May 2013 Newsletter

Swami Kriyananda has completed his life's work and gone to a higher plane. After 87 years of living in a body troubled by an apparently endless list of health issues, our much-loved Swamiji has laid his body down.

We are of course saddened by missing him, and by the idea that we won't be with him physically again. But we are filled with joy that Swami is now reunited with Yogananda, the great guru to whom Swami devoted his life since becoming his disciple in 1948. Swamiji spent his life finding God - and helping others to find Him. Yogananda told him that he would find God at the end of this life. So we know that his journey is complete.

Swami taught us how to be a disciple. The lesson for us is that we, too, can follow in his footsteps to final union with Universal Love.

I found Ananda in 2006 through Swami's writings. My wife, Lalaan, and I so hoped to meet him, but his health was so bad in 2007 that we didn't know if we would ever get that chance. To be in his presence just one time became my greatest wish in life. Swami was able to come to Ananda Village that summer, and we traveled here to see him. My dream came true. And then we had nearly another six years with him in his body. That was more than I hoped and dreamed for. Just to be near someone of that spiritual stature is to benefit. He was and is a channel for Yogananda.

I could never express the depth of my gratitude to this great soul for all he has given me. The sweetest treasure was that on many occasions at The Expanding Light I held his elbow or he mine, or we held hands, to help him walk. Once such time I took his elbow. He was feeling strong, however, and said, “I don't need help.” I answered, “I know, Swamiji, I'm just sneaking in touching you while I have the chance.” He responded by taking my elbow as we walked together. That beautifully illustrates the soul we have known as Swami Kriyananda - always giving to others. Thank you, friend. Go with God.

In divine friendship,

Timothy

Mother and Daughter Weekend Retreat

May 10 - 12, 2013

There is no better gift you can give to your mother or daughter than the gift of yourself! Your weekend - led by Mantradevi LoCicero and Melody Hansen will be lots of fun, and very inspiring.

"My daughter and I spent a wonderful weekend in Ananda Village staying in the beautiful Gaia house! The house is amazing, warm, and very comfortable. The whole experience was new to my daughter, and she really enjoyed everything - yoga, meditation,... It was amazing and very fulfilling!" - E. - San Francisco

Inspiration from Yogananda & Kriyananda

Karma Yoga, also, is an indirect way of withdrawing the energy. By nishkam karma - renunciation of attachment to the fruits of action - one withdraws his energy from avid feeling toward anything outward, and mentally centers his consciousness in the Self. By meditating with the same attitude of offering the fruits of meditation up to God, one becomes less anxious, and achieves even to that extent a degree of inner peace.

From The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita

Explained by Paramhansa Yogananda
As remembered by His Disciple, Swami Kriyananda

How to Achieve Glowing Health and Vitality
Living a Radiant Lifestyle

May 26 - 31  &  September 22 - 28, 2013

Join us for a rejuvenating and educational week that will change your life for the better!

"Such an amazing, uplifting journey being here for this week! Surrounded by beauty and by staff whose warmth and sweet generosity exceeds any place I've ever been. The scope and depth of this course is phenomenal, packed with great resources, accessible tools, and deep support. I came away with such gratitude, enthusiasm, and energy to put my commitments in motion. The transforming power of this week has left me feeling such a greater sense of radiance and joy! THANK YOU." - Marla, California

Inspiration from Yogananda

“One should make it a practice, indeed, to separate himself in his mind from identification with anything - even an identity of thought - and to return to the affirmation, “God alone is the Doer.” By thus dissociating oneself from any error the ego commits, the tendency to err will gradually subside, the gale will cease to blow, and the mind will become calmly centered and focused on its divine goal once again.”

Conversations with Yogananda

Pilgrimage to Italy
Mystical Inspiration And Beauty

October 7 - 21, 2013  

Join Jyotish & Devi and Daiva & Gangamata for a spiritual and cultural Italian pilgrimage.

Visit holy sites blessed by its great saints, and enjoy some of Rome and Florence's greatest art and architecture. In Assisi, you will be hosted by the Ananda community.

Ananda Yoga Vacation in Costa Rica

December 1 - 8, 2013
with Nayaswami's Gyandev and Diksha

Come join us for a relaxing, healing retreat on Costa Rica's beautiful Pacific Coast. You'll stay in a modern resort located right on a secluded beach. A tropical setting, inspirational teachers, good food and great company. Pure Paradise..

Reserve your space now!

Education for Life Training for Teachers and Parents

July 30 - July 5, 2013

At Gaia House

You don't have to have children in an Education for Life School to benefit enormously from this 5-day program. Learn how to help your children or students reach their own highest potential.

14618 Tyler Foote Rd,   Nevada City, California, 95959     800-346-5350   530-478-7518     Contact Us