“Daily meditation will lead you to the peace you’ve been seeking so long.
The peace of your soul awaits you at the center of your own being.”
—Swami Kriyananda

Learn to Meditate
classes in 2012

In just a few weeks, you can experience the benefits of meditation in your life—inner peace, health, and spiritual awakening. 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. A multi-week class series is offered each month on Thursdays evenings. If time doesn't permit you to attend the full series, you may come to a single 3-hour Saturday session.

Multi-week meditation classes

Feb 2–23	Thurs	7:30 pm	$60	Dr. Shanti	Register
Mar 8–29	Thurs	7:30 pm	$60	Graham Waldon	Register
Apr 5–26	Thurs	7:30 pm	$60	Steven Manus	Register
May 3–24	Thurs	7:30 pm	$60	Nirmoha	Register

Pay on-line and receive a 10% discount

Saturday meditation classes

While we recommend the multi-week series, a single Saturday morning session is also available for those with limited time.

February 18	10 am–1 pm	$30	Santosh LaMarche	Register
March 3	10 am–1 pm	$30	Santosh LaMarche	Register
April 14	10 am–1 pm	$30	Nirmoha Gladen	Register
May 12	10 am–1 pm	$30	Steven Manus	Register

Pay on-line and receive a 10% discount

Learn to Meditate
for inner peace, health, and as a profound spiritual practice

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. While its highest and original purpose is to help us awaken our inner, spiritual nature, the benefits to body and mind are well established by medical research.

Practiced on a daily basis, meditation produces profound results on all levels of your being—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. It connects you with your own inner powers of vitality, clarity, and love.

Ananda’s How to Meditate class will help you:

Reduce tension and stress at will.
Feel happier, more relaxed, and at peace with yourself.
Improve your health, mental clarity, and vitality.
Develop a more intuitive, heart-centered way of life.
Discover and explore your inner spiritual nature.

Whether you are interested in managing stress or in exploring the spiritual side of meditation, you will feel welcome. Small classes and experienced instructors provide a quality learning environment, with time for individual questions and in-depth exploration. Each class incudes guided and silent practice time.

See the schedule above and choose a class that's convenient for your calendar.

Ananda is located in Palo Alto on the Peninsula, just a few blocks south of Stanford University. We are a convenient drive from anywhere in the Silicon Valley, San Francisco, and San Jose. Driving directions.

Also offered: Meditation classes in Spanish
Meditación para Principiantes

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
Instructor for March 17: Liz Aguilar

February 4	Saturday	10 am–1 pm	$30	Register
March 17	Saturday	10 am–1 pm	$30	Register
April 5–26	Thursday	7:30 pm	$60	Register
May 3–24	Thursday	7:30 pm	$60	Register

Pay on-line and receive a 10% discount

More Meditation Opportunities

The Art & Science of Raja Yoga
Wednesdays, January 11-March 28, 6-9 pm
plus two Saturdays, Jan 28 & Mar 10, 9 am to noon
Cost: $350 includes all materials and the 450 page book, The Art and Science of Raja Yoga by Swami Kriyananda. Register
One of our most popular classes is this 12-week immersion, offered once each year. Raja Yoga encompasses all the different types of Yoga, including meditation, devotional practices, dispassionate discrimination and wisdom, as well as the physical postures well-known in the West. Raja Yoga offers a scientific approach to the spiritual life, with techniques for stilling the mind and expanding our awareness of spiritual realities. It offers techniques for self-mastery in every aspect of life, from calming turbulent emotions to awakening deep compassion and love for others. Ultimately, it is a well-explored pathway, walked by countless yogis and mystics, to union with God.

The teachings of Raja Yoga are compatible with the core teachings of all the great world religions, and devoted members of other faiths are also an active part of Ananda.

Each class begins at 6 pm with an hour of gentle hatha yoga postures tailored to meet the needs of the group, and a brief meditation. The remaining class time is devoted to discussion of Raja Yoga, and especially these areas of study:

Philosophy: Karma, chakras, Self-realization, kundalini, guru, attunement, astral worlds, the Yugas, astrology, devotion, and selfless service.
Hatha: Postures as a preparation for deep meditation.
Pranayama: Control the breath to harmonize, increase, and direct energy in the body. Learn how to reduce fatigue, depression, lack of mental clarity, and other stress-related illnesses through the practice of pranayama.
Meditation: Experience meditation as a powerful spiritual practice—a way to make God real in your life. Devotion, an understanding of our chakras, and the role of the guru are a part of that exploration.
Healing: Learn yoga practices to help relieve many conditions, including chronic pain, insomnia, high blood pressure, nervous disorders, weight problems, digestion, heart ailments, and stress.
Diet: Learn how food affects consciousness, and what types of food benefit your health and your spiritual life.
Main Instructors: Dambara Begley, Nayaswami Chidambar, Nirmoha Gladen, Saranya LaCosse, Steven Manus; plus several of Ananda’s best yoga teachers

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

Learn about advanced meditation classes.

Group meditations

Testimonials

“During the practice session, even though I was surrounded by other people, I felt alone, in a profound state of peace. It was a wonderful experience. I have a great deal of stress in my life, and this will be a significant help to me.”
—Susan H. Daly City

“This class has helped me immensely, both on a personal and a professional basis. I am amazed at the difference only a few weeks of meditation has made.”
—S. Donahue, Sunnyvale

“It was a very enlightening, calming, and awakening experience. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to find the inner peace within themselves.”
—Roop Uppal

“What a wonderful experience. After meditating alone daily for 11 years, it was great to be in a group and hear new explanations and ideas.”
—Randy Brown

“Enjoyable and calming. A wonderful combination of exercise, technique, and spirit.”
—Beth Locatelli

“The instructor is very well informed about meditation and a real pleasure to be with. He deals with questions in a very enthusiastic and compassionate way.”
—Jim Orr

“It’s like being given the right key that fits the door to your soul. Truly life inspiring!”
—L. Cowie, Saratoga

“This was a wonderful introduction to meditation. I have learned to go beyond my usual mental patterns. When I face negativity or challenges now, they seem more like a minor momentary distraction. I can continue evenly with my life. Bringing myself inward through meditation or chanting helps me see things from a much broader, universal standpoint.”
—Lydia H., San Jose

“An adventure into my inner self. This class is a spiritually uplifting experience, and a journey to self discovery.”
—Rose R., Fremont

“I talked, I listened, I laughed, I breathed. It was wonderful.”
—D. Calvert, Burlingame

“This is the most scientific, profound, and effective meditation workshop series that I have ever come across.”
—Amalendu Haldar, San Jose

“I have done meditation by myself for two years. I thought I knew what I was doing. This class taught be techniques, fundamentals, and attitudes that helped me get to a deeper state of realization.”
—Li Wang, Palo Alto

“This class taught me how to find respite in a hectic world. My daily life is much calmer and more peaceful now that I am practicing the techniques learned here. Thank you!”
—Julie Willard, Mountain View

Learn to Meditate
classes in 2012

Multi-week meditation classes

Saturday meditation classes

Learn to Meditate
for inner peace, health, and as a profound spiritual practice

Also offered: Meditation classes in Spanish
Meditación para Principiantes

More Meditation Opportunities

Testimonials

“During the practice session, even though I was surrounded by other people, I felt alone, in a profound state of peace. It was a wonderful experience. I have a great deal of stress in my life, and this will be a significant help to me.”
—Susan H. Daly City

“This class has helped me immensely, both on a personal and a professional basis. I am amazed at the difference only a few weeks of meditation has made.”
—S. Donahue, Sunnyvale

“It was a very enlightening, calming, and awakening experience. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to find the inner peace within themselves.”
—Roop Uppal

“What a wonderful experience. After meditating alone daily for 11 years, it was great to be in a group and hear new explanations and ideas.”
—Randy Brown

“Enjoyable and calming. A wonderful combination of exercise, technique, and spirit.”
—Beth Locatelli

“The instructor is very well informed about meditation and a real pleasure to be with. He deals with questions in a very enthusiastic and compassionate way.”
—Jim Orr

“It’s like being given the right key that fits the door to your soul. Truly life inspiring!”
—L. Cowie, Saratoga

“An adventure into my inner self. This class is a spiritually uplifting experience, and a journey to self discovery.”
—Rose R., Fremont

“I talked, I listened, I laughed, I breathed. It was wonderful.”
—D. Calvert, Burlingame

“This is the most scientific, profound, and effective meditation workshop series that I have ever come across.”
—Amalendu Haldar, San Jose

“I have done meditation by myself for two years. I thought I knew what I was doing. This class taught be techniques, fundamentals, and attitudes that helped me get to a deeper state of realization.”
—Li Wang, Palo Alto

“This class taught me how to find respite in a hectic world. My daily life is much calmer and more peaceful now that I am practicing the techniques learned here. Thank you!”
—Julie Willard, Mountain View

“A thoroughly fun and exciting class. You must try it!”
—Siddharth Raghuraman

“No matter how hard my day was before the class, afterwards, I always left feeling great.”
—C.B. Stanford

Learn to Meditate classes in 2012

Multi-week meditation classes

Saturday meditation classes

Learn to Meditate for inner peace, health, and as a profound spiritual practice

Also offered: Meditation classes in Spanish Meditación para Principiantes

More Meditation Opportunities

Testimonials

“During the practice session, even though I was surrounded by other people, I felt alone, in a profound state of peace. It was a wonderful experience. I have a great deal of stress in my life, and this will be a significant help to me.” —Susan H. Daly City

“This class has helped me immensely, both on a personal and a professional basis. I am amazed at the difference only a few weeks of meditation has made.” —S. Donahue, Sunnyvale

“It was a very enlightening, calming, and awakening experience. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to find the inner peace within themselves.” —Roop Uppal

“What a wonderful experience. After meditating alone daily for 11 years, it was great to be in a group and hear new explanations and ideas.” —Randy Brown

“Enjoyable and calming. A wonderful combination of exercise, technique, and spirit.” —Beth Locatelli

“The instructor is very well informed about meditation and a real pleasure to be with. He deals with questions in a very enthusiastic and compassionate way.” —Jim Orr

“It’s like being given the right key that fits the door to your soul. Truly life inspiring!” —L. Cowie, Saratoga

“An adventure into my inner self. This class is a spiritually uplifting experience, and a journey to self discovery.” —Rose R., Fremont

“I talked, I listened, I laughed, I breathed. It was wonderful.” —D. Calvert, Burlingame

“This is the most scientific, profound, and effective meditation workshop series that I have ever come across.” —Amalendu Haldar, San Jose

“I have done meditation by myself for two years. I thought I knew what I was doing. This class taught be techniques, fundamentals, and attitudes that helped me get to a deeper state of realization.” —Li Wang, Palo Alto

“This class taught me how to find respite in a hectic world. My daily life is much calmer and more peaceful now that I am practicing the techniques learned here. Thank you!” —Julie Willard, Mountain View

“A thoroughly fun and exciting class. You must try it!” —Siddharth Raghuraman

“No matter how hard my day was before the class, afterwards, I always left feeling great.” —C.B. Stanford

Learn to Meditate
classes in 2012

Learn to Meditate
for inner peace, health, and as a profound spiritual practice

Also offered: Meditation classes in Spanish
Meditación para Principiantes

“During the practice session, even though I was surrounded by other people, I felt alone, in a profound state of peace. It was a wonderful experience. I have a great deal of stress in my life, and this will be a significant help to me.”
—Susan H. Daly City

“This class has helped me immensely, both on a personal and a professional basis. I am amazed at the difference only a few weeks of meditation has made.”
—S. Donahue, Sunnyvale

“It was a very enlightening, calming, and awakening experience. I would recommend it to anyone wanting to find the inner peace within themselves.”
—Roop Uppal

“What a wonderful experience. After meditating alone daily for 11 years, it was great to be in a group and hear new explanations and ideas.”
—Randy Brown

“Enjoyable and calming. A wonderful combination of exercise, technique, and spirit.”
—Beth Locatelli

“The instructor is very well informed about meditation and a real pleasure to be with. He deals with questions in a very enthusiastic and compassionate way.”
—Jim Orr

“It’s like being given the right key that fits the door to your soul. Truly life inspiring!”
—L. Cowie, Saratoga

“An adventure into my inner self. This class is a spiritually uplifting experience, and a journey to self discovery.”
—Rose R., Fremont

“I talked, I listened, I laughed, I breathed. It was wonderful.”
—D. Calvert, Burlingame

“This is the most scientific, profound, and effective meditation workshop series that I have ever come across.”
—Amalendu Haldar, San Jose

“I have done meditation by myself for two years. I thought I knew what I was doing. This class taught be techniques, fundamentals, and attitudes that helped me get to a deeper state of realization.”
—Li Wang, Palo Alto

“This class taught me how to find respite in a hectic world. My daily life is much calmer and more peaceful now that I am practicing the techniques learned here. Thank you!”
—Julie Willard, Mountain View

“A thoroughly fun and exciting class. You must try it!”
—Siddharth Raghuraman

“No matter how hard my day was before the class, afterwards, I always left feeling great.”
—C.B. Stanford