Sunday service at Ananda

— All are welcome —

Sunday Service, 10–11:30 am
& Sunday School for children 3–7

Meditation, 9–9:45 am

Each of us has a calm joyful center, deep within. It may get lost in the hectic pace of life today, but it is there, waiting patiently for us. Sunday worship at Ananda helps us get back in touch with that center once again—whether it be called the soul, the Self, or God.

Minister Asha Praver (right) gives services most Sundays with her characteristic clarity, wisdom, and humor.

The Sunday worship service at Ananda is inspired by the meditation tradition of the East and the ancient teachings of mystical Christianity, with inspirational readings from both the Bible and the Bhagavad Gita. Service includes music, group chanting and meditation, an inspirational talk drawn from the writings of Paramhansa Yogananda, and a unique blessing ceremony called the Festival of Light.

Before service begins at 10 am, you are welcome to a period of silent meditation from 9 to 9:45 am. Those who wish can also participate in a ceremony of individual prayer for freedom or clarity about a personal challenge, called the Purification Ceremony. You may offer that prayer at the altar and receive a blessing from one of the ministers.

Our hearts and our sanctuary are open to people of all faiths, races, orientations, truth-seekers, people exploring meditation for the first time, and anyone who seeks a deeper understanding of the meaning and purpose of life.

After Service, you are invited to meet the ministers and others in the congregation over bagels and drinks, usually outdoors in the Temple courtyard.

“During the service, I experienced a wonderful peace and stillness, such as I have only read about, and until then, felt was only attainable by the great saints. It was a tangible experience of God’s presence in my life. You have taught me how to find God within, and have been truly divine friends along the way. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”
—J.N. Mountain View

 

Families welcome

Sunday school meets from 10 to 11:30 am and is available for children ages 3-7. Each week the children experience some age-appropriate aspect of Yogananda's teachings which may include chanting, yoga postures, energization exercises, meditation, stories of inspiration and devotion, art, song, or play.

 

Parents with babies watch service on a closed-circuit TV in a classroom near the Temple. Babies and Sunday school children are welcome in the Temple during the blessing ceremony that takes place during the last 10 minutes of service.

 

 

Bringing Spirit into every aspect of your life

“Spiritual practice doesn’t end when one leaves the silence of the church, temple, or meditation room,” writes Ananda's founder, Swami Kriyananda. “At Ananda, no separation exists between spiritual priorities and the practical demands of everyday life. Rightly understood, every situation, no matter how ordinary or how difficult, is another opportunity for offering devotion and a spirit of service to God.”

 

Joyful, inspiring music

Inspiring, joyful, and profound—Ananda music is a powerful part of the Sunday morning worship. A small sampling:

I Am the Bubble, Make Me the Sea (chant)
O God Beautiful (chant)

Emerald Isle (instrumental)

Farther Away Than the Stars (vocal, Swami Kriyananda)

Come Gather ‘Round (vocal, Ananda Joy Singers)
Looking for a Friend (vocal, Ananda Joy Singers)
Praise Ye the Lord (vocal, Ananda Joy Singers)

 

An ancient spiritual tradition

Ananda is not a new teaching, but rather a new expression of ancient truths. Ananda is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, one of India's great saints and author of the spiritual classic, Autobiography of a Yogi. His direct disciple, Swami Kriyananda, founded Ananda in 1968. These teachings have been passed down in unbroken lineage from guru to disciple since the beginnings of Yoga.

 

A worldwide community of friends

Ananda is more than a place to come on Sunday morning. It’s people around the world who are connected in aspiration and in joyful celebration of the spiritual life. Ananda centers can be found in India, Italy, and many parts of the United States.

“As a wanderer of the world, I have seen God in Nature in the far corners of the earth, I met him high in the Andes and he gently touched me in the depression of the Dead Sea. At Ananda, in a guided journey inside myself, He finally smiled at me and revealed Himself.”
—Mario Maria, Rome

“Asha has an incredible ability to explain the teachings so clearly — it’s really a joy to listen to her. I love to listen to her Sunday services and I’m now listening over and over again the new audio classes online. God bless you.”
—Gregor L., Slovenia