“With a strong lens the sun’s rays, focused through it, can ignite wood.
Yoga practice, similarly, so concentrates the mind that the curtain of doubt and uncertainty is burned away, and the light of inner truth becomes manifest.”
—Paramhansa Yogananda
Yoga philosophy—pathway to God
Most people think of Yoga as physical postures. But Yoga is far more. Raja Yoga is one of the seven schools of Indian philosophy and has been taught for millennia. It 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.
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.
The teachings are Raja Yoga are compatible with the core teachings of all the great world religions, and many devoted members of other faiths are also an active part of Ananda.
Upcoming classes
The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita
Guidebook for Right Living
Tuesdays, May 6, 13, & 27, June 3, 10 & 24, August 5, 19, 26 and September 2–30, 7:30 pm, $70 for 8 weeks, Register
or $10 per class
A study course based on The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita, explained by Paramhansa Yogananda, as Remembered by His Disciple, Swami Kriyananda
The whole of the Bhagavad Gita can be read in an afternoon. To absorb its 
wisdom, however, is the task of a lifetime—many lifetimes, in fact. Yogananda’s explanation, however, makes the task easier. It is the “airplane route” to understanding the Gita. “Millions will find God through this work,” Yogananda declared. “Not just thousands: millions! I have seen it. I know!”
This commentary is thoroughly modern in language and content, with examples from life as we know it now. Yogananda does not dismiss the material world as merely an illusion, the way some teachers do. All parts of human nature need to be developed—physical and mental as well as spiritual—or lacks in one area may obstruct progress in others. Yogananda shows how the Gita can and should be applied to all levels of reality.
The commentary is deep so we’ll move slowly, about 10 pages a week. This is just Part I in a series. It will take several courses to cover the whole book.
The story behind the story
The Gita is one small section of a much larger epic called the Mahabharata. It is the story of war between cousins. The two families represent our inner
qualities; the field of battle is our own consciousness.
Who dies?
The allegory is war. It is kill or be killed. Even Arjuna, the great hero of the Mahabharata, hesitates. The Gita is Krishna’s response. Civilizations rise and fall, but the task for man is ever the same: to realize God within himself.
Passage to freedom
Chakras, kundalini, the hidden workings of karma, the need for guru’s grace. Esoteric secrets of spiritual success. Hidden pitfalls to the soul’s progress. All are contained (and explained) within the Gita.
That which was hidden can now be revealed
Eternal truth is never out of date. From time to time, though, the expression of that truth needs to be renewed. To Yogananda was given the divine task of reinterpreting this ancient scripture for modern times.
Instructor: Asha Praver
The Chakras: Roadmap to Self-Realization
Saturday, May 31, 10 am–1 pm, $30 Register
The chakras are the transfer point between your soul and your physical body. All our past experiences and your karma is stored in the chakras. Understand how this energy can be changed and harmonized in the body so that you may live your life in tune with your highest aspirations. Even if you have studied the chakras, you find Asha's inspiration will renew your appreciation of this fascinating spiritual energy system.
Instructor: Asha Praver
Living With Spirit—Young Adult Raja Yoga Intensive
June 15-28, 2008 at Ananda Village; Ages 18-31
This program is guided by young adults who have practiced the ideals and techniques of Raja Yoga for many years, since childhood. Join them for two energizing weeks of meditation, yoga, spiritual community, vegetarian cooking, service, and adventure. Come explore your soul potential in the gorgeous Sierra Nevada foothills of California at one of the longest lasting spiritual communities existing today. For more details, please visit www.livingwithspiritprogram.com
The Art and Science of Raja Yoga
Meets for 14 weeks, January through March in 2009, Wednesdays, 6–9 pm, plus two Saturdays, 9 am–noon (dates will be available by Fall, 2008).
Hatha yoga session, 6 pm–7:15 pm
Philosophy and discussion, 7:30 pm–9 pm
$325 includes all materials and the 450 page book, “The Art and Science of Raja Yoga by Swami Kriyananda.“ Register
For anyone who wants to understand Yoga—and life—more deeply. Once each year, you can immerse in a 12-week intensive in meditation, yoga postures, and the science of spiritual awakening—the central teachings and philosophy of Yoga. Form deep, spiritually based friendships as you work together as a group to explore the many facets of Yoga.
“Over 14 days, I learned what I was looking for the last 14 years.”
—Doug M., Mountain View
“This series is an enriching life experience and comprehensive overview of the science of Yoga. It’s also a wonderful bonding experience—great to be with the same group of people over 14 weeks. The three instructors are phenomenal; each one brings something different to the training. My only regret was that it was too short.”
—Brenda LaCosse, Fremont
Philosophy
Principles of yoga are scientific and eternal. They are not dependent on human belief or dogma, but perceived by introspection and experiment. We'll explore Yogic concepts including karma, chakras, Self-realization, kundalini, guru, attunement, astral worlds, astrology, devotion, and selfless service.
Hatha Yoga
Ananda's approach to yoga postures is as a preparation for meditation. This is the original purpose of yoga, though it has become popular in the West for its many health benefits. Ananda Yoga brings greater awareness of our emotional, mental, and spiritual nature, as well as benefits to health. The approach is gentle and sensitive to your current physical condition.
Pranayama
Learn to use the breath to harmonize, increase, and direct your energy. Fatigue, depression, lack of mental clarity, and other stress related illnesses are greatly improved through therapeutic breathing exercises.
Meditation
Group practice guided by long-time meditators gives power to your personal practice. There is more to meditation than concentration, breathing, and states of calmness. Begin to experience meditation as a powerful spiritual practice—as 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
Ancient yogic methods can bring immediate results, even to long-standing conditions. You'll lean yoga practices for nervous disorders, weight problems, digestion, heart ailments, sexual issues, insomnia, and more.
Diet
The yogic approach to diet is, “How does food affect consciousness?” Different foods have different vibrations, depending on the life force in the food itself, the consciousness of the person who prepared it, and the attitude of the one who eats it.
Instructors: Joe Begley, Tyagini Clark, and Rick Bonin
Visit Meditation to learn more about our extensive meditation class schedule.
Yoga postures classes
"The atmosphere is relaxed and nurturing, and the expectations are clear. This truly is yoga from the heart."
—Y.R. Berkeley, CA
Ananda Yoga is a gentle, rather than an aerobic, form of hatha yoga. It is suitable for all ages and body types. Ananda Yoga releases stress, relaxes the body, and helps redirect energy inward to expand and elevate consciousness. Itis physically and spiritually revitalizing, an invaluable aid for those who also practice meditation. A unique feature of Ananda Yoga is the use of affirmations with each pose to further enhance the mental, spiritual, and physical benefits. Classes are suitable for all levels of skill, from beginner to advanced, unless noted.
Ananda Yoga & Devotion
Saturday, May 10, 9–11 am, $20 Register
Different postures emphasize different states of consciousness. This yoga session gives special emphasis to those postures that open the heart, increase the flow of energy there, and make one more receptiveto the inflow of Spirit.
Instructor: Joe Begley
Ananda Yoga & Chakras
Saturday, July 12, 9 am–noon, $25 Register
Understand and experience the characteristic of each chakra. Learn how specific postures affect each chakra and how to harmonize and strengthen the energy in each one. This is a deeper level of practice, suitable, however, for all levels of skill. It is based on concentration and focus, rather than flexibility or physical strength.
Instructor: Ramani Peterson
Restorative Ananda Yoga
Saturday, August 9, 9 am–11 am, $20 Register
Restorative yoga is ideal for those with intermittent or chronic physical tension and pain. This type of practice is unique in that there is no effort. You rest supported by pillows and folded blankets in poses designed to open the areas of the body where most tensions are stored.
Instructor: Susan Brochin
Ananda Yoga & Devotion
Saturday, September 20, 9 am–noon, $25 Register
Different postures emphasize different states of consciousness. This yoga session gives special emphasis to those postures that open the heart, increase the flow of energy there, and make one more receptive to the inflow of spirit.
Instructor: Tushti Conti
Drop-in yoga postures - ongoing
at East West Bookshop in Mountain View
Instructor: Camella Nair
Classes: Wednesdays from 5:30-6:45 pm
$12 per class; Six classes: $60; Ten classes: $95
Drop-ins are welcome
Classes take place in the large classroom in the back of the store near the gallery. Bring a yoga mat or blanket and wear comfortable clothing. You may wish to call the store, just to confirm that instruction will be taking place the day you are planning to come; sometimes holidays and special events result in a schedule change.
East West Bookshop, 324 Castro Street, Mountain View, (650) 988-980 Directions
How to find us:
Nearly all of our classes and events take place at the Temple in Palo Alto, except for a very few which take place at the Ananda Community in Mountain View (those are specially noted, so you’ll know).
Directions to Ananda Temple in Palo Alto.
Directions to Ananda Community in Mountain View.
When you come to a class or event at the Temple, even if you registered ahead of time, please sign in at the gift shop so we can greet you and direct you to the right classroom. The gift shop is located in a one-story building just behind the main sanctuary (enter through the sliding-glass door). Map of Ananda Temple grounds.
You may pay and/or register for classes and events. Payments are processed In a secure manner through PayPal. Fees shown are for an entire series unless indicated otherwise. If you need to miss a class in a series, an audio recording is available.
