Dear Friend, Out of the corner of his eye, the old man caught a movement—waving hands, a mother smiling out of the fullness of her maternal love, a very small boy rushing forward, arms up and out ready to embrace the big, yellow tractor. The boy looked up trustingly, eyes wide and clear, unblinking, until the man understood, stopped the … Read More
The new plan that would add up to 100 homes to Ananda Village over the next 25 years was approved today by the Nevada County Board of Supervisors in a 5 to 0 vote.
One of the supervisors said, “I’ve been [connected] with… Ananda since 1988. I can tell you that it is one of the safest places [in the area] to live right now. I would like other places to copy what they do…”, among other positive statements and appreciation.
Dear Daily Meditator, Usually when talking about meditation, we focus on going inside. In fact, the meditative steps, as described in antiquity, are pranayama, withdrawal of the inner energy, and pratyahara, interiorization of the senses and the mind. Once we are in this inward state, we experience dharana (concentration on an inner experience); then dhyana (oneness with that experience); and … Read More
In humility and with a desire to remove his ego from the picture, Swamiji always understated himself and what he did. I knew him for almost forty years and I never saw him try to draw people to himself.
June 1, 1967, the “Summer of Love,” The Beatles released Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band. The album was a revolution in music, art and spirit. Four yoga spiritual masters–Paramhansa Yogananda, Swami Sri Yukteswar, Lahiri Mahasaya, and Mahavatar Babaji–appeared in the cover art. Beatle George Harrison led the way, giving away Yogananda’s Autobiography of a Yogi everywhere he traveled. Harrison … Read More
I was born and raised in a spiritual intentional community. To answer your first question, yes, I loved it. If you google “intentional community” and try to find a glowing testimonial from a child raised in one, you’ll most likely find none. I certainly haven’t. Every article I’ve ever read has been from someone who is coming to grips with … Read More
Our winter here at Ananda has seen a succession of storms, with high winds and soaking rains. At Christmastime, a lone snow goose appeared on Lotus Lake. Perhaps this bird, like the young bird in Swamiji’s Festival of Light, had “entered a storm cloud, and soon found itself struggling for its life. Wind and rain lashed at its wings. The … Read More
To practice interiorization of the mind during normal waking consciousness, try this walking meditation. Throughout this practice, make it a point to relate to God, to God through Nature, and to your own higher Self. Walk alone, if possible, during this exercise, for its purpose is to interiorize the mind, not to externalize it in the company of others.
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