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Formed: 1968 Established: 1968
Ananda Village
Nevada City, California,
United States
(25 minutes north of Nevada City)
 The Ananda Community is a group of disciples of Paramhansa Yogananda who are dedicated to living the teachings of Sanataan Dharma as taught by Paramhansa Yogananda. Yogananda is the author of the spiritual classic _Autobiography of a Yogi._ Yogananda spoke of the need for a direct experience of God. Meditation, he said, is the missing ingredient in most religions. By sharing with countless Americans these life-transforming techniques of yoga and meditation, he opened the door to their own direct experience of the spiritual realities. Ananda exists as a community of people dedicated to helping each other achieve this purpose.
Ananda was founded in 1968 by a small group inspired and guided by Yogananda's direct disciple, Swami Kriyananda (J. Donald Walters). Ananda today is one of the largest intentional spiritual communities in the world. The main community, Ananda Village, is located near Nevada City, California, and for the last 40 years has been a living laboratory for the integration of Spirit into all aspects of life. Here 250 people apply the teachings of yoga creatively to marriage, child raising, leadership, business, healing, education, the arts, and recreation. The practice of meditation forms the heart of community life, together with a spirit of service to others.
Ananda operates on the free-enterprise system. Many members run their own businesses - some are manufacturing, technological, medical, and others have web businesses. Many people work within the community, and others work in nearby Nevada City/Grass Valley. Ananda Village is also home of The Expanding Light Yoga and Meditation Retreat, a yoga education and retreat facility; the Education for Life Foundation, which provides training on Ananda's educational system. Ananda's school is called the Living Wisdom School, usually with 60+ students, grades K-12. The high school is a private boarding school - one for girls and one for boys.
Each member pays monthly dues toward community maintenance and schools. Individuals are responsible for their own income and housing.
Ananda branch communities and teaching centers are to be found in Sacramento; Palo Alto; Portland; Seattle; Rhode Island, Assisi, Italy, and in Gurgaon, India.
Many retreats, "Karma Yoga", and "Experience Ananda," are available year-round to support people in learning about Sanataan Dharma, yoga techniques and lifestyle, education, and the dynamics of community living.
 
Website: http://www.ananda.org/
Contact:
Ananda Reception
14618 Tyler Foote Rd
Nevada City, California 95959-9316 United States
Phone: 530-478-7500
Email This Community!
Links:
Ananda Worldwide: Sharing the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda
The Expanding Light: Ananda's Yoga and Meditation Retreat: The guest retreat at Ananda Village in California. Visitors from all paths or no paths are welcome.
Residency at Ananda Village: How to live at Ananda Village
Former/Other Names: Ananda World Brotherhood Village
Last Updated:10/2/2008
 
Visitors Accepted
Visitor Process: Call or email us if you would like a guided tour around the community (so we can make sure someone is available). You are also welcome to come to the Reception Center and just drop in. We are there during normal working hours. You are also welcome to come to The Expanding Light Retreat, anytime.
Affiliations: Ananda Assisi

Network Affiliations:
Ananda Portland :: Ananda Sacramento :: Ananda Rhode Island :: Ananda Palo Alto :: Ananda Portland :: Ananda Seattle :: Ananda India (Gurgaon)
Population
Adult Members:
193
Child Members:
36
Non-member Residents:
30
(Karma Yoga/Experience Ananda)
Open to new adults:
Yes
Open to new children:
Yes
Gender Balance:
48% M 52% F
Open to which gender(s):
All genders welcome
Ethnic Diversity:
3% identify as 'people of color'
Age Focus:
No Focus
Government
Decision Making:
By a group of elders or other leaders
(All members welcome to give input)
Identified Leader:
Yes
(Spiritual Directors)
Leadership Core Group:
Yes
(Acharyas; Village Council)
Labor and Money
Financial Style:
Members have independent finances
(Tithing encouraged)
Labor Contribution:
Expected
(As member chooses hours/month)
Join Fee:
Yes
($500 after first year)
Regular Fees:
Yes
(Dues cover infrastructure/maint.)
Land and Buildings
Rural
Area:
760 acres (307.6 hectares)
Land Owned By:
The community
Number of Residences:
80
Cohousing:
No Answer
(Some group housing available)
Food, etc.
Percentage of Food Grown:
1-5%
Share Community Meals:
1-3 times/month
(4 per week inn group housing)
Dietary Choice or Restrictions:
Diet is up to each individual
Dietary Practice:
Primarily vegetarian
Alcohol Use:
Prohibited
Tobacco Use:
Seldom used
Social Factors
Open to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and/or Transgender members:
No Answer
(Our primary identity is as a disciple, not our sexual orientation.)
Restrictions on Romantic Relationships (between consenting adults):
No
(Discouraged the first year.)
Shared Spiritual Path:
Yes
(Disciples of Paramhansa Yogananda)
Which Spiritual Path(s):
Eastern
(Sanataan Dharma/Meditation)
Educational Style(s):
Home schooling
:: Private school at the community
:: Private school off the property
:: Public schooled
(Families choose for themselves)
 
 


Become an Editor Current editor(s): anandavillage, nabhacosley
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