The Need for Spiritual Communities According to Paramhansa Yogananda

Paramhansa Yogananda with hands folded

In his last years on earth, the great teacher Paramhansa Yogananda repeatedly and urgently spoke of a plan that he said was destined to become a basic social pattern for the new age: the formation of “world brotherhood colonies,” as he called them. 

“The day will come,” he predicted, “when this idea will spread through the world like wildfire. Gather together, those of you who share high ideals. Pool your resources. Buy land in the country. A simple life will bring you inner freedom. Harmony with nature will give you a happiness known to few city dwellers. In the company of other truth seekers it will be easier for you to meditate and to think of God”.  (From The Need for Spiritual Communities and How to Start Them by Swami Kriyananda)

Discover the power of spiritual communities and the secret to successful community living with our collection of resources below!

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Experience Spiritual Community

Grow Spiritually at the Expanding Light Retreat
In the Karma Yoga Ashram Program, you will get to serve in an uplifted spiritual environment at the Expanding Light Retreat with fellow truth seekers. In addition to reaping the benefits of joyful service, karma yogis can participate in sadhanas, spiritual classes and put to practice yogic principles.
Find Inner Silence at the Ananda Meditation Retreat
Located in the beautiful sierra foothills, Ananda Meditation Retreat offers you an opportunity to find yourself through joyful service in a peaceful, idyllic setting. In exchange for meals, lodging, and yoga classes, Seva Yogis serve 20-30 hours per week at the retreat.
Experience Spiritual Community at Ananda Village
A Program Especially for Ages 18 to 35! Participate in service projects, and apply your skills–or learn new ones–in agriculture, community building, serving in the kitchen, and more. Study, practice and serve, surrounded by spiritually supportive friends. Learn Paramhansa Yogananda’s effective techniques for expanding your sense of self, such as meditation, Kriya yoga, spiritual Hatha Yoga, and divine friendship.
Serve with Joy at Ananda Assisi in Italy
Located in the beautiful sierra foothills, Ananda Meditation Retreat offers you an opportunity to find yourself through joyful service in a peaceful, idyllic setting. In exchange for meals, lodging, and yoga classes, Seva Yogis serve 20-30 hours per week at the retreat.

Recommended Books

The Need for Spiritual Communities and How to Start Them

by Swami Kriyananda

Swami Kriyananda’s network of Ananda communities has been hailed as the most successful in the world.

Good Morning Great Souls!

by Gyandevi Fuller

The photographs, conversations, and stories in this book chronicle the experiences by people from around the world who are walking the path of Self-realization at Ananda Village.

Hope for a Better World! the Smail Communites Solution

by Swami Kriyananda( J. Donald Walters

In these turbulent times, a fresh approach to the creation of a truly viable society is desperately needed. This book leads the way.