Classes in Practical Spirituality at Ananda
through July, 2012
Paramhansa Yogananda: Walking in the Footsteps of the Master
Tuesdays, May 1-29, no class May 15, 7:30 pm, (and ongoing)
$15 for a single class Register
$60 for 4 consecutive classes Register
Now, a new biography of Paramhansa Yogananda allows us to know the Master in a way not possible before. First-hand reminiscences show him to us as avatar, teacher, friend, and guide. Above all, studying this book, tells us how to walk the path the Master himself has walked, from ego-bondage to soul-freedom. We’ll start with Chapter 17: Yogananda’s Salient Characteristics. Carefully studying each of these 30 defining features of the Master gives us an infallible roadmap for self-transformation. In this series, we’ll also explore:
- Who was Yogananda? Past incarnations of world-changing importance give insight into the avatar’s life and mission this time
- What is Dwapara Yuga? Yogananda has come to help shift the consciousness of the whole planet
- How do I relate to Yogananda? “To all those who think me near, I will be near,” Yogananda promised.
- Do I have a part to play in Yogananda’s mission? Many souls incarnated now have been with Yogananda before.
Instructor: Nayaswami Asha
The Spiritual Warrior: Living an Authentic Life
Tuesdays, June 5-26, 7:30 pm, (and ongoing)
$15 for a single class Register
$60 for 4 consecutive classes Register
It is easy to think of ourselves as kind and compassionate, until we experience conflict with others. It is easy to think we are open, until someone suggests something we prefer not to hear. Every day gives us dozens of opportunities to test our spiritual ideals. If you are serious about your personal and spiritual growth, you may find this the most helpful class series we offer. Practical, inspiring, encouraging, serious — this is food for thought and for action. It is taught by Nayaswami Asha, who has spent the past 40 years studying and living these principles, and counseling many others along the way. It’s based on precious, little-known lessons that Swami Kriyananda wrote in the 1950s when he was with Self-Realization Fellowship, which is still used by them today.
Instructor: Nayaswami Asha
Death, Dying, Karma and Reincarnation
Wednesdays, June 6-July 25, 6-9 pm
$120 for the 7-class series Register,
$20/class Register (drop-ins welcome)
“He who made us must surely also love us. His reason for ordaining death as the final act of life must, therefore, be somehow connected with His love.”
—Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam Explained
Birth, death, and reincarnation seem to us fragmented realities. We have little memory of what came before, and no knowledge of what is to come. In fact, these apparently separate experiences are one continuous flow of expanding consciousness. Reincarnation is the highway, karma is the roadmap, astral and physical birth and death are the vehicles in which we travel.
6-7 pm Conversation, ceremony, celebration, release...
Share your story, and listen as others share theirs
7-7:30 Potluck: bring a vegetarian dish to share
7:30-9 Class and discussion
Each week we'll explore a different topic:
June 6: What is Death?
June 13: Karma Makes Sense
June 20: Reincarnation
June 27: The Final Exam
July 11: Life After Death
July 18: How to Die: Helping Yourself and Others
July 25: Thy Will Be Done
June 6: What is Death?
Only in the last few decades have dying people and those close to them been encouraged to talk about their end-of-life experiences. Opening to death as a spiritual experience changes it from something to dread to a time of expanded possibility and hope.
- What happens medically and spiritual when we die?
- Who dies? Is death the end of consciousness?
- How to make the transition with grace
June 13: Karma Makes Sense
We accept cause and effect in Nature, action and reaction in physics. Why would human life be exempt from the same laws? Learn to see how yesterday makes today and today makes tomorrow.
- Is karma a “law” or merely an opinion? Do we have a choice?
- Who is in charge of karma? Do “they” ever make mistakes?
- Are we helpless in the face of “karmic law,” or can we work with it for our own highest good?
June 20: Reincarnation
Why are we here? Where did we come from? Where are we going? And what can we do about it? Reincarnation — rightly understood — gives fascinating, deeply satisfying, hope-filled answers to these questions.
- Where is the proof of reincarnation? Do we know more than we consciously remember?
- Do we have a say in who we will be next and where we will be born?
- What is the point of reincarnation? Seeing it from the soul’s perspective.
June 27: The Final Exam
In many ways, the most important moment in life is the last one. Our last thoughts, feelings, self-concepts, and perceptions of reality determine what comes next. That moment is not random, nor can it be manipulated. It is the sum total of everything we have done up until then.
- After death: Upward toward spiritual clarity and freedom? Sideways into further involvement with desires and attachments? Or downward toward darkness, confusion, ignorance? The choice is ours!
- Studying for the Final Exam: attitude, willingness, spiritual practice
- How is the Final Exam graded? Is it “A,B,C” or just “pass or fail”?
Presented by Lahari Palmer, Nayaswami Asha, Shanti Rubenstone, MD; Connie Hernandez, ND; and other Ananda ministers, healers, and counselors
Questions and Answers on the Path
Wednesdays: June 13, 7:30 pm, free
The spiritual life isn’t just a “Sundays-only” affair. It’s a complete way of life — one that can bring us great joy and fulfillment. Yet sometimes the path becomes unclear. Standing at a crossroads, we may feel confused about what direction to take. How can spiritual principles help us resolve issues in our work and relationships? How can they help us find wisdom and guidance for our personal lives? How can we act in such a way that we honor both our inner self and our commitments and obligations? These informal gatherings provide a safe place to share thoughts, ask questions, and find answers among friends on the path. No question is too large or small. You’re welcome to come for the good company and share as you feel to, or just enjoy the discussion.
Instructor: 
Crisis and Crossroads
Saturday, June 16, 10 am-1 pm, $30 Register
Whether welcome, or painful, global or personal, change is the only constant in life. All of us face times when cherished beliefs, values, accomplishments and possessions are threatened. Difficult decisions have to be made. A willow tree does not fear the wind because it knows how to bend. A rock has a different strength, steadfast, unmoving. Both are needed. Sometimes the lesson is to stand against the tide, sometimes to go with the flow. Learn to understand, and have the courage to face what God is asking of you.
Instructor: Nayaswami Asha
Welcome/Orientation for Newcomers
Wednesday, June 27, 7:30 pm, free
Teaching Center (the building just behind the Temple)
There is so much happening at Ananda, it can sometimes take a little time for new folks to find their way around, and discover all the opportunities available. You are welcome to explore at your own pace, or you are warmly invited to this orientation for newcomers, which is offered on the 4th Wednesday of each month. This informal gathering is designed to meet the needs of those present, and may include:
- A chance to meet other newcomers
- Discussion about programs available that can help you meet your spiritual goals
- Ananda’s spiritual roots
- A tour of classrooms, temple, and grounds
- An opportunity to ask questions, or to share what might be helpful to you on your spiritual journey.
Love: Human and Divine
Saturday, July 7, 10 am-1 pm, $30 Register
We all have the same need: to love and be loved. There’s more than enough of God’s love to go around, so you’d think we could get together and work it out easily! But it often doesn’t work out that way. Why? Learn how to open your heart to people and to God. Attract true and loving friends, balance commitment with freedom and change, and love selflessly without losing yourself.
Instructor: Nayaswami Asha
Death, Dying, Karma and Reincarnation
Wednesdays, July 11-July 25, 6-9 pm, $20/class Register
(ongoing from June) drop-ins welcome
“He who made us must surely also love us. His reason for ordaining death as the final act of life must, therefore, be somehow connected with His love.”
—Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam Explained
Birth, death, and reincarnation seem to us fragmented realities. We have little memory of what came before, and no knowledge of what is to come. In fact, these apparently separate experiences are one continuous flow of expanding consciousness. Reincarnation is the highway, karma is the roadmap, astral and physical birth and death are the vehicles in which we travel.
6-7 pm Conversation, ceremony, celebration, release...
Share your story, and listen as others share theirs
7-7:30 Snack time: bring a vegetarian dish to share
7:30-9 Class and discussion
What we’ll explore each week in July:
July 11: Life After Death
Self-realized masters travel at will through all levels of reality, then tell us clearly what they have seen and how we, too, can experience what they know.
Physical, astral, causal worlds: How do they relate to everyday life on the material plane?
Heaven and hell: Myth or reality?
Understand how life continues after death and how we can unite our consciousness with the Cosmic Consciousness of God
July 18: How to Die: Helping Yourself and Others
Many people face death with confusion and fear. To be calm, courageous, and informed about death is a great gift to yourself and to those you love.
Prolonging life, donating organs, cremation vs. burial, helping your pets
Grief: Honor the feeling, express it sincerely, but don’t trap yourself or others in suffering without end. Learn acceptance, transformation, joy.
The last breath: Being there for the ones you love. The power of prayer
July 25: Thy Will Be Done
We’ll meet at some lovely site in nature for final sharing, ceremony, and celebration. (But not our Final Exam!)
Presented by Lahari Palmer, Nayaswami Asha, Shanti Rubenstone, MD; Connie Hernandez, ND; and other Ananda ministers, healers, and counselors
Gateway to Membership
Saturday, July 14, 10 am-2 pm
This gathering is for those who feel drawn to become members of Ananda. It is a time to explore on a deeper level what membership can give to you spiritually—and in return, how you may give back. It is a time to ask any questions you may have and to discuss and reflect on the answers, so you can make an inspired and informed decision about membership. Lunch is provided.
Note: Before you attend this gathering, please meet with an Ananda staff person or minister, and decide together if membership may be right for you.
Guided by Nayaswami Asha
Finding Calmness in a Chaotic World
Saturday, July 14, 10 am-1 pm, $30 Register
When we find ourselves blindsided by life, we may wonder whether we brought it on ourselves, whether our name has been plucked out of the phone book, or even whether we were born under a bad astrological sign. No matter what the cause, we can find a way to come back to our place of calmness within, to what Paramhansa Yogananda called a “portable paradise.” This is not a way of avoiding our responsibilities. It is, in fact, the most beneficial response we can learn, to enable us to discover solutions within, and find joy in riding the waves life sends our way.
Instructor: Steven Manus
A class offered by request, whenever you are interested
A wellspring of God’s joy resides in everyone. Loving God with an open heart releases this wondrous joy into one’s life. Doesn’t it make sense then to practice loving God, so divine joy becomes a natural part of the day?
How, though, does one practice loving God?
Love Breathing is one method that helps habituate loving God to every breath. With a sincere, regular, loving God practice, enjoying divine communion becomes a natural and common experience; as natural and common as breathing.
Instructor: Eric Munro
A 2-hour class is given whenever someone is interested, usually 10 am–noon on Saturdays. Contact Eric Munro to set up a time and location.
Class includes an easy ½ hour walk/stroll. Wear walking shoes and bring a sun visor. (Walk is optional if one has physical difficulties).
Cost is a $20 donation to Ananda.
“‘Love Breathing’ is a sweet and practical guide to practicing the presence of God, yet taking it a step further, to the practice of ‘loving’ God, in every moment of daily life. Finding God is actually simple. It is we who make it so complicated. [here] you’ll find a guide to the spiritual simplicity of ‘suffer the little children to come unto me, for such is the kingdom of God.’”
—Swami Kriyananda
“... springs from the heart of actual experience...has unique power both to inspire and guide...simple, creative, and effective.”
—Asha Praver
“This is great, simple, and deep...will bring you closer to God, one breath at a time.”
—B.L.
“‘Love Breathing’ is very inspiring...If joyful living is your goal, the daily practice of ‘love breathing’ will transform your life for the better.”
—H.P.
“Very inspiring...The class was very helpful, many new ideas ... a lot of content”
— K. Santa Clara
“I love this…it is so easy to keep God in your mind when you practice love breathing – during a hectic day there is always time to breathe and focus. Thank you, this added another blessing to my life.”
—D.H.
How to find us:
Map of Ananda grounds, so you can easily find your way around once you arrive.
Even if you registered ahead of time, please stop by the Teaching Center to sign in, so we can greet you and direct you to the right classroom. The Teaching Center is located just behind the large temple on El Camino. Enter the courtyard from College, and the building will be on your right. If it's your first time, you may appreciate having the Map of Ananda grounds handy.
Nearly all our classes and events take place at our main Temple and classrooms in Palo Alto. But occasionally, programs are at Ananda Community in Mountain View. If so, the class description will mention it and provide directions.
