Spiritual Renewal Week
- Jun 28 – Jul 5, 2020
Spiritual Renewal Week 2020:
Paramhansa Yogananda – 100 years: Awakening a New Spirituality
Join with people from around the world in a week of joyful learning and practice of the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda.
The Expanding Light Retreat is always filled with an atmosphere of divine joy that enhances spiritual development, but during Spiritual Renewal Week these blessings are amplified.
During this week, you will:
- Find answers to your deep spiritual questions and needs
- Be inspired to discard limiting habits and manifest your dreams
- Befriend people from around the world who share your aspirations
- Feel blessed by a tangible divine presence
With grateful thanks to the Ananda Janaka Foundation for their financial support.
2020 Spiritual Renewal Week
Morning classes every day with Ananda's key teachers from around the world. This year some of our favorite international teachers will join us via video.
These classes set the tone for the week, bringing wisdom, humor, and practical tips you can use every day.
Mon: "A Vision of World Unity" with Nayaswamis Jyotish and Devi
Tue: "Spirituality versus Religion: Seeing God Everywhere" with Nayaswamis Jaya, Narayan, Dharmadevi, and Shivani
Wed: "Using Spiritual Principles to Achieve Harmony, Success, Health, and Happiness" with Dr. Michele Dossett and Nayaswamis Ananta, Dharmarajan, and Asha
Thu: "Carrying Master’s Mission into the Future" with Devalila, Sagar, Kshama, David Eby, Zach, and Badri
Fri: "Meditation and Kriya Yoga: Opening a Door to Higher Consciousness" with Dr. Peter, Nayaswamis Anandi, Devarshi, and Dharmadas
Sat: "Your Questions Answered" with Atman, Dr. Shanti Rubenstone, and Nayaswamis Pranaba and Maria
Evening activities
Mon: Kirtan
Tue: Concert of Swami Kriyananda's Music
Wed: Questions and Answers with Jyotish and Devi
Thur: "Swami Kriyananda: Continuing Master's Mission"
Fri: Initiation into First, Second, or Third & Fourth Kriyas for those eligible: or informal gathering in an Ananda home
Sat: Indian Banquet followed by Indian storytelling
Spiritual Renewal Week does exactly as the name says: You will feel spiritually renewed in body, mind, and spirit.
Spiritual Renewal Week 2020 will take place in our newly completed Temple of Light (dedicated at Ananda's 50th Anniversary in 2019). It is exquisite in design and supremely comfortable and practical. The vibrations of the Temple of Light are heavenly. It will be available for daily meditations as well as the classes.
Guests will also have the opportunity for meditation in Swami Kriyananda's Moksha Mandir and in his apartment. These holy spots are blessed by a uniquely powerful and expansive spiritual vibration. People go on pilgrimage to places around the world to experience what you can enjoy during your Spiritual Renewal Week.
During the week, there will also be afternoon classes for those preparing for Kriya initiation. For information on these classes, please contact kriyayoga2@ananda.org
At the end of Spiritual Renewal Week, guests made these comments:
"After 37 years of attending Spiritual Renewal Weeks, I am always uplifted by the fact that there is a true blessing in the whole event.... There are moments that are so pure and perfect that you instantly know that being there is right for the body, mind, and soul. The morning practices start the day with active self-connection....many different instructors with unique skills lead the way into the morning. The classes are more than educational - they offer a joyful challenge to the mind to act and think in a more wise and expansive way. The afternoon programs deepen the knowledge, and the evening concerts, plays, and chanting all serve as frosting on the cake, as days pass and calmness grows. At the end, I felt blessed and grateful for another week of renewal. I look forward to life and to my next Spiritual Renewal Week with you all. May God bless and keep you." Jeff K., Madison, WI
“Incredible. I received quite a lot of clarity on issues that have been on my mind for some time.”
“The feeling of openness and the welcoming nature of the Ananda environment and people made my experience so beautiful! ALL the classes and talks were helpful and inspiring.I felt great love and support from all of the staff and community members.”
“It proved to be more than I ever expected. The atmosphere, people, and power of the Divine were life transforming. Will definitely be back.”
“Fantastic. Deeply inspiring. Life-changing.”
For more information, please send us a Question or Comment:
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or e-mail or call us at 1-800-346-5350
Costs (SRW)
Costs are on a per person basis.
- Jun 28 – Jul 5, 2020
| Shared Rooms only | ||
| Tent RV |
Standard Shared |
Deluxe Shared |
|---|---|---|
| $882 | $1155 | $1470 |
Prices are all-inclusive and cover accommodations, meals, classes or activities, and course materials.
Spiritual Renewal Week starts the afternoon of the first date listed and ends with lunch on the last date. It's ideal to arrive before 4 pm, if you are able to. That way, you can join in the afternoon session of guided yoga postures and meditation, which begins at 4:45. Dinner is at 6:30. The first real gathering of your group is after dinner. Please see:
Pick up & drop off at Sacramento Airport. Click links for details.This price covers 7 days of classes, activities, meals, and accommodations.
Prices for Gaia House
shared only
Entire week:
| Bird, Star, Tree, River, Mountain Shared |
Flower Shared |
|---|---|
| $1197 | $1442 |
You can add extra personal retreat days before and/or after your program. Check availability and costs for the days and accommodations that you require.
Spiritual Renewal Week starts the afternoon of the first date listed. It’s ideal to arrive before 4 pm, if you are able to. That way, you can join in the afternoon session of yoga and meditation, which begins at 4:45 pm. Dinner is at 6:30. The first real gathering of your group is at 7:30 pm. If you need to arrive here after 5 pm, that’s fine, but it helps us if you let us know at 800-346-5350. We can also put aside a dinner for you if you need to arrive after 7 pm. The program ends with lunch on the last date. Please see our Daily Schedule.
See Transportation and Directions whether you are coming by plane, car, bus or train. Our Frequent Questions page answers many of the questions you might have about How to Go on Retreat.
With grateful thanks to the Ananda Janaka Foundation for their financial support.
Monday: “A Vision of World Unity”:
Presenters:
Nayaswamis Jyotish and Devi Novak
This topic of “A Vision of World Unity” well expresses the life of Nayaswamis Jyotish and Devi, who are vibrant emissaries of Paramhansa Yogananda, and Global Peace Ambassadors. As Spiritual Directors of Ananda, and living examples of spiritual values in action, Jyotish and Devi travel the world, sharing Yogananda’s teachings, and blessing people with the practical and heart-opening path of Kriya Yoga.
Swami Kriyananda, Ananda’s founder, designated Jyotish as his spiritual successor.
Jyotish and Devi were instrumental in the creation of Ananda Village, as well as our spiritual works in Italy and India. They each have authored several books, and speak widely throughout the U.S., Europe, and India.
Tuesday: “Spirituality versus Religion: Seeing God Everywhere”
Presenters:
Nayaswamis Jaya Helin, Narayan and Dharmadevi Romano, and Shivani Lucki.
This question will be dynamically explained by 4 Ananda ministers who share God with people around the world:
Nayaswami Jaya is a founding member of Ananda and now co-leads Ananda’s work in India. For many years Jaya was the general manager and planner for Ananda Village. In addition to helping pioneer Ananda India in Delhi, and now in Pune, Jaya is known as one of Ananda’s finest teachers.
Nayaswamis Narayan and Dharmadevi are creating a thriving Ananda community throughout Los Angeles, where they have been the spiritual directors since 2010. Both began their training at Ananda Village, where Narayan ran the publishing arm of Ananda, Crystal Clarity Publishers, and Dharmadevi created Online with Ananda and the Ananda Virtual Community.
Nayaswami Shivani is a dynamo of inspiration, sharing Yogananda’s teachings throughout Europe, India, and Russia. She is a founding member of Ananda, and currently helps to lead Ananda’s community in Assisi, Italy.
Wednesday: “Using Spiritual Principles to Achieve Harmony, Success, Health, and Happiness”
Presenters:
Nayaswamis Ananta McSweeney, Dharmarajan Iyer, Asha Praver and Dr. Michelle Dossett.
“Using Spiritual Principles to Achieve Harmony, Success, Health, and Happiness” will be expressed by inspiring experts in each area.
Nayaswami Ananta is Harmony in action, known for the love and high regard with which he interacts with all. A founding member of Ananda, he and his wife directed our Ananda community in Sacramento for over twenty years. They currently live in Ananda Village, overseeing Ananda’s gardens and minister training.
Nayaswami Dharmarajan and his wife were instrumental in the foundation of our work in India, and currently direct the Ananda center in Chennai, India. For some years, Dharmarajan offered classes in Indian businesses on “How to Achieve Material Success Through Yogic Principles.”
Dr. Michelle Dossett received her medical degree in 2008. She currently does research at U.C. Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, California, with a specialty in internal medicine. Her special interest is in integrative and mind-body medicine, so she is ideally qualified to speak on the topic of health.
Nayaswami Asha is a worldwide ambassador on the subject of hope and happiness. She brings Yogananda’s teachings to people around the globe, helping them make their spiritual lives work for them. She is also a co-founder and co-director of Ananda’s community in Palo Alto. In 2019 she completed and published, Lightbearer, an absorbing and highly acclaimed biography of Swami Kriyananda.
Thursday: “Carrying Master’s Mission into the Future”
Presenters:
Sagar Shenvi, Devalila Veenhof, David Eby, Kshama Kellog, Zach Abbey and Badri Matlock.
“Carrying Master’s Mission into the Future” will be shared by the Next Wave of teachers in the Ananda communities along the West Coast. All of them are accomplished and popular speakers, as well as gifted in their fields of service.
Sagar Shenvi (speaking on The Blending of East and West) was born in India and received a degree from MIT. He grew up in India immersed in the teachings of Yogananda and now shares them through Online with Ananda, as well as in public talks around the country.
Devalila Veenhof (speaking on Sharing the Teachings) is the head of Ananda’s Kriya ministry. She helped create and teach on the initial Online with Ananda. Now she directs and shares Yogananda’s teachings with Kriya initiates worldwide.
David Eby (The Arts) is a gifted cellist who performs professionally and trains other musicians to experience music and performance on a more profound and inspirational level.
Kshama Kellog (Education for Life) currently directs the Ananda High School in Palo Alto, California. She grew up attending the Ananda Education for Life School, and also has used these principles teaching grade school children.
Zach Abbey (A Life in God) currently leads Ananda’s community on Camano Island, near Seattle
Badri Matlock (Communities) helps direct Ananda Village and our Intern program for young aspirants.
Friday: “Meditation and Kriya Yoga: Opening a Door to Higher Consciousness”
Presenters:
Dr. Peter Van Houten, Nayaswamis Dharmadas, Devarshi, and Anandi Cornell.
"Meditation and Kriya Yoga: Opening a Door to Higher Consciousness" will be shared by a panel of experienced teachers of meditation and Kriya Yoga.
Dr. Peter Van Houten, founder of the Sierra Family Medical Clinic, will draw on his experience as a physician. He speaks from a tremendous wealth of knowledge on the subject of how meditation transforms the brain itself, as well as one’s consciousness.
Nayaswami Dharmadas helped found Ananda’s work in India, where he traveled nationwide teaching and offering Kriya initiations. He currently co-directs Ananda’s Sacramento community.
Nayaswami Devarshi, now living in and teaching throughout India, is also the Ananda minister for Kriya Yoga worldwide. He is currently creating written materials to clarify the Kriya techniques for our worldwide work.
Nayaswami Anandi, the editor of the 8 Wisdom of Yogananda books, is known for her deep understanding of Yogananda’s teachings and her ability to apply them to all aspects of life.
Saturday: “Questions and Answers”
Wisdom Guides:
Nayaswami Pranaba Hansen, Atman Goering, Dr. Shanti Rubenstone and Nayaswami Maria McSweeney.
Guests will be encouraged to submit questions, perhaps things you’ve always wondered about. Our panel of speakers will answer your questions, based on their long experience of living these spiritual teachings.
Nayaswami Pranaba coordinates all of the outreach ministry from Ananda Village. He and his wife, Parvati, were instrumental in creating Ananda communities in San Francisco, Palo Alto, Portland, Seattle, Dallas, and Assisi, Italy!
Atman Goering is the Ananda Village Manager, with an enormous range of responsibilities, including all of our interface with County regulations. He has shared Yogananda’s teachings during his travels in the U.S., Asia, Europe, and South America.
Dr. Shanti Rubenstone, a medical doctor for over 40 years, brings to her practice—and her life— a profound wisdom and ability to communicate with people. She co-directs Ananda’s Palo Alto community.
Nayaswami Maria currently overseas the training and service of Ananda’s ministers. She and her husband, Ananta, directed Ananda’s Sacramento community for over 20 years.
