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 sits on 700 acres of exquisite forest and clear space very conducive to meditation and yoga practices. Visitors can come for different periods of time in stay in semi private or private rooms or do tent camping.

As I had a camper-van I chose the tent camping which worked out fine. I will have to say that the vegetarian meals were absolutely delicious and inspired my own cooking at home. The atmosphere is congenial and friendly and of course inspirational.

The types of programs offered include: First Timers Weekend and the longer Yoga Teacher Training, and Meditation Teacher Training, as well as specific topics of varying lengths, such as Joyful Vegetarian Cooking.

You can also arrange a personal retreat where you can spend as much time in meditation as you choose, or just enjoy simply walking the grounds enjoying the unique silence of nature. Personally, I love walking in nature and its grandeur never fails to bring me peace of mind, inner calm.

Also in the village is a school for children in grades K-12 with a respect for all religions as well as the virtues we all admire. That may be a reason for visiting if you are looking for that style of education for your kids.

Ananda village has its own distribution center with writings of Yogananda, Kriyanda and others in the field of meditation and yoga. Plus you can enjoy buying from their marketplace.

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/

Article by Susan Kramer

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For offline reading
Meditation for Teens and Adults
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. 114 pages.

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Also

Meditation for all Kids Sitting, walking, dance and group circle meditations, along with positive affirmations, verses and benefits of meditation for kids of all ages and abilities in a 100 page book with illustrations.