The Path of Self Realization
A Holistic Approach to Spiritual Living
The Path of Self Realization as taught by Paramhansa Yogananda offers a holistic approach that integrates spirituality and the search for God into all aspects of everyday life. At Ananda, we strive to express this integration through all that we share.
We offer classes and activities centered around the various aspects of living the teachings of Yoga. The following are the broad categories:
Meditation
Calm stillness born of meditation is the foundation of one’s inner life on the yogic path. The meditation techniques taught at Ananda are part of the tradition of Kriya yoga, an advanced meditation technique brought to the west by Paramhansa Yogananda
See upcoming classes on meditation and kriya yoga here
Yoga Postures
Ananda Yoga offers an inward approach to revitalize the body, mind and soul by the use of affirmations and by deepening awareness of energy flows in the body.
Complete listing of yoga classes here
Subtle Realities
Understanding of subtler realities such as chakras and kundalini, and their correlation to the principles of karma and reincarnation are an essential part of living the yogic teachings.
Complete listing of yoga classes here
SELF INtegration
The ego is our limited identity and the goal of the spiritual path is ego transcendence. Understanding the role of our subconscious mind, and overcoming negative emotions is an essential step in allowing our spirituality to blossom from the inside out.
Scriptural study
Yogananda taught from the scriptures of east and the west - especially, The Bhagavad Gita and The Bible. Study of these timeless scriptures shines light on the eternal truth and wisdom that we all seek
Health & Healing
True healing occurs when the body and mind are in alignment with the soul. By realizing our essential reality as pure divine energy, we can both heal ourselves and channel this healing energy to others in need.
Monthly healing prayers offered on the last Sunday of each month
Right Living
A spiritual life does not require complete renunciation of the world. Instead it helps us harmonize all aspects of our life based on higher ideals and in attunement with God. This includes relationships, career, building financial security, and success in all righteous pursuits.
DEVOTION
Everything in the universe responds to love. Devotion is the cultivation of the heart’s natural love towards the divine. By constant remembrance of God, one learns to see him in everything. Yogananda recommended music and chanting as the most powerful tools to develop devotion.
Selfless Service (Seva)
The path to liberation combines meditation and service. By selflessly offering our energy in service to others, we allow God to flow through us and loosen the grip of ego.
Ananda palo alto offers many volunteer opportunities to serve this spiritual work. Contact us if you would like to participate.
Community (Satsang)
Yogananda famously said, “Environment is stronger than will power.” The fellowship of other truth seekers is one of the fastest ways to grow spiritually. Hence it was Yogananda’s long time dream to establish world brotherhood communities where devotees could live and serve together. Swami Kriyananda fulfilled his vision by creating 9 such communities worldwide.
Ananda’s residential community in Mountain View provides uplifting apartment spaces for devotees to live in such a harmonious community setting. Find out more here.