In October 2021, Ananda offered Living the Yoga Sutras, a six-week online program with Nayaswami Gyandev and Nayaswami Diksha. More than 100 people from around the world participated in the course and together we created a strong positive wave of consciousness. The program helped all of us gain a higher understanding and deepen our spiritual practices. This training was supported … Read More
To meditate a short time with depth is better than to meditate for long hours with the mind running wild.” – Paramhansa Yogananda I heard about meditation for the first time from my aunt. She might have suggested it because it seemed necessary. During those times, I certainly needed guidance but at the same time, I didn’t know I needed … Read More
It is 6 a.m. and before I can open my eyes, my stomach is churning with dread. A mass of anxiety has settled in the pit of my belly like swamp-floor sludge. The muck has pinned me to the bed and I want nothing more than to stay here and allow the day to pass by without my participation. However, … Read More
In the summer of 2017, I came across Steve Jobs, the authorized, self-titled biography by Walter Isaacson. Up until that time, I had never read a book that big. The size of the book was formidable but to my surprise, Jobs’ life and Isaacson’s writing were quite captivating. Not only did I read the entire book but I also later … Read More
Meditation is that level of absorption when one has an actual experience of God or one of His attributes. –Swami Kriyananda A friend came to see me recently very discouraged with her lack of progress in meditation. Knowing that she’d been meditating for several years, I wondered what the problem was. “I never see God or the Masters in meditation,” … Read More
Recently, a long-time friend shared with me that they are not doing their spiritual practices; they are without faith, and even losing their belief. This person explained to me that they know what needs to be done but do not have the energy to do it. It saddened me deeply to hear this. The only door open to me was … Read More
As a teacher, my desire is to pass along the inspiration I feel, the knowledge I’ve gained. As I venture day by day into the gift of getting to know my true Self, I’m often challenged with how to present what I experience. I’ll try to explain. Imagine a time when you were in nature: at the coast, on a … Read More
In this article we will fly high, soaring on the wings of visualization and imagination. Our wings will be the dream of a world in peace. We will picture a globe that is following the wise words of the Dalai Lama: If every eight-year old in the world is taught meditation, we will eliminate violence from the world within one … Read More
This quotation of Muir captures the essence of his love for the California Sierra Nevada mountain range and passionately attests to the inspiration that enabled him to strive tirelessly to preserve their beauty. As I read these words colorfully painted on a bench alongside the forest path at our Meditation Retreat, I was immediately struck by their powerful relevance to … Read More
A Time of Transformation A big opportunity for transformation is presenting itself to us right now. It is the beloved Christmas season. For most of us, the holiday season this year will be vastly different. Some of us will face this holiday as a difficult ordeal. The Covid pandemic has created conditions of isolation for numerous people. It’s resulted in … Read More
