Living Discipleship

Living Discipleship is an immersive, 25-day experience in the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, as shared by his direct disciple, Swami Kriyananda. The program is held at the Ananda Meditation Retreat, the original site of Ananda and where the community began. Program participants live, learn and serve together in dynamic discipleship. Long group meditations, deep dives into the teachings, and joyful service are the building blocks of the program. Added to this foundation are opportunities for time in nature, introspection, and spiritual friendship.

This program is offered exclusively to Ananda Kriyabans who are established in the core teachings and have made their sadhana and service to Ananda a central part of their lives.

Review Program Policies, Housing and CostsDonate to Living Discipleship

Donations to Living Discipleship are greatly appreciated. Please consider a tax-deductible donation to help in one of the following ways.

Program Discounts: The tuition for this extraordinary program can be more than some otherwise eligible individuals may be able to afford. Donations may be used to fund a partial discount for someone who, without financial help, might not be able to come. While partial discounts are occasionally offered to individuals demonstrating need, recipients are nonetheless asked to fund a significant portion of the tuition themselves, to ensure they are offering meaningful energy toward their attendance.

Program Costs: Running the program becomes more expensive every year. As the Program Coordinators work to keep costs down for attendees, it becomes ever more challenging. Your donation can help keep the program as dynamic and expansive as possible, serving not only attendees but also the Ananda community at large.

Thank you for your support of Living Discipleship!

Next Available Program Dates:

  • February 25 – March 20th, 2024
  • June 30 – July 24, 2024

Program Contact:

Program Coordinators:

  • Nayaswami Maria (530-478-7506)
  • Atman
  • Nandadevi (530-478-7503)

Email: [email protected]

Meditation Retreat Contact:

Housing and Fees Inquiry: Nayaswami Susan

Phone: 530-478-7557

Email: [email protected]

 

View Application Process

What are participants saying?

“This experience will be with me for life. The living presence of the masters was brought forth with energy and dynamism, creating a lasting momentum through the relationships built and the teachers who shared.”
Matthew Stalcup
Matthew StalcupAnanda Village, CA
“Immersed in the ‘businesses’ of life, I didn’t realize how much I needed this time to just dive deep into the living discipleship program, offered to us as a gift by Master. I return recharged and filled with inspiration and blessings of many great souls who shared their example, stories and practical ways to make our lives filled with Master’s Light. No words can express my gratitude, but my heart is overflowing. Thank you so much!”
Shamini Naidu
Shamini NaiduIndia
“Living discipleship was an incredible experience for many reasons. The program was facilitated flawlessly - it truly was “Master’s schedule” as described by the program leaders. Day after day we had deep classes, profound meditations, and built-in times to introspect on what the path of discipleship really means. This experience gave meaning to what it entails to be a disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda and the divine ray that shines through Swami Kriyananda and Ananda. I would sign up for living discipleship again, and again, as I feel the depth of the material, classes, and experiences would give deep meaning and personal discovery at any stage in my spiritual path.”
Jake Ward
Jake WardAnanda Village, CA
“There is nothing like the Living Discipleship program. It’s a deep-dive into a life of discipleship in attunement with our spiritual path. It brought clarity, joy and a deepening sense of inner freedom. I am very grateful to the leaders, staff, and most especially, to our line of gurus and Swamiji.”
Sita Tocco
Sita ToccoSeattle/Lynnwood, WA
This message arrives to you wrapped in joy, and in continued gratitude for all I received during Living Discipleship. Upon returning, we had a community-wide meeting where, to the best of my ability, I shared the most impactful moments and insights from the program, hoping to sow the seeds of an ever-deepening community in Thousand Oaks. In gratitude for the abundant energy, love, and generosity that made the L.D. program a transformative journey, I'd like to make a modest donation. Maybe it helps someone else participate in the future or be used for whatever you feel best. The program left an indelible mark on my heart and journey. With gratitude,
Chela
ChelaThousand Oaks, California
“This program is an absolute gem. If you are on this path, and have this opportunity, I cannot think of anything that would deepen your attunement more than going deep with equally dedicated teachers and gurubais. The richness of content, investment by the staff and guest teachers, and the time to practice and refine our teachings in longer, deeper, guru blessed meditations has been the biggest blessing to my sadhana, and life as a disciple.”
Cassedi Carlsen
Cassedi CarlsenAnanda Village, CA
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A pilgrimage to the heart of
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Typical Daily Schedule
5:30 or 6 amMorning Sadhana
8:30 amBreakfast
9 amSeva Opportunity
10:30 amMorning Satsang
12 pmMeditation
12:30 pmLunch
2:30 pmAfternoon Satsang or Activity
4:30 pmAfternoon Sadhana with Asanas
6:30 pmDinner
7:30 pmEvening Inspiration or Free Time

Where do I begin?

The process of applying to the Living Discipleship Program begins by speaking directly to your local Ananda Minister, Meditation Center or Group Leader. Please request time with them to review the suggested conditions for participation. They will be the ones to recommend you for participation in the program. If you are not in an area with an Ananda Center or Meditation Group, contact one of the Program Coordinators for more information.

Living Discipleship is a unique opportunity to open more fully to the presence of God and Guru. Below are just a few examples of what Living Discipleship will offer participants.

  • Sadhana two times per day: Energization Exercises, postures (most afternoons), chanting, meditation
  • Satsangs in Master’s core techniques to deepen and refine: Energization Exercises, Hong Sau, AUM Technique, and Kriya
  • Satsangs with many of Ananda’s founding members
  • Outings to Ananda Village
  • Private event at Crystal Hermitage
  • Nature experiences
  • Guided seclusion
  • Personal spiritual support throughout the program

Living Discipleship is a program designed for Ananda Kriyabans who would like to deepen their attunement to Paramhansa Yogananda, as well as learn how to more fully integrate the path of Kriya into their daily lives. Participants will benefit most by being firmly established in the regular practice of the core techniques of Energization, Hong Sau, AUM, and Kriya.

The following recommendations for participation are to help assure that you get the most from the program. If you would like to receive support in any of these areas, please talk to your local minister or one of the Program Coordinators for Living Discipleship.

Participants typically spend a period of time preparing for this program. These efforts allow a person to feel more relaxed and spiritually ready for the deep immersion of Living Discipleship. The following are the suggested conditions for participation by the time you begin the program:
• I am a Kriyaban
• I have made Energization Exercises a regular part of my sadhana practice
• I meditate twice daily for a total of at least 1 ½ hours a day.
• If not practicing 108 kriyas daily, I am comfortable doing so during longer meditations
• I regularly offer myself in service to Master through Ananda, or aspire to do so

It is also recommended that you have read or studied the following books. If there are any that you have yet to read, please enjoy them prior to the start of your program.
• Autobiography of a Yogi
• The New Path (The Path)
• Art & Science of Raja Yoga
• Essence of Self-realization
• The Need for Spiritual Communities, How to Start Them and Why
• Guidelines for Conduct of Members of the Sevaka Order

 
  • Ananda LA: Nayaswami Dharmadevi and Nayaswami Narayan
  • Ananda Palo Alto: Asha Nayaswami, Tyagi Shanti, or David Praver
  • Ananda Portland: Surendra and Lorna Knox
  • Ananda Sacramento: Nayswami Dharmadas and Nayaswami Nirmala
  • Ananda Seattle: Nayaswami Hriman and Nayaswami Padma
  • Ananda Village: A member of the Membership Committee (Nayaswami Maria, Nayaswami Sahaja, Tim and Jeannie Tschantz, Sundara and Nandadevi Traymar, Atman Goering, Catherine Kairavi, Anna Preston, Badri Matlock, Dhyan and Shyama Garcia-Davis, Pavani Johnson)

Seek support in this process from your local minister, any of the above ministers, Nayaswami Pranaba ([email protected]), Lisa Clark ([email protected]), or contact the Program Coordinators.([email protected]).