The core meditation technique we teach is the Hong-Sau technique, as taught by Paramhansa Yogananda. Hong-Sau is a simple yet powerful method of concentration that uses awareness of the breath to help calm the mind and deepen inner stillness.

While Hong-Sau is the central technique we teach, we also introduce supporting practices—such as relaxation, proper meditation posture, and brief preparatory techniques—to help students settle the body and mind before meditation. The goal is to provide practical tools that help people develop a steady and meaningful meditation practice.

Learn the technique before coming to class, or refresh your memory here:

https://www.ananda.org/meditation/meditation-support/articles/hong-sau-technique-of-meditation/

For more information about meditation and how to go deeper with your practice, we recommend visiting ananda.org/meditation/how-to-meditate/

Any wool or natural-fiber blanket will work well for meditation. If you’d like the same blankets we use in class, you can purchase them here: https://pujadukan.myshopify.com/products/new-baba-blankets-from-india

There are many places to purchase meditation benches, pillows, shawls, malas, and other meditation supplies. We’ve found that quality really matters, and some of the best meditation gear we’ve come across is available here: https://www.meditationbench.com/

Autobiography of a Yogi: The Original 1946 Edition by Paramhansa Yogananda

The New Path: My Life with Paramhansa Yogananda by Swami Kriyananda

How to Meditate: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Art and Science of Meditation by Jyotish Novak

All of these books can be purchased at https://crystalclarity.com/

Other recommendations can be made to you after class, so please join us at our next in-person meditation :-)

The meditation we teach is not tied to any one religion, but it is deeply respectful of the spiritual truths found in all traditions, including Christianity. In the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda and Swami Kriyananda, meditation is understood as a universal practice that helps people experience a deeper connection with God, peace, and their own inner spiritual life.

Many Christians feel very comfortable with these practices because they support qualities that Jesus taught — inner stillness, devotion, love, and direct communion with the Divine. At the same time, people from many different backgrounds, or no religious background at all, also find the techniques meaningful.

Rather than promoting a particular belief system, the goal of meditation is personal experience — helping each person go deeper in their own relationship with truth and the divine as they understand it.

Yes. You do not need to believe in God or hold any particular religious belief to meditate with us.

The techniques we teach are practical and experiential. Many people come to meditation simply to reduce stress, find calm, improve focus, or explore their inner life. Meditation meets you where you are. Some people relate to it spiritually, while others approach it in a completely secular way.

Our role is not to ask you to adopt any belief system, but to offer tools that help you experience greater peace, clarity, and well-being. You are welcome exactly as you are, including with questions, doubts, or uncertainty.