Your Instructors

Asha Praver is the spiritual director of Ananda Palo Alto with her husband, David. She is one of Ananda’s principal speakers worldwide, and regularly gives Sunday satsang at Ananda in Palo Alto. She has been a student of Swami Kriyananda since 1970, and a founding member of Ananda Village. She served as Kriyananda’s personal secretary for many years. She is author of Swami Kriyananda as We Have Known Him (Crystal Clarity, Publishers, 2006), miracles and stories of an American sage, and the many lives he has helped to transform.   Asha Praver
David Praver is the spiritual director of Ananda Palo Alto with his wife, Asha. He has guided and developed many enterprises, including an alternative high school, a restaurant, Ananda’s publishing company, and Ananda’s guest retreat (now the Expanding Light near Nevada City, CA). He has been meditating for 30 years and specializes in teaching Yogananda’s Energization Exercises.   David Praver
Dambara Begley has practiced meditation for 20 years. He is engaging and warm, with a deep sensitivity to the needs of beginning students, and a keen sense of humor. He has been one of Ananda’s principal beginning meditation teacher for many years. He is also a gifted singer and tenor who performs regularly at Ananda events.   Joe Begley
Raghu Clark has been meditating for 29 years, and teaching for more than 15. He first came to Ananda in 1978 at the age of 25, and has a lifetime of experience in applying spiritual principles to daily activities. He is one of Ananda’s best-loved kirtan leaders.   Raghu Clark
Tyagini Clark teaches many classes for Ananda Palo Alto, including some with her husband, Raghu. She has been a meditator for 15 years and has worked on staff with Ananda for many years. She is thoughtful and kind, with a deep interest in helping others.   Tyagini Clark
Rick Bonin is one of founding members and long-time manager of the Ananda Community, home to more than 50 Ananda members who live together in an intentional, spiritual community. Rick is Ananda Palo Alto’s Kriya minister, supporting and mentoring long-time meditators. He is wise, patient, and awake.   Rick Bonin
Shanti Rubenstone is a Stanford M.D. with a full-time medical practice, and a life-long meditator and teacher. Shanti teaches meditation, energy and healing, and what she calls ‘living wellness’. Brilliant and passionate, she is an energy dyanamo, and a lively and engaging teacher.   Shanti Rubenstone
Steve Manus has been applying spiritual principles in business and academia for many years, and has a Master’s degree in Urban Planning. He has been meditating for more than 15 years.  He is a dynamic teacher with breadth of knowledge and  depth of insight.   Steve Manus
Greg Dyal is a Silicon Valley engineer and project manager by day, and an advanced meditation teacher in the evenings. He is also skilled in posture and back pain management, and his training has been a lifesaver for serious meditators.   Greg Dyal
Santosh LaMarche, a former public advocacy attorney, has devoted his life to service in the non-profit sector. He is a lively and engaging teacher with a deep enthusiasm for helping others. When he is not teaching, he is helping to manage East West Bookshop in Mountain View, one of the largest metaphysical bookstores in the world today.   Santosh LaMarche