Description of Classes & Events Mar–May 2010

Browse through Ananda classes and events below, in date order. Or view by category (see links at left). Many classes are offered over several weeks; if you'd like to just attend one or two in a series, you may drop in any time. The weekday evening classes end at 9 to 9:15 pm. Events or classes that are especially recommended are noted with a lotus.

Ananda: A Place of Awakening (PDF)
We welcome you—a general guide to Ananda offerings (15 pages)

March

Manifest Through the Power of Yoga
Tuesdays, 7:30 pm, March 2-30 (and continuing), $15/class, drop-ins welcome.
Register for a single class ($15). Register for 4 consecutive classes ($60). Materials are a small additional cost:
Purchase lessons in .rtf format) for printing/reading.
Purchase lessons in .mp3 format for listening; lessons are read by Swami Kriyananda.
Develop the magnetism to draw what you need in life, when you need it. Learn long-hidden secrets of the Himalayan yogis of how to gain influence over the material plane, by attunement to the spiritual plane. This course is based on principles that Swami Kriyananda learned directly from Yogananda. Using them, without material resources of his own, he created Ananda from nothing to what it is today. This is a continuing series; you may join the class at any time.
Instructor: Asha Praver

The Art & Science of Raja Yoga
An on-going series which began in early January and ends March 24th. This program is offered once each year at the same time. Please contact Dambara if you'd like to be on the mailing list for joining next year's class. Learn more about the class here.

Learn to Meditate
Thursdays, March 4-25, 7:30 pm, $60 Register
Meditation is one of the most natural and rewarding of all human activities. It gives direct, intuitive experience of higher realities, and is the cornerstone of true spirituality. It also brings balance, rest, and a growing inner peace. Ananda is one of the oldest and largest centers for meditation training in the Bay Area. Thousands of people from every walk of life have learned to meditate in Ananda classes over the past forty years.
Instructors: Surendra & Tushti Conti

Meditation 2: Energy
Thursdays, March 4-25, 7:30 pm, $60 Register
Pre-requisite: Learn to Meditate (Meditation 1)
The secret of success in life, and in meditation practice, is to be able generate energy at will and direct it where you wish. Yogananda developed the Energization Exercises, which you will learn as an integral part of this 4-week series, as well as deepening your practice of the techniques in Learn to Meditate.

Develop calmness and clarity of mind.
Increase your powers of concentration.
Overcome obstacles to meditation.
Explore your inner universe. Learn about the chakras and how they influence your life and health.

Instructor: David Praver

Meditation 5: Expanding Your Awareness
Thursdays, March 4-25, 7:30 pm, $60 Register
Pre-requisite: Devotion (Meditation 4: Discipleship)
Meditation has often been called “the listening part of prayer.” After we have done our share of talking, meditation leaves an opening for the Divine to respond. Learn how to expand your awareness to embrace more than you thought possible, with techniques especially designed to cultivate devotion and heart qualities.

Chanting and other techniques for opening the heart.
Bringing meditative awareness into daily life.
Talking with God; prayer made practical.
Meditation as receptivity and listening.

The AUM technique; concentration on inner sounds.

Instructor: Dambara Begley

Dancing In Thy Ray—An evening of Movement with the music of Ananda
CANCELLED Friday, March 5th, 7:30-9:00 pm, Ananda Temple, Donation
Come let your soul dance with fellow truth seekers. There will be opportunity to experience the flow of God's energy in simple group dance along with time to uncover the Divine impulse which is uniquely yours.
Live in your body with the consciousness that it is Spirit.
Instructor: Rita Deierlein

Say “Yes” to Life
Saturday, March 6, 10 am–1 pm, $30 Register
In everyone, two voices compete. The one is life affirming, the other, life-negating. One takes us into a harmonious flow with the world around us, and the other tends to encourage us to contract back into ourselves. Hundreds of times each day, we can see how we are doing spiritually, simply by watching this one pattern of expansion vs. contraction. There is a very simple, surprisingly powerful technique to become much happier and more alive. Swami Kriyananda describes it as saying “Yes” to life. We’ll talk about what this means, and how to apply it creatively in your own life. We’ll explore how to stay in balance with saying “yes” and also with saying “no” when appropriate. And you’ll learn about the metaphysics behind this technique, how you can tap into a greater Intelligence beyond the limited mind that can guide and help you, when you discover how to cooperate with it.
Instructor: Stephen Manus

Meditación para Principiantes
Learn to Meditate (in Spanish)
Saturday, March 6, 10 am–1 pm, $30 Register
Ha puesto atención en la lista de “algún día lo haré”, se siente estrezado, anda buscando felicidad, paz. Si es así, hoy es el día perfecto para comenzar. Edwin Bonilla, lo iniciara en la practica de meditación en forma simple, con opciones para sentarse comodamente, ejercicios de respiración, en un ambiente relajado. No necesita experiencia previa.
Instructor: Edwin Bonilla

Discipleship as a Way of Life
Mondays, March 8-29 (and ongoing), 7:30 pm at Chela Bhavan in the Community, Free, for Disciples only.
Being initiated as a disciple is just the first step to becoming a disciple. You set your intention, you make your commitment, then you have to figure out what it means and how to do it. It’s like the difference between a wedding and a marriage. A wedding is where you start. A marriage is what you end up with after a lifetime of selfless loving. We’ll draw from Autobiography of a Yogi and Conversations with Yogananda as our texts. The class will be free-flowing, though, allowing us to talk frankly and deeply about the real-life challenges of living up to the commitment we have made. Above all, we’ll talk about how to form a living, loving, moment-to-moment relationship with God and Guru.
Instructor: Asha Praver

Pilgrimage to Paramhansa Yogananda's shrines
Southern California
March 11–14 For more information or to register
Cost: $600 for private room and meals or $450 for shared room and meals
Celebrate Paramhansa Yogananda's Mahasamadhi by visiting the shrines where his vibration and memory are powerfully felt today. Spend time chanting and meditating at Forest Lawn where Master's body lies. We'll also visit Lake Shrine and Mount Washington, and have an overnight in Encinitas to experience his beautiful seaside Hermitage.
Guided by Krishnadas and mantradevi LoCicero

Kirtan (Chanting)
Friday March 12 & 26, 7:30 pm, free
Join us in an evening of sacred chanting. Chanting has the power to transform and uplift the soul, and to open the heart. Most chants are simple to learn, so you’ll be able to join in easily your first time. Words are provided. We’ll sing many beautiful chants in English as well as some Indian chants accompanied by harmonium and guitar. All are welcome.

Ananda Yoga and Energy
CANCELLED Saturday, March 13, 10 am–1 pm, $30 Register
Everything in life depends on the quality, quantity, and control you have over your energy. Working with postures helps us to release and experience energy throughout the body, particularly in the chakras. Learn how to use Ananda Yoga to feel your inner energy more deeply, remove inner blocks, and strengthen and harmonize the flow of energy throughout the body.
Instructor: Kripamayi (Suzanne) Caughlan

Writing with Spirit
CANCELLED Saturday, March, 13, 10 am–1 pm, $30 Register
Journal writing as a spiritual practice can open a channel to the soul’s intuitive power. It’s a means of self-expression that stimulates Self-discovery. And it’s fun! This workshop will give you playful ways to overcome creative limitations and speed the flow of new ideas, insight and inspiration. No previous writing experience is needed, and supplies will be provided. Surendra has been writing professionally and journaling for over 30 years.
Instructor: Surendra Conti

Compassionate Heart: The Life of the Fourteenth Dalai Lama
A Play by the Living Wisdom School
Wednesday & Thursday, March 17 & 18, 10 am
Friday & Saturday, March 19 & 20, 7 pm
This year’s play follows the life of the Dalai Lama from his discovery as a young child to his acceptance of the Nobel Peace Prize. It is the remarkable story of one man's determined adherence to the highest principles of non-violence under unjust and violent conditions. Each year, Living Wisdom School present a play based on the life of a spiritually great man or woman. Past years’ plays: Buddha, St. Francis, Jesus, Martin Luther King, Joan of Arc. Every student is involved, from kindergarten through 8th grade. This is a full scale production, far exceeding in quality and complexity anything you would expect in a “school play.” There are four performances to choose from. Come early, as seats fill VERY quickly. (It’s easier to find good seats during the daytime performances, if you can come then). For more info: www.livingwisdomschool.org
or call (650) 462-8150 for tickets.

Learn to Meditate
Saturday, March 20, 10 am-1 pm, $30 Register
Meditation is one of the most natural and rewarding of all human activities. It gives direct, intuitive experience of higher realities, and is the cornerstone of true spirituality. It also brings balance, rest, and a growing inner peace. Ananda is one of the oldest and largest centers for meditation training in the Bay Area. Thousands of people from every walk of life have learned to meditate in Ananda classes over the past forty years.
Instructor: Dr. Shanti Rubenstone

Welcome & Orientation for Newcomers
Your questions answered
Wednesday, March 24, 7:30 pm, free
On the fourth Wednesday of every month, join us for a newcomer’s discussion about Ananda. We will discuss the spiritual teachings, the teachers, and the history of Ananda as well as anything else that might be helpful to you on your spiritual path. This is a fun, informal conversation with plenty of opportunity for all of your questions.
Instructor: Dr. Shanti Rubenstone

How to Become a Saint
Saturday, March 27, 10 am–1 pm, $30 Register
What is a saint, anyway? Why would you want to become one? The bliss of sainthood is the goal we all seek, whether we know it or not. How do we increase our will power, energy, and devotion; surrender to God more fully; and get around the obstructing ego? The true custodians of spirituality and religion are the saints, not religious institutions. We’ll look at modern examples and how we can become more like them. “Everything in future will improve if you are making a spiritual effort now!”
Instructor: Dambara Begley

EASTER WEEK EVENTS
Asha helps bring the remarkable story of Jesus’ last week to life. His disciples were not only historical figures, but men and women like us. The tests they faced and the choices they made are surprisingly helpful to us today. Discover the powerful lessons of Easter for your own life. An ideal time to immerse yourself in “The Greatest Story Ever Told.”

Palm Sunday
Sunday, March 28
Sunday Service, 10 am–noon
Purification and Meditation Ceremony, 9–9:45 am
Commemorate Jesus’ triumphal entry into the city of Jerusalem—the beginning also of his final days on earth. Musical performances and readings help draw you into his spirit of courage and transcendence.

April

Good Friday
Friday, April 2, 7:30 pm
We reflect on the courage of Christ’s surrender to God’s will—the ultimate sacrifice. And we ask ourselves how we may open ourselves to that most profound of spiritual acts: openness to God’s will for us.

Easter Saturday Oratorio Retreat
Saturday, April 3, 10 am–2 pm
Many people say that this retreat is one of most inspiring events of the year. If you have never come before, we invite you to give it a try. In a quiet retreat atmosphere, we’ll sing and reflect on the meaning of Christ’s life, based on Swami Kriyananda’s Oratorio, “Christ Lives.” Asha introduces each section of the music, talking about the events of Jesus’ life, the context in which they happened, and the teaching, meaning, and present-day relevance of the stories. The retreat is half music and half speaking, with brief interludes of meditation. Ananda singers help lead the music, but everyone joins in; words and music are provided. This is our favorite “performance,” since we are singing only for God.

Easter Sunday
Sunday Service, April 4, 10 am–noon
Purification and Meditation Ceremony, 9–9:45 am
(Sunday School is available for children)
One of the spiritual highlights of the year—join us for a music-filled, joyful celebration of Christ’s triumph over all earthly limitations, and awaken within yourself the all-conquering power of Spirit.

Easter Brunch
April 4, Brunch at 1 pm, Easter Egg Hunt at 12:30 pm
Adults/$12 in advance, ($15 after 4/1) Reserve and/or Pay
Ananda Community, weather permitting, otherwise in the Ananda Temple.
Easter would not be complete without this lovely family brunch in a beautiful, relaxing, out-door setting. Reservations appreciated, but not required; all are welcome.

Manifest Through the Power of Yoga
Tuesdays, 7:30 pm, April 6-27 (and continuing), $15/class
Register for 1 class ($15) Register for 4 classes ($60)
Develop the magnetism to draw what you need in life, when you need it. Learn long-hidden secrets of the Himalayan yogis of how to gain influence over the material plane, by attunement to the spiritual plane. This course is based on principles that Swami Kriyananda learned directly from Yogananda. Using them, without material resources of his own, he created Ananda from nothing to what it is today. This is a continuing series; you may join the class at any time.
Instructor: Asha Praver

Healing Through Prayer
Wednesday, April 7-28, 7:30 pm, $60 Register
Everything in the universe is interconnected. Energy can be transferred instantaneously without limitation of time or space. The key is attuning yourself to the vibration you wish to transfer, then harmonizing your will with Divine will to direct that energy with power, intuition, and concentration to wherever it’s needed.
* Understand yourself as a channel (not the source) of healing energy
* Develop humble will power: strong, confident, but impersonal
* Deepen your relationship with God
* Know how to pray and gain a Divine response
* Sense when healing is appropriate, and when karma must be left to take its course
* Heart, hands, and voice as healing instruments
* Spiritual counseling: to speak wisdom or keep silence: sensing God’s will
Instructor: Dr. Connie Hernandez

Learn to Meditate
Wednesdays, April 7-28, 11-11;45 am, $45 Register NEW Daytime class
OR Thursdays, April 8-29, 7:30-9:00 pm $60 Register
Meditation is one of the most natural and rewarding of all human activities. It gives direct, intuitive experience of higher realities, and is the cornerstone of true spirituality. It also brings balance, rest, and a growing inner peace. Ananda is one of the oldest and largest centers for meditation training in the Bay Area. Thousands of people from every walk of life have learned to meditate in Ananda classes over the past forty years.
Instructors: Nirmoha Gladen on Wednesdays; Stephen Manus on Thursdays

Ananda Yoga & Learn to Meditate
Thursdays, 7:30 pm, April 8-22, $45 Register
Meditation is one of the most beneficial practices you can do. It is simple, natural, and not difficult to learn. At the beginning, however, some people find the stillness a challenge. Yoga postures can help to calm the mind and body. In fact, postures were originally developed as an aid to deep meditation. In this course, you’ll learn and practice a yoga postures routine specifically designed to release tension in the body and calm the mind, so you can enjoy the silence. After Ananda yoga practice, you’ll find it easier to slip into a meditative state. This course includes all the fundamental principles and techniques taught in the Learn to Meditate course, and qualifies you, if you choose, to go on to advanced meditation classes.
Instructor: Tushti Conti

Sharing Nature with Children & Flow Learning
Free Lecture: Friday, April 9, 7-8:30 pm at the Ananda Church
Workshop: Saturday, April 10 9:30 am-12:30 pm at Monte Bello Open Space Preserve. $35
World-renowned naturalist and author Joseph Cornell will give a talk and a ½ day workshop for parents and adults on Sharing Nature with Children and the Flow Learning Technique. Spending time together in nature can be a deeply bonding experience between parents and children. Adults can learn to help children connect with and appreciate the natural world around them, while making the parent and child experience uplifting and richer.
Contact the Living Wisdom School to Register: (650) 462-8150. This workshop is for adults only. Childcare will be provided at the Living Wisdom School for a fee.
Instructor: Joseph Cornell

Ananda Yoga and Breath
Saturday, April 10, 10 am–noon, $30 Register
Breath control, or pranayam, is a powerful tool for developing concentration, emotional stability, relaxation, and health. All yoga postures include some pranayam. This session gives greater emphasis to the breath, teaching breath awareness, and including more pranayams than the usual Ananda Yoga Sadhana.
Instructor: Tushti Conti

Bible Study for Yogis
Saturday, April 10, 10 am–1 pm, $30 Register
Curious about the different interpretations of the Bible? Or maybe you would like more clarity in dealing with friends or relatives who may try to impose upon you an understanding different from your own. Would you like to integrate the upbringing you had with the Bible with your present spiritual understanding? Possibly you would like a greater familiarity with the content of the Bible—a broader education for inspiration and understanding. Explore all of these questions with Nirmoha, who has an Master’s Degree in this topic and 16 years as a Lutheran minister before becoming ordained at Ananda.
Instructor: Nirmoha Gladen

Kriyaban Ceremony
Saturday, April 10, 6 pm free
Once each year, those who have received Kriya initiation at Ananda are invited to review their vows in this beautiful evening ceremony in the sanctuary. Wear white clothing, and bring a donation in an envelope, fruit, and a flower to offer at the altar. Jyotish & Devi Novak, Spiritual Directors for Ananda worldwide will guide this special evening ceremony.

Visiting Guest Ministers Jyotish & Devi Novak
Sunday worship, April 11, 10 am
Annual Appeal for Ananda Worldwide, satsang after service
Spiritual directors for Ananda worldwide, the Novaks will lead the service this Sunday. It’s a rare opportunity to hear two of Ananda’s founding members, central to nearly every aspect of Ananda’s work for more than 40 years. Gifted speakers, counselors, and friends, we welcome them and you to this special morning service.

Discipleship as a Way of Life
Mondays, April 12-26 (and ongoing), 7:30 pm at Chela Bhavan in the Community, Free, for Disciples only
Being initiated as a disciple is just the first step to becoming a disciple. You set your intention, you make your commitment, then you have to figure out what it means and how to do it. It’s like the difference between a wedding and a marriage. A wedding is where you start. A marriage is what you end up with after a lifetime of selfless loving. We’ll draw from Autobiography of a Yogi and Conversations with Yogananda as our texts. The class will be free-flowing, though, allowing us to talk frankly and deeply about the real-life challenges of living up to the commitment we have made. Above all, we’ll talk about how to form a living, loving, moment-to-moment relationship with God and Guru.
Instructor: Asha Praver

Kirtan (Chanting)
Friday April 16 & 30, 7:30 pm, free
Join us in an evening of sacred chanting. Chanting has the power to transform and uplift the soul, and to open the heart. Most chants are simple to learn, so you’ll be able to join in easily your first time. Words are provided. We’ll sing many beautiful chants in English as well as some Indian chants accompanied by harmonium and guitar. All are welcome.

Learn to Meditate
Saturday, April 17, 10 am-1 pm, $30 Register
Meditation is one of the most natural and rewarding of all human activities. It gives direct, intuitive experience of higher realities, and is the cornerstone of true spirituality. It also brings balance, rest, and a growing inner peace. Ananda is one of the oldest and largest centers for meditation training in the Bay Area. Thousands of people from every walk of life have learned to meditate in Ananda classes over the past forty years.
Instructor: Stephen Manus

How to Get Your Life in Balance
Saturday, April 17, 10 am–1 pm, $30 Register
“Stop the world, I want to get off!” Everyone feels this way at times. But the world goes on anyway. Your only choice is to change the way you experience the world. Even small changes can have profound effects. It doesn’t take a lot of time, if you know where to start. Learn simple ways to use your body, mind and spirit to make yourself happier, more peaceful and less stressed. Attitude, energy, posture, breath, attunement, devotion—these are some keys that make the difference between feeling overwhelmed by life, or feeling a sense of mastery and calm amidst whatever is happening.
Instructor: Dr. Shanti Rubenstone

Women’s Retreat
Saturday, April 24, 9 am–3 pm at the Ananda Community Temple
Enjoy this day of joyful inspiration that will include meditation, chanting and yoga postures in a beautiful setting. It’s a unique opportunity to step out of the pressures of our everyday lives and enter a peaceful and quiet environment with other women who are seeking a deeper meaning to life. We will explore the deeper aspects of our being and discover the keys of transformation that can unlock our Divine potential. Bring a vegetarian potluck dish to share at lunchtime with the group. Yoga mats and blankets are available or you may bring your own.
Instructors: Amara (Barbara) Fiesterman and Anandaprem (Linda) Diane

Meditación para Principiantes
Learn to Meditate (in Spanish)
Saturday, April 24, 10 am–1 pm, $30 Register
Ha puesto atención en la lista de “algún día lo haré”, se siente estrezado, anda buscando felicidad, paz. Si es así, hoy es el día perfecto para comenzar. Edwin Bonilla, lo iniciara en la practica de meditación en forma simple, con opciones para sentarse comodamente, ejercicios de respiración, en un ambiente relajado. No necesita experiencia previa.
Instructor: Edwin Bonilla

Welcome & Orientation for Newcomers
Your questions answered
Wednesday, April 28, 7:30 pm, free
On the fourth Wednesday of every month, join us for a newcomer’s discussion about Ananda. We will discuss the spiritual teachings, the teachers, and the history of Ananda as well as anything else that might be helpful to you on your spiritual journey. This is a fun, informal conversation with plenty of opportunity for all of your questions.
Instructor: Dr. Shanti Rubenstone

May

Manifest Through the Power of Yoga
Tuesdays, 7:30 pm, May 4-25 (and continuing), $15/class
Register for 1 class ($15) Register for 4 classes ($60)
Develop the magnetism to draw what you need in life, when you need it. Learn long-hidden secrets of the Himalayan yogis of how to gain influence over the material plane, by attunement to the spiritual plane. This course is based on principles that Swami Kriyananda learned directly from Yogananda. Using them, without material resources of his own, he created Ananda from nothing to what it is today. This is a continuing series; you may join the class at any time. Instructor: Asha Praver

Love, Happiness, & Health
Wednesdays, May 5 & 12, 7:30 pm, $30 Register
What is the formula for a balanced life? The "Yogi's Prescription" offers a straightforward pathway. As we learn to love in a more impersonal way, we come to understand how to sincerely want what is best for those around us. Our happiness grows as we focus, not on our own needs, but on those of our friends, family, and co-workers. Our health blossoms as our compassion grows; our inner strength develops, and a natural joy unfolds from within. We find the keys to long term happiness by making simple changes in our lives.
Instructor: Stephen Manus

Learn to Meditate
Thursdays, May 6-27, 7:30 pm, $60 Register
Meditation is one of the most natural and rewarding of all human activities. It gives direct, intuitive experience of higher realities, and is the cornerstone of true spirituality. It also brings balance, rest, and a growing inner peace. Ananda is one of the oldest and largest centers for meditation training in the Bay Area. Thousands of people from every walk of life have learned to meditate in Ananda classes over the past forty years.
Instructors: Nirmoha Gladen

Meditation 2: Energy
Thursdays, May 6-27, 7:30 pm, $60 Register
Pre-requisite: Learn to Meditate (Meditation 1)
The secret of success in life, and in meditation practice, is to be able generate energy at will and direct it where you wish. Yogananda developed the Energization Exercises, which you will learn as an integral part of this 4-week series, as well as deepening your practice of the techniques learned in "Learn to Meditate".

Develop calmness and clarity of mind.
Increase your powers of concentration.
Overcome obstacles to meditation.
Explore your inner universe. Learn about the chakras and how they influence your life and health.

Instructor: David Praver

Learn to Meditate
Saturday, May 8, 10 am-1 pm, $30 Register
Meditation is one of the most natural and rewarding of all human activities. It gives direct, intuitive experience of higher realities, and is the cornerstone of true spirituality. It also brings balance, rest, and a growing inner peace. Ananda is one of the oldest and largest centers for meditation training in the Bay Area. Thousands of people from every walk of life have learned to meditate in Ananda classes over the past forty years.
Instructor: Nirmoha Gladen

Discipleship as a Way of Life
Mondays, May 10-24 (and ongoing), 7:30 pm at Chela Bhavan in the Community, Free, for Disciples only.
Being initiated as a disciple is just the first step to becoming a disciple. You set your intention, you make your commitment, then you have to figure out what it means and how to do it. It’s like the difference between a wedding and a marriage. A wedding is where you start. A marriage is what you end up with after a lifetime of selfless loving. We’ll draw from Autobiography of a Yogi and Conversations with Yogananda as our texts. The class will be free-flowing, though, allowing us to talk frankly and deeply about the real-life challenges of living up to the commitment we have made. Above all, we’ll talk about how to form a living, loving, moment-to-moment relationship with God and Guru.
Instructor: Asha Praver

Kirtan (Chanting)
Friday May 14 & 28, 7:30 pm, free
Join us in an evening of sacred chanting. Chanting has the power to transform and uplift the soul, and to open the heart. Most chants are simple to learn, so you’ll be able to join in easily your first time. Words are provided. We’ll sing many beautiful chants in English as well as some Indian chants accompanied by harmonium and guitar. All are welcome.

The Healing Power of Sound
May 15, 10 am–1 pm, $30 Register
Untapped healing energy lies within us all. Certain specific sound vibrations can unlock that energy and direct it wherever needed. We’ll attune ourselves to particular sound vibrations, learning how to focus their special qualities to uplift our state of being, and how to infuse our environments with energy for healing and spiritual growth. Discover the ability to recognize and align with the body’s subtle inner sounds, relaxing into their constant flow.
Instructor: Stephen Manus

Meditación para Principiantes
Learn to Meditate (in Spanish)
Saturday, May 15, 10 am–1 pm, $30 Register
Ha puesto atención en la lista de “algún día lo haré”, se siente estrezado, anda buscando felicidad, paz. Si es así, hoy es el día perfecto para comenzar. Edwin Bonilla, lo iniciara en la practica de meditación en forma simple, con opciones para sentarse comodamente, ejercicios de respiración, en un ambiente relajado. No necesita experiencia previa.
Instructor: Edwin Bonilla

Swami Kriyananda’s Birthday
Wednesday, May 19, photo of Swami Kriyananda 5:30-7:15 pm: Meditation
7:30 pm: Program
Ananda is guided and inspired by this great soul. We’ll celebrate his life through a gala presentation of his music, poetry, and prose. Swami Kriyananda will be celebrating his birthday overseas (hopefully traveling to the United States in the summer), but whenever devotees gather in joy and gratitude, his expansive spirit reaches out in blessing.

A Weekend of Music, Consciousness and Inspiration with David Eby

Music, Inspiration, & Consciousness: a Presentation
Friday, May 21, 7:30 pm, $10 Register
Journey with us as we explore new discoveries on how music directly affects our brain and consciousness. Learn how to consciously change your energy by tuning into the inspiration that lies behind everything we listen to, whether it be classical, rock, or spiritual music.
Instructor: David Eby

The Sacred Art of Music: An Experiential Workshop
Saturday, May 22, 10 am-noon, $25 Register
Learn specific techniques that lead us into a deeper experience of Divine Inspiration through singing and chanting. All singing will be done in a comfortable, supportive, group environment, allowing us to relax into our own individual experience without worrying about singing in front of others.
Instructor: David Eby

Saturday Evening Concert
Saturday, May 22, 7:30 pm, $10 adults, $5 children
Enjoy a beautiful evening of Ananda music conducted by David Eby, Director of Music, Ananda worldwide. It will include choral and small group pieces as well as solos and instrumentals, including David playing cello. Classically trained at Eastman, and a professional with the Oregon Symphony, David has become expert at communicating how we can uplift our consciousness, experience joy, and share inspiration through music.

How to Open Your Heart: Spiritualizing Relationships
Wednesday, May 26, 7:30 pm, $15 Register
Friendship, love, marriage, and children can offer us our greatest joys in life or our greatest sorrows. Selfless love is the essential key to happiness in all our relationships, but how do we practice it? In this class, you will explore ways to cure habits that spell the death of true friendship: judgment, jealousy, over-sensitivity, and unkindness. Experience the Universal Love behind all your relationships.
Instructor: Nirmoha Gladen

Welcome & Orientation for Newcomers
Your questions answered
Wednesday, May 26, 7:30 pm, free
On the fourth Wednesday of every month, join us for a newcomer’s discussion about Ananda. We will discuss the spiritual teachings, the teachers, and the history of Ananda as well as anything else that might be helpful to you on your spiritual path. This is a fun, informal conversation with plenty of opportunity for all of your questions.
Instructor: Dr. Shanti Rubenstone

Ananda Yoga Sadhana
Saturday, May 29, 10 am-1 pm, $30 Register
A balanced foundation sequence of yoga postures that you can personalize for your level of skill and time available. Generates a soothing flow of inner energy. Learn how to lift the energy gently upward and focus it at the spiritual eye to maximize the transforming effect. Deeply relaxing and rejuvenating.Instructor: Amara (Barbara) Fiesterman

How to find us:

Nearly all of our classes and events take place at the Temple in Palo Alto, except for a very few which take place at the Ananda Community in Mountain View (those are specially noted, so you’ll know).
Directions to Ananda Temple in Palo Alto.
Directions to Ananda Community in Mountain View.

When you come to a class or event at the Temple, even if you registered ahead of time, please sign in at the book/gift shop so we can greet you and direct you to the right classroom. The gift shop is located in a one-story building just behind the main sanctuary (enter through the sliding-glass door). Map of Ananda Temple grounds (PDF).

You may pay and/or register for classes and events. Payments are processed In a secure manner through PayPal. Fees shown are for an entire series unless indicated otherwise. If you need to miss a class in a series, an audio recording is available.