Ananda is the dream come true of the founder, Swami Kriyananda, a direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda. The large center is located near Nevada City in Northern California. It is truly a World Brotherhood Community as it was set out to be. The address is The Expanding Light; 14618 Tyler Foote Road, Nevada City, California 95959.

Ananda is one of the first retreat sites I visited in California in the 1970s and then again 15 years later. Each time I was impressed with the atmosphere and offerings. It seems to be a major spiritually uplifting community with just the right amount of nurturing for the beginner or advanced student on the spiritual path. The surrounding forest gives a feeling of solace and protection and the smell of pine is heavenly in my opinion.

You can visit for a day or longer and become part of their spiritual family eventually, if you wish. I think it is an ideal location to study and become strong in your spiritual practices, and then take these skills out into the world. If we had more centers like Ananda I think the world would become more peaceful. I opted for camping out of my van on my visits.

The vegetarian food is delicious and you are bound to take home some new ideas for your own cooking. The most precious part to me is the comradship of like-minded souls living on this planet at this time in history. The store on site offers the writings of Yogananda, Kriyanda and other inspirational writers.

How to get to Ananda Village: The map at this URL is the recommended route:
http://www.expandinglight.org/who/map.htm

I will mention that Nevada City is north beyond Grass Valley on Rt. 20 on the way to Truckee and Reno.

Let's keep in mind that Self-Realization is a worthy goal, and Ananda Village is one place to get a foothold on meditation and right living techniques.

For detailed information on Ananda Village and its wonderful programs go to: http://www.expandinglight.org/

Meditation Lessons for Teens and Adults by Susan Kramer
More than 70 offerings, from guided meditation techniques to on-the-go stress relief and relationship meditations interspersed with verse, and a section of special occasion prayers. 116 pages.

Article by Susan Helene Kramer

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