Ministers and lightbearers

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.
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.
Joe 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.
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.
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.
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.
Tushti Conti recently move from the Ananda Community in Seattle to co-manage East West bookshop with her husband James. With a background in nursing and holistic healing, she is gifted in teaching the healing aspects of yoga.
Surendra Conti and his wife Tricia are co-managers of Ananda’s East West Bookshop. A freelance writer for over 30 years, James has turned his love for creativity into a spiritual practice. He shares the joys of this practice in his class Writing With Spirit.

The above people are Ministers and Lightbearers. Those listed below are Ministers.
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.
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.
Linda Diane serves as an administrator for the Sangha. She spent 30 years in high-tech electronics, raising 3 children as a single mother. Her passion is creating beautiful and welcoming environments for the special events held at Ananda.
Patrick Mahoney graces the mandir regularly with his clear tenor voice. He is a frequent soloist, directs the choir, leads special musical programs, and gives private singing lessons. He is also a skilled builder and studio engineer, crafting beautiful new recordings of Kriyananda’s music.
Clare Mahoney helps organize and direct many of our musical and artistic presentations. Her special contribution is in dance and choreography.
Ramani Peterson was co-director of the Ananda Center in Berkeley, CA for 13 years where she taught yoga and meditation classes before moving to Palo Alto in 2001. She also loves teaching science and yoga in the Living Wisdom School.
Richard Salva is author of the book Soul Journey from Lincoln to Lindbergh. He lectures on reincarnation and yoga philosophy, and has appeared on national radio.