A place of awakening

About AnandaThe word “Ananda” is Sanskrit for

joy. Here, you can explore India’s ancient science of Raja Yoga, a comprehensive way of life that offers techniques and devotional practices for spiritual awakening.

You’ll find a wide range of classes, weekly Sunday service, Friday night chanting, and special events in our calendar. Ananda is also one of the largest and oldest meditation training centers in northern California. Thousands in the Bay Area have learned meditation from Ananda over the past 50 years.

In particular, Ananda is a center for the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, author of the spiritual classic, Autobiography of a Yogi. The teachings of Yoga are considered non-sectarian; they can deepen your spiritual experience, regardless of your chosen faith.

Ananda was founded by a close, direct disciple of Yogananda, Swami Kriyananda. His gentle leadership and his works (book, music, and lectures) are a rich part of the Ananda experience. Learn more at AnandaPaloAlto.org.

To the book that sparked a spiritual revolution — happy 70th anniversary

It’s hard to think of a book that’s had more of an influence on our understanding of spirituality. Millions have read it over the past 70 years. (and if you haven’t yet, you’re in for a treat).

Steven Jobs read one book every year, This one. It was the only book in his iPad. At his funeral, everyone received this book as a gift, with these words: “Actualize yourself.”

Ananda’s Spiritual Director, Jyotish writes: When “by chance” I was given a copy of Autobiography of a Yogi, it was a life-changing event for me. As I began reading, it seemed at first to be just one more in a long line of thought-provoking books. But as page after page resolved the questions I had so long been asking, the book ascended from mere literature to scripture.

This was not someone teaching boring theories or secondhand concepts. It came from personal experience and actual realization. Above all, it was Yogananda’s transparent goodness and love that changed me. I wanted to experience what he wrote about, and he held out not only a vague hope, but the promise that someday I could.

He showed how I could be a scientist conducting experiments in consciousness, and that my mind would be the laboratory. This I could relate to. This I could try. And so I have.

When I say that book changed my life, I mean it literally. Here are a few of the most important changes:

I moved from despair to hope, from someone with no clear direction in life to someone who now had a goal. Yogananda had showed me a pathway that I yearned to follow.

I changed from being an agnostic to someone who accepted that a Divine Intelligence was guiding everything.

I came to accept many things that my education, environment, and youthful cynicism had believed impossible.

Yogananda opened my heart, which until then had been dry and aching.Most important of all, the book led me to Swami Kriyananda, my

lifelong guide, mentor, friend, and supporter. He gave my life a spiritual and practical direction that started the day I met him, just a few months after Autobiography of a Yogi had shaken me awake. Swamiji’s guiding hand continues to this day. I am grateful beyond the power of words to express.Jyotish and Devi will be speaking in the Bay Area March 31-April 2 (see left page, above)

Jyotish Novak (above)

and Swami Kriyananda

Classes & Events January – April ‘17

Ananda Palo Alto

“Be still and know.” (Psalm 46:10) “The kingdom of God is within you,” says Jesus. Why do saints urge us inward, while the world does its best to pull the other way? Deepen your spiritual life profoundly with this essential practice. Thousands have learned to meditate in Ananda classes over the past 40 years.

Learn to MeditateWednesday class series ( 8 weeks) 7:30 pmJan 4-Feb 22, Biraj & Lahari, $95Mar 1-Apr 19, Biraj & Lahari, $95

We also offer weekend sessions (2 Saturdays) Jan 7 & 14 • Feb 11 & 18 Mar 18 & 25 • Apr 22 & 2910 am-1 pm, $30

Meditation classes in Spanish (Saturdays) Como Meditar: 1/28 • 3/11 Como Integrar la Meditación en tu Vida Diaria: 2/18 • 4/8

Pathway to Kriya YogaGo deeper into the practice of meditation and the spiritual philosophy behind this ancient practice. The Art & Science of Raja Yoga is a 16-week immersion offered twice each year. If you wish, after this training, you may apply to receive Kriya Yoga, described by Yogananda in Autobiography of a Yogi.

In-depth class series

Conversations with Yogananda Tuesdays, January 3-April 25, 7:30 pm $15/class (ongoing class) drop-ins welcome (no class 3/7, 4/4)

What does a great master talk about with his close disciples? Asha shares insights to help guide our lives from gems lovingly captured by Swami Kriyananda in this book. Each class stands alone, so you may drop in any time. See Inner Life with Asha on YouTube for previous classes. Nayaswami Asha

The Art & Science of Raja YogaThursdays, Jan 12-Apr 27, 6-9 pm, $395One of our most popular offerings, this 16 week immersion explores a scientific approach to spirituality, with techniques for stilling the mind and expanding our awareness of spiritual realities. Learn techniques for self-mastery, from calming turbulent emotions to awakening deep compassion and love for others. Shanti, Rammurti, Sita, Saranya, Steven

Life with Swami Kriyananda Wednesdays, April 5-26 7:30 pm, $60

Seldom-before-heard stories of Swami—each a tiny gift of understanding and inspiration. An informal, relaxed evening of personal sharing.Rammurti Reed and others

Art, Rebirth & TransformationFeb 17-19 weekend with Dana Anderson

Discover a vibrant new life waiting to blos-som in your heart. Work intuitively, with soul-visioning collage, flow chalk pastel drawing, sacred music & spontaneous movement. Help guide the new energies that are ripe and ready to emerge in your life right now. No art experience required.

Fridays a Kirtan

Join in an evening of sacred chanting. Chanting has the power to transform and uplift the soul, and to open the heart. Most chants are simple to learn, so you’ll be able to join in easily your first time. Words are provided. We’ll sing many beautiful chants in English, as well as some Indian chants accom-panied by harmonium and guitar.

1st & 3rd Fridays, 7:30 pm, free (no kirtan 4/21)

Special: Shiva KirtanSaturday, 2/18, 7 pm, Ananda Scotts Valley

Ananda Valley Farm Workdays 2nd Saturdays, 9:30 am-1:30 pm (Mar-Nov) 3/11 a 4/8 a 5/13 a 6/10 a 7/8 a 8/12

There’s something for all ages: create new garden beds, compost the soil, sow seeds for new crops, harvest, care for the (very friendly!) chickens, and many other fun opportunities. Rejuvenating and fun.

Wild Foods Foraging & CookingSaturday, March 25, 10 am-2 pmIdentify local wild foods, and prepare a meal with noted herbalist, Suzanne Elliott.

Saturdays a Farm

Most events take place at Ananda Temple & Teaching Center, 2171 El Camino, Palo Alto Brown: Ananda Valley Farm, 1050 Frenchmans Creek Road, Half Moon Bay Purple: Ananda Community, 240 Monroe Drive, Mountain View

Meditation training

Welcome & Orientation for Newcomers

Last Wednesdays, 7:30 pm Come hear a little about Ananda’s

teachings, offerings, and roots in a casual setting. All questions welcome. We meet in the Teaching Center (building behind

the Temple; enter from College Avenue)

Asha, Shanti, and Rammurti

Sunday mornings at Ananda are joyful, music-filled, and relevant. If you have been uninspired by most church services, you may find this one refreshingly intelligent and heart-warming. Newcomers welcome. Drop in any time.

9 am Meditation / fire ceremony10 am Sunday Service child care provided10 am Live-stream from www.AnandaPaloAlto.org

Service includes a short period of chant-ing and meditation, readings from the Bhagavad Gita and Bible, a sermon, and a ceremony called the Festival of Light.

Family Worship service 1st Saturday monthly, 10 am (except 4/1)

Children are actively involved in this beautiful service. They participate in a fire ceremony, brief meditation, and music. Help awaken children’s inner awareness and self-understanding.

Ananda Yoga CenterAnanda Yoga combines the best of a revitalizing workout with a gentle, inward approach. Drop-in classes:

Mon Calm Mind................6 pm

Tue Peace & Vitality ....9:30 am

Wed Level 1-2 ..............9:30 am Level 1-2 ...................6 pm

Thu Level 1-2 ..............9:30 am

Fri Gentle Yoga..........9:30 am

Sat Fundamentals ......9:30 am

Complete yoga calendar AnandaPaloAlto.org/Yoga

Most events take place at Ananda Temple & Teaching Center, 2171 El Camino, Palo Alto Brown: Ananda Valley Farm, 1050 Frenchmans Creek Road, Half Moon Bay Purple: Ananda Community, 240 Monroe Drive, Mountain View

Sundays a Worship Saturdays a Classes

Easter WeekWe reflect on the courage of Christ’s surrender to God’s will and his final triumph over all earthly limitations. A time of renewal and hope, this week of storytelling and music is guided by Asha, evoking the mystery and power of Christ’s last week on earth. Apr 9 Palm Sunday 10 amApr 14 Meditation 5 pm Good Friday 7:30 pmApr 15 Easter Retreat All-Sing The Life of Christ 10 am-2 pmApr 16 Easter Sunday 10 am Egg Hunt 12:30 pm Brunch 1 pm

Holidays a Celebrations

and more special events...

Yogananda’s BirthdayThu, Jan 5, 5 pm Meditation 7:30 pm Program Stories of the great Yogi’s life, music, and offerings at the altar.

A Winter Afternoon’s Concert Sat, 2/25, 3 pm, free (donations welcome)Todd, Karen, and Saiganesh share beautiful instrumentals and solos by Swami Kri-yananda. Flute, piano, vocal solos.

Yogananda’s MahasamadhiTue, 3/7, 5 pm Meditation, 7:30 pm Program Through stories of his life, chanting, and meditation, we honor the great yogi’s life.

The Life of Yogananda, School PlayWed 3/15, 10 am • Fri & Sat, 3/17-18, 7 pmLiving Wisdom School info: (650) 462-8150

Jyotish & Devi Weekend in Palo AltoFri, 3/31-Sun, 4/2 Learn more about this special weekend of events with two beloved teachers (back, top)

Anniversary of Swami’s PassingFri, 4/21, 5 pm Meditation, 7:30 pm Program

Saturday classes are single-topic classes covering the entire range of the spiritual life: meditation, inner guidance, how to spiritualize your relationships, effective prayer, and more.

All Saturday classes 10-1, unless noted

1/7 Finding Happiness Movie: The Meaning & the Making

1/7-28 Improv for Joy, Courage, and Enthusiasm! 5:30 pm

1/14 Consciously Coping with Stress

1/21 Find Your Soulmate/Life Partner

1/21 Yoga Therapy for Stress, Anxiety, and Insomnia 2:30-4:30 pm also 2/4, 3/4, 4/8

1/28 Wisdom of the Heart

1/28 Wise Choices for Women in Transition 2-5 pm

2/4 The Art of Supportive Leadership

2/11 Finding Your Authentic Spiritual Path

2/17-19 Art, Rebirth & Transformation Retreat

2/25 Finding Calm in a Chaotic World

3/18 Balancing the Divine Feminine & Masculine

4/8 & 22 Subtle Energy

4/22 Playing with Nature 3 pm

Also on Saturdays Learn to Meditate

Jan 7 & 14 • Feb 11 & 18 Mar 18 & 25 • Apr 22 & 29

Meditation in Spanish Learn to Meditate: Jan 28 • Mar 11

Meditation in Daily Life: Feb 18 • Apr 8

A place of awakening

Ananda Church of Self-Realization of Palo Alto, Inc. 2171 El Camino Real (El Camino & College) Palo Alto, CA 94306 (650) 323-3363 www.anandapaloalto.org

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Sunday Worship Service 10 amMeditation a Yoga a Classes a Music The teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda

Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDPalo Alto, CA

Permit No. 101Ananda

All Classes & Events a January-April ‘17 a www.AnandaPaloAlto.orgWeekday classes & events begin at 7:30 pm and Saturday classes are 10 am–1 pm unless noted. See the web to learn more, starting with “Calendar” or “Classes.” Register and prepay online for a 10% discount

All events take place at Ananda, 2171 El Camino, Palo Alto except events in brown: Ananda Valley Farm, 1050 Frenchmans Creek Road, Half Moon Bay or purple: Ananda Community, 240 Monroe Drive, Mountain View

SPECIAL EVENTS & HOLIDAYSThu 1/5 Yogananda’s Birthday Meditation 5-7, Program 7:30 pm 1/29-2/5 Inner Renewal Week, Ananda Village Sat 2/25 Pancake Breakfast, 8:30 am Sat 2/25 A Winter Afternoon Concert, 3 pm Tue 3/7 Yogananda’s Mahasamadhi 3/15-18 Living Wisdom School Play: The Life of Yogananda, 7 pm 3/31-4/2 Weekend with Jyotish & Devi (see above for details) Sun 4/9 Palm Sunday Service Fri 4/14 Good Friday Service Sat 4/15 Easter Retreat & All-Sing “Christ Lives” Oratorio Sun 4/16 Easter Sunday Service Egg Hunt, noon, Banquet, 12:30 pm Fri 4/21 Swami Kriyananda Moksha Day

WORSHIPSunday Meditation/Fire Ceremony, 9 am Sunday Sunday Service, 10 am

Especially for FAMILIES 1st Saturday Family Service, 10 am Sundays Childcare, 10-11:30 am

MEDITATION TRAININGWed’s Learn to Meditate (8 weeks) 1/4-2/22 a 3/1-4/19Saturday Learn to Meditate (2 weeks) 1/7-14, 2/11-18, 3/18-25, 4/22-29Saturdays Meditation classes in Spanish 1/28 • 2/18 • 3/11 • 4/8

RAJA YOGA Deepen Your Spiritual LifeThu 1/12-4/27 The Art & Science of Raja Yoga 16 weeks: our most popular course Tuesdays Conversations with YoganandaSat 1/7 Finding Happiness Movie:

The Meaning & the MakingSat 1/7-28 Improv for Joy, Courage, and

Enthusiasm! 5:30 pm Sat 1/14 Consciously Coping with StressSat 1/21 Find Your Soulmate or Life PartnerSat 1/28 Wisdom of the HeartSat 2/4 The Art of Supportive LeadershipSat 2/11 Finding Your Authentic Spiritual Path2/17-19 Art, Rebirth, Transformation RetreatSat 2/25 Finding Calm in a Chaotic WorldSat 3/18 Balancing Divine Feminine & Masculine4/8 & 22 Subtle EnergySat 4/22 Earth Day/Playing with Nature, 3 pm

KIRTAN & MUSIC1st & 3rd Fri Kirtan: Evening of ChantingSat 2/25 A Winter Afternoon Concert, 3 pmFri 2/18 Shiva Kirtan (Scotts Valley) Fri 4/14 Good Friday Service Sat 4/15 Easter Retreat and All-SingSun 4/16 Easter Sunday Service

ANANDA VALLEY FARMSaturdays Farm Workdays , 9:30 am-1:30 pm 3/11 a 4/8 (2nd Saturdays) Sat 3/25 Wild Foods Foraging & Cooking, 10-2

YOGA POSTURES WORKSHOPSSat 1/21+ Yoga Therapy for Stress, Anxiety & Insomnia: +2/4, 3/4, 4/8, 2-4:30 pmSat 1/28 Wise Choices: A Workshop for Women in Transition, 2-5 pm Complete drop-in yoga calendar (inside)

WELCOME NEWCOMERS Last Wednesday each month Wed 1/25 a 2/22 a 3/29 a 4/26, 7:30 pm

A rare Bay Area weekend with Nayaswamis

Jyotish & Devi

Also this weekendKriya Yoga: Gateway to Self-Realization Friday, 3/31, 7 pm

Meditation Saturday, 4/1, 7-10 am

Sunday Service Sunday, 4/2, 10 amAll free; these events take place at Ananda in Palo Alto

Finding Happiness How to Live a Life FulfilledSaturday, April 1, 7 pm, freeCañada College Theater, Redwood CityOne can chase after happiness forever and never quite reach it. What is the nature of happiness? With wisdom and delightful humor, Jyotish and Devi take us on an exploration of this most sought-after inner state.

Seating is limited. Obtain tickets now atHappiness2017.EventBrite.com

3/31 - 4/2