Ananda Meditation Associazione

International Spiritual Retreat of Yoga, Meditation and Self-discovery

Located in the beautiful Umbrian hills near Assisi, Italy, the Ananda Center offers many programs based on the principles of Kriya Yoga and Self-realization, which were brought to the Western world by Paramhansa Yogananda, author of the spiritual classic, Autobiography of a Yogi. His direct disciple Swami Kriyananda, the founder of Ananda communities in the United States, Europe and, has continued to develop and spread these universal and practical teachings around the world.

A Spiritual Retreat

Ananda is a spiritual retreat in the Umbrian hills of Italy that welcomes all who are seeking higher meaning and deeper values in life. Seekers come to Ananda from around the world to experience spirituality in everyday life as it is taught and lived by the many residents who comprise the Ananda community.

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’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 greatn 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, 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.

Yoga

The Spiritual Hatha Yoga based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda Developed by Swami Kriyananda, Ananda Yoga restores the science of hatha yoga its original purpose: raising our level of awareness and helping our spiritual growth.

Using a more inward practice with affirmations, you will experience the unity of body, mind and soul This brings harmony well being into all aspects of life for a more joyful life. Ananda Yoga practice is part of the daily schedule, morning and afternoon.These Ananda Yoga courses are designed with a specific focus to offer you a deeper understanding of the positive applications of the Ananda Yoga technique.

Meditation

The secret of meditation is… relinquishing outward attachments and affirming divine freedom within.The Secrets of Meditation, by Swami KriyanandaMeditation is the foundation of Paramhansa Yogananda’s teachings on Self-Realization.

Regular inner communion with our higher self and ultimately communion with God, can bring positive transformation to all levels of our being­—body, mind and soul. Positive change inside brings positive change outside, then we can experience the joy, peace, and well-being that is our spiritual birthright. Meditation is an integral part of life at Ananda.If your visit with us is long or short, you will learn the techniques of meditation and practice them twice a day during your stay. Thus you will establish a meditation routine to take home with you.