Maria McSweeney came to Ananda in 1976 and worked on the Ananda Farm. In 1986, Swami Kriyananda asked Maria and her husband Ananta to direct the Ananda community in Sacramento, where they served for 23 years as ministers and community managers. In 2009, Maria and Ananta were asked to return to Ananda Farm at Ananda Village to restore it to organic production.
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Answers to Spiritual Questions
Music for Meditation
Dear Gautam, Music is a powerful vibration that influences us on many levels. If you find it helpful to use it in this way this is fine. When meditating one wants to work towards concentrating deeply: at first on the ... Read More
Getting a Fresh Start (After Divorce)
Dear Winnie, It is true that “like attracts like.” The area you have grown up in and lived in has molded you to a certain extent and shaped your perspectives and interests. You have some commonality with those who have ... Read More
Dealing with Stress and Losing Hope
Dear Truthseeker, In what you have written you have indicated your effort to tune in with the Masters and that you have found benefit. Cling to this. They are present. To what extent will you be there for them? How ... Read More
How Can I Know Whether I Am on the Right Path?
Dear Stephanie, Thank you for your sincerity. You mention the key to this all: your intuition. Keep listening in your heart while directing your prayer from the point between the eyebrows. Ask Jesus to reveal to you the path you ... Read More
Restoring Self-Confidence
This is something almost all people have to deal with at some point in their lives. When we realize that our self-confidence is lost, it is important to rebuild it right away. I think you would enjoy reading How to ... Read More
Why Concentrate at the Spiritual Eye?
Dear Rahul, Meditating upon the image of the spiritual eye is very helpful for a number of reasons. This is the image that can actually be seen when we become still and relaxed and focused. It is not an experience ... Read More
In Wakefulness and in Sleep: God, God, God
Thank you for being dedicated to a practice which helps you spiritually. You might lose consciousness of your actions in your sleep, but your soul is ever aware. Prior to going to sleep, offer the day’s events and activity to ... Read More
