Introducing the Ananda Centre
Immediately upon arriving at Ananda you will have the sensation of being ‘at home’. It’s easy to relax and be yourself in this inspiring place, immersed in the splendid surrounding views and the quiet stillness of the Umbrian hills.
Ananda is a spiritual retreat welcoming hundreds of spiritual seekers of all ages each year who come together from all parts of the world to experience spirituality in daily life, as it is taught – and lived – by the numerous community residents.
WHO WE ARE:
Ananda, founded in 1968 by Swami Kriyananda, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, is an international network of eight spiritual communities with hundreds of meditation centres and groups across the United States of America, Europe and India. Our centre and community were born in 1983 and since 1987 have been operating close to Assisi.
We are approximately 80 residents; during your stay you will have the opportunity to meet many of us and to share in different moments throughout the day.
As resident members of the community we are committed to bringing spirituality to every aspect of our lives: work, family, relationships, children’s education, resolving problems and overcoming crises, self-healing, art, music, creativity and much more.
A ‘curiosity’:
In Sanskrit Ananda means ‘joy, infinite bliss’. The heart of Ananda’s philosophy is to learn how to bring ever-new joy into daily life. This is not a religion but rather a principle which embraces all religions, and above all everyone who, regardless of their beliefs, decides to live life as an experience of personal growth.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Your first contact will be with our Reception, in the main house (‘Il Rifugio’) which is home to the Inner Life Boutique, the dining room and, on the top floor, a number of guest rooms. In one of the bungalows which line the path towards the Temple of Light you will find a small library (Jyoti Kutir) which also houses a computer zone and a video lounge. In the gazebo a free WiFi connection is available along with a breathtaking view of the surrounding hills! We apologise, WiFi is temporarily unavailable.
In summer, when we are many, (very many), Piazzetta Ananda plays host to a large tent which becomes our outdoor dining room. Nearby you will find the Ananda Café where you can relax and enjoy delicious treats. Every Friday and Sunday morning we hold a market offering organic fruits and vegetables, conserves, honey, spelt and much more. You can take a small piece of Ananda home with you to share with your loved ones!
Moksha Kutir is the house where Swami Kriyananda lived whilst he was in Italy and is the place where he left the body. It is a sanctuary, saturated with peace, beauty and harmony. Certain activities reserved for Kriyabans take place here, but if you would like to visit and stay to meditate please ask in Reception and we will do our best to arrange this for you.
The heart of the Centre is the magnificent Temple of Light..
It is here that most of the events, meditations and lessons take place.
The other spaces are: Brindaban, which also offers guest rooms, and our Art Academy. The new Temple of Joy will arrive shortly, which we are constructing thanks to the help of you all!
Swami Kriyananda said:
‘The challenge is that of embracing a new way of life, a style not easy in many of its aspects but one which merits infinitely the efforts made to follow it. When, in fact, I find myself on Ananda’s land and look around me I often think, like many members of the community; “If only people knew about all of this it would be the only way they would want to live!”’
The heart of the Centre is the magnificent Temple of Light…
It is here that most of our events, meditations and lessons take place.
Our other teaching spaces are: Brindaban, which also offers guest rooms, and the Art Academy. The new Temple of Joy will arrive shortly, which we are currently constructing thanks to the help of you all!
Swami Kriyananda said:
‘The challenge is that of embracing a new way of life, a style not easy in many of its aspects but one which merits infinitely the efforts made to follow it. When, in fact, I find myself on Ananda’s land and look around me I often think, like many members of the community; “If only people knew about all of this it would be the only way they would want to live!”’
GALLERY
YOUR DAY AT ANANDA
However long your stay with us may be - a day, a week or more - your experience at Ananda will always include lessons, workshops and guided practices informed by the basic techniques of Self-realisation.
OUR ACCOMMODATION
The environment is simple, welcoming and inspiring. Our hope is that you feel at home, and that your stay is comfortable and relaxing.
Welcome to Ananda!
