About us

What Is Ananda?

You can feel harmony, and God’s active presence in your life through ancient and effective techniques, including meditation, Kriya Yoga, spiritually-oriented Hatha Yoga, community, and divine friendship. Kriya Yoga is a highly effective meditation technique that can be integrated into any meditation and prayer practice.

Ananda was founded in 1969 by Yogananda’s direct disciple, Swami Kriyananda, who passed away in 2013. Swami Kriyananda’s spiritual successor is Nayaswami Jyotish who, along with his wife Nayaswami Devi, serve as Ananda’s Spiritual Directors

  • Our sessions are open to everyone, regardless of their experience level or background. Ananda welcomes beginners who are just starting their journey into yoga and meditation, as well as advanced practitioners seeking to deepen their practice. We believe that yoga and meditation are for everyone, and our instructors are skilled at providing modifications and support to ensure that each participant can practice comfortably and safely.

    Ananda’s inclusive community is designed to support individual growth while fostering a sense of belonging and connection. Our diverse range of programs and workshops ensures that there is something for everyone, from gentle yoga classes and beginner meditation sessions to advanced spiritual courses. By participating in Ananda’s sessions, you will join a welcoming and nurturing environment where you can explore your spiritual path at your own pace.

  • Ananda offers a wide range of classes tailored to meet the diverse needs and interests of our community. Our yoga classes include Hatha Yoga, Restorative Yoga, and specialized sessions such as Yoga for Stress Relief and Yoga for Flexibility. Each class is designed to enhance physical well-being, increase flexibility, and promote relaxation and mindfulness.

    In addition to yoga, we offer various meditation classes and workshops. These include guided meditations, mindfulness practices, and advanced courses in Kriya Yoga, a powerful technique for spiritual awakening taught by Paramhansa Yogananda. Our meditation programs are designed to help you develop a consistent practice, deepen your inner peace, and cultivate a greater sense of spiritual awareness.

  • No, you do not need to belong to any specific religion to join Ananda. Our community is open to people of all faiths and spiritual backgrounds. Ananda’s teachings are based on universal principles that can be applied by anyone, regardless of their religious beliefs. We respect and honor the diverse paths that individuals may follow and provide a welcoming environment for everyone to explore their spiritual journey.

    Ananda is inspired by the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, but it is not exclusive to any one religion. Our practices and teachings are designed to complement and enhance your existing spiritual beliefs, whatever they may be. We encourage openness, inclusivity, and a shared pursuit of inner peace and spiritual growth.

  • Most of our classes are donation-based. Some workshops and all retreats have a recovery fee to cover costs. Ananda operates as a non-profit organization, and all contributions are used to support our mission and maintain our temple.

    We strive to make our programs accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. If you are unable to afford a suggested donation or fee, please let us know, and we can give you more information regarding our Karma Yoga Program. Our goal is to provide a supportive environment where everyone can benefit from our teachings and community.

  • Attending a retreat at Ananda is a wonderful way to deepen your practice and immerse yourself in a supportive spiritual environment. To register for a retreat, please visit our website and navigate to the “Retreats” section. There, you will find information about upcoming retreats, detailed descriptions, and registration instructions. You can easily book your spot online and start planning your transformative retreat experience. For more details, visit Ananda Retreats.

All Are Welcome

Ananda helps people achieve Self-realization, a state of conscaaiousness that comes through shedding all outward self-definitions. Ananda’s communities and centers welcome all sincere seekers, regardless of color, race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, or different ability. We are committed to providing an inclusive, welcoming environment for everyone to pursue their search for God. Please see more about the Ananda Diversity & Inclusion Council.

Find Ananda near you. You are invited to visit our temples, yoga retreats, meditation groups, and communities to experience the joy of your own being.

Our Inspiration

Those who join us on this path of Self-realization are not connected to some printing press, but to a line of God-realized masters. God Himself, through them, overshadows this work. All who follow it sincerely, with devotion, will be brought to Him. -Paramhansa Yogananda

Ananda was founded in 1969 by Swami Kriyananda, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda. Paramhansa Yogananda was the last in a line of Self-realized gurus starting with Jesus Christ.

Before his passing, Swami Kriyananda named Nayaswami Jyotish as his spiritual successor. He and his wife, Nayaswami Devi, serve as Ananda’s spiritual directors, and travel frequently giving classes.

"Don't be a beggar, Realize that you are a

child of the Emperor of the Universe."

- Paramhansa Yogananda