Richard Skillman, Ananda member and filmmaker from Vashon Island, has embarked on an archival project to record the testimonies and stories of Ananda members in their experiences with Swami Kriyananda (Ananda’s founder and direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda) and in living in the Ananda Communities. Other interviews are focused in what we call the “joyful arts.” Here is a sampling … Read More
Wouldn’t you like to be happy all the time? Who wouldn’t? The fact is, it’s possible. But, ah, like so many things, there’s a trick. The trick is that happiness does not come from things. “Oh, I know I’ll be happy if I can just get ________ (you fill this in): that promotion, a new car, win the lottery… oh, … Read More
Dear Friends, We do, indeed, live in “interesting times” as the oft-quoted Chinese blessing suggests. We have much to celebrate in this holy season, but celebrating only the good things of life which are, by their nature, evanescent, is not enough to satisfy our soul’s state of joy. The challenges of our lives and our times, while not cause for … Read More
Raja yoga is not a sectarian practice, nor yet a specialized form of yoga. Raja yoga refers to the entire body of psycho-physiological practices which relax and purify the body (tissues, organs and nervous system), calm the mind, and awaken us to our higher nature. These practices have come to us from ancient times, indeed from a higher age in … Read More
Narada James M. Agee January 9, 1943 – April 26, 2011 Narada has lived at the Ananda Community in Lynnwood, WA since moving here from Ananda Village, CA in the Fall of 2005. Narada came to Ananda Village in 1975. His career work was that of a master electrician but he was known and loved for much more than his … Read More
In The Essence of Self-Realization, Yogananda says, “To meditate a short time with depth is better than to meditate for long hours with the mind running wild. “In the beginning, therefore, don’t force yourself to sit for a long time. Strive for shorter, but deeper, meditations. Then gradually, as you become accustomed to going deep, lengthen the time you sit in meditation.” … Read More
In an age where complexity is growing exponentially, sensitive and aware souls cry out for simplicity. Not necessarily the simplicity of camping or farming (neither of which are really simple at all), but, in reality, a simplicity of heart and a state of inner peace. Don’t you find that, as I am doing right now, sitting at the computer, using … Read More
Religion is all too often a source of conflict, division, and judgment between the adherents of different faiths. It doesn’t help that religion is inextricably linked with cultural and national identifies with their numerous biases, prejudices, language, dress, and traditions. It is experienced spirituality that unites hearts. And not the superficial spirituality born of intellectual speculation or passing sentimentality but … Read More
Habit can be a powerful ally if you have developed the right ones. Conversely, as you also know, they can sabotage your most earnest efforts. So it would seem like a worthwhile use of your time, to reflect on those habits that both help and hinder a good meditation. As Yogananda told us, “You can’t get rid of the darkness … Read More
Paramhansa Yogananda describes how, as a child, he was healed of Asiatic cholera (which is usually fatal) in a blinding flash of light after his mother instructed him to pray to her guru, Lahiri Mahasaya. Albert Einstein, as a young man, was fascinated with the phenomenon of light. His discovery showed that the speed of light is the constant of … Read More