YoganandaYoganandaYogananda

Dear Friends,In the The Essence of Self-Realization, Swamiji shares this conversa-

tion with Master:“The company one keeps,” Paramhansa Yogananda said, “determines

to a great extent whether his energy will move inward toward God, or outward toward the world. Good company is essential on the spiritual path.”

“Sir,” asked a disciple, “what if I am alone?”The Master gazed deeply into the discipleʼs eyes as he replied, “Am

I not always with you?”On another occasion, Swamiji asked Master, “Sir, after you are gone,

will you be as near to us as you are now?”“To those who think me near,” Master replied, “I will be near.”These two stories describe the essence of the spiritual path for the

disciple: Attunement. All our practices—prayer, chanting, energization, meditation, Kriya itself—are means to this one end: to make ourselves receptive to the divine vibrations of those appointed by God to lead us to Self-realization.

In the Bible, St. John describes attunement in this way, “As many as received him, to them gave he the power to become the sons of God.”

Referring to this passage, Master said, “Be in tune. Delusion canʼt touch you, if you will keep in tune.”

Karmic obstacles cannot always be avoided. Nor are they a sign of Godʼs displeasure. An easy life is not necessarily a victorious one. Even after we have become firmly established on the path of Self-realization, karma still has to be worked out. Whatever unenlightened energy we set in motion in the past has to play itself out before we can be free.

This day shall be the best day of my life. Today I will start with a new determination to dedicate my devotion forever at the feet of Omnipresence— Paramhansa Yogananda

The

Self-Realization

Teachings

of Paramhansa

Yogananda

Swami Kriyananda,

Founder

Ananda Mandir & Teaching Center ● (650) 323-3363 ● sangha@anandapaloalto.org

Ananda Community (650) 941-9507

Living Wisdom School (650) 462-8150

East West Bookshop (650) 988-9800

Your news and stories are welcome.

Send to linda@anandapaloalto.org or

call Linda at (650) 323-3363, x 205.

Deadline: 3rd of each month.

March 2007 (306 Dwapara)

News of Ananda throughout the Bay Area— A monthly celebration of our friendship in God —

Ananda Sangha Monthly NewsletteraJoy Is Within You

Kriyananda

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Often the greatest devotees face the greatest obstacles. It doesnʼt matter what happens to us externally. All that matters is what we become inside, in other words, our consciousness.

Above all, the goal of life is to remain in tune. No matter how challenging the circumstances, never to lose contact with the presence of God and Guru within. Even in the darkest hour, as Master said, “To those who think me near, I will be near.”

This is an extraordinary promise, one we should keep uppermost in our awareness at all times. The Masters never turn away from us. They are always “broadcasting” divine vibrations. It is we who close our hearts to them. They never close their hearts to us.

Recently David and I and about a dozen other devotees, spent several weeks with Swamiji at a beach resort in Goa, India. This was a much-needed rest for Swamiji, and a necessary escape for him from the cold, foggy conditions of New Delhi in January. There was no “agenda” for our gathering, except to share the joy of our mutual love for God.

For several years now, every visit with Swamiji for me has been focused around the book I was writing about him. At first, it was my struggle to find the right way to express everything I had to say. Then it was refining that expression. Naturally, this kept me in a particular state of concentration and focus. This was my first visit with Swamiji since the book was published. I was free, like a child, simply to be.

Because of this inner freedom, more than ever it was clear to me that Swamiji is the living embodiment of what it means to be a disciple of Master. For nearly sixty years, Swamiji has dedicated every thought, every action, every feeling, every breath to Master. He has the effortless attunement now of one who has received him.

For the first fifteen years of my spiritual life, I lived at Ananda Village, very near to where Swamiji lived. He was completely involved in building the community, and for years I saw him almost every day. Then, in 1986, Swamiji asked us to move from Ananda Village to take responsibility for Ananda in Palo Alto. I knew it was the right decision, but because it meant I would no longer live close to Swamiji, I was also heartbroken.

Master comes to me through Swamiji. To be separated from Swamiji, made me feel that I was also separated from Master. The first years in Palo Alto were difficult. Then one day I woke up with the simple thought, “To those who think me near, I will be near.” Space and time are no obstacles to the Spirit. Physical proximity is no assurance of attunement. As Master said about Mt. Washington, where he lived, many rats and mice also lived in that canyon, but they were not making spiritual progress. It is not automatic. One has to develop the capacity to receive.

The consciousness of a Master embraces infinity, but a physical body lasts only a short time, and, except for occasional examples of bi-location, can only be in one place at one time.

Master has already exited from this planet. We hope that Swamiji will be with us for some years more, but he is clearly in the last phase of his incarnation. He plans to visit America this summer, if his health permits, but his home is far from where we live.

The vibrations of the great ones, however, are always there in the ether. It is a broadcasting station that never goes off the air. In this age, too, there are so many other ways to bring their consciousness close to us. In photographs, we can look into their eyes. Through recordings, we can hear their voices and their songs. Through the pages of the books they have written, their living wisdom is transmitted to us.

Whether our consciousness goes inward and upward toward God, or is dissipated in merely outward pursuits for yet another incarnation, depends, Master said, on the company we keep. Meditate on Masterʼs loving response to that disciple, “Am I not always with you?” Blessings and joy,

Asha’s Letter Continued...

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Christmas Magic

Member’s Candlelight Tea

Tom Shott and Susan Brochin

Jay and Amintha Peterson

Lorne and Annette MacDonald

Phil and Susan Hoffert

Suman Brar and Tyagini Clark

Santosh LaMarche and Ken Mazzochi

Rick Lane and Pam Peterson

Surendra and Tushti Conti

Hugo and Tatiana Barsanti

Gloria Zadek’s fairyland Altar. If you look closely there is a fairy in the flowers.

Another year of oohs and ahs gathering around the chocolate fountain.

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Sangha News

Note from Living Wisdom School Director, Helen PurcellDear Friends,

Living Wisdom School in Palo Alto is looking for a Math/Science teacher for next year. Depending on enrollment, we may also be looking for a Pre-K teacher or a Kindergarten aide. I include those job descriptions as well.

We are looking for someone who is on fire to help further Yogananda’s Mission as expressed by Swami Kriyananda in the area of children’s education. Teach-ing at Living Wisdom School is a unique job in that it not only requires subject knowledge and professional skills but also the consciousness that comes from a deep personal spiritual commitment and practice.

The math science position is full-time, the Pre-K teacher is half time (morning). Both come with medi-cal and dental insurance. The Kindergarten aide posi-tion is part-time, hours to be determined according to the need. The real benefits are priceless: the joy of helping children realize their deepest selves as they grow in love and kindness and begin to discover life’s deepest truths and the real blessings that come in the process.

Teaching at Living Wisdom takes passion, dedica-tion, wisdom, love, creativity, and teamwork. I’ve attached job descriptions. Take a look at them. If you

think they fit, or if you think you have the potential to grow into them, let us know. We would love to talk with you.

Blessings,Helen Purcell, School DirectorPurcell@LivingWisdomSchool.org www.livingwisdomschool.org

Household Help NeededHi! I’m looking for some help with a few things

around the house. Mostly this involves animal care, and there are few other things that will be on an “as needed” basis.

I am currently undergoing treatment for cancer, and while I can do many things, my doctor won’t allow me to take care of the animals, other than to feed them. This is because my immune system is depressed right now, and I can easily catch a cold or get an infection, so I have to take extra precautions in order to stay well.

Because of this, I am looking for a person who likes animals and would like to help me take care of my cat and two parakeets, as well as help with some light housekeeping, two times per week. Days and times are flexible, and to be determined. I will need you for about one hour, two days a week to help as follows:✧ Clean cat box✧ Clean bird cage for two parakeets✧ Take out garbage and recycling✧ Doing dishes, if needed✧ Clean bathroom on occasion (this is negotiable) Pay is $25 per day/visit. Start date: ASAP. I am

located about five minutes from Ananda, on AlmaStreet (cross street El Dorado).

If interested, please call Hollie at (650) 838-9986, or email me at hqhill@yahoo.com.

Thanks! Hollie

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Paid Seclusion Opportunity!Involves easy cat feeding of one shy indoor kitty

and one very shy outdoor kitty. We live in Sunnyvale, 12 minutes south of Ananda Community in a very quiet townhouse in wooded grounds. We’d like to have someone stay in our place, but that’s negotiable (could commute).

Dates: 3/17 & 18, 4//12-18, and a week in June. Please call Ginny & David at (408) 749-9179 or (408) 702-8214 or ecsery@comcast.net.

Sangha News Continued

The new copper Aum symbol at the top of our temple’s bell-tower is turning heads on El Camino and has proven to be a draw for people to come through Ananda’s doors.

Living Wisdom School’s new building becoming more real and beautiful due to all your continuing help.

New ministers, Steve Manus, Shanti Rubenstone, and Marilyn Holm saying their vows during an ordination ceremony in February at Ananda Village. Jyotish and Devi Novak, the spiritual directors of Ananda worldwide, performed the service as part of the yearly Sevaka retreat.

6 Lisa Hansen7 Ron Cantoni Steve DʼAmico8 Marguerite Fishman10 Linda Diane11 Dan Roberts Laura Salva Margie Nemcik-Cruz14 Frank Monahan19 Chetana Carol Knight20 Jon Freeman

March Birthdays

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Two Fundraising Auctions Coming Up!Living Wisdom School presents:

A Night of MagicSaturday, April 14, Dinner, Magic Show, and Joy of Art Auction

Join us Saturday, April 14th from 5-9 p.m. for an enchanted evening of magic and art to support the Living Wisdom School (K-8) and its extraordinary Theater Magic productions. The evening will include a gourmet dinner, professional magic show, silent and live auctions.

Acclaimed magician Peter Morrison will intrigue you early in the evening with his strolling, close up magic during the silent auction and appetizers. Then he will mesmerize you after dinner with his amazing stage show.

The Joy of Art Auction includes children’s artwork and professional artwork, Bay Area theatre, music, and dance performances, art classes, dancing lessons, cooking lessons, literature, fashion, and many, many more items that spring from creativity.

Creative inspiration often appears out of nowhere when we least expect it…like MAGIC! A Night of Magic is a night to celebrate the artist that lives within every one of us. Come along and celebrate your artist within!

Tickets: $45.00, free childcare available on site. Payment at the event must be made by cash or check only please, as the school does not accept credit card payment

For more information, please call 650-493-3131 or visit the school’s website at www.livingwisdomschool.org

Please RSVP by April 9th

Ananda Sangha’s Third Annual Expanding the Light Auction

Saturday, May 26

You wonʼt want to miss this extraordinarily fun Ananda event designed to raise funds for the completion of Living Wisdom Schoolʼs building project, Expanding the Light

We need auction items and it is definitely not too early to start calling with what you have. This year we are setting a goal of raising AT LEAST $20,000. More would be better!

Be creative, call and ask if you think you have something valuable that is not on this list:

v Any relic or item having to do with Yogananda or Swami Kriyanandav Time in any vacation spot anywhere i.e. beach or mountain home, time share in a ski chalet, seclusion cabins … anything. Donate a week or a weekend. These go!v Fine art or jewelryv Any service that you or a friend or a boss may have to offer i.e. massage, bodywork of any kind, hair, nails, home repair, health care, prepared meals, car washes, music lessons … v Gift certificates for anything: meals, hotel stays, food or clothing stores are just examples

Again, be creative, call with any ideas. This is a really fun way for us to generate some income for our Expanding the Light building project. There is always something there for everyone.

Call or write Shanti (650) 947-6716, devotee@eananda.net or any Ananda staff person (650) 363-3363.

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A Letter from Larry ThompsonMost of you know or

would recognize Larry Thompson. He, with his wife Dolores, have been ushers and greeters at Ananda Sunday services for many years. Warm and friendly, they have devotedly prepared the temple, greeted and made welcome all who have come to worship.

Recently, Larry was faced with a serious health chal-lenge. Below, he shares his experience with us.

Dear Friends,I had a follow-up appointment with my cardiologist. They reported that my Electrocardiogram was

normal, and that the 24-hour Holter monitor of my heart activity was also within the normal limits. The attending physician and the third-year fellow both appeared to be almost hilariously happy at my recovery. Several other fellows, who were caring for me while in the hospital, and happened to meet me in various settings during the past month, also expressed tremendous relief and excitement to see me up and about. Why there was this somewhat unusual expression of joy and excitement at my recovery was due in part, I think, to the seriousness of my condition.

Originally, in November 2006, I went in for what has now become a routine surgical procedure for the treatment of atrial flutter. The surgical procedure was completed with no complications, but on the second day following surgery the clot in the right femoral vein, which sealed the lesion made by the surgical team when running catheters into my heart, broke loose and I bled out into my right leg. The leg became twice the size of the left leg and was like one giant bruise from the abdominal region down to the toes. My blood pressure and temperature became extremely erratic, my hematocrit went to zilch. I had to have numerous transfusions of platelets to offset this loss. For a short time, my auto regulation of physiological function-ing went awry, and to me this was not a good sign. I must confess that I thought that this might be my time to exit this world, and I think the medical team was also extremely concerned. They seemed genuinely perplexed as to what they could do to rectify the situation.

At about the time my condition was at its worst, Asha and David had just returned from India and came to visit. My condition was excruciatingly painful. I was given morphine to help me deal with the pain. Although my faculties were somewhat compromised by this medication, I was able to comprehend most of what transpired during their visit. I was aware that I wasnʼt making much sense, but they were so patient in listening and responding to my comments. I was able to communicate that I thought maybe I was about to exit this world, and I was sad that I hadnʼt accomplished all the things I wanted to, and I definitely did not want to leave Dolores in a vulnerable state at this point in time.

After some conversation, we both agreed that it was probably not my time to go, at which point Asha placed her hand over my heart and began to speak, reminding me first off that God is not so interested in what oneʼs accomplishments are, as what the feelings are in oneʼs heart. Loving God and Gurus with all oneʼs strength is far more important than completing all the expected deeds and satisfying all the promissory notes. An interesting phenomenon occurred during this time. I think the morphine had disrupted my brain function slightly, leaving me less anchored to this world, thus enabling me to have the tiniest peek into the next. So, as I was listening to her speak so lovingly about our relationship with God and the Gurus, I had the distinct impression that Asha had established for me a sort of conduit into the

Larry, with his wife Dolores by his side, is being blessed by Swamiji last year.

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next plane, and I had been given the privilege to experience directly the angels, my “helpers”, indeed even a little tiny communication with our guru, impressing upon me the lessons I must learn. As Asha and David were preparing to leave, I felt this great sense of peace come over me that overshadowed all the pain I was experiencing.

Shortly after going to sleep that night, I was awakened by the most incredible vision—some would call it a hallucination—which was a huge collage about four feet by two feet, comprised of hundreds of tiny picture frames. Within each frame there was a streaming video of a person looking at me and smiling and gesturing in the most loving manner. This image persisted for some time—long enough for me to question whether I was hallucinating, asleep dreaming, or actually was looking at something that had real physical properties. After careful and judicious analysis I concluded that this was real, and that if it werenʼt so painful I could probably reach out and touch it. I really donʼt know how to describe the feelings I had as I gazed on this image. Although I didnʼt recognize any of the people in the streaming videos, one thought I had was that this image represented all the people I knew who were praying for my recovery and welfare.

The following morning I received a call at the hospital from Linda Diane, and the message left was that the people praying for me believed that the worst had past, and that my full recovery would occur quickly. Within a few days I was discharged, and within a week, I no longer needed home health care. Two weeks later I went to a Departmental Christmas party, where I encountered one of the physicians involved in my care, and he was absolutely amazed at my rapid recovery. He wondered how in the world it had happened so quickly. I was tempted to enlighten him, but my intuition suggested that maybe this was not the right time or place. It is my belief that my recovery, in large part, was due to the many sincere prayers for my health offered by Masterʼs loving and compassionate devotees. Thank you all, for your caring concern and for your active participation in my healing. Thank you, Ananda, for all that you have done for me and my family.

Masterʼs blessings to you all,Larry Thompson

Larry Thompson’s Letter Continued...

������ ������ � ���� �� ������ ����� ���� ���� � ������������ � ���������������������������

“At the moment of his birththroughout the land there was a

great feeling of peace andhappiness. People forgot theirtroubles, ended their quarrels,and felt great love and friendship

for one another.”

Thursday&Friday,March15&16,10:00am(Thursday and Friday free admission for teachers and their classes. Call or email to reserve.)

Saturday,March17,7:00pm

Admission:$10Adults,$5Children

Morning Star AppearsA Life of the Buddha

Theater Magic 2007 by Living Wisdom School

Second Annual Ananda Yoga and Healing Festival

A Benefit to Build Living Wisdom School

Saturday, April 28, 8:30 am—4:30 pm

Yoga:

MORNING SESSION

8:30-9:45 am: • Vigorous Wake-Up Yoga! Susan Brochin • Hip Openers: Sit More Comfortably Tushti Conti

• Rediscover Sun Salutation: Expand Your Ability Suzanne Caughlan

10:00-11:15 am: • Yoga for Joy and Health Luca Moschini • Gentle Yoga for the Aching Back Tina Madison • Master Class for Yoga Teachers Nicole DeAvilla-Whiting11:30 am-12:30 pm: • Rediscover Inverted Asanas: Safe & Powerful Suzanne Caughlan • Ananda Yoga Sadhana Nicole DeAvilla-Whiting • Yoga for Hips and Shoulders Susan Brochin 12:30-1:45 pm: LUNCH (Healers available during lunch break)

AFTERNOON SESSION

1:45-3 pm: • Therapeutic Yoga for Back, Hip and Thigh Pain Relief Doug Andrews • Yoga for Neck and Shoulders Lauri Moschini • Balance Point: Move from Your Center Tushti Conti3:15-4:30 pm: • 12 New, Deep Ananda Asanas and Affirmations Doug Andrews • Restorative Yoga Kelly Karlson • Yoga to Awaken the Chakras Ramani Peterson

Healing:

All individual sessions are 20 minutes/$20:

• 9:00-10:30 am: CranioSacral Therapy Marilyn Holm• 9:30-11:30 am: Chair Massage Emily Rosen• 10:15-11:15 am: Reflexology/Foot Massage Padmini Schuet• 12:30-1:30 pm: Reflexology/Foot Massage Padmini Schuet• 12:30-2:30 pm: Positional Release Therapy Tina Madison• 12:30-3:00 pm Chi Nei Tsang Abdominal Massage Kelly Karlson• 1:00-4:00 pm TuiNa Acupressure Luca Moschini• 1:30-3:30 pm Essential Oil and Wellness Consulting Kaiya Storm• 2:30-4:00 pm CranioSacral Therapy Marilyn Holm

Note: Healers will take lunch from 11:30-12:30 pm, so as to be available during the general 12:30-1:45 pm lunch break

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nanda Sangha March 2007 Eventsa Joy Is Within YouAMeditation 1—Breath Thursdays: March 1—22, 7:30 pm, $50; Saturday, March 10, $30Start with the fundamentals: What is meditation? How does it work and why? What could be simpler than the breath, or more subtle? Always with us, seldom noticed, breath is the definition of life itself. If you breathe, you can meditate. Learn to understand, and then influence, the relationship of consciousness, thought, heartbeat, and breath.—Thursday: Joe Begley; Saturday: Santosh LaMarche

Meditation 2—Energy Thursdays: March 1—22, 7:30 pm, $50To generate, concentrate and direct energy at will is the secret to success in meditation. Otherwise, the mind runs wild. A unique method of energy control invented by Yogananda, develops physical, mental, and spiritual strength. Also of benefit to athletes, artists, businessmen, parents, children, entrepreneurs, and other creative thinkers and dynamic doers.—David Praver

Meditation 5—AUM Thursdays: March 1—22, 7:30 pm, $50 The vibration of AUM is your own true nature. A simple method of inward listening opens a mystic doorway within. AUM is the Holy Spirit, the Divine Mother, the Christ Consciousness manifest in creation, the sound of “many rushing waters” described in the Bible as the Day of Pentecost. All spiritual traditions describe the same experience. AUM, Amen, Amin.—Raghu Clark

How to Be a True Channel Saturday, March 3, 10–1 pm, $30Great blessings remain unmanifested on this earth due to lack of a willing channel. God has given us free will, and we may choose whether to hear His whispers, or the whispers of countless other thoughts clamoring for our attention. Learn how to hear and respond to the call of your soul wisdom and your unique ability to share this with others.—Raghu Clark

Paramhansa Yogananda’s Mahasamadhi Wednesday, March 7Meditation: 5:30–7:15 pm, Ceremony 7:30 pm mahasamadhi = a great yogi s̓ final conscious exit from the bodyEver since Yoganandaʼs passing on in 1952, that day, March 7, has been a sacred occasion. All those who have been touched by the life of the Master, or inspired by his Autobiography of a Yogi, gather to hear stories of his life, chant and meditate, listen to recordings of his voice, and receive his inward blessing.

Crisis and Crossroads Saturday: March 10, 10-1 pm, $30Building Spiritual Power in Challenging TimesWhether welcome, or painful, global or personal, change is the only constant in life. All of us face times when cherished beliefs, values, accomplishments and possessions are threatened. Difficult decisions have to be made. A willow tree does not fear the wind because it knows how to bend. A rock has a different strength, steadfast, unmoving. Both are needed. Sometimes the lesson is to stand against the tide, sometimes to go with the flow. Learn to understand, and have the courage to face, what God is asking of you.—Asha Praver

Know and Trust Your Inner Guidance Saturday, March 17, 10-1 pm, $30Naturally, you want your life to be guided from the highest source. You do your best to be intui-tive, but it is not always easy to tell where the inner voice is coming from. Fears, conflicting desires, preconceived ideas of what one should do, can obscure understanding. Learn to recognize the many disguises of the ego, to sense the vibration of true, superconscious intuition, and to tell the difference between the desires of the little self, and what God wants for you.—Tyagini Clark

Planetary Cycles of Dharma Saturday, March 24, 9:30 am-2 pm, $40The grand planetary cycles of past, present, and future are revealed. The mysteries of ancient civiliza-tions are explained through a unique paradigm of recurring world cycles. Knowledge that was lost when darker ages descended is coming to light again, as the paradigm itself predicted it would. Sri Yukteswar is the modern exponent. Byasa Steinmetz explains Yukteswarʼs ideas, plus adds extensive evidence from science, mythology, and ancient cultures, gathered over decades of personal research. He casts a hopeful light over otherwise distressing current events.—Byasa Steinmetz

How to Communicate with Heart, Mind & Intuition Saturday, March 31, 10-1 pm, $30 Whether as a professional, or as the confidant and guide for friends, children, or co-workers, everyone is asked for opinions and advice, sometimes in sensitive matters of great importance to those involved. Itʼs easy to jump in from the mental level with answers that are reasonably true. Yet, out of love, what we are really trying to do is to be channels for highest wisdom, reflecting the best in us and bringing out the very best in others.—Asha Praver

Know & Trust Your Inner Guidance Tyagini10-1 pm

Med 1: Learn to Meditate, StevenMed 2: DavidMed 5: RaghuMaterial SuccessTyagini & Shanti7:30 pm

Med 1: Learn to Meditate, StevenMed 2: DavidMed 5: RaghuMaterial SuccessTyagini & Shanti7:30 pm

Med 1: Learn to Meditate, StevenMed 2: DavidMed 5: RaghuMaterial SuccessTyagini & Shanti7:30 pm

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

1 2 3Med 1: Learn to Meditate, SteveMed 2: DavidMed 5: RaghuMaterial SuccessTyagini & Shanti7:30 pm

March, 2007

4 5 6 7 8 9 10Meditation &Purification 9 amService 10 am

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

No Kirtan

Meditation &Purification 9 amService 10 am

Meditation &Purification 9 amService 10 am

Meditation &Purification 9 amService 10 am

Ananda Mandir & Teaching Center ● (650) 323-3363 ● sangha@anandapaloalto.org ●www.anandapaloalto.org

Meditation:5:30-7:15 pm

Ceremony:7:30 pm

Kirtan at Community7:30 pm

Med 1: Learn to Meditate, SantoshCrisis & CrossroadsAsha10-1 pm

Planetary Cycles of Dharma (Truth), Byasa9:30 am-2 pm

Raja YogaJoe, Tyagini, & Rick6-9 pm(Continued)

Raja YogaJoe, Tyagini, & Rick6-9 pm

Raja YogaJoe, Tyagini, & Rick6-9 pm(Ends)

Kirtan at Community7:30 pm

Kirtan at Community7:30 pm

How to be a True ChannelRaghu10-1 pm

Essence of the Bhagavad GitaAsha(12 Weeks)7:30 pm

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✬The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita: Guidebook for Right LivingA study course based on The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita, explained by Paramhansa Yogananda, as Remembered by His Disciple, Swami KriyanandaThe whole of the Bhagavad Gita can be read in an afternoon. To absorb its wisdom, however, is the task of a lifetime—many lifetimes, in fact. Yoganandaʼs explanation, however, makes the task easier. It is the “airplane route” to understanding the Gita. “Millions will find God through this work,” Yogananda declared. “Not just thousands: millions! I have seen it. I know!”This commentary is thoroughly modern in language and content, with examples from life as we know it now. Yogananda does not dismiss the material world as merely an illusion, the way some teachers do. All parts of human nature need to be developed—physical and mental as well as spiritual—or lacks in one area may obstruct progress in others. Yogananda shows how the Gita can and should be applied to all levels of reality.The commentary is deep so weʼll move slowly, about 10 pages a week. This is just Part I in a series. It will take several courses to cover the whole book. —Asha Praver

Kirtan at Community7:30 pm

No Class

No Class

Essence of the Bhagavad GitaAsha7:30 pm

Essence of the Bhagavad GitaAsha7:30 pm

Ananda Yoga & the Chakras, Suzanne9-NoonCommunicate with Mind & HeartAsha10-1 pm

Living Wisdom School PlayMorning Star Appears: A Life of the Buddha

Thursday & Friday 10 am Saturday 7 pm

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Spring Forward

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