Durga Smallen

A Founding member of Ananda

Durga Smallen

Durga Smallen is a founding member of Ananda, along with her husband, Vidura. They came to Ananda in 1974, after searching for two years for a community that would embrace spiritual principles, schools, and a new way of life.  As Ananda Lightbearers, they have had various managerial and ministerial roles in Ananda Worldwide.

Durga’s first jobs involved managing some of Ananda’s early businesses. In 1980 she and Vidura ran an Ananda community called Ocean Song near Santa Rosa. She then served in the Ananda School for two years before becoming the manager of The Expanding Light, along with Vidura. Later, they together became Ananda Village Community Managers and General Managers of Ananda Worldwide.

From 1986 through 2006 she and Vidura led month-long pilgrimages to India with Asha and David Praver. In 2006 Durga and Vidura moved to India to be part of the staff helping Swami Kriyananda create a new Ananda community in Gurgaon, India. After two years in India, Durga and Vidura were asked to help with the teaching and ministerial service of Ananda’s community in Portland, Oregon.

Now, Durga is serving at The Expanding Light in the Personal Retreat program, and enjoying tremendously her work with guests and visitors to Ananda.