In this deeply heartfelt episode, we sit in sacred conversation with Swami Sankalpananda, reflecting on her journey from a quiet childhood in Hungary to a life devoted to God, Guru, and selfless service. Swamiji shares tender memories of her early spiritual stirrings, the teachers and texts that guided her, her first encounters with Kriya Yoga and the ashram life, and the profound surrender that led her to monastic vows. Woven throughout is a gentle teaching on balance—between meditation and seva, creativity and discipline, inner joy and outer service—offering listeners inspiration, reassurance, and a living example of walking one’s dharmic path with determination, humility, and love.

✨ Full show notes and transcripts are available at: womensministryofkriya.org/episode-7 [http://womensministryofkriya.org/episode-7]

✨ About Our Guest:
Swami Sankalpananda Giri was born in Hungary. A spiritual seeker from a young age, she eventually found the path of Kriya Yoga and was initiated in April 2004 in Hungary. Soon after, in June 2004, she met her Master, Shri Guruji Paramahamsa Prajnananandaji, at the Tattendorf Ashram in Austria. Guided by her sincere aspiration for monastic life, she joined the Tattendorf Ashram in February 2005 and later participated in the 3rd Brahmachari Training Course from December 2005 until May 2006 in Balighai, India. Afterwards, she continued to reside at the Tattendorf Ashram, deepening her sadhana while engaging in seva. In 2016, she was ordained as a monk in the Giri monastic order by her Master, who gave her the name Sankalpananda, meaning “the bliss of strong determination.”

🙏 About the Podcast:
Welcome to the Women of Kriya Yoga: Living in Joy Podcast — a gathering place for women walking the spiritual path. Here, we share stories, teachings, and reflections rooted in the timeless practices of Kriya Yoga. These conversations are an offering from the Women’s Ministry of Kriya Yoga International, inviting you to rest in stillness, awaken your inner light, and connect with a community of women to support one another in living in joy.

This podcast is brought to you by the Women’s Ministry of Kriya Yoga International. You can learn more about the ministry at our website, https://womensministryofkriya.org [https://womensministryofkriya.org/].

🙏 About Kriya Yoga:
Kriya Yoga is a powerful meditation practice that awakens constant communion with the Divine through the science of the breath. Handed down from teacher to student in an unbroken lineage of enlightened masters, it transforms body, mind, and heart—helping us be calmly active and actively calm. Today this living tradition welcomes seekers everywhere through the guidance of Paramahamsa Prajnanananda, the principal disciple of the great master Paramahamsa Hariharananda. To learn more about Kriya Yoga, please visit kriya.org [http://kriya.org/].

🔗 Learn more:
Women’s Ministry: womensministryofkriya.org [http://womensministryofkriya.org/]
Kriya Yoga International: kriya.org [http://kriya.org/]

Episode 7 - Swami Sankalpananda Giri

In this heartfelt conversation, Marydale Ma welcomes Rosa Harper, Ayurvedic practitioner, bodyworker, and devoted Kriyavan, whose path has woven together service, healing, and devotion. From rescuing insects as a child to supporting survivors of domestic violence and discovering Ayurveda under the guidance of her Gurus, Rosa shares how listening—deep, compassionate listening—has been her greatest teacher. Together they explore the power of Kriya Yoga, the mystery of healing, and the tender strength of the Divine Mother guiding each step of the journey.

✨ Full show notes and transcripts are available at: womensministryofkriya.org/episode-6/ [http://womensministryofkriya.org/episode-6/]

✨ About Our Guest:  
Rosa Harper is an Ayurvedic Practitioner and licensed massage therapist living and working in Asheville, NC. Before diving into the health and wellness field, she worked with survivors of domestic violence in Austin Texas for nine years. In 2012, while living in Austin, Rosa was initiated into Kriya Yoga. She is honored to serve as a board member for the Pranada Wellness Center at the Temple of Compassion, and also hosts a local Kriya group in Asheville, NC.

This podcast is brought to you by the Women’s Ministry of Kriya Yoga International. You can learn more about the ministry at our website, womensministryofkriya.org [https://womensministryofkriya.org/].

Kriya Yoga is a powerful meditation practice that awakens constant communion with the Divine through the science of the breath. Handed down from teacher to student in an unbroken lineage of enlightened masters, it transforms body, mind, and heart—helping us be calmly active and actively calm. Today this living tradition welcomes seekers everywhere through the guidance of Paramahamsa Prajnanananda, the principal disciple of the great master Paramahamsa Hariharananda. To learn more about Kriya Yoga, please visit kriya.org [http://kriya.org/].

Episode 6 - Rosa Harper

In this uplifting episode of Women of Kriya Yoga: Living in Joy, host Marydale Ma welcomes longtime Kriyavan and spiritual leader Diane Spence for a heartfelt conversation about faith, service, and transformation. From her early life across Jamaica, Canada, and the United States to her remarkable career in media and higher education, Diane shares how the living presence of her gurus reshaped her path and deepened her understanding of joy, peace, and purpose. Through stories of divine timing, service, and surrender, she reminds us that Kriya Yoga is not just a practice—it’s a way of living in harmony with the Divine in every moment.  

✨ Full show notes and transcripts are available at: womensministryofkriya.org/episode-5/ [https://womensministryofkriya.org/episode-5/] 

✨ About Our Guest:  
Diane Spence lays claim to several cultural influences. While born in Montego Bay, Jamaica, she grew up in Ontario, Canada after her family immigrated there. After high school, she completed a couple of bachelor’s degrees including a degree in broadcast journalism. After 10 years in the film and television industry, which included a move to New York City, she decided to pursue graduate studies in Virginia. She went on to complete her MBA and a PhD in Public Policy. She spent the remainder of her career as an Executive Director and Chief Business Officer at a research university. It was during her time in New York that she was introduced to Kriya Yoga by a friend. She took 1st Kriya initiation in 2001 and has been a practicing kriyavan since then. While in Virginia, she helped set up the Falls Church Kriya Center. She now resides in Florida and continues to seek opportunities to serve.  

🙏 About the Podcast:
Welcome to the Women of Kriya Yoga: Living in Joy Podcast — a gathering place for women walking the spiritual path. Here, we share stories, teachings, and reflections rooted in the timeless practices of Kriya Yoga. These conversations are an offering from the Women’s Ministry of Kriya Yoga International, inviting you to rest in stillness, awaken your inner light, and connect with a community of women to support one another in living in joy.  This podcast is brought to you by the Women’s Ministry of Kriya Yoga International. You can learn more about the ministry at our website, womensministryofkriya.org [http://womensministryofkriya.org/].

🙏 About Kriya Yoga:
Kriya Yoga is a powerful meditation practice that awakens constant communion with the Divine through the science of the breath. Handed down from teacher to student in an unbroken lineage of enlightened masters, it transforms body, mind, and heart—helping us be calmly active and actively calm. Today this living tradition welcomes seekers everywhere through the guidance of Paramahamsa Prajnanananda, the principal disciple of the great master Paramahamsa Hariharananda. To learn more about Kriya Yoga, please visit kriya.org [http://kriya.org/].

Episode 5 - Diane Spence 

In this episode, host Marydale Ma welcomes Dr. Elizabeth Harris—psychologist, advocate, and devoted Kriyavan—for an inspiring conversation on healing, service, and spiritual awakening. From her early connection with nature and social justice to her profound experiences with Divine Mother and the teachings of Kriya Yoga, Elizabeth shares how her journey through adversity, illness, and transformation has deepened her faith and sense of joy. Together, they explore what it means to live with presence, compassion, and balance in everyday life—and how the practice of Kriya Yoga continues to guide and sustain that journey.

✨ Full show notes and transcripts are available at: womensministryatkriya.org/episode-4 [http://womensministryatkriya.org/episode-4]

✨ About Our Guest:
Dr. Elizabeth Harris is a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Trylon Associates with over 25 years of experience leading national studies and community health projects. Beyond her work in trauma recovery and evaluation with organizations from the United Nations to the Nez Perce Tribe, she is also a dedicated community activist creating access to nature for underserved youth. Elizabeth was initiated into Kriya Yoga in Calgary by Yogacharya Nisha Pandey, an experience deeply meaningful to her as she had wished to be initiated by a woman.

This podcast is brought to you by the Women’s Ministry of Kriya Yoga International. You can learn more about the ministry at our website, womensministryofkriya.org [https://womensministryofkriya.org/].

Kriya Yoga is a powerful meditation practice that awakens constant communion with the Divine through the science of the breath. Handed down from teacher to student in an unbroken lineage of enlightened masters, it transforms body, mind, and heart—helping us be calmly active and actively calm. Today this living tradition welcomes seekers everywhere through the guidance of Paramahamsa Prajnanananda, the principal disciple of the great master Paramahamsa Hariharananda. To learn more about Kriya Yoga, please visit kriya.org [http://kriya.org/].

Episode 4: Dr. Elizabeth Harris

In this episode, Yogacharya Lucy O’Brien reflects on her path from Lutheran roots to discovering Kriya Yoga, meeting Gurudev Hariharananda, and embracing daily practice. She offers guidance for seekers on finding joy and living spiritual values every day.

✨ Full show notes and transcripts are available at: womensministryofkriya.org/episode-3 [http://womensministryofkriya.org/episode-3]

About Our Guest:
Yogacharya Lucy O'Brien met Shri Gurudev Paramahamsa Hariharananda-ji in her home community of Santa Barbara, CA in 1986.  The blessing of initiation and that relationship transformed her life.  She served Kriya Yoga International as a Center Leader and West Coast Regional Coordinator before accepting a role as Yogacharya.  As a lifelong learner, she turned her attention to Eastern teachings after reading the Autobiography of a Yogi at a young age and considers herself under the flag of Paramahamsa Yogananda ever since.  She worked as a bookkeeper, serving in the nonprofit community until her retirement.  She has a very active retirement sharing her passion for the benefits of developing a personal meditation practice.  Other activities include studying scripture, cooking, gardening, and spending time wrangling her two young grandsons.

This podcast is brought to you by the Women’s Ministry of Kriya Yoga International. You can learn more about the ministry at our website, womensministryofkriya.org [http://womensministryofkriya.org/].

Kriya Yoga is a powerful meditation practice that awakens constant communion with the Divine through the science of the breath. Handed down from teacher to student in an unbroken lineage of enlightened masters, it transforms body, mind, and heart—helping us be calmly active and actively calm. Today this living tradition welcomes seekers everywhere through the guidance of Paramahamsa Prajnanananda, the principal disciple of the great master Paramahamsa Hariharananda. To learn more about Kriya Yoga, please visit kriya.org [http://kriya.org/].

Episode 3 - Yogacharya Lucy Ma 

In this episode, we welcome Swami Atmatattwananda Giri, a newly ordained monastic, to share her path from early devotion to Kriya initiation and the call to the monastic path. She reflects on practice, surrender, and living a steady, joyful life guided by Gurudev and Guruji.

✨ Full show notes and transcripts are available at: womensministryofkriya.org/episode-2 [http://womensministryatkriya.org/episode-2]

About Our Guest:
Swami Atmatattwananda Giri is one of our beloved Kriya Yoga monks located in Kolkata, the capital city of West Bengal in India. With her vast experience as a CEO of a management consultancy firm, advising top organizations, and training thousands of professionals, she now continues her life’s work as a monk, bringing profound wisdom and authority to the spiritual path.

This podcast is brought to you by the Women’s Ministry of Kriya Yoga International. You can learn more about the ministry at our website, womensministryatkriya.org [http://womensministryatkriya.org/].

Kriya Yoga is a powerful meditation practice that awakens constant communion with the Divine through the science of the breath. Handed down from teacher to student in an unbroken lineage of enlightened masters, it transforms body, mind, and heart—helping us be calmly active and actively calm. Today this living tradition welcomes seekers everywhere through the guidance of Paramahamsa Prajnanananda, the principal disciple of the great master Paramahamsa Hariharananda. To learn more about Kriya Yoga, please visit kriya.org [http://kriya.org/].

Episode 2 - Swami Atmatattwananda Giri 

In this first episode,  our host, Marydale Ma, welcomes Yogacharya Durga Chanduri to share her journey of devotion, initiation by Gurudev, and steady Kriya practice. Together they reflect on how the Masters’ guidance helps us live in joy and quicken spiritual growth.

✨ Full show notes and transcripts are available at: womensministryofkriya.org/episode-1 [https://womensministryatkriya.org/episode-1/]

This podcast is brought to you by the Women’s Ministry of Kriya Yoga International. You can learn more about the ministry at our website, womensministryatkriya.org [http://womensministryatkriya.org/]. 

Kriya Yoga is a powerful meditation practice that awakens constant communion with the Divine through the science of the breath. Handed down from teacher to student in an unbroken lineage of enlightened masters, it transforms body, mind, and heart—helping us be calmly active and actively calm. Today this living tradition welcomes seekers everywhere through the guidance of Paramahamsa Prajnanananda, the principal disciple of the great master Paramahamsa Hariharananda. To learn more about Kriya Yoga, please visit kriya.org [http://kriya.org/].

Episode 1: Yogacharya Durga Ma

Welcome to the Women of Kriya Yoga: Living in Joy Podcast — a gathering place for women walking the spiritual path. Here, we share stories, teachings, and reflections rooted in the timeless practices of Kriya Yoga. These conversations are an offering from the Women’s Ministry of Kriya Yoga International, inviting you to rest in stillness, awaken your inner light, and connect with a community of women to support one another in living in joy.

This podcast is brought to you by the Women’s Ministry of Kriya Yoga International, an organization devoted to uplifting and empowering women through the sacred practices of yoga, meditation, and soulful spiritual community. Rooted in the timeless teachings of Kriya Yoga, we journey together toward inner peace, divine connection, and joyful living in harmony with the Divine. You can learn more about the ministry at our website, womensministryofkriya.org [https://womensministryofkriya.org/]. 

Kriya Yoga is a powerful meditation practice that awakens constant communion with the Divine through the science of the breath. Handed down from teacher to student in an unbroken lineage of enlightened masters, it transforms body, mind, and heart—helping us be calmly active and actively calm. Today this living tradition welcomes seekers everywhere through the guidance of Paramahamsa Prajnanananda, the principal disciple of the great master Paramahamsa Hariharananda. To learn more about Kriya Yoga, please visit kriya.org [http://kriya.org/].

Women of Kriya Yoga: Living In Joy Podcast

Women’s Ministry of Kriya Yoga International uplifts and empowers women through yoga, meditation, and soulful spiritual community.

Women of Kriya Yoga: Living in Joy

Shows