Yogananda is a self-realized master from India. "God is for everyone" is the core of his teachings.

Yogananda taught meditation as a scientific approach to understanding ourselves as human beings, as well as understanding deeper, mystical truths about God and the nature of reality. Yogananda taught meditation freely to all, regardless of their spiritual inclinations to Mahatma Gandhi, agnostics, and Catholic priests alike, as well as those interested in the spiritual tradition of Yoga. In 1920, Yogananda was the one who introduced the west to yoga and played a major role in teaching mankind the value of balancing the material with an inner, spiritual life.

In addition to meditation, Yogananda wrote and taught extensively on the whole spectrum of human life: health, diet, exercise, human relationships, psychological well-being. His aim was to help his students spiritualize every aspect of their lives, and to achieve an ever-deepening realization of God.

Yogananda's teachings and continuing spiritual presence are the foundation of Ananda. Swami Kriyananda, the founder of Ananda, has been a direct disciple of Yogananda since 1948.