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 Ananda
is a is a worldwide group of individuals who share the search for higher
consciousness and the ideal of service to others. We express this service
by offering uplifting values and techniques for achieving peace of
mind and inner happiness.
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. He lived and taught in America from 1920 until
his mahasamadhi
(a great yogi’s final
exit from the body) in 1952. His teachings emphasize direct inner experience
of God, which he called 'self-realization,' through meditation, prayer and
selfless service. Yogananda's teachings are nonsectarian, and offer
practical solutions
to the challenges of modern life.
Ananda, which means, "joy" in Sanskrit, was founded 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 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 in 1968 by the
creation of Ananda Village, located near Nevada City, California.
As a direct disciple of Yogananda, Kriyananda has given inspiration
and guidance personally and through more than 70 books and 300
pieces of music. In his
book, The
Path, he shares his search towards freedom and his experiences being
with a great Master.
Ananda Sacramento, founded
in 1977, was the first "satellite" Ananda Center, beginning
in a small home located in north Sacramento. In 1991, we established
a residential community in Rancho Cordova with 65 residents and a Yoga Center that allows
us to share the timeless teachings of Yogananda.
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