Ananda Sangha is not an organization – but a “fellowship” of people who are dedicated to realizing higher consciousness and to helping humanity evolve spiritually through the teachings of Self-realization. The Sangha offers spiritual friendship, family and support in many ways, through this website, retreats and teaching centers, conferences and seminars, written, audio and video lessons and courses, and also by bringing the teachings wherever they are desired throughout Europe.
Paramhansa Yogananda said of his Autobiography of a Yogi: “I infused every word with my vibrations;” and those vibrations have inspired millions of people around the world to seek a higher reality within themselves. They inspired his disciple, Swami Kriyananda, to develop the Ananda communities and centers, places where seekers can come together to evolve spiritually, open their hearts to God and each other, and serve others.
Swami Kriyananda wrote an article called “The way of the Sanghi,” and founded a spiritual movement called Ananda Sangha, a way in which people everywhere, not just those who are living in Ananda communities, can participate in the awakening of higher consciousness on this planet.
Ananda Sanghas throughout the world have over 10,000 active members, about 150 teachers, and nearly 150 meditation groups in the Americas, Europe and Asia. You can see more about the Sangha activities in the Americas at: www.ananda.org; and those in India at: www.anandaindia.org.
ANANDA EUROPE
Ananda Assisi Retreat
Ananda’s presence in Europe began in 1983 with the establishment of its first center near Lake Como, Italy. In 1986 it transferred to Assisi, and on 5 May, 1987 it opened its permanent center outside of Assisi, in the Umbrian hills. About 100 adults and children comprise the greater Ananda community, which includes a guest retreat, a family school, organic farms, and various spiritual businesses.
The guest facility (known as “Ananda Association”) has been serving thousands of spiritual seekers every year for the past 30 years. In addition to a wide variety of programs in practical spirituality, it also offers training programs through the Yogananda Academy of Europe, which includes the Schools of Ananda Yoga, Ananda Raja Yoga, and Ananda Life Therapy for self-healing.
Ananda Sangha Europe
The purpose of Ananda Sangha Europe is to offer you spiritual friendship and support throughout the year, wherever you are, especially through live internet broadcasts and recorded programs, as well as programs and retreats in your area, meditation groups in various European countries, direct contact with Ananda teachers and ministers, and through this website and social media channels.
The people who are serving you through the Sangha are residents of the Ananda Europa community, located near Assisi in the heart of Italy. They are dedicated to the universal teachings of Self-realization, to helping every person who is seeking a more expansive awareness, and to bringing more light and hope to humanity.
The complete name of the Sangha is: Ananda Sangha for Self-realization. It is a recognized non-profit association registered in Italy, and is supported by donations. The resources on this website are freely offered – feel free to share it with your friends.
Beyond all laws and regulations, Ananda Sangha is a joyful spiritual family, members of which live in cities and towns around the continent. Spiritual friendship and support have no bounds or boundaries: we are united in our journey to Self-realization.