“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
Exploring Yoga at Ananda
Physical postures & ancient teachings of Self-realization
We are pleased to announce the opening of our new Ananda Yoga Center, with a full schedule of drop-in yoga postures classes and workshops. (See the calendar below). Palo Alto’s newest yoga studio offers natural light, hardwood floors, high ceilings—a beautiful place for the practice of yoga.
Yoga postures are the most well-known aspect of the ancient science of Raja Yoga, a comprehensive and scientific approach to the spiritual life, with techniques for stilling the mind, calming turbulent emotions, and awakening deep compassion. Ananda’s winter Raja Yoga series is our most popular program. Classes in various aspects of Raja Yoga are available year-round.
Yoga postures: drop-in class calendar
Ananda Yoga combines the best of a revitalizing workout with a gentle inward approach that leaves you feeling mentally rejuvenated and peaceful.
The Ananda Yoga system uses classic Hatha Yoga postures to redirect the 
body’s energy inward for the development of greater awareness, and as a preparation for meditation.
All of our instructors are both yoga postures experts as well as longtime meditators. One of the unique features of Ananda Yoga is the use of affirmations with each pose to enhance the mental, spiritual, and physical benefits. Classes are suitable for all levels of skill, from beginner to advanced, unless noted.
Beginners: students new to Yoga; you'll learn the basic poses and modifications.
Level 1: students with at least 3 months experience or for those who enjoy a gentler class.
Level 2: for intermediate & advanced students with emphasis on strength, stamina, breath and mindfulness. Note: all poses can be modified to your physical condition. Sessions end with chanting and a 15-minute meditation.
Kids Yoga: for children ages 9 and up
| SUN | MON | TUE | WED | THU | FRI |
| Level 1-2 7-8 am 8:30–9:45 am 10:30–11:45 am Doug |
Level 1-2 7-8 am Susan |
Level 1-2 Level 1-2 |
Level 1-2 |
Level 1-2 Level 1-2 |
|
| Beginner noon–1 pm Nirmoha |
Beginner noon–1 pm Nirmoha |
||||
|
Level 2 w/med. 6-7:15 pm Tushti |
Level 1-2 4:30–5:45 pm Lisa Restorative Yoga 7-8:15 pm Susan |
Kids Yoga 3:30–4:30 Lisa (4 weeks) Level 1-2 6-7:15 pm Barbara |
Level 1-2 6-7:15 pm Tushti |
Yoga drop-in class fees
To celebrate the opening of the beautiful new yoga center, these are the reduced rates for May–July, 2009:
Drop in $10.00 per class
5 class card $45.00
10 class card $85.00
For beginners to yoga postures
- Avoid eating for an hour before class
- Wear comfortable clothing
- You’ll need a mat. You can bring your own, purchase one at Ananda, or rent one for the session for $1.
- Please talk with the instructor before class if you have had a recent injury or if you are pregnant.
Yoga postures workshops
"The atmosphere is relaxed and nurturing, and the expectations are clear. This truly is yoga from the heart."
—Y.R. Berkeley, CA
Ananda Yoga workshops are usually on Saturday mornings, and allow more time for a specific area of study.
Ananda Yoga Hip Opener
Saturday, July 11, 9–11 am, $30 Register
This class will focus on the freeing of the hips for more comfortable movement. We will be doing standing hip openers with balances, flow, a series of supine openers leading to a longer hold of pigeon, and ending with restorative postures. (Level 1–2)
Instructor: Susan Brochin
Ananda Yoga Sadhana
Saturday, September 19, 10 am-1 pm, $30 Register
Learn a sequence of yoga postures designed to give you a balanced foundation for your sadhana (spiritual practices). You can adapt this sequence to your level of skill and time available. Generate a soothing flow of inner energy. Learn how to lift the energy gently upward and focus it at the spiritual eye to maximize the transforming effect. Deeply relaxing and rejuvenating.
Instructor: Barbara Fiesterman
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 bookshop so we can greet you and direct you to the right classroom. The bookshop 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.
More drop-in yoga postures nearby
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
