Sangha of Palo Alto. The time for knowing God has come. Paramhansa Y O G A N A N D A. Fall-Winter Joy is Within You

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1 Ananda Sangha of Palo Alto The time for knowing God has come. Paramhansa Y O G A N A N D A Fall-Winter 2009 Joy is Within You

2 To do yoga just for the exercise, or to meditate just to lower your blood pressure, is like buying a beautiful new home and then living on the porch. It may be nicer than where you were before, but why not go inside? The whole place is yours! Yours, for the asking. No dogma. No institution. No priestly intercession required. The power of Self-transformation is inherent in the practices. It is yours for the asking. Why content yourself with less? 2

3 joy The spiritual journey begins at the point where you are now standing. Your next step is wherever your heart guides you to move. There is no single, right way that everyone must follow. There are obvious starting and ending points, and milestones along the way, but the path is not linear. spiritual journey It is not a mere gathering of information. It is spiraling inward to the center of your own being. It is not, however, a journey into the unknown. Many great souls have walked this way before you and have blazed a trail of wisdom that you can follow. You have to make the journey yourself, but you need not walk alone. like-minded friends 3

4 Credo for Truthseekers May the Divine Light awaken and purify my heart, and bring enlightenment to all beings. I keep myself in readiness to perceive the truth no matter what garb it wears. Fearlessly, I accept the truth, knowing that, at the heart of everything, God s truth is always good. I welcome everything that comes to me as an opportunity for further growth. In the calm mirror of my understanding I behold Thy light reflected. Ananda is a place where an ancient spiritual lineage takes visible ancient form. In the blessings of the Masters, In the companionship of like-minded friends, In a technique of self-mastery called Kriya Yoga. blessings O Infinite Spirit, keep my mind and heart open to the wisdom guidance of my soul. Guide me, that in all things I know Thy will. Keep me steadfast on my path, Lord. My goal in life is union with Thy Infinite Bliss. 4

5 Blessings of the Masters Babaji Babaji s spiritual state is beyond human comprehension. The dwarfed vision of men cannot pierce to his transcendental star. He can be seen or recognized by others only when he so desires. But whenever anyone utters with reverence the name of Babaji, that devotee attracts an instant spiritual blessing." Jesus Babaji is in constant communion with Christ; together they send out vibrations of redemption, and have planned the spiritual technique of salvation for this age. The work of these two fully-illumined masters is to inspire the nations to forsake suicidal wars, race hatreds, religious sectarianism, and the boomerang-evils of materialism. Lahiri Mahasaya ( ) The silent spiritual awakenings he effected, the Christ-like disciples he fashioned, are his imperishable miracles At first I [Yogananda] grieved that Lahiri was no longer physically living. As I began to discover his secret omnipresence, I lamented no more. Sri Yukteswar ( ) He fitted the Vedic definition of a man of God, Softer than the flower, where kindness is concerned; stronger than the thunder, where principles are at stake. He taught by sublimity of example alone the measure of a true man. Paramhansa Yogananda ( ) The vibration of many spiritually seeking souls come floodlike to me from the West, I [Babaji] perceive potential saints in America and Europe, waiting to be awakened. To Yogananda he said, You are the one I have chosen to spread the message of Kriya Yoga in the West. Swami Kriyananda Swami Kriyananda (1926- ) Direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda Founder and Dharmacharya of Ananda Sangha worldwide dharma = right action; that which expands consciousness acharya = teacher From the time he became a disciple in 1948, at the age of 22, Swami Kriyananda has devoted his life to spreading his guru s teachings of Self-realization and Kriya Yoga. His music and books are distributed in 90 countries, in 26 different languages, and have sold nearly 3 million copies worldwide. He has founded eight spiritual communities, based on Yogananda s teachings, including three retreats, and four schools for children. Above all, Swamiji has inspired and guided others through his example of discipleship, and the expansive power of his consciousness. The greater the Self-realization of a man, Yogananda says, the more he influences the whole universe by his subtle spiritual vibrations. About his life and accomplishments, Swamiji says, I ve had two desires in my life. The first is to find God; the second is to help others to find Him. Nothing that I have done is important except to the extent that it has helped people individually in their love for God. That is all that matters. All quotes are from Autobiography of a Yogi. 5

6 Like-Minded Friends "May Thy love shine forever on the sanctuary of our devotion, and may we be able to awaken Thy love in all hearts." Sunday Satsang 10 am satsang = fellowship with truth; a gathering of truthseekers Meditation & Fire Ceremony 9 am Chanting Ever-new joy is evidence of God s existence, convincing to our very atoms. Meditation Even the yoga-beginner soon inwardly hears the wondrous sound of AUM. Receiving this blissful spiritual encouragement, the devotee becomes assured that he is in actual touch with divine realms. Fire Ceremony No barrier exists to mergence of human with Divine save in man s spiritual unadventurousness. Festival of Light Yoga requires no formal allegiance. Because the yogic science satisfies a universal need, it has a natural universal applicability. Intuitive Guidance One s values are profoundly changed when he is finally convinced that creation is only a vast motion picture, and that not in it, but beyond it, lies his own reality. Sunday Satsangs are usually led by David & Asha Praver, Acharyas of Ananda Sangha of Palo Alto. To hear a Sunday talk, go to On-Line Inspiration at and click Talks by Asha. 6 "Words cannot express my gratitude for all the inspiration you've given me. For many years the Ananda experience has blessed me and I like the slow transformation. Please tell all the staff how when I'm there, I feel I am in the company of saints." J.P., Saratoga

7 Self-Mastery Through Kriya Yoga kriya yoga = union with the Infinite through a certain action or rite; a specific meditation technique taught by Paramhansa Yogananda All scriptures declare man to be not a corruptible body, but a living soul; by Kriya he is given a method to prove the scriptural truth. living soul Kriya, controlling the mind directly through the life force, is the easiest, most effective, and most scientific avenue of approach to the Infinite. In contrast to the slow, uncertain bullock cart theological path to God, Kriya may justly be called the airplane route. Kriya is accompanied from the very beginning by an accession of peace and by soothing sensations of regenerative effect in the spine. Hindu scriptures teach that the incarnating ego requires a million years to obtain liberation from the cosmic delusion Maya. This natural period is greatly shortened through Kriya Yoga. Through use of the Kriya key, persons who cannot bring themselves to believe in the divinity of any man will behold at last the full divinity of their own selves. divinity within The blessed role of Kriya Yoga in the West has hardly more than just begun. May all men come to know that there is a definite, scientific technique of Self-realization for the overcoming of all human misery! peace To begin your journey into Kriya Yoga, please read on... 7

8 Meditation Training Seven Steps to Kriya Yoga Everything in future will improve if you are making a spiritual effort now. Each Step is complete in itself, and a prerequisite for the one that follows. Take the whole sequence, or stop at any point if you prefer to meditate on your own without further instruction. Meditation Training is offered on Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings. Evening classes are 1.5 to 2 hours. Step I: Breath Start with the fundamentals: What is meditation? How does it work and why? What could be simpler than the breath, or more subtle? Always with us, seldom noticed, breath is the definition of life itself. If you breathe, you can meditate. Learn to understand, and then influence, the relationship of consciousness, thought, heartbeat, and breath. Thursdays, 7:30 pm October 9 30, November 6 20, December 4 18, January 8 29 Saturdays, 10 am 1 pm October 11, November 1, January 24 Cost: $45 (3 week series) $60 (4 week series) $30 (Saturday class) Students are encouraged to move at their own pace which helped me relax and get into my own flow. I was very surprised that I was able to quiet my mind, even after the first class. S.P., South San Francisco 8 Register and prepay online and receive a 10% discount:

9 Meditation Training Step 2 Energy To generate, concentrate and direct energy at will is the secret to success in meditation. Otherwise, the mind runs wild. A unique method of energy control invented by Yogananda, develops physical, mental, and spiritual strength. Also of benefit to athletes, artists, businessmen, parents, children, entrepreneurs, and other creative thinkers and dynamic doers. Thursdays, 7:30 November 6 20, January 8 29 Cost: $45 (3 week series) $60 (4 week series) Step 5 AUM The vibration of AUM is your own true nature. A simple method of inward listening opens a mystic doorway within. AUM is the Holy Spirit, the Divine Mother, the Christ Consciousness manifest in creation, the sound of many rushing waters described in the Bible as the Day of Pentecost. All spiritual traditions describe the same experience. AUM, Amen, Amin. Thursdays, 7:30 November 6 20 Cost: $45 Step 3 Devotion You are not alone. Meditation is not wishful thinking. It is direct perception of that which is. You are not a body; you are the Infinite Spirit. Meditation is a relationship with your own higher Self, and with the Masters who will bring you to Self-realization. Mind and heart work together. Everything in the universe responds to Love. Thursdays, 7:30 October 9 30 Cost: $60 Step 6 Chakras Chakras are the gateways through which divine energy enters physical manifestation. Your chakras determine your health, your destiny, and your state of spiritual realization. Meditation is a scientific method for opening and clearing the energy in the chakras. A deeper understanding, and experience of the chakras prepares you for the next initiation. Thursdays, 7:30 October 9 30 Cost: $60 Step 4 Discipleship Initiation Do you want to climb the mountain on your own, or would you like the help of an experienced guide? All true spiritual paths lead to the same goal. But one set of feet one heart, one mind can only follow one path at a time. With commitment comes strength, clarity, and grace. Step 7 Kriya Initiation Babaji declared that Kriya should be given to all who humbly ask for help. But some preparation is necessary, to make the body and mind ready to receive the power created by the practice of this final technique. Now you are ready. "This class has helped me immensely, both on a personal and a professional basis. I am amazed at the difference only a few weeks of meditation has made. S. D., Sunnyvale Questions and Registration

10 Life Training Sadhana, Satsang, Study sadhana = spiritual practices Truth cannot be created, but only perceived. The goal of yoga science is to calm the mind, that without distortion it may mirror the divine vision of the universe. Each of these course series form the foundation studies of the principles of yoga philosophy and their practical application. Some of these class series begin with a guided sadhana a combination of gentle yoga postures, chanting, affirmations, and meditation, with instruction, tailored to meet the individual needs of group members. Courses meet once a week for two to three hours, for five to twelve weeks depending on the subject. 10 All quotes are from Autobiography of a Yogi.

11 Life Training Art and Science of Raja Yoga raja yoga = royal path Raja Yoga includes all the supporting principles and practices that awaken the desire to meditate, and make successful meditation possible. Each class begins with an hour of gentle hatha yoga postures tailored to meet the needs of the group followed by a brief meditation. This course and the textbook on which it is based are the foundation for a lifetime of spiritual practice. Science is the objective understanding of how consciousness descends into matter. Art is the creative application of that understanding to expand awareness. Philosophy Principles of yoga are scientific, and eternal. Not dependent on human belief or dogma, but perceived by introspection and experiment. Esoteric principles explained: karma, chakras, Self-realization, kundalini, guru, attunement, astral worlds, astrology, devotion, selfless service, divine love, and more. Hatha Yoga The Ananda Method of yoga postures emphasizes the emotional, mental, and spiritual benefits, as well as the physical. Even if your dexterity is limited by age, health, or other factors, in the Ananda Method, inner focus and affirmations give you access to higher states of consciousness, the true purpose of Hatha Yoga. Pranayama 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. Pranayama control of energy is the key to success in meditation. I would like to thank you all for everything. The class has been wonderful. You are great teachers. It was exactly what I needed and I am feeling and dealing with things in my life so much better now. I am really going to miss the class when it ends... J. L., Montara Meditation Group practice, guided by long-time meditators, gives power to your personal practice. Learn or hone your technique, develop right attitude, understand the divine principles behind meditation, such as devotion, chakras, and the role of the guru. Healing Ancient yogic methods can bring immediate results, even to long-standing conditions. 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. Wednesdays, 6 9 pm, Jan. 7 March 25 plus two Saturdays, 9 am noon January 24 and February 7 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. Instructors: Dambara Begley, Tyagini Clark and Rick Bonin Questions and Registration

12 Life Training The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita Guidebook for Right Living 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 move slowly, about 10 pages a week. This is Part V in the series, but each series in fact, each class stands alone, so you can join at any time. 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. 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. 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. "Even though I have read the Bhagavad Gita, your talks have helped me gain much more from this seminal book. You are like a tour guide, pointing out points of interest, background, fleshing out simple lines and hints of color to explain more clearly the majestic beauty of this scripture." L. R., Rhode Island 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. Tuesdays, 7:30 pm, October 7 28, November 4, 18, January 6 27 Cost: $15 per class Instructor: Asha Praver 12 Register and prepay online and receive a 10% discount:

13 Life Training The Chakras Your Destiny Revealed chakras = subtle energy centers in the spine Your chakras are where your karma is stored and how it is carried from one incarnation to the next. Everything about you is determined by your chakras: gender, nationality, health, attitude toward life, hopes, fears, expectations, even your DNA. The chakras are the transfer point between your soul and your physical body. They are where your karma is stored, and how it is carried from one incarnation to the next. Even your hour of birth, and therefore your horoscope, is determined by your chakras. Understand your chakras and you ll know everything about yourself. Change your chakras and everything in your life will change. Learn how to experience your chakras and how to harmonize and influence the energy within them. Each week focuses on a different chakra. Earth Chakra This is your foundation. It makes you steadfast, courageous, loyal to truth. When out of balance, you become ungrounded, or the opposite inflexible, dogmatic, heavy-minded. Air Chakra This is your heart. It gives you devotion, love, and the ability to empathize and connect with other people. Out of balance, your emotions run away with you. You become moody, and a slave to your likes and dislikes. Water Chakra This is your creativity. It gives you intuition and the ability to flow with life. Out of balance, you become wishy-washy, unable to commit or hold to a straight course in life. Fire Chakra This is your power. It gives you self-control, enthusiasm, and the ability to manifest your dreams. Misused, it becomes fanaticism, self-destructive habits, or abuse of others. "I was amazed at the volume of information covered in this series that seemed to touch on all areas of life. It was especially nice to have yoga prior to the class discussion. I look forward to taking this series again." A.R, Sunnyvale Ether Chakra This is your voice. It is your self-expression, your ability to communicate through words, images, or music. Used rightly, this energy makes you expansive, calm, peaceful. Out of balance, you are restless, spacey, mercurial, bored. Super-Ether Chakra This is surrender to a power higher than your ego. It makes you selfless, serviceful, radiant, attuned to joy. Misused, you become over-intellectual, too rational, cold, even Chakra, the 1000-Petaled Lotus that unites you with God. Wednesdays, 7:30 pm, Oct. 8 Nov. 19 Cost: $90, $15 per class Instructors: Raghu and Tyagini Clark, Tushti Conti, Rick Bonin, and Barbara Fiesterman 13

14 Classes and Seminars The knowledge of yoga is free to all who will receive it, like the ungarnishable daylight. How to Live a Balanced, Healthy Life Your Own Infinite Power for Self-Healing and Transformation The human will, Yogananda teaches, infused with Divine will, can accomplish any change: "Will is the instrument of the image of God in you." Our health depends primarily on two factors: our karmic strengths and weaknesses, and the efforts we make to keep our body-mind-soul recharged with vital energy (prana.) The principles and practices you will learn in this class are based on Yogananda's guidelines for balanced living, and on Swami Kriyananda's Secrets for Radiant Health and Well-Being. Saturday, 10 am 1 pm, October 4, $30 Instructor: Tyagini Clark The Law of Success Using the Power of Spirit to Create Health, Prosperity, and Happiness Your success in life does not altogether depend on ability and training; it also depends on your determination to grasp opportunities that are presented to you. Opportunities in life come by creation, not by chance. In this series you will learn to overcome obstacles and reclaim your innate magnetism to draw success from God's all-possessing, all-powerful, all-bountiful hands. Saturday, 10 am 1 pm, October 25, $30 Instructor: Tyagini Clark Attunement: The Foundation of the Spiritual Path Paramhansa Yogananda stressed repeatedly the necessity of attunement to the guru. Without deep attunement, the spiritual progress that the soul longs for is simply not possible. Through the Masters who have come to this Earth, God has provided us a clear pathway to our most cherished desire, complete happiness. In this class you will explore what attunement is and how to develop it in yourself more deeply. Saturday, November 1, 10 am 1 pm, $30 Instructor: Asha Praver Finding the Spirit in Relationships Discover how to express your own highest potential in all of your relationships: friendship, love, marriage, family, even at work where the challenges may be the greatest. Relationships offer us an opportunity to experience our greatest joy, but they can also present our biggest challenges, or, thought of another way, our greatest opportunity for spiritual growth. Saturday November 15, Cost: $30 Instructor: Dr. Shanti Rubenstone 14 Register and prepay online and receive a 10% discount:

15 Classes and Seminars Women's Retreat We have so few opportunities to really get away from all our responsibilities and concerns and dive deeply into meditation and prayer. In a group, there is a power and a focus we can t often achieve on our own. This retreat will take place in the Ananda temple sanctuary. You'll practice centering yourself through yoga and meditation and draw upon Yogananda s scientific affirmations and prayer techniques for personal and general healing. Bring a vegetarian potluck dish to share at lunchtime with the group. Saturday, 9 am 1 pm, November 22, Cost: $30 Retreat leaders: Barbara Fiesterman, Tyagini Clark, and Linda Diane. Energization Deepen Your Practice Are you gaining the maximum benefit in your practice of the Energization Exercises? When the answer is "Yes!" you feel a powerful and transforming flow of energy throughout your body. Yogananda developed the practice of energization to dislodge psychological and spiritual diseases from the inner Self. This class will help you bring out the healing benefits of the exercises and make them a vibrant and fun part of your sadhana. This class is for those who have some familiarity with the energization exercises. Please wear comfortable clothing. Saturday, 10 am noon, November 22, $30 Instructor: Luca Moschini Revelations of Christ Christmas is a time to make great spiritual progress. The veil between the material and the spiritual world is reduced to gossamer by the outpouring of grace from God, Christ, and Gurus. A natural time to study the words of Christ and tune into the mystical meaning too often obscured by sectarian dogma. Jesus was not a fundamentalist, he was a Self-realizationist, a guru in the same lineage as Yogananda and Babaji. Attune to the living Christ. Transform your experience of Christmas and your everyday life. Based on the newly published book of the same title by Swami Kriyananda. Tuesdays, 7:30 pm, December 2 16, $45 Instructor: Asha Praver Practicing the Presence of God An Experiential Workshop A perfect solution for those who feel: I am too busy for serious spiritual practice. Or for those who are already meditating, but would like to deepen their everyday experience. Learn how, in the midst of all your other activities, to feel God's presence flowing through you. In this workshop you will dive into the vibrational power of Yogananda's devotional techniques to stimulate and awaken your own innate inner bliss. Saturday, 10 am 1 pm, December 6, $30 Instructors: Raghu and Tyagini Clark The Transforming Power of Chanting Gateway to Your Soul In this class you will explore the transformational effect of chanting to dramatically affect your attitude and divine attunement. All things created, even subtle phenomena such as thought and sound are in a state of constant movement of vibration. By offering the vibration of your voice and attention Godward into the unique power of each chant, you will find a fresh sense of inner freedom. Experience how chanting can release your unlimited potential to face life's obstacles. Saturday, 10 am 1 pm, January 10, $30 Instructor: Raghu Clark Advice to Those Who Give Advice The Art of Counseling Professional counselors, educators, group leaders, parents, friends we all find ourselves eventually in a situation where someone is looking to us for guidance. But giving advice can mean much more than helping someone solve their problems: it could be an opportunity to inspire someone to discover and develop their higher potentials. In this class, you will learn how to hear and respond to the call of your soul wisdom and your unique ability to serve the highest in others. Saturday, 10 am 1 pm, January 17, $30 Instructor: Asha Praver Questions and Registration

16 Expanding the Light Fundraising Gala SATSANG! FUN! SERVICE! Save the Date! Saturday Evening, October 25 Be with us on October 25th for our annual elegant fundraising event. Catered dinner; Inspiring talks and entertainment. Let s complete the schooland start working on our Fellowship Hall. Experience the blessing of Divine Mother s energy flowing through you. You are a part of all that is A Joyful Noise Friday Night Kirtan kirtan = devotional chanting and singing Calm your mind, heal your heart, deepen your awareness of the divine within. The sacred sounds of chanting transform your consciousness almost effortlessly. Stress is forgotten. Joy is remembered. Whether you like to sing yourself, or prefer to sit silently while others make a joyous sound around you, you ll enjoy these bi-monthly chanting sessions. Fridays, 7:30 pm, October 3 and 17, November 7 and 21, December 5 and 19, January 9, 23 Location: All kirtans are held at the Ananda Temple. 16

17 Ananda Yoga for Higher Awareness From Movement to Stillness Yoga combines the bodily and the spiritual with each other in an extraordinarily complete way. Ananda Yoga is uniquely beneficial for people of all ages, physical conditions, and levels of skill. In Ananda Yoga, success means not only strength and flexibility but increasing relaxation, concentration, and inner peace. Calm and focus your mind through coordinated breathing and pranayams (breathing exercises). Open your heart and attune to spirit through affirmations that deepen the inner awareness created by each pose. Nourish your soul through music, prayer, and meditative moments in each session. Ananda Yoga & Energy Everything in life depends on the quality, quantity, and control you have over your energy. The spine is the key to the energy flow. Yoga is the science of how to have a healthy spine. Learn to use Ananda Yoga to tune into energy, remove inner blocks, strengthen and harmonize the flow. Saturday, 10 am noon, October 18, $30 Instructor: Lauri Moschini Ananda Yoga & Meditation In this class, yoga postures flow into learning basic meditation techniques, including chanting and how to sit comfortably. After a session of Ananda Yoga, you ll find it easy to go into the stillness of meditation. Wednesdays, 7:30 pm, December 3 17 Cost: $45 Instructor: Tushti Conti Restorative Ananda Yoga 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. Saturday, 9 am 11 am, November 8, $30 Instructor: Susan Brochin Ananda Yoga & Sadhana Foundation Course in Ananda Yoga Experience how Spirit flows in the body and how yoga postures can enhance that flow. Learn how to generate this subtle energy, interiorize it in the chakras, and lift it to a focus at the spiritual eye. Develop appropriate yoga variations to suit the time you have available and your level of skill. Saturday, 9 am 11 am, January 31, $30 Instructor: Barbara Fiesterman Questions and Registration

18 Holidays and Celebrations Religion must become simple once again. It must return to the fundamental reality: Divine Love and man s need for direct, personal experience of that love. Thanksgiving Meditation & Service The path to God is not a matter of plodding wearily over some barren desert in the hope of finding an oasis. Every step of the way becomes more beautiful: verdant, fl owered, infi nitely varied. The early Thanksgiving was a day of fasting by the pilgrims to thank God for sustaining them. We don t go that far, but we do maintain the true spirit of the holiday by starting the day with chanting, meditation, and individual offerings of gratitude at the altar. Then we feast (vegetarian, of course). Thursday, November 27 Meditation & Service 10 am noon Vegetarian Banquet 1 pm Cost: $12/adults advance, $15 at the door, $6/children 6-12, under six free The cooks thank you for buying your tickets before November 21. New Year's Eve In the Temple of the New Year, renew your reverence for the unlimited hidden power of God within you. Meditation, Service & Fire Ceremony Seize the moment. Begin the year at a point of highest inspiration. Celebrate your accomplishments. Burn up and release whatever holds you back. Declare to yourself and to the universe your intention to make the coming year one of ever-deepening joy and fulfillment in God. Wednesday, December 31, Meditation: 8 pm 9:45 pm, Service: 10 pm midnight Retreat Day Yours is a glorious destiny. You are a child of the Infinite! Every fulfi llment you ever dreamed of lies waiting for you in God. His infinite treasure-house is yours. Why delay? Why waste time on countless detours? Go straight to Him. Experience the truth of Paramhansa Yogananda s divine promise: To those who think me near, I will be near. A day dedicated to attuning ourselves to the transforming presence of a God-Realized Master through meditation, music, and the inspirational words of the Master. Saturday, 10 am 4 pm, January 3 Celebrating Paramhansa Yogananda God doesn t always answer your prayers in the way you expect, but, if your faith in Him never wavers, He will grant you far more than you expect. A Birthday Party Yogananda incarnated for one reason: to bring others to Self-realization. The one gift he craves is that we give ourselves to God, as he has done. The theme of our birthday party is Re-Dedication. Everyone is invited to place a flower on the altar, and with that offering, to affirm the heart s commitment to seeking truth. Monday, January 5 Meditation: 5:30 pm 7:15 pm Service: 7:30 pm 18 Celebrations and Thanksgiving quote by Swami Kriyananda, others in this section are from Paramhansa Yogananda.

19 Holidays and Celebrations Christmas Celebrations A Christmas Concert Each year, we perform a concert that marks the beginning of Spiritual Christmas. This year our concert will perform the deeply inspiring collection of Swami Kriyananda's Christmas music we don't often have the opportunity to enjoy. Our concert will also works of other great composers that celebrate the this joyful and sacred season. Saturday, 7:30 pm, December 13, $10 Christmas Eve Midnight Service Open a new portal of sublime devotion. Christ is coming in answer to your inner call. The holy hour of the coming of Christ consciousness in the form of the baby Jesus, celebrated in grand style with pageantry and music, and bright candlelight in a darkened temple. Wednesday, December 24 Meditation 8 pm 9:45 pm Service 10 pm midnight All Day Meditation Go deep, completely forgetting yourself, praying and singing to Christ as never before. The heart of Ananda Christmas. Even beginners, in the inspired atmosphere of this meditation, will find it surprisingly easy to sit far longer and more calmly than ever before. Come for all or any part. Periods of silence alternate with music, chanting, and inspirational words. Chairs provided or bring what you need to sit comfortably on the floor, including a shawl or sweater. Call for a schedule of when you can enter or leave. Christmas Day Family Service A dramatic retelling of the story of Christmas, subtly interwoven with the deeper mystical meaning behind these events, starting when the child Mary gives her life to God, ending when the Christ child is born in a humble manger. Enlivened with music and dance, illustrated by costumed children and adults. Children should bring a simple gift to offer to the baby Jesus. Thursday, noon 1 pm, December 25 Saturday, 10 am 6 pm, December 20 Christmas Vegetarian Banquet A Caroling Party An old-fashioned holiday tradition, alive and well at Ananda. A magical evening under the stars, bringing Christmas cheer to the neighbors of the Ananda community. Afterwards, refreshments in front of a warm fire. Bring your children. Dress warmly. Sunday, 7 pm 9 pm, December 21 Location: Chela Bhavan, Ananda Community Christ within, and Christ in one another. This is the spirit of Ananda Christmas. Being together as a spiritual family, sharing a holiday dinner, plus music and entertainment. The perfect close to the Christmas season. Thursday, 1:30 pm, December 25 Cost: $12/adults advance, $15 at the door $6/children 6-12, under six free The cooks thank you for buying your tickets before December 19 th. 19

20 Ananda Resources Bay Area & Beyond Ananda Community A Place Where You Can Live You don t have to leave your job, family, and everything that is familiar to you. You can stay where you are, but turn it into a spiritual milieu. You can create a pocket of spirituality that will benefit you personally, and will also have a tremendous impact on society. People everywhere will take heart from the success of this spiritual community. Swami Kriyananda dedicating the community in August, 1989 Ananda Community is just a few blocks from El Camino, right at the border of Mountain View and Palo Alto. Yet, it feels a world away from the bustling Bay Area and its hectic way of life. Intentional community is created for one purpose: to provide sincere truthseekers with a harmonious, spiritually supportive way of life. The community is a converted apartment complex, and in many ways, continues to operate in that way, but with certain all-important differences. There is a community meditation temple and a dining room where vegetarian dinners are served five nights a week. And instead of being surrounded by strangers, your neighbors are your friends. Visitors and new residents are welcome. East West Bookshop A Gathering Place & Resource Center for Consciousness Guided and inspired by Ananda, East West is dedicated to the principle The paths are many, but Truth is One. Whether you are interested in the latest discoveries uniting science and religion, or the most ancient spiritual traditions, East West has something for you. Books are just the beginning. World-renowned speakers come to East West regularly, sharing their wisdom. There is a program nearly every night of the week featuring local spiritual teachers, psychologists, alternative medical professionals, uplifting spiritual movies, and music. Most events are low or no cost. East West also offers a large collection of beautiful natural fiber clothing, music, DVDs, yoga supplies, meditation pillows and benches, candles, gift cards, journals, aromatherapy, and thoughtful, meaningful gifts. East West is one of the largest personal growth/ metaphysical bookstores in the world. East West Bookstore 324 Castro Street Mountain View, California * Ananda Community, 240 Monroe Drive, Mountain View, CA (650)

21 Ananda World-Wide Truthseekers Everywhere Ananda Sangha is a global movement described by this prayer and the principles that follow. Living Wisdom School for Children (pre K-8th) Where learning and joy come together True education can never be crammed and pumped from without; rather it must aid in bringing spontaneously to the surface the infinite hoards of wisdom within. Living Wisdom School helps children excel by cultivating the strengths of each child, and fostering a hands-on, joyful approach to learning. Children who have struggled at other schools, whether gifted or lagging, flourish in Ananda schools. The education is spiritual and non-sectarian; all faiths feel at home in a Living Wisdom School. The curriculum is challenging academically. Graduates excel at top private high schools. Performing arts receive special emphasis because of the many benefits to childhood development and character. Each year, the entire student body takes part in a play based on the life of a great man of woman of history. Past plays have included Joan of Arc, Buddha, and Quan Yin. Area schools are welcome to attend the performances; please make arrangements well in advance to secure seating. (Play dates: March 19 21) Living Wisdom School 456 College Ave Palo Alto, CA (650) May the Divine Light awaken and purify my heart, and bring enlightenment to all beings. 1. We believe in a single, blissful, eternal consciousness, Satchidanandam, which pervades the entire universe, unifying it and all creatures in a bond of mutual service. 2. We believe that man s highest duty is to realize himself as an expression of all-pervading Satchidanandam. 3. We seek never to convert anyone to our specific cause except, in love, to inspire all with the desire to reclaim the bliss of their own being. 4. We seek fellowship with others willing to join hands with us in this loving labor for universal upliftment. 5. We recognize that, whether or not others join us consciously in this labor, all human beings, each one individually, serve the Eternal Purpose. 6. In token of our dedication to these principles, [at times] we wear a warm hue of yellow, reminiscent of the sun, a color expressive of our hearts ardor, of the purity of our aspiration, and of the humility of our intentions. 7. We recognize that the way of Ananda Sangha is primarily inward, not outward; that it leads one by the universal pathway of the spine to the high state of communion with God at that point in the forehead which lies between the eyebrows. (Excerpted from The Way of Ananda Sanghis. For the complete version, call, or see Eight Ananda communities and more than a 100 meditation groups and centers serve devotees in 25 countries. Communities: Nevada City, Sacramento, & Palo Alto, California * Seattle, Washington * Portland, Oregon * Assisi, Italy * Gurgaon, India Bay Area Centers: Boulder Creek (831) * Berkeley (510) * Concord (925)

22 Ananda Staff David & Asha Praver, Acharyas, Lightbearers, guide and inspire all Sangha activities, and lead Sunday Satsangs. David teaches meditation classes; Asha gives the inspirational discourse most Sundays, and for holidays and spiritual events. Dambara Begley, Lightbearer, teaches meditation and other classes, is a singer and kirtan leader, works in the Sangha office and is in charge of promotions. Marilyn Holm, scientist, artist, and holistic healer in private practice, and co-teaches with her husband Dambara. Raghu Clark, Lightbearer, teaches many classes, is a singer and kirtan leader and also manages the Sangha office. Tyagini Clark, Lightbearer, is a main teacher and singer, leads the Healing Prayer Ministry, works in the Sangha office, and designs the program guide. Rick Bonin, Lightbearer, arborist, Ananda Community Manager, teaches meditation, Raja Yoga, and other courses, with a particular interest is helping people with Kriya Yoga. Sangha Staff (left to right) Ron Cantoni, retired engineer, is Webmaster, and master of countless other tasks as well. Linda Diane, minister, coordinates volunteers, arranges flowers, decorates the altar, and helps create beauty everywhere. Padmini Schuet manages finances, promotions, and coordinates the volunteers. Lightbearer = a senior minister of Ananda Sangha 22

23 Teaching Staff (left to right) Yoga Teachers (left to right) Surendra Conti, Lightbearer, freelance writer, comanager of East West Bookstore, teaches creative writing as a spiritual practice. Steven Manus, minister, teaches meditation, scriptural study, and other topics, and is a talented amateur actor, especially comedy. Connie Hernandez, Naturapathic Physician in private practice, teaches classes on healing. Richard Salva, minister, and author of the book Soul Journey from Lincoln to Lindbergh. He lectures on reincarnation and yoga philosophy, and has appeared on national radio. Shanti Rubenstone, minister, M.D., an internist in private practice, teaches meditation and healing. Santosh LaMarche teaches meditation and works at East West Bookstore. Ramani Peterson, minister, a trained physical therapist, also teaches science to the younger children in the school. Tushti Conti, Lightbearer, a trained nurse, massage therapist, and black-belt in Karate, has a day job as co-manager of East West. Luca Moschini, a massage therapist, has a private practice in holistic healing. Lauri Moschini, is a certified Ananda yoga and meditation teacher, Pilates instructor, Balance posture teacher, and massage therapist. She has been teaching exercise classes for 18 years. Susan Brochin, (not pictured) is an elementary school teacher who enjoys teaching Ananda yoga to her students and at local spas. Barbara Fiesterman, (not pictured) is a co-manager of Ananda Community. She has studied yoga and Master's healing techniques for many years. Living Wisdom School (left to right) Barbara Rabin, Head Teacher, teaches second and third grade, 30 years experience in public and private schools. Helen Purcell, Lightbearer, School Director, 30 years experience, teaches Language Arts in the Middle School. Gary McSweeney, Lightbearer, Middle School teacher, 20 years experience with children. Clare Mahoney, Minister, dancer, choreographer, singer, and actress, inspires, and helps direct, our artistic presentations. Patrick Mahoney, Minister, perfect Irish tenor, teaches voice, leads the choir, and is the magnetic heart of the music at Ananda. 23

24 Calendar Date Class Page October 4 Sat How to Live a Balanced Life Tues Essence of the Bhagavad Gita /19 Wed The Chakras Thurs Meditation 1- Breath Thurs Meditation 3- Devotion Thurs Meditation 6 Chakras 9 11 Sat Meditation 1- Breath 8 18 Sat Ananda Yoga & Energy Sat The Law of Success Sat Expanding the Light Gala 16 November 1 Sat Meditation 1- Breath 8 1 Sat Attunement: the Foundation of the Path Tues Essence of the Bhagavad Gita Thurs Meditation 1- Breath Thurs Meditation 2- Energy Thurs Meditation 5- Aum 9 8 Sat Restorative Ananda Yoga Sat Spiritual Relationships Sat Women's Retreat Sat Energization: Deepen Your Practice Thurs Thanksgiving Service and Banquet 18 December 2-16 Tues Revelations of Christ Wed Ananda Yoga & Meditation Thurs Meditation 1- Breath 8 6 Sat Practicing the Presence Sat Christmas Concert Sat All Day Meditation Sun Caroling Party Wed Christmas Eve Midnight Service Thurs Christmas Family Service and Banquet Wed New Years Eve Meditation 18 January 3 Sat Guru Retreat 18 5 Mon Yogananda Birthday Celebraton Tues Essence of the Bhagavad Gita /25 Wed Raja Yoga Series Thurs Meditation 1- Breath Thurs Meditation 2- Energy 9 10 Sat The Power of Chanting Sat The Art of Counseling Sat Meditation 1- Breath 8 31 Sat Ananda Yoga & Sadhana 17 Ananda Sangha The Teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda 2171 El Camino Real Palo Alto, CA Located 6 blocks north of Oregon Expressway/Page Mill non-profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Palo Alto, CA Permit No. 101 CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED