Vidura Smallen comes from a background in construction. At the time of our conversation he served as co‑general manager of the Ananda community in Nevada City, California, together with his wife, Durga. Vidura’s boundless energy and dedication to the spiritual values of kindness and service mark him as a “boss who never bosses,” and one … Read more
Although this talk by Vidura isn’t strictly about service, it’s included for its relevance to the spiritually relevant subject of staying inwardly centered while performing our outward roles. (Photo: 2010s – Vidura in India with friend Anil) About two months ago, I traveled to India to make some adjustments to the itinerary for our … Read more
Padma managed Crystal Clarity Publishers, the company that publishes books by Swami Kriyananda. Padma and her husband, Nayaswami Hriman, now serve as directors of the Ananda community and church in Seattle. Q: Can you tell us how you came on the spiritual path? Did you have a lifelong interest in spirituality, or did it come … Read more
Haridas came to Ananda Village in 1970, shortly after the community was founded. His good humor and enthusiasm brought smiles to countless visitors at The Expanding Light, Ananda’s guest retreat, during the years he served there. Haridas and his wife Roma now help guide Ananda’s growing work in India. Q: You’ve worn many hats … Read more
Shivani came to Ananda in the early years of the community. A whirlwind of energy, she naturally assumed positions of responsibility, first in the Ananda Village biodynamic organic garden, then as director of Ananda Publications, and finally in the outreach programs of the Ananda Europa community in Assisi, Italy. Q: Tell us about your life … Read more
Asha, whose name in Sanskrit means “Hope,” met Swami Kriyananda in 1969, soon after the Ananda community was started. She now serves as Ananda’s global ambassador, traveling in the U.S., Europe, and Asia to share Paramhansa Yogananda’s teachings. Q: You served as Swami Kriyananda’s secretary for six years, and for several years you managed … Read more
Sadhana Devi reports, “My husband Jaya and I now spend most of our time serving our work in India, with classes and spiritual activities, and enjoying the spiritual friendships that seem to grow easily, regardless of language and cultural barriers.” We spoke with Sadhana Devi in 2005. Sadhana Devi: I’d like to tell you a … Read more
Everything in life necessitates cooperation. Breathing itself is an act of cooperation with Nature. Great works of genius require the work of many: those who make the tools used in creativity; a general foundation of awareness from which the individual can soar; the inspiration of others’ thoughts; an appreciative audience. Would Leonardo have produced his … Read more
It’s strange that something I have puzzled over for fifty years should suddenly come clear to me now, simply because it was someone else who asked me the question. It has happened to me often, however: I’ve pondered something for years, but only when the same question was put to me by someone else did … Read more
I have made occasional reference in these pages to the karmic threads or patterns of coincidence that run through human life. Those patterns can be discerned not only in the lives of individuals, but in the vast tapestry of history with its panorama of nations, cultures, and religions. History, as has many times been said, … Read more