Living Discipleship Program Application Step 1 of 10 - Eligibility 10% Thank you for your interest in the Living Discipleship program! You are opening yourself to a remarkable program and process. Living Discipleship truly begins as soon as you set your intention on participating. Take your time as you prepare for the program. Notice the lessons and listen to the whispers from Master as he speaks through situations and all those around you. Before you begin the application, please read and ensure you fully understand the Program Policies, Housing & Costs. Please also confirm the below questions before you may continue to the application. At any time feel free to reach out to the Program Coordinator, Niranjana Kushler, for support or to answer any questions. [email protected]Please confirm the following before you may continue to the application:* I am an Ananda Kriyaban. I have received approval and recommendation from my local Ananda leader. I have read and understand the Program Policies, Housing & Costs document, including the Cancellation, Refund, and Technology-Free policies. General InformationFull Legal Name* First Last Preferred First Namei.e. Spiritual name, or anything else you would like to be called during the program Preferred First Name Contact Phone Number*Please indicate the country-code (i.e. +1)Viable method for virtual face-to-face conversations*As part of the application process, you will complete a face-to-face conversation with the Program Coordinator. Please indicate any communication methods that will work for you. Facetime WhatsApp Skype Facetime NumberPlease indicate phone number for Facetime if different from above Contact Phone Number.WhatsApp NumberPlease indicate phone number for WhatsApp if different from above Contact Phone Number.Skype Username* Email* Mailing Address* Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code AfghanistanAlbaniaAlgeriaAmerican SamoaAndorraAngolaAnguillaAntarcticaAntigua and BarbudaArgentinaArmeniaArubaAustraliaAustriaAzerbaijanBahamasBahrainBangladeshBarbadosBelarusBelgiumBelizeBeninBermudaBhutanBoliviaBonaire, Sint Eustatius and SabaBosnia and HerzegovinaBotswanaBouvet IslandBrazilBritish Indian Ocean TerritoryBrunei DarussalamBulgariaBurkina FasoBurundiCambodiaCameroonCanadaCape VerdeCayman IslandsCentral African RepublicChadChileChinaChristmas IslandCocos IslandsColombiaComorosCongo, Democratic Republic of theCongo, Republic of theCook IslandsCosta RicaCroatiaCubaCuraçaoCyprusCzech RepublicCôte d'IvoireDenmarkDjiboutiDominicaDominican RepublicEcuadorEgyptEl SalvadorEquatorial GuineaEritreaEstoniaEswatini (Swaziland)EthiopiaFalkland IslandsFaroe IslandsFijiFinlandFranceFrench GuianaFrench PolynesiaFrench Southern TerritoriesGabonGambiaGeorgiaGermanyGhanaGibraltarGreeceGreenlandGrenadaGuadeloupeGuamGuatemalaGuernseyGuineaGuinea-BissauGuyanaHaitiHeard and McDonald IslandsHoly SeeHondurasHong KongHungaryIcelandIndiaIndonesiaIranIraqIrelandIsle of ManIsraelItalyJamaicaJapanJerseyJordanKazakhstanKenyaKiribatiKuwaitKyrgyzstanLao People's Democratic RepublicLatviaLebanonLesothoLiberiaLibyaLiechtensteinLithuaniaLuxembourgMacauMacedoniaMadagascarMalawiMalaysiaMaldivesMaliMaltaMarshall IslandsMartiniqueMauritaniaMauritiusMayotteMexicoMicronesiaMoldovaMonacoMongoliaMontenegroMontserratMoroccoMozambiqueMyanmarNamibiaNauruNepalNetherlandsNew CaledoniaNew ZealandNicaraguaNigerNigeriaNiueNorfolk IslandNorth KoreaNorthern Mariana IslandsNorwayOmanPakistanPalauPalestine, State ofPanamaPapua New GuineaParaguayPeruPhilippinesPitcairnPolandPortugalPuerto RicoQatarRomaniaRussiaRwandaRéunionSaint BarthélemySaint HelenaSaint Kitts and NevisSaint LuciaSaint MartinSaint Pierre and MiquelonSaint Vincent and the GrenadinesSamoaSan MarinoSao Tome and PrincipeSaudi ArabiaSenegalSerbiaSeychellesSierra LeoneSingaporeSint MaartenSlovakiaSloveniaSolomon IslandsSomaliaSouth AfricaSouth GeorgiaSouth KoreaSouth SudanSpainSri LankaSudanSurinameSvalbard and Jan Mayen IslandsSwedenSwitzerlandSyriaTaiwanTajikistanTanzaniaThailandTimor-LesteTogoTokelauTongaTrinidad and TobagoTunisiaTurkeyTurkmenistanTurks and Caicos IslandsTuvaluUS Minor Outlying IslandsUgandaUkraineUnited Arab EmiratesUnited KingdomUnited StatesUruguayUzbekistanVanuatuVenezuelaVietnamVirgin Islands, BritishVirgin Islands, U.S.Wallis and FutunaWestern SaharaYemenZambiaZimbabweÅland Islands Country Birthdate*Please provide in MM/DD format (year is not requested). Marital Status*SingleMarriedDivorcedWidowedProgram Date for which you are applying*Mar 2 - 26, 2020July 7 - 31, 2020Sept 28 - Oct 22, 2020Feb 22 - Mar 18, 2021Sept 27 - Oct 21, 2021 Ananda Minister/Leader The application process in Living Discipleship begins with a recommendation to participate from your local Minister/Ananda Leader, Nayaswami Pranaba Hansen or Lisa Powers. Please provide the name and contact information for the minister/leader who is encouraging your participation. Please also include the nature of to-date conversations with the Minister/Ananda Leader with whom you are currently working regarding any steps you will be taking to prepare for the program. This information will help the Living Discipleship coordinator support you during the 25 days of spiritual immersion.Leader Name* First Last Leader Email* Leader Phone*Please share any goals that you have identified with your Ananda Leader/Minister towards preparation for the program.* Motivations for ParticipationWhat has inspired you to take the Living Discipleship Program?*What do you hope to receive from the program? What are your goals?*If you have taken Living Discipleship before, or a previous form of this program, please indicate when. Please offer comments or clarification of any of the above items. Ananda Involvement and Participation Please indicate how you are involved with Ananda, whether it be through an Ananda Church or Community, Center, Ashram, Meditation Group, Virtual Community, etc. Please note that this is solely for information purposes, and does not correlate with any sort of eligibility to participate in the program.Current relation to Ananda* I currently live in an Ananda Community I currently live in an Ananda Ashram I participate in an Ananda Center or Meditation Group I am involved in the Ananda Virtual Community I am not involved in any of the above What City, State or Country do you live in?* Please describe your relation to Ananda*Have you ever lived in an Ananda Community or Ashram in the past? If so, when? Which one(s)?Ananda Sevaka Order* I have taken Sadhaka vows I have taken Sevaka vows (but not Sevaka life-vows) I have taken Sevaka life-vows I am currently participating in a Sadhaka study group and am working towards taking those vows I am not any of the above, but I know about the Ananda Sevaka Order I am not any of the above, and I do not know about the Ananda Sevaka Order Nayaswami Order* I participate in the Nayaswami Order as a Pilgrim I participate in the Nayaswami Order as a Tyagi I participate in the Nayaswami Order as a Brahmachari I participate in the Nayaswami Order as a Nayaswami I do not participate in the Nayaswami Order, but know about it. I do not participate in the Nayaswami Order, and I do not know about it I participate in Ananda Activities, Meditations, Celebrations, Services (either physically, or virtually).* 1: Never 2: Rarely 3: Sometimes 4: Often 5: Always/Regularly Please expand on answers above by providing any detailed information about your involvement.This could include comments such as "I do weekly meditations with .....", "I have taken .... classes online", "I visit the Expanding Light Retreat Center once a year", "I plug into Ananda Services every Sunday", etc. Spiritual Life The goal in this section is to become familiar with your current spiritual practices. This will help us to identify where you may need additional support in preparation for the program. Given the nature of the program, there are some recommended conditions for baseline spiritual practices to help ensure that you experience a deep and productive program. Everyone's unique situation is recognized and appreciated. Please take care not to be too critical with yourself, you are after all being recommended to this program. Should you have any questions or concerns, it is encouraged that you speak to Niranjana Kushler (Program Coordinator) and/or with your Minister/Ananda Leader. Meditation Practices On most days, program participants will meditate for 3 total hours (over the course of 2 sessions). During the seclusion periods, the hours of meditation will increase. As such, having a solid meditation habit prior to arrival will greatly serve you and benefit your fellow participants/gurubhais.How often do you practice Energization Exercises?* Once daily Twice daily or more Occasionally; several times a week Rarely or never When did you become a Kriyaban?*Select a date as best you can - here, the specific day is not important, but required MM slash DD slash YYYY Please indicate which Kriya initiations you have taken.* 1st Kriya 2nd Kriya 3rd and 4th Kriya Have you developed a regular habit of meditating twice daily?* Yes No Which time of day do you typically meditate?* Morning Evening Approximately how long do you practice meditation in the MORNING? Is this daily? If not daily, how many days a week?*How many Kriyas do you typically complete during your MORNING meditation practice?*Approximately how long do you practice meditation in the EVENING? Is this daily? If not daily, how many days a week?*How many Kriyas do you typically complete during your EVENING meditation practice?*Are you approved to practice 108 Kriyas?* Yes No Are you comfortable practicing 108 Kriyas, whether on occasion or regularly?* Yes No Briefly describe your meditation practice. What techniques (Energization, Hong Sau, Aum, Maha Mudra, Kriya, Jyoti Mudra, Higher Kriyas) do you regularly practice? Are there techniques that have gone by the wayside?*Please indicate your experience in taking seclusions. I have never taken formal seclusion. I have never taken formal seclusion, but I have participated in a guided silent retreat(s) where I have had alone time. I have taken formal seclusion(s). Please describe your seclusion habit.Please share the nature of your seclusion(s), including how many times you have secluded, where you (typically) seclude, and if you seclude with any regularity (i.e. once a year for a week, once a month for a weekend, once a week for a day). Core Readings Study is an important aspect of the spiritual path. As a disciple we have many books available to us to deepen our understanding of Master's teachings. Swami Kriyananda wrote prolifically! Please bring your attention to the list of required reading materials below. If you have not read any of these at the time of filling out this program form, please enjoy reading and studying them prior to the start of your program.Please select all of the books that you have studied or read:* Autobiography of a Yogi The New Path (The Path) The Art & Science of Raja Yoga (included in the Ananda course of Self-realization) The Essence of Self-Realization The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita The Need for Spiritual Communities, How to Start Them and Why ***Guidelines for Conduct of Members of the Sevaka Order None of the above Guidelines for Conduct of Members of the Ananda Sevaka Order Please read and study the Guidelines for Conduct of Members of the Ananda Sevaka Order (downloadable link) in advance of the program. During Living Discipleship there will be a class on the topic. You will want to have studied the Guidelines that Swamiji has given to us. The Sevaka Order is central to Ananda. Whether a person lives in an Ananda Community or not, the Guidelines point to the principles which are reflected through the Ananda worldwide movement. The Guidelines for Conduct was written by Swami Kriyananda as a reflection of the attitudes and practices that were being demonstrated by disciples in the formative years of Ananda. Rather than prescriptive rules, these guidelines emerged from the choices that were made for the harmony and spiritual well-being of the residents and community as a whole and have evolved over the years. These guidelines are foundational to Ananda and Community Living. Swamiji writes in the Introduction, “May these Guidelines for Conduct help to point the way to perfection for those who have accepted the ray of the divine light that was brought to the West by Paramhansa Yogananda, and that is expressed through Ananda World Brotherhood Village and all Ananda World Brotherhood Colonies located throughout the world." Supportive Information Please share more about you and your spiritual journey. This information will allow for more tailoring of the program for you and your fellow participants, as well as aid in the design of specific activities. Please note that this is solely for information purposes, and does not correlate with any sort of eligibility to participate in the program. Teaching and LeadershipDo you teach any classes (meditation, yoga or other classes) in the world of Ananda? (please describe)*Are you a certified Ananda Yoga or Ananda Meditation teacher?* Ananda Yoga Teacher Ananda Meditation Teacher None of the above Where have you taught, and how frequently?*Do you offer yourself in service through any leadership role within Ananda? (Please describe)*Do you have interest in teaching or stepping into some aspect of leadership? OR, Do you wish to take your existing expression of leadership further? If so, please express in what directions you are inspired* Chanting and MusicDo you include chanting as a regular part of your sadhana?* Yes No At present no, but I would like to move in this direction. Do you play the guitar or harmonium?* If you do not play the harmonium, is this something you are interested in learning? Yes No Do you lead chanting for group meditations or satsangs?* Do you sing or belong to an Ananda Choir? OR Do you have interest in joining one? (Please describe) Yoga PosturesHave you practiced Ananda Yoga or another form of yoga asanas?*Do you have a regular asana practice? (If so, please describe)*What benefits do you experience from asana practice?Have you experienced any limitations, discomfort or pain when practicing postures? (If so, please describe fully for sharing with sadhana leaders)*Have you had any accidents, injuries, heart conditions such as high blood pressure, bone, joint or spine issues, or surgeries, etc. that may contraindicate certain poses or asana practice all together? (If so, please describe fully)*Do you know how to honor your body and modify postures in order to maintain ease and remain injury free?* AdditionalWhat are your hobbies or special areas of interest aside from your spiritual and work life?*Do you have any special skills or skills you enjoy sharing? (wood working, cooking, dancing, arts and crafts, etc . . .)*What have been your areas of service? In what ways have you served at Ananda or would like to serve?*In brief please share a bit about your professional life or work experience.* Dietary Restrictions Please note that our hosts at the Meditation Retreat do their best to accommodate dietary requests. They provide three delicious vegetarian meals per day and regularly accommodate individuals who are gluten-free or dairy-free. They always do their best to provide for everyone. However, they may not be able to accommodate all dietary restrictions, in which case you may need to supplement your diet by bringing some of your own food.Dietary Restrictions* I have no dietary restrictions I have a medically-required dietary restriction, for which I do not have flexibility. I have dietary restrictions driven by lifestyle preferences. Please indicate any medically-required dietary restrictions that you adhere to.*Again, while our hosts do their best to accommodate dietary needs, they may not be able to accommodate all restrictions, in which case you may need to supplement your diet by bringing some of your own food.Please indicate any dietary restrictions driven by your lifestyle preferences.*This includes, for example, if you prefer to eat gluten-free or dairy-free, but you occasionally indulge in non-GF or non-DF options. It does take extra effort on the part of the Retreat staff to accommodate varying dietary preferences, and you may be asked for flexibility regarding these preferences. Introductory Statement and PhotoPlease give a brief introductory bio of who you are for the benefit of your Living Discipleship teachers. This short blurb will be provided to your teachers along with a picture to assist in their preparation of activities and classes. In writing this bio, please consider how you would like people to be introduced to you as a devotee and fellow gurubhai. Include things such as: Where you are from, how you found Master and/or got on the path, your involvement in Ananda, your passions/hobbies, what you hope to gain from the program/activities, etc.* EXAMPLE BIO: I have been involved with the Ananda Seattle community for several years and just took Kriya in July of 2017. I originally found the path through my parents, who have been devotees and Ananda sangha members for over a decade. Until recently, I lived and worked in Seattle, but have since left that lifestyle to immerse myself more in my spiritual practices and my Ananda family. I am currently living at Ananda Village, and I am delighted to serve with my spiritual family; I feel very blessed that I am currently in a situation where that is possible. A few things about me: I love to dance and travel, and have found great joy in expressing myself creatively through chanting and singing. Music, and attuning myself to Swami’s music in particular, has continued to become more and more important to me as I deepen my path with Ananda. I am very excited to join in on group sadhanas, as I find to be a very key component in strengthening and supporting my own practice. I also look forward to deepening my connection to Swamiji, but through satsang with people who knew him for decades as well as in staying on the land of his original retreat. I look forward to this month as a very significant part of my life - of deep introspection and growth. HeadshotPlease upload a high-quality headshot photo of yourself*This will be used by other participants, retreat staff, and guest teachers, to help everyone learn each other's names. Drop files here or Select files Accepted file types: jpg, png, jpeg, Max. file size: 1 MB. One-on-One Meeting Upon submission of this form, Niranjana will reach out to schedule a one-on-one meeting with you to discuss your application, needs, and where she can support you. This is required before you are approved for the program and may move forward with reserving your space at the Meditation Retreat.Please indicate if there is anything in particular that you would like Niranjana to know in preparation for your one-on-one meeting, or that you would like to address during the meeting.
