Less than a month ago we celebrated Spiritual Renewal Week at Ananda Village. It was a week dedicated to classes on spiritual topics, inspirational events and lots of visiting with long-time gurubais and new friends. Each of the events was shared online to include our friends all over the world.

Mother Nature was good to us – we had pleasant temperatures, soothing breezes, rustling leaves, and pretty clouds.

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All week the music was wonderful. We had small group chanting before each class and choir arrangements of many of Swami Kriyananda’s songs.

The Palo Alto Community presented a play written by Kristi Norfleet Andrews (seen here portraying Durga Mata). It included portrayals of direct disciples describing their life with Paramhansa Yogananda. It was very well done, and felt as though we were actually listening to these great souls in person.

We listened to the engaging wisdom of our experienced teachers, who shared their humble, ever-deepening and relatable search for God, encouraging us on our search. All the talks are available on Ananda.org. They were excellent – the topics were diverse – but all with the common thread of the broad and practical, life-changing teachings of our guru.

Dr. Peter VanHouten

Puru. Fabulous talk!

Melody Hansen. $A small fraction of the volunteers that made SRW wonderful for everyone. These folks cooked that amazing Indian meal.$

Our annual Indian Banquet and entertainment did not disappoint. These folks cooked the amazing Indian meal. One of the highlights of the week is dressing in Indian attire, enjoying the wonderful food and visiting with our friends.

Japa, one of our youngest members with Nityananda.

A special moment. Honoring Seva, a founding member of Ananda, on a special birthday.

Peony, Shanti and Peaen. Our radiant young adults.

Many of the Portland community members joined us!

Gurubais from New Zealand enjoying the Indian Banquet

Gurubais from New Zealand joined us for the entire week. We loved getting to know these dear souls.

Devi and Jyotish. Our spiritual directors and loving guides and friends.

The story telling – led by Gyandev, was beautiful. It was an amazing way to begin to wrap up a very special week.

SRW was much more than a list of really great things to do and see. The inspiring classes, the high-minded entertainment, and the activities, the chanting and meditations uplifted us.