About Ananda

Ananda is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, author of the spiritual classic Autobiography of a Yogi. Yogananda was the first great Indian master of yoga to live in the West. His teachings emphasize direct inner experience of God through meditation, prayer and selfless service. Ananda, which means "joy" in Sanskrit, was founded in 1968 by Swami Kriyananda, a close, direct disciple of Yogananda. From his youth, Kriyananda dreamed of creating small communities based on cooperation and high ideals. When he became Yogananda's disciple in 1948, he discovered that Yogananda, too, was committed to the concept of World Brotherhood Colonies. Kriyananda vowed to do his utmost to make this dream a reality, a dream he achieved by the creation of Ananda Village, in 1968, located near Nevada City, California.

What Is Ananda - Enjoy this short (4 1/2 minutes) streaming video introduction to Ananda by Jyotish and Devi Novak, spiritual directors of Ananda. Click here.

Watch "Ananda Worldwide" Video
In this exciting 22 minute new video, available online from Google Video, you can see the creation of Ananda from its early stages until the present time. Click here.

Ananda Sacramento

Ananda Sacramento was the first "satellite" Ananda Center, beginning in a small home located about 20 minutes from the beautiful ashram that now exists in Rancho Cordova. We currently have 65 residents in our community, and a Yoga Center that allows us to share the timeless teachings of Yogananda.

A Letter from Ananda's founder, Swami Kriyananda

Dear Friends,

One of the sweetest aspects of life at Ananda Sangha is the opportunity it gives for sharing with others the joy of a meaningful existence. Ananda, a Sanskrit word, means, “Divine Bliss” and Sangha is a Sanskrit that means “fellowship.” The teaching at Ananda emphasizes direct inner experience of God, and not abstract concepts about Him. We emphasize truths that vibrate at the heart of every great religion. For the essential message of all of them is the same: that every soul must seek inward upliftment and Self-realization.

The teaching at Ananda is a harmonious blend of Western and Eastern spiritual disciplines, placing special emphasis on the ancient, but truly scientific, teachings of yoga from India. Ananda's teachings are those of Paramhansa Yogananda. The basis of this teaching is universal. No matter what people's backgrounds, they receive life-changing benefits from coming here. They are of all ages, all religions, and all walks of life. Ananda is more than a physical location. It is a state of mind: the consciousness of inner joy. It is an awareness of the presence of God in every moment of one's life.

All who share our spiritual ideals belong, in fact, to our spiritual community even if they never come to Ananda. Most of those who do come find a special peace and joy from their experience here. The change they experience in themselves touches the lives also of their family members and friends.

Swami Kriyananda,
Ananda's founder

Ananda Center of Sacramento
10450 Coloma Road
Rancho Cordova, California 95670
(916) 361-0891
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