The goal of all yoga practice is to bring the life force into the spine, the altar of Spirit, where one worships God as ever-new joy. When we are fully in control of the mind, Paramhansa Yogananda said, “it will be like the coat you hang on a peg: it will stay there” in God consciousness. Unfortunately, as every meditator … Read More
Motherhood and Meditation
As a new mom this year, I’ve noticed many changes in my spiritual practices. For one thing, there seems to be less time to do them! “Free time” is when our baby goes to sleep (for however long that lasts) and that time is usually spent accomplishing other things like cleaning, eating, working, and spending time with my husband. If … Read More
The Power of Giving
Being in a positive, supportive environment helps you to relax, uplift your spirit and bring out the best in you. The question is how can we remain uplifted when we are not in a positive and supportive environment? When we have to deal with negative people? Here is a principle that I have used and found to be very effective: … Read More
Free Live Broadcasts in the Holy Season
Ananda Palo Alto is broadcasting many of their upcoming special events, including services on Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and Paramhansa Yogananda’s Birthday on January 5. Click here for the schedule and to watch live.
I Live at Ananda Village: How I Got Here and What I Have Found
I’m Prem Das Sills, a devotee and disciple of yoga master Paramahansa Yogananda. I have been a longtime member of Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF), founded by Sri Yogananda in 1920. Currently, I am living in Northern California, just outside Nevada City. To be exact, I am living at Ananda Village. Ananda is a cooperative and intentional spiritual community based on the … Read More
Prenatal Yoga: A Visualization for Expectant Mothers
Yoga, as many people have experienced, can be much more than just a physical practice. It can also be a wonderful opportunity to tune into Spirit, particularly in the aspect of Divine Mother when preparing for motherhood. Divine Mother is a universal consciousness or presence within each person and in all creation. It isn’t necessary to follow a particular spiritual … Read More
Nayaswami Jyotish and Nayaswami Devi Back at the Village
Nayswamis Jyotish and Devi have returned to Ananda Village and will be staying here through the end of Inner Renewal Week (February 1-8) when they return to India until the end of March. They led a beautiful World Brotherhood Day Celebration, telling us about their inspiring time in India. See a slideshow of their trip
Construction Update: Interior faux finish and more stones….
This was a great week for interior finishes as we were abused by a major storm for several days (but we’ll take the rain – thank you!). Walls were preped and letters for the quotes installed, ready for the final finishes. Kay Perrett came in from Seattle to apply the faux finish on the interior walls. She had previously worked … Read More
Christmas in Pune 2012
One day I was chatting with Swami Kriyananda’s nurse at Ananda Village and I was describing what I’ve done for the Village in terms of our Christmas Eve celebrations. I was hoping to inspire her to attempt the same when she returned to Pune India where Swami resided. She became very excited and suggested that I visit Pune to help … Read More
Construction Update: Interior paint, tile installation and stucco details…. all is Bramha!
Interior finishes continue to be the primary focus as the weather turns rainy at the Mandir site (yeah!). The ceiling has the final coat of paint and the walls have the base coat of color – ready to receive the faux finish next week. The final trim and painting/staining will be completed after the faux finish is completed. The floor … Read More