Living with Spirit
For Ages 18 – 30
Yoga, Meditation, Community, and Sustainable Agriculture
Are you looking for deeper meaning in life?
Would you like to live in harmony with the world, with others, and with your higher Self?
If so, this is an extraordinary opportunity.
This summer, join a group of 18 – 30 year olds for a two-week program at Ananda Village,
one of the world’s most successful intentional communities.
Explore your highest potential, practicing the ancient teachings of yoga while camping in the beauty of the scenic Sierra Nevada foothills. Make friends with people who share your spiritual ideals and aspirations.
Our days begin with a morning practice of yoga postures, devotional singing, and meditation. After breakfast in silence, we’ll spend the morning serving in Ananda’s organic farm, larger community, or in the kitchen, preparing delicious organic vegetarian meals.
In the evening, we’ll have classes led by some of Ananda’s most experienced instructors, on topics including meditation, yoga philosophy, music and its power to change our consciousness, and more.
Finally, we’ll enjoy outdoor adventures in the surrounding area, including trips to the stunning Yuba River.
The three main aspects of this program are service, sadhana (spiritual practices like meditation and yoga), and living in community.
Service
Never go to work again! Learn to practice the principles of Karma Yoga, and see everything you do as a service.
Morning and early afternoon will be devoted to different service projects throughout Ananda Village. In the farming program (June 27 – July 11), there will be opportunities to work in Ananda’s farm and learn about the principles of organic gardening and permaculture from Nayaswamis Ananta and Maria, who first started in biodynamic farming over 30 years ago.
Service is an essential part of the spiritual path. By learning to focus on what you can give, you’ll find the skills to open inner doors to enthusiasm and joy.
Yoga and Meditation
Imagine rising with the sun and starting each day with yoga and meditation.
Every morning there will be a guided practice of yoga and meditation. (If you don’t know how to meditate, you can learn easily!) Meditation is the quickest and easiest way to connect to the peace already present within our own selves.
The meditation techniques you’ll learn are those that were taught by Paramhansa Yogananda, the great Indian yogi and saint. You’ll be able to quickly improve your meditations by living and practicing in the company of other experienced meditators.
Community Living
Live with people your age in a place where spirituality is given first priority. Over 200 people live on the 800 acres of Ananda Village who have devoted their lives to the spiritual search. Experience what it is like to live in a spiritual community with hundreds of people dedicated to high ideals.
In the community program (July 12 – 26), you’ll focus on the community experience. Learn in-depth, with classes and through your own day-to-day interactions, about the principles behind Ananda and how you can use them to improve your life.
In every program (see below for a list), you’ll make a deeper connection to nature, to the community around you, and above all, to your Higher Self.
Leaders
This program is coordinated by Nayaswamis Ananta and Maria, who have been teaching meditation and yoga for over 30 years. For over 20 years, they were the spiritual directors of Ananda Sacramento. In 2009 they moved to Ananda Village and now lead a young group of adults at Inspiration House, a new ashram within Ananda Village.
Also leading this program are many younger adults, age 18 – 30, who live at Ananda Village and have dedicated their lives to the search for God.
Cost
$500, which includes a $100 deposit, covers two weeks of:
- Day-to-day living expenses
- Three organic vegetarian meals every day
- Classes on meditation, spiritual living, and more
- Passes to events taking place at Ananda Village
- Backpacking trip to the mountains
- Tents and campground space
- The priceless opportunity of experiencing first-hand what it is like to live in a community with hundreds of other truth-seekers
Three Programs to Choose From
Pick what you resonate the most with or contact us to learn more.
- Farming and Sustainability, June 23 – July 11
- The Community Experience, July 11 – 25
- Deepen Your Spiritual Life, August 1 – 15
Want to come to more than one? Please let us know when you sign up.
Farming and Sustainability
June 23 – July 11
In addition to meditation, yoga, and spiritual friendship, learn about sustainable agriculture, including:
- organic vegetable farming
- creating a permaculture forest garden
- learning about the unique Sierra Nevada foothills ecosystem
- operating a successful CSA (Community Supported Agriculture farm)
Nayaswami Ananta and Nayaswami Maria, co-leaders of this program, first learned biodynamic organic gardening in 1976. They also direct the eight-acre Ananda Farm.
The Community Experience
July 11 – 25
Ananda Village, now in its 41st year, is one of the most successful spiritual communities in the world. The experience you’ll get from talking with those who help to run it, and learning about it first-hand, is unique.
Whether you want to start your own community or simply want to explore this way of life, this is an excellent choice.
Deepen Your Spiritual Life
August 1 – 15
Pre-requisite: Participation in a program at The Expanding Light or Ananda Village, including other Living with Spirit programs.
We’ll spend the first week refreshing our spiritual practices and in the second week participate in Ananda’s Spiritual Renewal Week, a week of group spiritual practices and classes with truthseekers from around the world.
If he is able to come to America this summer, this will include classes with Nayaswami Kriyananda, one of the few living direct disciples of Paramhansa Yogananda.
Sign Up
Take a step forward in your spiritual life by signing up for this program.
We’ll see you this summer!
Have Questions? Contact Us