Kriya Yoga provides a scientific method to accelerate spiritual progress. It helps transmute desires and channel energy wisely, leading to deeper meditation and the experience of inner joy that naturally dissolves worldly temptations. Yogananda likened it to finding the "door" out of a room, rather than trying to exit through walls, floor, or ceiling.

8. Original Christianity: A Universal, Mystical Teaching

His mission, indeed, wasn’t to convert anyone to Hinduism, but to revitalize the Christianity of Christians. He taught, he said, “the original Christianity of Christ.”

Beyond sectarian dogma. Yogananda's mission in the West, as commissioned by Babaji, was to interpret the Christian Bible and the Bhagavad Gita, demonstrating their fundamental unity. He aimed to revitalize Christianity by revealing its mystical, universal truths, which he called "the original Christianity of Christ," often lost in sectarian interpretations and dogmatic beliefs.

Christ's true teachings. He explained that Jesus's teachings, when understood metaphorically rather than literally, align perfectly with yogic principles:

• "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" refers to the heart center and inner purity.
• "If thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light" refers to the spiritual eye and cosmic consciousness.
• The "Second Coming of Christ" signifies Christ consciousness manifesting in the souls of devotees, not a physical return.
• The Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Ghost) represents cosmic aspects of God: Infinite Consciousness, Christ Consciousness, and the primal vibration Aum.

Saints as true custodians. Yogananda emphasized that true spiritual authority rests with Self-realized saints, who draw their understanding from direct experience of God, not from book learning or superficial reasoning. He demonstrated the reality of Jesus Christ through visions and personal experiences, turning agnostics into deeply believing Christians by showing them the living reality of Christ.

9. Reincarnation: Life's School for Soul Perfection

“A saint is a sinner who never gave up.”

Life as a school. Reincarnation, a core tenet of Indian philosophy, provides a reassuring framework for understanding life's journey. It posits that earth-life is a school with many grades, and the soul has infinite chances to achieve perfection through repeated incarnations. This doctrine explains the vast inequities in health, intelligence, and opportunity, as they are karmic results of past actions.

Karma and self-effort. The law of karma, akin to Newton's law of action and reaction, dictates that every action (even thought) engenders an opposite reaction. Suffering is the karmic result of actions out of tune with one's divine nature, while fulfillment is the reward for harmony. Kriyananda learned that "I haven't yet succeeded!" is a more powerful affirmation than "I have failed," as it keeps the door open for continued effort.

Beyond memory. While many people don't remember past lives, Kriyananda noted that many do, and that the lessons learned from karma are reflected in present mental tendencies. Overcoming these tendencies, such as greed or anger, is the key to spiritual progress, regardless of past memories.

• Examples of reincarnation insights:
  • Judas Iscariot reincarnated and was liberated in India.
  • Winston Churchill was Napoleon; Hitler was Alexander the Great.
  • Abraham Lincoln was a yogi who returned to work for racial equality.
  • Lahiri Mahasaya was King Janaka and Kabir.
  • Yogananda himself was Arjuna, Krishna's closest disciple.

The ultimate goal. Reincarnation ultimately serves to guide the ego toward relinquishing personal attachments and realizing its innate divinity. The final goal is to love God, which is the best karma of all, leading to final release from the cycle of rebirth and advancement to higher spheres of existence.

10. Spiritual Service: Fulfilling the Guru's Mission

“This day,” he thundered, punctuating every word, “marks the birth of a new era. My spoken words are registered in the ether, in the Spirit of God, and they shall move the West....Self-Realization has come to unite all religions....”

A global vision. Yogananda's mission was not merely to gather a few disciples but to bring spiritual regeneration to the world, a "new path" geared to the modern age. He envisioned "world brotherhood colonies" – self-sustaining spiritual communities for "plain living and high thinking" – as a vital means to spread this message and demonstrate that spiritual principles are practical and lead to the greatest happiness.

Kriyananda's commission. Yogananda privately indicated to Kriyananda that he had a "great work" to do, which involved spreading his message widely through lecturing, editing, and writing. This commission, though initially resisted by Kriyananda's humility and self-doubt, became his life's purpose, especially after Yogananda's passing.

Overcoming obstacles to service. Kriyananda's efforts to fulfill this mission, particularly in establishing communities and disseminating Yogananda's teachings, faced significant challenges, including:

• Resistance from senior monastic leaders who prioritized organizational needs over broader outreach.
• Disagreement over the interpretation of Yogananda's vision for the work.
• Personal dismissal from the organization.

The fruit of dedication. Despite these setbacks, Kriyananda's unwavering dedication, guided by Yogananda's inner help, led to the founding of numerous communities (Ananda), the writing of many books, and the widespread dissemination of the Guru's teachings. He realized that true service meant attuning to people's needs and sharing the truth in a way that resonated with them, rather than adhering to rigid institutional demands.

11. The Guru's Omniscient Wisdom and Humility

“How can there be humility, when there is no consciousness of ego?”

Beyond human limitations. Yogananda's wisdom and power transcended ordinary human understanding. He demonstrated:

• Omniscience: Knowing disciples' innermost thoughts, past lives, and future karma.
• Healing abilities: Curing physical ailments and even raising the dead.
• Control over elements: Stopping a storm, making his body ice-cold.
• Prophetic insight: Foreseeing events and guiding disciples' destinies.

Humility in greatness. Despite these extraordinary abilities, Yogananda remained profoundly humble, explaining that true humility arises from having no ego consciousness. He never accepted praise as personal, always directing devotion to God. His actions, though sometimes seemingly stern or unconventional, were always "wisdom-guided" and aimed at the spiritual growth of his disciples.

Teaching through example and story. Yogananda often used stories and personal reminiscences to convey deep truths, making complex philosophical points accessible and engaging. He shared anecdotes about his own life, his guru Sri Yukteswar, and other saints, illustrating principles like non-attachment, faith, and the power of God's love.

• Examples of his wisdom and humility:
  • His reply to the question about humility: "How can there be humility, when there is no consciousness of ego?"
  • His ability to taste spices in the "spiritual eye" while cooking.
  • His casual remark about being William the Conqueror, prompting Kriyananda to study that historical figure.
  • His "playing" with disciples to teach lessons, like the leveling of sand mounds or the "Subgum" story.

The divine mirror. He was a "divine mirror" to everyone, reflecting their divine potential and helping them to see God in all things. His power and love were two sides of the same coin, always used for the upliftment of souls.

12. Union with God: The Ultimate Purpose of Existence

Man’s relationship with God is intimate, and infinitely dear. What I’ve hoped above all in writing this book has been to convince you, dear reader, to live more deeply for God: to love Him so completely that you become wholly absorbed in Him.

The ultimate goal of life. Yogananda taught that the true goal of life is union with God—a state of devotion, self-offering, self-surrender, and oneness in divine bliss and love. This is the soul's inherent purpose, a return to its true home in infinity.

God's responsiveness. He emphasized that God hears every prayer, especially when approached as one's "Dearest Friend and Beloved." Kriyananda's personal experiences, such as the miraculous provision of Swiss chocolate or funds for a car, demonstrated that Divine Mother responds to even trivial requests when offered with sincere devotion.

Beyond the dream of duality. The book concludes with the profound realization that all of life is God's dream, and the ultimate liberation comes from waking up in cosmic consciousness to find oneself one with God. This journey, though long and filled with lessons, is ultimately a joyous romance with the Lord, leading to "supernal bliss."

The call to action. Kriyananda's final message is an earnest plea to the reader to embrace this "new path to God" by:

• Shunning delusion and falsehood.
• Seeking God, not abstractions.
• Finding guidance from a Self-realized master.
• Exploring the practical, commonsense teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, which offer direct experience of God's love.

Last updated: January 21, 2026