A Place Called Ananda, Spiritual Community

Ananda Fire First Response Team

Being located in a rural area with lots of brush and trees, Ananda Village has always been in risk of being affected by wildfires. Add to this the hot and dry summers, it is almost impossible to have a year without any fire incident. Year 1976 (way before my time here) marked the worst fire in Ananda’s history, which burned … Read More

A Place Called Ananda, Spiritual Community

Century with Gurubais

On June 2nd, JT, Bob and I did our first century together in Calaveras County, organized by the Sacramento Wheelmen Bicycle Club. I had talked about this upcoming ride in my previous post, titled “Satsang On Bicycles”. Three of us have been preparing and training for this event for the several months preceding it. We were lucky to have trained … Read More

A Place Called Ananda, Spiritual Community

Countdown to “Revelations of Christ” Book Launch

Only a few days left to the launch of the new book “Revelations of Christ” written by Swami Kriyananda. A large group of us from the Ananda Village are heading down to Los Angeles to help with and attend this event as well as to attend and support the opening of Ananda Los Angeles. I recently interviewed my wife Suzanne, … Read More

A Place Called Ananda, Spiritual Community

Ananda Seattle Meditation Temple Dedication

June 23rd 2007 marked the day for the dedication of the beautiful Ananda Seattle Meditation Temple. The Ananda community of Seattle joyfully and skillfully organized the entire weekend with keen attention to detail. All events for the weekend were sold out. People who weren’t able to get in the temple had to use the auxiliary rooms and the outside tent … Read More

A Place Called Ananda, Spiritual Community

Happy Birthday Swamiji

Glorious weekend! Around 400 Ananda Village residents and guests gathered to honor and celebrate Swami Kriyananda’s birthday. Saturday morning class at the amphitheater was his first public appearance since he arrived at the village last Wednesday. Though his body shows his age, his spirit is ageless. He gave a very inspiring talk on his search for God and Truth at … Read More

A Place Called Ananda, Spiritual Community

Rajarsi Day – May 5, 2007

Every year the first weekend in May, Ananda village residents and devotees gather together and beautify the community in remembrance and dedication to the life of Rajarsi Janakananda, Yogananda’s foremost disciple. We work on projects suitable for every age and talent, such as landscaping, land clearing, deep cleaning temples, fixing roofs of common buildings, preparing a delicious lunch, delivering refreshments … Read More

A Place Called Ananda, Yoga Postures

Ananda Yoga Teacher Training – Just Do It

I have just finished the fourth and final week of Level 1 Ananda Yoga Teacher Training. After five years of living in Ananda Village I have finally been able to take the time off to do this four-week program. I am so glad I did. The course has been educational, fun, inspiring, challenging, deep in yogic teachings (not necessarily in … Read More

A Place Called Ananda, Spiritual Community

Satsang on Bicycles

One of my favorite pastimes living in this rural community is to be able to go for bicycle rides that could easily be labeled as world-class. If you have visited Ananda Village you know what kind of natural beauty it is surrounded with. Sierra Foothills create some beautiful rolling hills and therefore beautiful (and hilly) roads for cycling. I must … Read More

A Place Called Ananda, Spiritual Community

A Village of Angels

My wife Suzanne recently had a surgery, which she is still recovering from. She had to stay at the hospital for three days and now she continues to recover at home for a few more weeks. The outpouring of love and prayers from our friends at our community before, during and after the surgery continues to amaze and inspire me. … Read More

A Place Called Ananda, Spiritual Community

Christmas Eve at Ananda

We had our traditional Christmas Eve service at Ananda Village. Our dear friend Lila Devi, who was the mastermind of the evening, weaved the story of the birth of Jesus with stories, music and theatre. It was magical and very moving. The community center was filled with residents and many guests. The evening ended with offering of candles to the … Read More