Learn how to share the gift of meditation.
Few things touch our lives like the blessings of meditation: the ability to uplift our consciousness; to learn to act rather than react; and to relax away from stress and respond creatively to the challenges of this world.
But when we want to share these gifts with others, or to go deeper in our own practice, it can be hard to know where to begin and how to be most effective. This course guides you into this with the practical understanding of the universal yogic techniques of meditation along with experience in using and teaching these techniques.
For example: Do you want to know the nuts and bolts of how meditation works? Do you want to know why it works the way it does? Do you know what you need to about the chakras, our energy nervous system, superconsciousness, and all the ways that different body types can sit comfortably for meditation?
There is so much that goes into being a dynamic teacher and meditator. Join us for a series of eight Saturdays and you’ll learn what you need to take the next steps on your meditation journey.
Dates
8 Saturdays from September 6 to November 22, 2025
10:30 am to 5:30 pm Pacific Time
Cost
$745 for 8 Saturdays from 10:30a – 5:30p
$800 for 8 Saturdays from 9a – 5:30p that includes yoga class from 9a – 10:15a (required for Yoga Teachers credit)
Location
In-person at the Ananda Blue Lotus Temple in Bothell or online; plus one class at the Ananda community in Lynnwood and a class and retreat at Heart Song near Lake Stevens.
Questions? Email us or call 425-806-3700.
“Having completed this program, it's hard to imagine NOT having this information and experience since meditation is so integral to my life. The resources that I now have are very, very helpful.”Eric
What you will get from this course
- In-depth understanding of meditation mechanics and principles
- Practical experience in guiding meditations
- Comprehensive training in meditation techniques including the Hong-Sau Technique of Concentration, visualization, and silent meditation
- Access to extensive teaching resources that you can use in your own classes
- Voice and presentation training for clear, effective communication
- How to work with different types of students
- Support for starting and marketing your own meditation groups
- Connection with a supportive community of fellow meditation enthusiasts
- Relaxation exercises and sitting techniques
- Tools to deepen your personal meditation practice
- Confidence in sharing meditation with others in various settings including a certificate of completion and post graduation support
Learn everything you need
Some of the topics of the course also include:
- Investigate the science behind meditation
- Experience breath-control exercises (pranayama), and learn how and why to use them?
- Feel the power of creative visualization & affirmations
- Why is chanting “half the battle?”
- Learn the value of telling a story
- How to shift from “doing” to “being” in meditation
- Dissecting the 3-phases of meditation: relaxation, concentration, and expansion of awareness
- Why observing the breath is universal and effective
- Where do the Eight Limbs of Yoga fit in?
- Understanding the chakras
- Monkey mind solutions that work!
- Any reason is a good reason to meditate: from health to heaven!
- Answering questions about meditation
- How to sit: floor or chair?
- Overcoming resistance, sleepiness, & other common challenges
- Practice leading guided meditations
- Speaking techniques
- How to teach meditation on Zoom
- Dealing with problem students
A typical Saturday class
9:00 – 10:15 am: Yoga Class in the Yoga Hall (required for Yoga Teachers taking the course for Yoga Alliance Credit and a great option for all other students)
10:30 – 11:00am: Guided Meditation
11:00 am – 1:00 pm: Inspirational talk with Learning Activities
1:00 – 2:00 pm: Nutritious Lunch together
2:00 – 3:30 pm: Exploring our Theme for the Afternoon
3:45 – 5:30 pm: Student Practice
“This class has opened my mind to a greater awareness and understanding of what meditation is truly about!”
Frequent Questions
What are the prerequisites for participating in this course?
There are no prerequisites for this course though we recommend that you have taken at least one of the following classes:
Learn to Meditate
Course in Meditation
The Art and Science of Raja Yoga
And it is important that you have been meditating regularly for one year.
Can I see the course syllabus?
Sure. Click here for a PDF.
Is the course self-paced, or does everyone need to move through the course together?
This course is hybrid: meaning you can attend in person or participate online. It is not self-paced.
Can I miss a class and watch the recorded video instead?
Attendance at all classes is required. One excused absence is permitted with make-up lessons at our discretion. You would need to watch the video of the missed class. We may ask for a $25 fee for our time in conducting make-up material or classes.
Will I get to interact with other students and instructors in the course?
Yes! In the morning session, we will present the material for the day along with interactive activities. During the afternoon session there will be a Student Practice unit where participants work in small groups to practice what they have learned.
Instructors will be available to support the small groups and give feedback.
My meditation background is different from the practices taught by Ananda. Is that okay?
Yes. This course takes place using the meditation practices taught by Paramhansa Yogananda, so naturally, that is our focus.
We do not ask that you discontinue your current meditation practices if they are different; we simply ask that you do the practices that are part of this program for learning and sharing purposes.
What tech skills will I need?
If you are taking the course on-line, you will need a computer with audio and video capability along with a Zoom account.
You will also need to access the Learning Management System through our website. We can help you access this system.
Is a payment plan available?
Yes! We can divide the payment into 3 payments of $260 (this includes a 3% processing fee).
Does this course offer credit toward any advanced Ananda certifications?
Those who have graduated with a 200-hour Yoga Teacher certificate may take this course for 65 hours toward your 500-hour certificate with the Ananda Institute of Living Yoga.
Does this course offer continuing education credit with Yoga Alliance?
Yes, for Yoga Alliance purposes. If you already have your 500-hour certification from another school or you do not plan to pursue your 500-hour certificate with the Ananda Institute of Living Yoga you can apply the 65 hours as continuing education.
You may not count this class towards both your 500-hour certificate and Continuing Education requirements for Yoga Alliance.
If you have questions about this please ask us!
Will I get support from Ananda after I graduate?
Absolutely! Our faculty are always available, plus you’ll have lifetime access to all course materials.
Your instructors
Nayaswami Hriman
Nayaswami Hriman McGilloway is a co-spiritual director of Ananda Washington. Commissioned in 1993 by Ananda’s founder, Swami Kriyananda, and to that of kriyacharya in 2009, Hriman has taught and counseled in areas of meditation, yoga philosophy, leadership, intentional community, and the Biblical commentaries of Paramhansa Yogananda.
Author of Once and Future Christ, Hriman also has an abiding interest in sharing the universal, nonsectarian aspects of the teachings of Jesus Christ.
Robyn Mattis
Robyn Mattis has been teaching Ananda Meditation classes for many years and also trains other meditation instructors. She has been practicing meditation for over 20 years.
She is inspired to create a sense of community for her students and give them the experience of peace through meditation.
Murali Venkatrao
Murali Venkatrao is the director of the Ananda Institute of Living Yoga. He has been teaching yoga and meditation since 2002, and is an active researcher studying Yoga’s impact on diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and other metabolic disorders. He is currently the Director of yoga teacher programs at the Ananda Institute of Living Yoga in Bothell, Washington, and a Professor of Yogic Physiology at Vivekananda Yoga University in Norwalk, California.
Nayaswami Padma
Nayaswami Padma, is the co-spiritual director of Ananda Washington. She is also a Kriyacharya, Lightbearer, and teacher of Ananda.
Apply Now for Fall 2025
If you’ve been meditating for at least one year, then you are ready to apply for this class!
We also recommend taking at least one of our meditation classes first, to learn the techniques we will dive into deeply.
Just fill out the application, and we’ll be in touch with you soon.
“Whosoever will, with supreme devotion, impart this supreme, secret knowledge to My devotees, shall without a doubt come to Me. No one among men performs a more priceless service to Me. Nor is there in all the world anyone more dear to Me.”
—Bhagavad Gita