Video / Audio

Blue Lotus Feet

Words and music by Paramhansa Yogananda. This version was published in 1938 and is now in the public domain.

A Place Called Ananda, Music and the Arts, Spiritual Community

Wishing You a Noble New Year

by David Eby

Fireworks were already booming from the surrounding neighborhoods as we entered the Portland community chapel last night for our New Year’s Eve ceremony. It was a blessed evening complete with purification ceremony, 108 repetitions of the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra and a deep meditation til midnight.  I was struck by the simple yet powerful contrast of the fireworks and my inner experience: the big loud outward … Read More

A Place Called Ananda, Music and the Arts, Spiritual Community, Spiritual Growth

The Light and the Bushel

by David Eby

Many of you are probably like me—you’ve got an average singing voice though nothing that’s going to win you a Grammy. So does that stop you from thinking that you have anything to offer? Years ago I found myself in the position to sing a solo in front of Swami Kriyananda. After I sang Swami Kriyananda remarked, “David, why have … Read More

A Place Called Ananda, Music and the Arts

Popular Music at Ananda

by Jack Wallace

With few exceptions, only Swami’s music is played at our Sunday services, The Expanding Light, Crystal Hermitage and Master’s Market. Though, in fact, other music does sometimes rear its head, the typical Ananda visitor comes and goes hearing little of it. “What’s the deal?” many have wondered. “Is other music banned?” Well, yes and no. For the record, I greatly … Read More

A Place Called Ananda, Music and the Arts

Also Starring God (as Himself)

by David Eby

Last weekend marked the culmination of an extraordinary year as over 700 people filled the Del Oro Theater in Grass Valley, California to watch the debut screening of the film Finding Happiness. I had the great honor to be part of the cast and also produce the soundtrack for this exquisite film by director Ted Nicolaou which was based on … Read More