Why Meditate?
Meditation has been taught around the world for thousands of years, and has many variations. In daily life, energy flows out from the brain to the body, from the mind to the senses. Meditation offers the chance to regain control of restless energy and direct it back to the brain; to withdraw from the outside world and interiorize ourselves in the inner self. This redirection of energy helps the meditator to cultivate the higher faculties of the human mind: calmness, willpower, concentration, and even love.
Meditation improves all aspects of life – relationships, career, physical and mental health are all improved by developing inner calmness. Scientists and doctors attest to its benefits, and now many sports teams, corporate executives, and celebrities practice some form of meditation.
The highest purpose of meditation, however, is to “know thyself.”
Meditation Courses
Art and Science of Raja Yoga
Supercharge your spiritual life with our most popular course in yoga and meditation. Discover the authentic roots of yoga in this transformative 11-week journey that seamlessly integrates meditation, physical practice, and timeless wisdom.
Introduction to Meditation Workshop
Learn the tools you will need to create a consistent meditation practice. Presented by Rick Johnston.
Tuning in to Your Soul Nature: A Men’s Retreat
The essence of the spiritual path is learning to listen and tune into guidance from our higher Self in whatever life brings us. Whether we’re on the yogic path or not, the awareness of inner focus and integrity (represented by the danda, or staff) is key to successfully meeting life’s challenges, of which we all have plenty. In this 3 day immersion of sharing with each other how we are doing this now and how we would like to do it more, we’ll work with our own inspirations and questions, as well as with Yogananda and Swami Kriyananda’s teachings, guidance, and support.
Course in Meditation
Bring more peace, deeper relaxation, and focused concentration into every area of your life. An 8-week course on Tuesday evenings with Robyn Mattis.
Meditation for Starters | In Person Only Oct 8
4 Wednesdays: October 8, 15, 22 & 29 at 12:30-1:30pm. IN PERSON only at Blue Lotus Temple If you’ve ever yearned to make meditation an enjoyable and integral part of yourday, this class is designed for you. Have you tried meditating with an App butare struggling with inconsistency in your practice? This meditation class offers theguidance and support you need! ... Read More
Introduction to Meditation Workshop
Meditation is the art of stillness, tranquility, and clear perception. Learn the tools which will help you find joy and peace even in the midst of life’s challenges.
Meditation for Starters Move Beyond the App! | ONLINE only Oct-Nov
4 Thursdays: October 30, November 6, 13, 20 at 7:00-8:00pm. ONLINE only using Zoom. If you’ve ever yearned to make meditation an enjoyable and integral part of yourday, this class is designed for you. Have you tried meditating with an App butare struggling with inconsistency in your practice? This meditation class offers theguidance and support you need! As you progress, ... Read More
Art of Super Relaxation
While we know what relaxation is, do we know how to achieve it? During this experiential retreat, we will explore: From the Art & Science of Raja Yoga, by Swami Kriyananda, "Awareness is the necessary precursor of relaxation. There are many parts of the body that are tense without our conscious knowledge. How are we to become aware of them? ... Read More
Introduction to Meditation Workshop
Find Joy within yourself! Learn the basic tools of meditation with Rick Johnston.
Why Learn Meditation at Ananda?
Ananda follows the teachings of the great Indian guru Paramhansa Yogananda, author of Autobiography of a Yogi. Yogananda’s book, now world famous, discussed many details of his life and his instructive encounters with various saints and swamis. Yogananda’s mission was to spread the teachings of ancient India in the west, and to show the similarities between eastern and western religious philosophies.
Following Yogananda’s example, Ananda teaches meditation as a way of life, not simply as a set of techniques. More than just breath-work or mindfulness, the goal of meditation is to put the meditator in touch with their own divinity. Ananda offers the support and resources for aspiring yogis to deepen their practice in the form of intentional communities where aspiring yogis can live, and classes on meditation technique and the ideal lifestyle of a yogi.
While Ananda has deep roots in spirituality, all are welcome from any or no faith. Meditation is for everyone, and there is a way to make it work in everyone’s life. Wherever you are, whatever you do, you can incorporate meditation into your daily life and have results that are life transforming.
Related Courses
The Art & Science of Raja Yoga
Ananda most comprehensive and popular course. An in-depth 12-week course in yoga, meditation and the Eight-Fold path.
The Path of Kriya Yoga
Kriya Yoga is an ancient meditation technique brought to the west by Paramhansa Yogananda, by which we can have a direct intuitive experience of God as our own true Self.
"The soul loves to meditate, for in contact with the Spirit lies its greatest joy." Paramhansa Yogananda