Celebrating the Light
Free online events this holy season.
- Virtual Ananda Christmas Concert
YouTube Premier December 20, 2020, 6:00 pm PST - Celebrating the Light Christmas Eve Program
YouTube Premier December 24th, 5:00 pm PST - Christmas Eve Ceremony with Ananda Monks
YouTube Premier December 24th, 4:00 pm PST
What IsAnanda?
Ananda is dedicated to the belief, born of experience, that you can live in joy. We teach effective techniques for expanding your sense of self, such as meditation, Kriya Yoga, spiritual Hatha Yoga, and divine friendship.
More about Ananda
Stay in Touch
Our Inspiration
Paramhansa Yogananda has been called the father of yoga and meditation in the West. His Autobiography helped spark and inspire a spiritual revolution across the world. Among the over three-hundred (influential spiritual voices) I interviewed about their key spiritual influences, a high percentage named a book, and by far the book most often mentioned was Yogananda’s unique memoir.Phil Goldberg, American Veda
At the request of Yogananda, Swami Kriyananda dedicated his life to lecturing and writing, and has also produced hundreds of pieces of music, to help others to find joy within. More
With the passing of Swami Kriyananda in 2013, Nayaswami Jyotish was named by Kriyananda as his spiritual successor. Jyotishji met Swami Kriyananda in 1966, working closely with him and his wife, Devi (who came to Ananda in 1969), to build Ananda’s work around the world. Both Nayaswamis Jyotish and Devi were named kriyacharyas by Swami Kriyananda, and disseminate the liberating and ancient Kriya Yoga technique of Paramhansa Yogananda’s lineage. More
Meditation & Kriya Yoga
Learn to Meditate
Meditation is a technique for personal growth that has been practiced for thousands of years around the world with repeatable results. There is no aspect of your life that cannot be improved by meditation, whether it be in business, relationships, or health. The highest purpose of meditation, however, is to discover your Highest Self.
We offer a free, five day email series for a basic overview of how to meditate, which includes posture, where and when to meditate, and a simple effective technique. It also includes a subscription to our monthly Daily Meditator newsletter and monthly Inner Light newsletter.
Online Course: Lessons in Meditation
Whether or not you are new to meditation, this course will help you develop a deep and consistent practice. With ample feedback from meditators with decades of experience and your own persistence, you will awaken your true nature: a pure reflection of divine peace, joy, and love.
Ananda is known for its expertise in meditation, and for almost 50 years has trained teachers in techniques grounded in the highest yogic practices of India, as brought to the West by Paramhansa Yogananda.
Start a New Meditation Practice or Inspire Your Current One
Why Keep the Needle of My Attention, Through Meditation, Ever Pointing Toward Thee
Kriya Yoga
Kriya Yoga is an ancient meditation technique of energy and breath control, or pranayama. It is also a comprehensive spiritual path, which includes additional meditation practices and guidance for living.
The Kriya technique is given through personal initiation by one of our Kriya Yoga teachers. Initiation requires preparation which includes the practice of other meditation techniques and study of Paramhansa Yogananda’s teachings.
Learn More
Community
Let us join together in this wave of social transformation, and through our practice of meditation create a spirit of global unity that can lead to lasting peace.Nayaswami Devi
Connect Online
Ananda is very active online: Live events, satsangs, group guided meditations, and personal support through email and chat. Learn More
Find a Local Center
Ananda has over 150 centers and meditation groups in over 45 countries which offer group meditations and classes. Learn More
Experience Community
Ananda has developed eight communities in the US, Europe, and India. Many offer internships where you can stay and experience community firsthand. Learn More
Be a Warrior for the Light
“God’s light is within me and around me. With the sword of faith in my hand, with the love of God in my heart, I am a warrior of light. I join my brothers and sisters everywhere to overcome fear with faith, hatred with love, and disease with health. We all are warriors of light. We fill the world with God’s light.”
A Call to Action
Nayaswamis Jyotish and Devi share about the need for positive action in this time of turmoil and crisis.
Join the Campaign for World Healing
Every Thursday at 8:00 am PST / 5:00 pm CEST / 9:30 pm IST, Ananda centers in the U.S., India, and Italy host a gathering to meditate, affirm, and visualize light and harmony in the world.
What’s New
Recent Posts and Videos
Betrayal in Marriage: How Do I Come Out of the Pain?
Dear Shivi, Oh how heartbreaking to hear such a story of betrayal. I wish I could say to you, as an American might say, “Wash your hands of that man and never look back!” Well, it’s not that simple, is ... Read More
Tinnitus, the AUM Technique, and Kriya Yoga Meditation
Dear Ev, I too have tinnitus and yet I practice the AUM technique regularly. I have found that as I focus on the inner sounds, the (now) outer or more physical sound of tinnitus decreases — not in volume, presumably, ... Read More
Does the Materializing Effect of My Will End When I Lose My Will, Stopping My Meditation?
Dear Godseeker, If I understand your question correctly, it is this: “If I use willpower in meditation to make the appearance of my brother more beautiful, will that beauty disappear once I don’t apply my willpower and meditation anymore?” Willpower ... Read More
Why Do Animals Suffer?
Dear Ramesh, The suffering, fear, and anger produced in animals as a result of their killing by humans for food is one important reason for the practice of vegetarianism. There are many life forms on this planet, and some are ... Read More
Understanding the Death of a Child
Dear Rohit, I am so sorry for your loss. The death of a child is one of the most difficult losses one can experience. We naturally want to know why this happened, but any answer really does not soothe the ... Read More
How to Find a Job
Dear Dastan, Attracting a job requires magnetism, and magnetism results from both quality and quantity of energy output in the direction of a specific goal. I’m sure you have done and are doing all the right things one is advised ... Read More
Is He the One?
Dear Maria, Sounds like “something is trying to happen.” As the counsel given by Swami Kriyananda for intuition in general, why not take a step or two in that direction and see where it leads. Maybe you would meet together ... Read More
Fatigue from Pranayam (Breath and Energy Control)
Dear Awnish, Assuming nothing else in your daily activities has changed, it would seem that you are overdoing it with the pranayams! Now, normally that is not an issue for most yogis, but perhaps your temperament runs to extremes? Another ... Read More
Excess Tension in the Body and at the Third Eye
Dear Julian, The problems you describe could all be related to excess tension in the body and mind. I suggest that you try relaxation techniques and meditation practice to help with these concerns. In relaxation we withdraw the energy inward ... Read More
My Connection to the Gurus of the Lineage
Dear Jo, If you feel Yogananda is your guru but are unsure of your heart connection to the others in the lineage, I would say, let that go. Here’s an example: one who was born Jewish might not find an ... Read More
Online Events
Corona Cooking Foodies Fundraiser
Dec 26 2:00 pm PST • Dec 26 22:00 GMT • Dec 27 03:30 IST
Satsang with a guest minister
Dec 26 1:30 pm PST • Dec 26 21:30 GMT • Dec 27 03:00 IST
Chanting Worldwide with Ananda
Dec 26 8:00 pm PST • Dec 27 04:00 GMT • Dec 27 09:30 IST
Sunday Service at Ananda Washington
Dec 27 1:30 am PST • Dec 27 09:30 GMT • Dec 27 15:00 IST
Fire Ceremony and Purification Ceremony
Dec 27 10:00 am PST • Dec 27 18:00 GMT • Dec 27 23:30 IST
Sunday Service
Dec 27 10:00 am PST • Dec 27 18:00 GMT • Dec 27 23:30 IST
Sunday Worship Service
Dec 27 10:00 am PST • Dec 27 18:00 GMT • Dec 27 23:30 IST
“Warriors of Light” Meditation
Dec 28 6:00 am PST • Dec 28 14:00 GMT • Dec 28 19:30 IST
“Whispers from Eternity” — a Daily Broadcast of Inspiration
Dec 28 12:00 pm PST • Dec 28 20:00 GMT • Dec 29 01:30 IST
Nurturing Your Soul: 15-Min Guided Meditation for Beginners
Dec 28 12:00 pm PST • Dec 28 20:00 GMT • Dec 29 01:30 IST
Featured
Empower Yourself for the New Year
DECEMBER 31, 2020 – JANUARY 2, 2021
This perennial favorite—now offered online for the first time—is a perfect way to gain from your experiences of the past year, and empower yourself to achieve your goals in the coming year, all in a relaxed, supportive environment of other spiritual seekers.
Thank You, God – Tithing as a Spiritual Practice
Tithing is a spiritual practice, a conscious expression of gratitude given without condition to the source of your inspiration– God. We invite you to try it. Hear the stories of others, but test this teaching in your own life and see what transpires.
Your support is a blessing for all
Ananda is a beacon of light, breaking through the darkness of this world with the universal teachings of Self-realization.
Thank you for being a part of this community of souls who support each other on our path to God.
