Paramhansa Yogananda – sharing his teachings through community, groups and retreats
There is no part of life that meditation cannot improve.
Meditation brings us in deeper contact with ourselves and with the Divine.
Nestled in the hills of Umbria, Italy, is the European Ananda Yoga Centre, a peaceful guest retreat centre and community that lives and shares the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda. I lived here for many years and since returning to the UK in 2014, have been an active member of the Ananda community here in England. We hold regular meditation meetups, online meditations, and weekend retreats . In October 2022, we will hold the first UK Ananda Kriya Initiation Weekend Retreat, with Darshan and Uma from Ananda Assisi.
More details of Ananda can be found on the Ananda UK website
Ananda in the UK is growing! Come and join us as we collaborate together to create community between us, and spiritual friendship.
Regular Ananda Meditation Groups – satsang and community. Held at Nalini’s home, online, or at Leon’s ‘Yoga Ananda’ Holistic Centre, Reigate.
Dedicated Ananda UK and Ireland website – click here
Upcoming Dates:
Weekly Events:
Online weekly meditation group
Wednesdays and Fridays 7.15am – 8am
Sundays 7pm – 8pm
A really peaceful and inspirational to end the weekend, and prepare for the week ahead on Sunday evenings. And two weekly morning meditations to keep our energy high and inspired during the week!
This is a powerful group and you will feel the energy and magnetism that group meditation encourages, even online! (there really is no separation). Opening prayer, chanting and readings, silent period of meditation, and concluding with healing prayers – you are so welcome to join us. The meditation is run each week by a core member of Ananda including Nalini, Surya, Sananda, and Stan. Each of us have our own style, but the love and dedication are the same.
Email me for the Zoom links if you would like to join us at nalini@anandauk.org
Other Events:
Ananda Meditation Retreat May 2023
7th – 9th May 2023
St Katharine’s, Henley-on-Thames
Spend an inspirational weekend with us in the beautiful guest retreat surrounded by nature and peacefulness.
Our retreats are a joyful experience and a great blend of meditation, kirtans (devotional chanting), satsang, nature walks, and classes on subjects related to the teachings of Yogananada.
There is always time too for quiet reflection and time out. They are open to all and you are very welcome to join us!
Full Vegetarian Bed and Board:
Single ensuite for two nights £300
Shared Twin ensuite for two nights £260
A deposit of £50 secures your place now, with the balance to be paid in March.
Get in touch if you would like to book or know more.
Please Get in touch if you are eligible to attend and would like to book, or receive more info.
Paramhansa Yogananda
Above all, Yogananda is probably best known as the author of the spiritual classic ‘Autobiography of a Yogi’; a fascinating and deeply inspiring account of his life and the deeper aspects of yoga. A worthy read for anyone, and a delve into the true meaning of yoga for any student of yoga or meditation. Written with great wit and humour, it is a treasure that grows richer with each reading.
Yogananda’s teachings reach deep into the heart of yoga, providing a rich tapestry of wisdom and techniques to win the battle of everyday life. Yoga, meditation, energisation techniques, chanting, prayer, affirmation, introspection, satsang, divine friendship, and how to develop a personal relationship with the Divine, all form the sacred path of Kriya Yoga.
If you are interested in the path of Kriya Yoga, or would like to join the weekly online meditation group, please get in touch for more details.
The Path of Kriya Yoga includes the following techniques which lead to Kriya Intiation. However, the powerful Energisation Exercises and the Hong Sau meditation technique are open to anyone wanting to learn meditation, and are universally applicable to all.
- Yogananda’s Energisation exercises
- Hong Sau meditation technique
- the Aum meditation technique
- Kriya initiation
Learn more about Kriya Yoga by clicking here
Swami Kriyananda
Swami Kriyananda was a direct disciple of Yogananda, who dedicated his life to sharing his guru’s teachings, and by realising his vision of spiritual communities.
His life’s work also included writing many spiritual books, and the creation of the legendary and deeply inspiring music and chants that forms an integral part of the Ananda experience- Joy is Within You!
Learn more about Swami Kriyananda and Ananda here.
‘Gratitude as Sadhana’ blog post here.