This was a life-changing experience — I got closer to nature, learned about farming, and met spectacular people.
—Kelly, Washington
I feel much more relaxed, focused… enthusiastic about meditation, and more comfortable trying to communicate with God.
—Graham, California
I don’t know how you could improve the program any more. It was so good.
—Bryan, California
I found acceptance into a worldwide community of loving and open individuals, and a deepened connection with the divine.
Everything was amazing… the best part was the leadership. Each of you are so loving, accepting, and open.
—Jason, California
My favorite part was the people. Without a support team there is only so far I am willing to push myself. It feels as if I have met up with long-lost family.
Spiritual fellowship is one of the most important and transformative things on the spiritual path. “Environment is stronger than willpower,” and Ananda is a powerfully positive environment.
—Bryan, California
I gained the most from the meditation. I haven’t meditated this much before and I surprised myself.
—Cate, Hillsborough, California
Living with Spirit For Ages 18 – 30
Yoga, Meditation, Community, and Sustainable Agriculture
Are you looking for a 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 spiritual communities.
Explore your highest potential, practicing the ancient teachings of yoga while camping in the beauty of the Northern California’s 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 (now underway), there are 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
Outdoor kitchen 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
Discounts
Get a 20% discount — $100 off — if you bring a friend.
Also, if you come to more than one program, you may be able to get 50% or more off of the second and third program. Contact us for details.
Three Programs to Choose From
Pick what you resonate the most with or contact us to learn more.
Farming and Sustainability, June 27 – July 11
Cities of Light: A 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 27 – 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)
Nayaswamis Ananta and Maria, co-leaders of this program, first learned biodynamic organic gardening in 1976. They also direct the eight-acre Ananda Farm.
Cities of Light: A 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: Previous 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 well enough to come to America this summer, and it seems that he is, this will include classes with Nayaswami Kriyananda, one of the few living direct disciples of Paramhansa Yogananda.
Sign Up
Get 20% off if you bring a friend
Would you like to find deeper meaning in life? Spots are limited, so take this next step by registering now.
Signing up has no obligation — it’s a way to make a commitment to higher ideals, spiritual friendship, and to finding your own higher Self.
Make friends with people who share your spiritual ideals and aspirations.
Imagine rising with the sun and starting each day with yoga and meditation.
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.
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.
