Our world is going through trying times… Climate change and environmental destruction, ongoing or new wars that awaken the possibility of another globalized conflict, the energy crisis, natural disasters whose destructive force is amplified by growing population density as tragically illustrated by the earthquake and Syria…So many shadows… The stronger the forces of darkness, the stronger the forces of light … Read More
There is a big tree in front of the balcony of my second-floor apartment that shelters many birds. I get the opportunity to observe them at different times of the day and throughout the seasons. The very particular behavior patterns of these birds and other animals, including a stray cat or two in my yard, raise insightful questions for me … Read More
My wife, Lahari, and I have had the privilege of serving in many of the ashrams Ananda has established around the world. Since our arrival in the 1980’s, we have had 15 years at Ananda Village, 2 in Portland, 2 in Ananda Ashland, 3 in Palo Alto, 1 in Ananda Rhode Island, 2 in Sacramento, 5 in Gurgaon, 3 in … Read More
It was my first time being part of the Ananda choir. In March 2013, we had a few celebratory events with Swami Kriyananda at his home outside Pune. He was scheduled to leave for Assisi after these programs so many people had gathered from all around the world to be in his presence. I had been listening and tuning into … Read More
“Better change your ways, for I hate the things you do!” A very familiar statement indeed, expressing disapproval over something we don’t like in someone. Many even lament about existing situations in life and expect them to change, without ever pondering at one’s own deficiencies that may actually need correction. Thinking of changing other people or situations, however, only reflects the … Read More
I was looking forward to going out of town for the New Year holidays. But before doing so, I needed a proper eye exam. My vision had been bothering me for a few months now, but I was sure it was nothing to worry about. Perhaps I needed glasses or, at worse, had cataracts. I picked a private hospital and … Read More
On the occasion of the 70th anniversary of Paramhansa Yogananda’s Mahasamadhi Yogananda’s last speech, delivered at the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles on 7 March 1952, was short. It lasted less than 10 minutes we are told. He finished his speech with a few lines from his poem, My India. “Then, his eyes lifted, he turned slightly to his right and … Read More
This month, I experimented a little with the concept of freedom. I was working on an art piece on this theme, and around this time we also honoured Swami Kriyananda’s journey to Moksha (on the day of his passing, April 21st). His inner freedom and joy was easily perceptible to anyone who had the blessing to meet him, even briefly. And … Read More
The Vision The Ananda Pavilion of Gratitude is a place that reflects our spiritual path of Self-realization and the understanding that Paramhansa Yogananda has given us about the transition from life with a physical body to life without one. This transition is part of “the soul’s long journey through time and space.” As a reflection of this understanding, the Pavilion … Read More
When someone asks about your earliest childhood memory, what comes to mind? For me, it was fear. Specifically, fear that I would be drafted into the army and killed in battle. I remember making myself sick in the back seat of the car, lost in an overwhelming sense of doom, while everyone else seemed perfectly fine, happily chatting away. Even … Read More
