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.
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:
- July 2 - 26th, 2023
- March 3 - 27th, 2024
Program Contact:
Program Coordinators:
- Nayaswami Maria (530-478-7506)
- Nayaswami Aditya
- Atman
- Nandadevi (530-478-7503)
Email: [email protected]
Meditation Retreat Contact:
Housing and Fees Inquiry: Nayaswami Susan
Phone: 530-478-7557
Email: [email protected]
I would say that this program has been life changing. I felt a deepening connection to Master & my gurubhais! It was a truly blissful experience.
Living Discipleship allows devotees to live, more or less, the positive life of a devotee, without any distractions, for three weeks. Over this time, the devotee will be given the best chance possible to see the scriptures and teachings unfold within themselves, and will have the momentum necessary to carry these experiences and habits into the outer world.
What an experience! I was so resistant to committing to the Living Discipleship program 2022 until finally one day I just said YES! I am so glad I did and pleased with every aspect of the program and I have come away with much more than I could have imagined.
Never have I been able to take nearly a month from the fullness of life, press pause, and simply Be with God & gurubais. A beautifully designed program steadily taking us deeper, deeper to that quiet place within, and listening -- the response is nothing short of magical.
| 5:30 or 6 am | Morning Sadhana |
| 8:30 am | Breakfast |
| 9 am | Seva Opportunity |
| 10:30 am | Morning Satsang |
| 12 pm | Meditation |
| 12:30 pm | Lunch |
| 2:30 pm | Afternoon Satsang or Activity |
| 4:30 pm | Afternoon Sadhana with Asanas |
| 6:30 pm | Dinner |
| 7:30 pm | Evening 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.
