Hints of Laughter, Hints of Joy: The Wisdom of Swami Kriyananda, Direct Disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda
Release date: May 1, 2025 - Pre-order now for 20% off!
This book shares many pearls of wisdom gleaned from forty-three years of the author’s friendship with Swami Kriyananda, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda.
Yogananda charged Kriyananda to complete a “great work” on his behalf, one that included the founding of eight communities that have thrived for over fifty years now. The Master envisioned such communities as a model for cooperative spiritual living in the age unfolding before us, and predicted that they would spread “like wildfire.”
Nayaswami Padma worked closely with Swami Kriyananda in a variety of community leadership positions. In this book she shares some of the joys and lessons learned through those many adventures, lessons that will prove invaluable not only to those living and serving in such settings, but to all those who seek to grow spiritually, and to dedicate their lives to living by the highest principles — and in joy.
Testimonials
“An amazing manual for spiritual seekers who find themselves in leadership roles. Padma provides the voice of the student, and Kriyananda as a teacher and guide, offers the wisdom of the path to become a strong, compassionate leader.” --Darlene Potter, Owner, New Renaissance Bookshop, Portland, Oregon
"Nayaswami Padma’s book expounds on the essence of Swami Kriyananda’s teachings through her direct experience with him. It’s a practical guide both to living a more purposeful and meaningful life, and also to living in communities. --Jaidhara Sleighter - Book Buyer for East West Books & Gifts
"The adage 'good things come in little packages' applies perfectly to this gem of a book. Padma presents the extraordinary life of Swami Kriyananda through personal
anecdotes. From each anecdote is carefully extracted lessons on leadership, spiritual friendships, inner life, meditation, selfless service, and many more. The result is a
heartfelt account of a personal journey that is also a guidebook for practical spirituality. Whether you read this cover to cover, or open a random page for daily inspiration, you are certain to find a nugget of spiritual wisdom that will guide your day." --Murali Venkatrao, PhD (Yoga)
"This book is an ocean abundant with many pearls of wisdom. It gives a deeper understanding of what the path of Self-realization looks like in daily life. Above all, it offers a precious glimpse into how Swami Kriyananda worked with and trained others to continue his Guru’s mission, long after his own passing. With countless stories to choose from, each one offers a unique lesson and perspective that will enrich the spiritual life of those who read them!" --Narayani Anaya
About the Author
Nayaswami Padma McGilloway
Nayaswami Padma is a disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda through his direct disciple, Swami Kriyananda, whom she met at the age of nineteen in 1970. Her leadership and teaching skills were honed over her forty-three years as his student and friend, until his passing in 2013. During those years living in the spiritual cooperative communities he had founded, she served him closely in a succession of leadership positions, and learned from him also through thousands of opportunities to enjoy his company in more informal settings.
Padma and her husband Hriman joined the original community in California in the 1970s, where they raised their two children. They led retreats, taught classes, and were ministers and counselors as well as leaders in various aspects of Swami Kriyananda’s work throughout those years.
During the period when Swami Kriyananda published many of his 150 books, Padma was the head of his publishing house, Crystal Clarity, Publishers. For some twenty-six years she represented him at the annual publishing trade show in Frankfurt, Germany, through which his books have been published in over fifty languages.
In 1993 Padma and Hriman accepted Kriyananda's invitation to become the co-spiritual directors of the community in Seattle that he'd founded. They continue to live and serve there, offering classes and spiritual counseling to help people go deeper in their spiritual lives. And as a Kriyacharya (one who initiates people into Kriya meditation practice), ordained by Swami Kriyananda, she has developed and directed highly successful training programs in this highest technique of spiritual liberation that Yogananda taught, one that he described as the "jet airplane" path to God.
Product Details
9781565895874 (e-book)
Trim size: 5.5” X 6.875”
Page count: 188
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