Advanced meditation classes

There is a vast universe of consciousness to explore within us, say both saints and scientists. After you have completed the beginning meditation class with Ananda, you may wish to study further. Ananda offers a series of classes that will take you deeper into your practice, with time to meditate weekly with others in a supportive environment. There are 7 steps that lead to Kriya Yoga initiation beginning with Meditation 1: Learn to Meditate.

 

As you progress in this series of advanced meditation classes, you may wish to consult with a spiritual mentor. The spiritual path is a deeply rewarding journey, though not always an easy one. That’s where mentoring comes in. One of the advantages of community is to be able to learn from the experiences of others, rather than facing challenges alone. A spiritual friend and guide can be an enormous blessing on the path. How the program works.

 


Meditation 2: Energy

Meditación Dos (En Español)
Thursdays: April 5–26, May 3–24, 7:30 pm, $60  Register
Pre-requisite: Learn to Meditate (Med 1)
Instructor: Edwin Bonilla

Meditation 2 in English
March 8-29, May 3-24, 7:30 pm, $60  Register  Nayaswami David
Pre-requisite: Learn to Meditate (Med 1)

Meditation techniquesThe secret of success in life, and in meditation practice, is to be able to 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 3- or 4-week series, as well as deepening your practice of the techniques in "Learn to Meditate".

Yogananda said that if he were stranded on a desert island and could have only one yogic technique, he would choose this one, because through it one can eventually discover the entire science of yoga. The Energization Exercises are a powerful tool for recharging the body with energy at will, thereby driving away fatigue and disease. More importantly, it is an invaluable tool for developing divine awareness in its most subtle aspects.

Have you ever noticed how your practice of meditation reflects your energy level? When you’re tired or sleepy, the mind is likely to wander, or you may even find yourself in a drowsy fog. It takes energy to meditate effectively. Our level of awareness is determined by the amount of energy we have at our command.

Both science and yoga tell us that our physical bodies are made of energy, so potentially, we have vast reserves of energy we can draw on. Yogananda said, “There is enough energy in one gram of flesh to keep the city of Chicago supplied with electricity for a week.” Through your practice of the Energization Exercises, you will learn to become aware of the flow energy within you, and how to direct that flow.

“The more aware you are of the flow of energy, the more you can direct that energy by will power not only to the body, but toward anything that you do—toward your work, toward creative inspiration, toward God in meditation, and in every aspect of your life. All success depends ultimately on energy. These exercises are much more than just physical. They’re the cornerstone of Yogananda’s whole system of teaching, and, in fact, of all spiritual progress.”
—Swami Kriyananda, The Art and Science of Raja Yoga


 

Meditation 3: Devotion

Thursdays, February 9–23, 7:30 pm, $45 Register
Pre-requisite: Energy (Meditation 2)

As meditation deepens, we begin to experience something greater than ourselves. Whether we call it the Higher Self, the Soul, or God, it is definitely another dimension of awareness. Now the goal is to learn how to live comfortably in that other dimension, both while meditating and in everyday life.

Instructor: Nayaswami David


 

Meditation 4: Discipleship Initiation

If a student wishes, he may become a disciple of Yogananda. In a simple ceremony, a vow is taken asking the help of the guru in finding our way to inner freedom. Says Yogananda, “The purpose of a guru is not to weaken your will. It is to teach you secrets of developing your inner power, until you can stand unshaken amidst the crash of breaking worlds.” The practice of discipleship is a central part of most spiritual traditions, including early Christianity.

Inquire for the next scheduled initiation: (650) 323-3363.
Instructor: Nayaswami David


 

Meditation 5: Expanding Your Awareness

Thursdays, March 8-29, 7:30 pm, $60  Register
Pre-requisite: Discipleship (Meditation 4)

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 much more than you thought possible, with techniques especially designed to cultivate devotion and heart qualities.

Instructor: Dambara Begley


 

Meditation 6: Chakras and Preparation for Kriya Initiation


February 2–23, Thursdays, 7:30 pm, $60  Register
Pre-requisite: Expanding Your Awareness (Meditation 5)

Babaji declared that Kriya should be given to “all who humbly ask for help.” Some preparation is necessary, to make the body and mind ready to receive the power created by the practice of this technique. At Babaji’s request, Yogananda brought the Kriya meditation technique to the West as “an instrument through which human evolution can be quickened.” Yogananda wrote that Kriya is “the most effective device of salvation through self-effort ever to be evolved in man’s search for the Infinite.” Yogananda writes more about this technique in “The Science of Kriya Yoga,” in Autobiography of a Yogi.

Instructor: Nayaswami Chidambar

 

Discipleship class photo

Discussion Group for Disciples
Mondays, except first Monday of each month, February 13–27, March 12–26, April 9–30, May 14–28, 7:30 pm, free, held at Chela Bhavan in the Community.
Pre-requisite: Students must have taken Discipleship Vows (Meditation 4) through Ananda
Asha has been a disciple for more than 40 years. And she has made a life study of Swami Kriyananda, someone who has been a public model of discipleship for more than 60 years. There are countless fascinating stories and examples to explore together in these evening sessions. If you dream of sitting under a banyon tree exploring the wisdom of the ages, this is the Silicon Valley equivalent. The evening will be free flowing, 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: Nayaswami Asha

 

Related Events and Classes

How to Deepen Your Experience of AUM
Saturday, February 25, 10 am-1 pm, $30  Register 
Note: discounts do not apply to classes by visiting guest instructors.
This advanced class is for those who have previously learned and practiced the AUM technique. We’ll practice visualizations and meditations by Paramhansa Yogananda and Swami Kriyananda for going more deeply into the experience and expansiveness of AUM. (These techniques help us affirm and intuitively sense AUM throughout the body and beyond.) We’ll also learn ways for making AUM practice devotional during meditation and throughout the day. Lastly, we’ll end with a formal AUM meditation practice to incorporate the many things we’ve learned. Please bring your AUM board. Bharat is a guest instructor and Director for Ananda Meditation Support worldwide. He has been teaching and practicing meditation for 35 years.
Instructor: Nayaswami Bharat

 

Building Enthusiasm for Spiritual Practice
Saturday, April 28, 10 am–1 pm, $30   Register
It's like exercise, or eating well. We know we should do it, and we can for awhile; but how do we make it a joyful, lifelong habit? Let's explore together ways to keep our spiritual practices alive and inspired each day.  We're all unique, and we change over time; so variety, flexibility, and a sense of adventure are key. Expect to leave class enthused!
Instructor: Dambara Begley

 

Master image

Kriya Initiation and Renewal Ceremony
Saturday, March 31, 7-10 am, Kriyaban Meditation
6 pm, Kriya Initiation and Renewal Ceremony
Once each year, those who have received the sacred technique of Kriya from Ananda are invited to renew their vows in this beautiful evening ceremony in the sanctuary. This is also a initiation for those receiving Kriya for the first time. Wear white clothing, and bring a donation in an envelope, fruit, and a flower to offer at the altar.
Guided by Nayaswamis Asha and David Praver

 


Kriya Initiation

A Kriya initiation ceremony takes place monthly at Ananda Village in Nevada City, CA. For those already practicing Kriya, a Kriya renewal ceremony is offered once a year in the San Francisco Bay Area. Kriyabans may also attend the monthly initiations at Ananda Village. For more information about initiation or ongoing support for our Kriya practice, contact Chidambar (Rick) Bonin at (650) 941-9507.

“Kriya, controlling the mind directly through the life force, is the easiest, most effective, and most scientific avenue of approach to the Infinite. It may justly be called the ‘airplane route’ to God.”
—Paramhansa Yogananda

“Practice Kriya Yoga so deeply that breath becomes mind. For the breath is only a gross dream, from which you will awake someday in superconsciousness.”
—Paramhansa Yogananda

Those who have Kriya initiation with Ananda are invited to meditate and meet together for support and satsang. Each week includes time for energization, group meditation, and a period for questions and discussion about the kriya technique. The class will be led by Chidambar (Rick) Bonin, a lifelong meditator and a gifted meditation and Kriya coach in Palo Alto for 17 years.