“The goal of yoga science is to calm the mind,
that without distortion it may mirror the divine vision in the universe.”
—Paramhansa Yogananda
What is Raja Yoga?
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. It is considered a complete spiritual path in itself. In India, where it originated perhaps thousands of years ago, it is referred to as Yoga, one of the six orthodox schools of Indian philosophy. It's ultimate goal is union with God, or Self-realization.
Raja Yoga classes
through May, 2012
The Art and Science of Raja Yoga
Wednesdays, January 11–March28, 2012, 6–9 pm
plus two Saturdays, Jan 28 & Mar 10, 2012, 9 am–noon
Hatha yoga session, 6 pm–7:15 pm
Philosophy and discussion, 7:30 pm–9 pm
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. 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 will best benefit your health and your spiritual life. Enjoying delicious food and sharing helpful recipes will be an integral part of the class.
Main Instructors: Dambara Begley, Steven Manus, Nirmoha Gladen, Chidambara Bonin, Saranya LaCosse; plus several of Ananda’s best yoga teachers.
Pray and God Will Answer
Saturday, February 11, 10 am-1 pm $30 Register
What is the best way to pray? What form of God attracts you—Mother, Father, guru, angel, saint? What if there is no response? How do you know God is listening? Certain attitudes bring you closer to God, others hold God at a distance. Learn to overcome doubt and mistrust, to pray with the power of a saint and the faith of a child.
Instructor: Nayaswami Asha
Discussion Group for Disciples
Mondays, February 13–27, March 12–26, April 9–30, May 14–28, 7:30 pm
Meets at Chela Bhavan House in the Ananda Community Directions
for disciples only, free
Being initiated as a disciple is just the first step to becoming a disciple. You set your intention, you make your commitment, then you have to figure out what it means and how to do it. It’s like the difference between a wedding and a marriage. A wedding is where you start. A marriage is what you end up with after a lifetime of selfless loving. The class will be free-flowing, though, allowing us to talk frankly and deeply about the real-life challenges of living up to the commitment we have made. Above all, we’ll talk about how to form a living, loving, moment-to-moment relationship with God and Guru.
Instructor: Nayaswami Asha
Paramhansa Yogananda: Walking in the Footsteps of the Master
Tuesdays, February 14-28, 7:30 pm, (and ongoing) $15/class 
$15 for a single class Register
$60 for 4 consecutive classes Register
Now, a new biography of Paramhansa Yogananda allows us to know the Master in a way not possible before. First-hand reminiscences show him to us as avatar, teacher, friend, and guide. Above all, studying this book, tells us how to walk the path the Master himself has walked, from ego-bondage to soul-freedom. We’ll start with Chapter 17: Yogananda’s Salient Characteristics. Carefully studying each of these 30 defining features of the Master gives us an infallible roadmap for self-transformation. In this series, we’ll also explore:
• Who was Yogananda? Past incarnations of world-changing importance give insight into the avatar’s life and mission this time
• What is Dwapara Yuga? Yogananda has come to help shift the consciousness of the whole planet
• How do I relate to Yogananda? “To all those who think me near, I will be near,” Yogananda promised.
• Do I have a part to play in Yogananda’s mission? Many souls incarnated now have been with Yogananda before.
This new biography by Swami Kriyananda will be available in late January.
Instructor: Nayaswami Asha
How to Know and Trust Your Inner Guidance
Saturday, March 3, 10 am-1 pm, $30 Register
Beyond wishful thinking, imagination, or channeling, true inner guidance is calm, centered knowing. But sometimes fears and conflicting desires obscure the truth. Learn to still your mind and open your heart to the whispers of guidance that are freely available to you. Learn specific, proven techniques for drawing inner guidance, and testing its validity in your life. Discover who you really are, and all you are meant to become Topics include:
- How to ask for guidance.
- How to tell true guidance from imagination.
- Develop courage to face the unknown.
- Calming the heart-techniques for increasing your intuitive powers.
Instructor: 
Kriya Initiation and Renewal Ceremony
Kriyaban Meditation, Saturday, March 31, 7-10 am
Kriya Initiation and Renewal Ceremony, 6 pm
Once each year, those who have received the sacred technique of Kriya from Ananda are invited to renew their vows in this beautiful evening ceremony in the sanctuary. This is also a initiation for those receiving Kriya for the first time. Wear white clothing, and bring a donation in an envelope, fruit, and a flower to offer at the altar.
Guided by Nayaswamis Asha and David Praver
The Amazing Subconscious Mind: Friend or Foe?
Saturday, April 21, 10 am-1 pm $30 Register
Nothing escapes your subconscious mind. It records and retains everything about you…forever! Even your past-life tendencies and traits are stored in its deep recesses, ready to re-deploy as habit allows. Your subconscious mind can lead you to repeat the same wearisome mistakes. Or, with awareness and effort, you can re-train it to serve you wisely and well. You made it what it is, and you can change it, not by force, but with loving care. Join Asha for insightful, inspiring ways to turn this frequent foe into a friend for life.
Instructor: Nayaswami Asha
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
Mystical Teaching of the Bible for Yogis
Saturday, May 5, 10 am-1 pm, $30 Register
Curious about the different interpretations of the Bible? 
How does yogic mystical teaching relate to the more conventional approaches? Or maybe you would like more clarity in dealing with friends or relatives who may try to impose upon you an understanding different from your own? Would you like to integrate the upbringing you had with the Bible with your present spiritual understanding? Possibly you would like a greater familiarity with the content of the Bible—a broader education for inspiration and understanding? Explore these questions with Nirmoha, who has a Master’s Degree in this topic and 16 years as a Lutheran minister before becoming ordained at Ananda.
Instructor: Nirmoha Gladen
A Divine Romance
Saturday, May 12, 10 am-1 pm, $30 Register
True love is an aspect of God. In Swami Kriyananda’s words, “not personal love, but Love infinite … all absorbing and infinitely comforting. It is utterly untainted by selfish desire”. This class will focus on ways of seeking and finding that place in us where true love reigns; where fears are calmed, thoughts are focused, the heart opens, and healing happens.
Instructor: Dr. Shanti Rubenstone
Learn more about meditation training at Ananda
How to find us
Map of Ananda grounds, so you can easily find your way around once you arrive.
Even if you registered ahead of time, please stop by the Teaching Center to sign in, so we can greet you and direct you to the right classroom. The Teaching Center is located just behind the large temple on El Camino. Enter the courtyard from College, and the building will be on your right. If it's your first time, you may appreciate having the Ananda grounds map handy.
Occasionally, a class or event takes place at Ananda Community, just a few miles south of the Temple and Teaching Center. You'll see a special mention of it in the description. Directions to Ananda Community
