Art of Living Classes

The art and science of raja yoga as taught by Paramhansa Yogananda and as developed by Ananda’s founder (and direct disciple of Yogananda), Swami Kriyananda, is an ever-expanding circle of wisdom and practicality. The classes listed here are just a few of the topics that we offer. Some are offered regularly and others just once in a while.

Wisdom of the Rishis: Commentaries on the Christian Bible, the Bhagavad Gita, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, the Rubaiyat, and the timeless revelations of India’s sages are specialities of Ananda. Each Sunday at the Festival of Light Service the readings and talk compare selections from the Bible and the Bhagavad Gita.

 Yoga in Daily Life: A discussion and discovery group focuses on material success through yoga principles based on a 26-part course written by Swami Kriyananda. Metaphysical healing classes and special classes on the healing power of the chakras (subtle energy centers of the astral body) are offered as well. Yogananda’s Series of Wisdom books also form the basis for many Saturday workshops.

Classes in how to play the Indian harmonium (musical instrument) are offered in Bothell and at East West Bookshop in Seattle. Even vegetarian cooking classes are given from time to time (at Ananda Community, in Lynnwood).

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Current Classes: 

Harmonium Chanting for Beginners

Presented by Vajra Madden in Bothell and Steve Bonnell in Seattle

in Seattle: Sunday, June 2, 1-4 pm

in Bothell: Saturday, July 20, 9:30 – 11:30am

Learn the basics of how to play the harmonium and receive a starting repertoire of simple, devotional chants by Paramhansa Yogananda and from India. Bring your harmonium or learn on one of ours. Class size is limited so register early. Read more / Register..

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AKASH: The Ultimate Self Mastery Program by Swami Kriyananda

Presented by Nayaswami Jamuna Snitkin

6 Thursdays, May 9-June 13, 7:30-9 pm in Bothell

Swami Kriyananda’s AKASH (Ancient Keys to Attaining Success and Happiness) Lessons gives us principles to incorporate into our consciousness, which will open the door to success and happiness. Join Nayaswami Jamuna Snitkin in these six weeks of guided living. We will uncover the very real energies and subtle effects of high-mindedness and soul-centered living, as we experiment with our attitudes and behavior each day. Read more / Register…

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Metaphysical Meditations – A Guide to Higher Consciousness

Presented by Nayaswami Hriman McGilloway

4 Tuesdays, June 25-July 16, 7-8:30 pm in Seattle

Meditation is not an escape FROM reality. It is an escape TO reality. Success, inspiration, creativity, health and genius flow from our level of consciousness. When we direct our attention to a higher level of vibration and attunement we can draw extraordinary insights, energy and awakening. We will explore different approaches to meditation such as creative visualization, chanting at the chakras, and watching the breath. Read more / Register…

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The Hindu Way of Awakening

Presented by Murali Venkatrao

4 Thursdays, July 18-Aug 8, 7:30-9 pm in Bothell

Making sense of Hinduism’s exuberant plethora of deities, gurus, sacred texts, rituals, and myths can be frustrating and confusing. Murali Venkatrao, who was born into the Brahmin caste and raised in India, is one of Ananda’s lead teachers and directs the Yoga Teacher Training course at the Ananda Institute of Living Yoga in Bothell. He brings to us the best of east and west through the insights and wisdom of Paramhansa Yogananda and Swami Kriyananda. Murali follows the time-honored Indian tradition of teaching through the medium of stories. The stories are picked from Vedas and Puranas. Read more / Register…

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Art in Community

Presented by Nayaswami Jamuna Snitkin

Saturday, July 13, 10 am-3 pm in Lynnwood

You are invited to gather at Ananda Lynnwood community room to share a morning of art. This is a time for all who are interested in the visual arts to join others and play together in creative joy, harmony and friendship. Read more / Register…

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Art of Spiritual Counseling – Helping Others Find Their Way

Presented by Nayaswami Jamuna Snitkin

Tuesdays, July 23 & 30, 7-8:30 pm in Seattle

Understanding what others really want when they ask for help goes a long way toward providing counsel. Advice is rarely followed; inner insight brings understanding and growth. Learn how to be a mirror to another’s own inner guide. Read more / Register…

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Path of Kriya Yoga

Presented by Nayaswamis Padma & Hriman McGilloway

Tuesday, August 27, 7-8:30 pm in Seattle OR Thursday, August 29, 7:30-9 pm in Bothell. Free!

Paramhansa Yogananda brought the ancient technique of Kriya Yoga meditation to the West from India. His popular life story, “Autobiography of a Yogi” has inspired people all over the world to learn this powerful and life transforming technique. If you would like to know more about kriya yoga, Kriyacharyas Hriman and Padma McGilloway will give these free talks on the history of kriya yoga, its underlying psycho-physiological effects, and the opportunities for learning kriya and its related precepts and practices. Read more / Register…

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