Ananda

A Blend of East and West

The teaching at Ananda is a harmonious blend of Western and Eastern spiritual disciplines. Special emphasis is given both to the mystical, original teachings of Christ and to India’s scientific and ancient gift of yoga and meditation. The basis of this teaching is universal. It was brought to the Western world in a pure and practical form by the great Indian master, Paramhansa Yogananda.

An International Spiritual Community

Ananda was founded in 1968 by Swami Kriyananda, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda. It is a network of seven spiritual communities, with hundreds of centers and meditation groups in the United States and in Europe.

Ananda Europa was founded in Italy in 1983 and has been flourishing at its present location near Assisi since 1986. There are about eighty residents at Ananda Assisi, some living within the community and others, including families and children, in homes nearby. During your stay here you will have the opportunity to meet many of them and to share with them many moments of the day.

Yoga as a Way of Life

Ananda specializes in community living and in applying spiritual principles to every aspect of life: work, family, relationships, educating children, religion, how to solve problems and overcome crises, healing, creativity, and much more.

The core of Ananda’s life-style and teaching is attunement to a Reality higher than ourselves—which is the secret of happiness, peace, and well-being.

In addition to Ananda Village, Ananda includes affiliated meditation groups in many countries
as well as branch communities and teaching centers in:
Sacramento, California.
Palo Alto, California.
Portland Oregon
Seattle, Washington.


A new retreat center in Rhode Island.
A retreat center and spiritual community near Assisi, Italy, the storied birthplace of Saint Francis.