Kriya Satsang Groups

Ongoing spiritual support for Ananda Kriyabans in the greater Seattle area:

Way of the Ananda Sanghis
Ananda Sadhaka Order
Ananda Sevaka Order

Kriya Initiation involves a personal, spiritual commitment between the individual Soul and God through the Guru. This is the first, the most important, and the most precious spiritual step we can take as disciples of Paramhansa Yogananda. Once we’ve taken Kriya, we recognize that this is the beginning of our conscious spiritual effort and self-offering, and not an end in itself !

“Environment is stronger than willpower”, Yoganandiji says! To that end, satsang (fellowship) with souls of likemind is critical for the Kriya flower to be able to blossom. The Satsang Groups and religious Orders described here are designed to provide this essential component for those Kriyabans who would like to deepen their practices, and their service to Yogananda through the Ananda Sangha in the greater Seattle area.

All local, active Kriyabans are invited to participate in the Kriya Satsang Groups. Please take a moment to review the steps, and let us know if you have any questions. A large number of Kriyabans in the Seattle/Bothell Sangha are currently participating on a weekly basis, and some have been doing so for more than twenty years!

The program begins in October, and runs each year from October through November, and then again from February through May. Your participation is weekly during those months, with the fourth Tuesday of every month set aside for the Ananda Kriyaban Meditation in Hansa Temple at the Lynnwood community.

What makes this program successful is the dedicated participation of those who attend. Regular attendance, and your active participation in the study, satsang, support, sadhana (spiritual practices) and selfless service expressed through this program, is the spirit that animates it!

How can you participate?

The Way of the Ananda Sanghis

The precepts of the worldwide Ananda Sangha are both inspiring and universal! Please take a moment to read the Way of the Ananda Sanghis brochure written by Swami Kriyananda..
The programs are designed to integrate Yogananda’s teachings into our daily lives, and infuse our hearts with the awareness of his presence. There are five key components:

Sadhana (spiritual practices): Each discussion group begins with prayer, chanting and meditation, and the 4th Tuesday of every month is a meditation for Ananda Kriyabans in Hansa Temple from 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm. In addition, by making a conscious effort to attend 2 or 3 group meditations each week at one of the local Ananda temples, you will find the blessings attendant ‘when two or more are gathered in My Name.’

Service: When ‘action without desire to the fruits of the action’ is practiced together with your gurubhais, you will find reflected from within and through those you serve with, and those whom you serve, the gift of God-remembrance. Each year, you will be invited to join a team selected from your program and take responsibility for one of the many spiritual holidays and occasions hosted by the local Sangha. Service group assignments are usually made early in the program year, allowing everyone to plan ahead for the event that best suites their schedules. Many hands make a miracle!

Study: Courses in the writings (both published and unpublished) of Paramhansa Yogananda, Swami
Kriyananda and others will be offered throughout the year, providing you with many choices and ever-new material to dive deep into the Wisdom of these teachings. You will also have the opportunity to make presentations to others at times.

Support: “…without your assistance, the work cannot go on….All of you who wish to offer much needed
help, now or in the future, I bless.” –Paramhansa Yogananda

Ministry Fund:
More than 70% of the local Sangha’s ministry operations are funded by donations from
members. Those who participate in the programs described in this brochure represent the
heart of that local membership.

Temple Building Fund:
Grace abounds the birth of the beautiful new temple. It is a blessing for all who enter, and
all who meditate in it. Beyond your tithe to the ministry fund (above), your additional
pledge to the Temple Building Fund is essential to help service the mortgage and maintain
the Temple and Fellowship Hall keeping them vibrant into the future!

Satsang: Through weekly gatherings during six months of the year, you will find infinite opportunities to develop the spiritual friendships and support that enliven and inspire us to dive ever deeper into Spirit!

Way of the Ananda Sanghi Program
This is the first year of your program. During this year you will enjoy discussion groups and special classes designed to give you a broad orientation to Ananda worldwide, Ananda in the greater Seattle Area, and the Sadhaka (Lay) Order and Sevaka (Renunciate) Order of Ananda. A rich array of courses and discussion groups will explore the many published and unpublished works of Paramhansa Yogananda as well as Swami Kriyananda. There is a one-time fee associated with this first-year program only. Please refer to the schedule for the current year’s amount. At the end of your first year, if you wish to continue in the program, you may be eligible to take vows into the Ananda Sadhaka (Lay) Order (see below).

Ananda Sadhaka Order program
Ananda Sanghis, whether married or single, who devote themselves to the ideals described in the Way of the Sanghi brochure, have the opportunity to become part of Ananda’s Sadhaka Order. Here are some general guidelines for ‘Sadhakas”.

• Kriyaban member of the Ananda Sangha in the Seattle area.
• Completion of the Way of the Sanghi program (above).
• Good general knowledge of the teachings and writings of Ananda’s path.
• Harmonious and supportive of Ananda’s ministry and leadership.
• Regular participant in Sunday service, meditations, satsangs, and events.
• Weekly attendance in the Kriya Satsang Groups, six months each year.
• Actively serving the work of Ananda.
• Aspire toward, and respect for Ananda’s Guidelines for Members.
• Financially supporting Ananda’s work in the greater Seattle area with a
  monthly Tithe or Pledge commitment. The spiritual practice of Tithing
  is especially encouraged.
• Support for Ananda Worldwide is also encouraged.
• If possible, have or plan to take, the Living Discipleship Course at
  Ananda Village.
• Encouraged to live in the Ananda Lynnwood if and when circumstances allow.
• Committed to two weekly group meditations at the Bothell or Hansa
  locations. Or Community residents: Attending at least two morning
  meditations each week.

Please see the current year’s schedule for your weekly discussion groups, including dates and locations. This program is free for Sadhakas and Sevakas

Ananda Sevaka Order program
Those who wholly embrace Ananda’s ideals, and live and serve with others in an Ananda Community (whether married or single), may be invited to join Ananda’s Sevaka Order. The Sevaka Order offers both Conditional (Novice) and Life Vows. This is an outer symbol, representing the first step onto the path of renunciation, with the understanding that renunciation takes place within, whether married or single. These are the guidelines for the Sevaka Order:

• Aspire to live by your Sevaka Vow.
• To abide by both the letter and the spirit of Ananda’s Guidelines for Members.
• Completion of the Living Discipleship program at Ananda Village.
• Good general knowledge of the teachings and writings of Ananda’s path.
• Harmonious and supportive of Ananda’s ministry and leadership.
• Regular participant in Sunday service, meditations, satsangs, and events.
• Weekly attendance in the Kriya Satsang Groups, six months each year.
• Actively serving the work of Ananda locally.
• The willingness and ability, as needed and appropriate, to serve Ananda in other locations.
• As described in The Guidelines, financially supporting Ananda’s local work with a monthly Pledge or Tithe to the local Sangha. Additional financial support to the Bothell Temple Building Fund, Ananda Worldwide’s Annual Appeal, and other funds locally and worldwide as needed.
• Living in the Ananda Community in Lynnwood.
• Committed to three weekly group meditations at Bothell or Hansa locations.

If you would like support in your Kriya practice or would like to discuss or participate in any of these programs, please feel free to contact Padma at the Sangha Office 425-806-3700 or email friends@anandawa.org.