Editor’s note: You can also read this as a ‘news paper styled’ pdf.
If you would like to contribute photos, an article, a comment, a column, or throw a tomato, email ethan@anandawashington.org, subject: ENLIGHTENER
Main Event: Seattle Goes To Ananda Village
Ananda Village celebrated our founder Swami Kriyananda’s 100th birthday this year in conjunction with Spiritual Renewal Week. Some 35 members from Ananda Washington made the journey south, and in all, around 700 participants came in person, with thousands more watching online from over 70 countries. The spiritual currents were tangible at this time; all in attendance felt a desire to meditate, and there were more people willing to serve than work to be done.
Daily activities began with morning Sadhana at 6:30am, followed by 3 meals and multiple talks. Additional yoga and meditation opportunities were given throughout the day. Upon arrival, visitors were given a welcome packet, which included a ‘scavenger hunt’ where participants could visit special destinations and get a ‘stamp’, ensuring that they had seen all parts of the Village. Crystal Hermitage, Shrine of the Masters, and Moksha Mandir were open for visits, as well as the Meditation Retreat, with volunteers offering rides through a shuttle service.
Countless friendships were made — there are undoubtedly many life-time friends who only ever see each other at Ananda Village. And for those who listen to talks or music from other locations, it was the perfect opportunity to finally meet various ‘Ananda Celebrities.’ It was fascinating to feel the same Ananda vibration in strangers from far away lands, and it was just as interesting to experience the small ‘accents’ or differences in their expressions of this underlying vibration.
Throughout the event, it was clear that Service itself was the key theme, with Swami’s life being the guiding example. In other words, one cannot truly be at Ananda without serving in some way. Ananda, the big and difficult word to define, is not just a place, but also something that you do. While there were more volunteers than jobs to be done, Ananda Washington members all found ways to serve, most notably in the kitchen, but also through music and running booths, and Murali gave a talk on his work on the Autobiography of a Yogi television series. For those who were unable to make the journey down to Ananda Village, meditate and serve unceasingly, and Ananda will flow through you.
My Experience Of The Blessing Of The Centennial
by Maribel Reed
The Centennial Celebration of 100 years of Beloved Swamiji had an indelible impact in my consciousness as well as my sense of purpose, direction and habits. I could not attend in person, and committed myself to participating from home online. Because I had signed up for daily reminders several times a day, I was able to participate easily. Aligning my 6:30 am morning meditations with the group, without going online allowed me to feel the support of many.
Day after day, my heart was infused with words, videos, music and stories of Swamiji. His deep devotion to God and to Master came across in everything he did. I experienced a deep love and appreciation for all the various community members who had creative ways of sharing.
My Kriya practice took on a new vitalization of energy and attention. I think I had drifted into thinking it didn’t matter if I missed a mediation here and there. Now it became imperative to follow my commitment precisely with devotion and clarity. I logged into ananda.org to renew subtle practices with “Deepen Your Kriya Practice Practice” videos taught by Maria and Sundara.
I am so grateful for the hundreds of devotees coming together to create such a realm of expanded joy, appreciation and deep conversation reflecting wisdom and upliftment. And oh for the incredible enormous choir, wow! Such melodies to play through the heart! Indelible memories that nourish the soul.
Interview with Jamuna
This year marks an anniversary filled with light: the centennial of the birth of Swami Kriyananda. It is an invitation to contemplate a life wholly offered to God—one that made Paramhansa Yogananda’s spiritual vision visible, tangible, and joyful.
Throughout all Ananda communities and centers around the world, this year will be rich with events, celebrations, and inspiring moments.
We have invited Nayaswami Jamuna and others to share a few words about Swami Kriyananda, which we will be publishing in our newsletters throughout the year.
Q: Dear Nayaswami Jamuna,
Can you share some of your experiences with Swami Kriyananda?
Jamuna: There was a power that could be felt in his presence. When he spoke, it was directly to you.
So, kindness and joy were carried on that wave. There was so much energy coming from him, but it was on a completely different level than anything I had experienced before. Later I understood that it was the vibration of impersonal love. Those vibrations made me feel like my best self. Later I was to say to someone who was criticizing him that I found him to be completely trustworthy.
After returning to San Francisco, (I lived 6 months at Ananda Village) I eventually moved into the Ananda House, a rented mansion in Pacific Heights in 1978. Ananda bought the world-renowned East West Bookshop in Menlo Park, Ca in May 1980. When I joined the ashram Jyotish and Swami were talking about opening a little bookshop in San Francisco’s sunset district. When it came time to choose a manager, Swami asked me. I knew that it was God who said “Yes” through me. I was very surprised. A week or so later after I became engaged to Vasudeva, Swami called again to ask if I would instead, manage the East West Bookshop in Menlo Park.
The third yes in a row led to our wedding before moving down the peninsula to join the group working to establish a center in that area. Swami’s guidance was direct and often humorous. He was masterful at saying what was helpful and supportive of my confidence as a leader. He was really my boss. When issues came up, I could call him. I realized later that he spoke to me through my intuition many times.
Q: How did Swami Kriyananda’s life influence your own spiritual path?
Jamuna: Swami was a living example of what it meant to be a disciple. As such he could make the path to God real, showing us how it was done. He placed meditation in its proper place and gave us the keys to introspection- “the inner work”, that pealed away our unhelpful attitudes. Even as he told us that the path was a matter of life and death, he was able to laugh about human foibles. Such a balance. Because he lived with Yogananda our Guru became real to our understanding-a divine incarnation on earth. What a gift Swami was.
Q: What would you recommend to people who come to Ananda today and would like to attune to Swami Kriyananda and his example of discipleship?
Jamuna: He left so much for us. Immerse yourself in his writings, his talks, his music. I was in the choir for many decades which was a magic way to attune to Swamiji. All the ways he expressed himself carried the message of the inevitability of spiritual freedom for us all.
Q: Which experience or insight has had the most lasting impact on you today?
Jamuna: His joy.
Q: Is there anything else you would like to share?
Jamuna: Most of us are motivated to seriously engage in a spiritual path because we have done so for many lifetimes. Liberation of our souls is a serious endeavor, it takes time. Having a friend and guide like Swami Kriyananda is a great blessing, He set us straight on how to deal with our many desires and unclear notions of what it took to become free, and then he gave us enormous encouragement that we could make real progress, that we would very soon be liberated from all that is not of God.
New Kriyabans and Disciples
Individual Updates
IN PERSON MEDITATION SCHEDULES
At Blue Lotus Temple in Bothell
Tuesday – Friday, 12:00p – 12:30p
Sunday, 9:15a – 9:45a
At Hansa Temple in Lynnwood
Monday – Friday, 6:30a – 7:30a
Monday – Friday, 12:00p – 12:30p
Saturday, 7:00a – 9:00a
Dinner Every Friday at Lynnwood Community starting at 6pm. 8$.