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Ananda Sangha of Portland
November 306 Dwapara (2006)
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In This Newsletter
Articles & Letters
Lead Article: Education for Life: Thank You
Yogananda in Thief River FallsIntroduction to Education for Life
News, Events and Schedules
Education for Life--Thank You!
Dear
Friends,
Greetings. We are leaving in a few hours for three weeks in India with Swami Kriyananda, a time of increasing our attunement with Swami, this path, and Ananda’s service around the world. We deliberately set the date of our departure to allow us to be at the celebration of Living Wisdom School’s 10th year in Portland.
When Paramhansa Yogananda graduated from college, his first action was to start a school. The school was based on universal principles of character development, and the awakening of expanded awareness in the students—both of their environment and of themselves.
When Yogananda felt God’s call to bring the teachings of yoga to America, his school was several years old and had hundreds of students. He felt it was one of the most important services to mankind, giving children access to uplifting teachings, that they grow into inspired adults.
Because his work with adults in this country was so demanding, he was not able to start an educational system in America. He knew that he had to work with the parents before they would support raising their children in this way. However, he left the seeds of understanding on how to build such a school behind him.
In the early 70s a courageous young man, living at Ananda, and with Swami Kriyananda’s encouragement and support, began the task of starting a school system based on Yogananda’s teachings and principles. From that beginning, and with the subsequent book by Kriyananda by the same name, Education for Life was born as a school system.
Education for Life is a universally viable system, applicable to any culture or religion base. Ananda has expressed this system in the Living Widsom Schools, first at Ananda Village, then in Palo Alto, then Portland, and now in Seattle.
For 10 years here in Portland, Usha Dermond and a team of dedicated teachers have daily made it possible for children to be raised and educated in an environment where they discover the power of cooperation, kindness, service and participation in life. They are stimulated to explore life, to find courage, to discover life beyond their existing limits, and to enjoy the process of living, learning, and loving. They find, through the process, a deep well of joy and an indelible sense of themselves and their relationship to this world.
Participating in this celebration were the current students and staff, along with the founder of Living Wisdom (Nitai), and many alumni from this and other Living Wisdom Schools.
The pictures on page 9 of this newsletter tell but a small part of the story, a story that is rich with life and hope for the future of this world and all those who live here.
Our deepest gratitude and honor to all those who daily make Living Wisdom and Education for Life a reality.
Meanwhile, we are off and will see you all in 3 weeks and will try to write often while we are gone. We hold each of you in our hearts and prayers.
May God and Gurus bless and guide us all.
In Divine Friendship,
daiva and ganga mata
Yogananda in Thief River Falls
The following is an excerpt from an article written for Gyandev and the Ananda Yoga Teachers Program. Teri Pancoast is a kriyaban devotee living with her husband and two children in a small town in Minnesota. This is a great snapshot of how God uses us when we offer ourselves in service, with attunement, wherever we are...
“I am calm, I am poised, I am calm, I am poised…..Poised means staying at your center, keeping your balance no matter what circumstance you find yourself in.” (with Swami’s music playing softly in the background). On any given morning you can hear these words or some other affirmation from Ananda Yoga that is being taught to special needs kids at the high school in Thief River Falls, a small town in northwest Minnesota. Thief River Falls, MN is a town of about 8400 and is located approximately 70 miles south of Canada and 300 miles northwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul.
Teri Pancoast is filling in as a long-term aide in a class room of special needs kids where the disability varies from Autism, cerebral palsy, mental disorders, ADD, and learning disorders. The special-ed teacher is teaching these kids (some of whom cannot read or write) life skills of which she feels yoga and meditation are an integral part.
Where some of these students historically have resorted to physical violence to settle their differences, the mini-sadhanas based around Ananda Yoga and meditation have become invaluable tools for these students to make a conscious shift in energy and approach the circumstances from a more balanced perspective.
The setting for the day in this class room starts with low lighting, one of Swami’s CD’s playing in the background, and soft voices used between students and teachers.
As the day progresses, the mini-sadhana is completed and the day takes shape with basic school activities.
Swami Kriyananda (founder of Ananda Yoga and Meditation Retreat) has composed inspiring and uplifting music that reaches beyond the physical realm and touches a person deeply. Many times when his music is playing teachers have come through our room expressing how uplifting and relaxed the room feels. Some of these students will sit down next to the CD player, shut their eyes and just listen to the music. I overheard one boy say to another, “Do you really like this music?” in a voice of trying to get something “going”, and the other boy, without opening his eyes, responded, “Yes, this relaxes me.”
While the music is still playing and the others are engaged in their routine, Teri works with a student with cerebral palsy helping her to stretch her legs, arms and relax other parts of her body. Again, Ananda Yoga comes into play with deep breathing exercises, softening the muscles, sending light to the areas that need relaxing and softening.
During the more difficult stretches, this student is able to breathe deeply while trying to open the tightly contracted muscles. For a short period of time during the day, this student is able to open and relax her limbs and it seems to set the tone for the rest of her day. During the sadhanas, she is asked to visualize the postures and to try and breathe deeply and relax while we go through the routine...
* * * * *
Upon moving with her family to Thief River Falls, MN, in 2004 the first person Teri met was interested in meditation. From there she taught meditation at a Luthern Church health and wellness fair (the pastor’s wife, also an elementary school music teacher began using Swami Kriyananda’s music before class to fill the room with that energy).
Teri was encouraged to teach meditation at a community education program, which led to developing an Ananda Meditation Group.
This led to a special education teacher asking if she could teach these things to special needs children, and they had a trial run in summer school. This was successful enough that she received a position in the school for the entire year.
At the same time the Meditation Group led to a position at the local Community College teaching yoga and meditation based on Ananda’s principles. She is currently developing this program.
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The Mandir Boutique—is filling up with all kinds of goodies to help uplift your life, beautify your home and take you deeper into the inner world. Keep an eye open for new items for you and for your holiday gifting—a great way to spread the light.
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Guitarists
& Harmonium Players: would you enjoy learning to play the songs for the
Festival of Light on Sundays? It’s a wonderful way to become part of the
Sunday Service team! If so, talk with Satyaki
(satyaki@anandaportland.org). -
Music, Music, Music—Swami Kriyananda used to say “If you want to get to know me, play my music.” Kirtans, Chanting, Choir, Concerts, sing your heart out. For those who have yet to develop your natural musical abilities, we have cds available—the world class concert from Bhagavati and Ramesha; the “How to be Happy all the Time” concert by our own choir; and new Kirtan recordings from Crystal Clarity. Also, Satyaki can guide you on how to enter into the choir when you are ready to add even more magnetism and joy to your musical world.
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Harmoniums for Sale! “Chanting is half the battle!” The Harmoniums are due any day—we only have a limited number coming in and it will be a while before we get more. There are few things that enrich the inner life like chanting.
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Membership—For those of you who are members of the Ananda Portland Sangha (Gold, Blue, or White) we have created a special graphic icon next to the description of classes that will indicate that your membership benefits apply. Look for the special star µ symbol throughout the newsletter! Want to become a member? Talk with Daiva or Ganga Mata Glazzard.
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India—the Hunt for Land Continues...
The following is excerpted from a letter from Nirmala. The heat has been a bit brutal on everyone there, and it is just now abating. This has led to looking for a retreat facility at a higher elevation where they could focus during the hot months...
We looked at several properties to get an idea of what is available and what the prices are like. We were happy to discover that the prices are still within the realm of sanity, and not nearly as high as Delhi.
We found two properties that we considered possible: One was a small guest house that we liked. It has 11 bedrooms and 6 bathrooms. By the time we had investigated that last property, it was dark, so the real estate agent showed us around the area a little bit by car…(This is in the hill country around 7 hours N of Delhi.) -
Seattle Mandir Nears Completion--We know the delight of Mandir construction wrapping up. Seattle is preparing for their first service and open house on Christmas Eve. See PDF versions of this newsletter for photographs.
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Join
Crystal Clarity’s Each One—Reach One Campaign!
The Each One - Reach One Campaign is, in some ways, like the Random Acts of Kindness and Pay It Forward movements that swept the nation a few years ago. These movements inspired people to reach out beyond their immediate family and friends, often to people that they didn't even know and maybe wouldn't ever know, and give them an unexpected gift. Our Each One - Reach One campaign offers, in the form of The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita, a tool to help bring uplifted consciousness, deep inner peace and bliss.Do you know someone who would benefit from uplifted consciousness, deep inner peace and bliss? Then join our Each One - Reach One Campaign. When you purchase a copy of The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita at the regular cover price, we will provide you with additional copies at half price! Purchase additional copies to give away to family, friends, co-workers, local libraries, and others you would like to reach out to and help us uplift the world one person at a time.
from Lessons in Discipleship by Swami Kriyananda
This excerpt is a small insight into life with Yogananda, as experienced by Swami Kriyananda. We offer it with gratitude for this Thanksgiving...
To Please Him--Serve All
Love and joy are the qualities that manifested most strongly in Yogananda’s life. This is what we feel in our attunement with one another—the bond of God loving God, of God serving God. Our gratitude and fulfillment come in the opportunity to be of service to God in one another.
Master showed us the way in this. I remember one incident at Mt. Washington that took place at our Christmas dinner. We had the table all set with place cards for each person. All the places were taken, and food had been cooked for exactly that many people. Suddenly, twenty-five extra people appeared unexpectedly, and twenty-five of us had to give up our seats. Normally you would find people saying, “I don’t want to give up my seat.” We looked forward all year long to being with Master at the Christmas banquet and hearing him talk afterward. You’d expect people would have fought to keep their seats. At that dinner the only fighting was for the privilege of giving up our seats. When Master heard about that afterward, he said, “These are the things that please me.”
This is the way to please Master—to put yourself last, to put yourself behind others. This is the goal, and this is the way that Master taught us. I think that of all the things about him—his great wisdom, his miraculous powers, his samadhi—the thing that touches me the most is the sweetness of his humility. There is such inspiration in those things he did for others that are small and unimportant in an outward way, but are, finally, the sum of greatness.
Let us be thankful that we have the life and inspiration of such a master to draw from. He lives with us now. He is in our hearts. He’s as much with us today as he was then. All we have to do is to attune ourselves with him, to feel his guidance, to feel his blessings. Again and again since his passing he has shown how very near and very dear he really is.
* * * * *
The daily practice of meditation is the foundation of all that we do at Ananda. Each month, we offer both introductory (one-night) and comprehensive (four week) classes. Look for Meditation for Starters, (one night) November 9, 7:30-9pm $40 (includes materials) or Developing and Inner Life: Learn to Meditate, (four weeks), beginning November 7, 7-9pm, $150 (includes materials). µ
An Introduction to Living Wisdom and Education for Life
by Jesse J. Casbon, from Education for Life by Swami Kriyananda
For
twenty years I have served in various roles as teacher, guidance counselor,
principal, college instructor, and consultant in public education. During that
time I have participated in experimental projects for educational change, seen
theories of education come and go, and read most of the current books on
educational reform.
Among all the books I have read, Education for Life stands out as that rare pedagogical phenomenon: a book both refreshingly original and wholly workable.
Education for Life expands the current definition of schooling; it offers parents, educators, and concerned citizens everywhere techniques for transforming education into an integral process—one which harmonizes book learning with direct life experience.
This book recommends an already tested and proven system of education, one which emphasizes relevancy when teaching the “basics,” and instructs children also in the art of living. As Walters states, this book has the further goal of helping people to “...see the whole of life, beyond the years that one spends in school, as education.”
The unique perspective offered by the author will, I think, give his readers a sense of discovery. Walters has taken seemingly difficult concepts, and offered simple definitions for them that are as convincing as they are unexpected. For example, he defines that seemingly vague word, maturity, as “the ability to relate appropriately to other realities than one’s own.” Immaturity he defines as “a little child throwing a tantrum on the floor because he can’t get what he wants.” Definitions like these stand out both for their simple clarity, and because they are exceptionally helpful. Parents and teachers will readily recognize them as being right on target!
Another thing I liked about this book: While profound, it is at the same time enjoyable to read!
Education for Life deserves to be read by dreamers and doers alike. Perhaps even dreamers, after reading it, will put it to use! For it offers direction for those people who feel that education should mean more than an acquisition of facts, more than intellectual exposure to a vast number of untested concepts, and more than a pragmatic preparation for employment. It is an exalted call for change, based on deep insight into the potentials of every human being. It tells us how to nurture creativity, wisdom, and intuition in each child, and how to tap his unexplored capabilities.
Jesse J. Casbon, Ph.D, Dean
Graduate School for Professional Studies
Lewis & Clark College
Portland, Oregon
µ Ananda Portland membership benefits apply to this class or event
“I thank Thee, Lord, for all Thy blessings. But most of all, I
thank Thee for Thy love.”
from Affirmations for Self-Healing
To celebrate this great holiday tradition Ananda-style, we will hold a morning meditation on November 23rd from 8-10 am at the Mandir, then a vegetarian potluck at the Ananda Community at 1:30.
As a way of giving back to God for our many blessings, we will be having a “Spruce-up” workday at the Temple on Saturday, November 25, from 9-4. This will beautify our Mandir for all who come during the winter Holy season for inspiration.
Everyone is Welcome to these events.
Feng Shui for the Devotee's Home
The ancient discipline of Feng Shui can be a useful and delightful tool to support you in your home on the spiritual path. Enhancements and cures will be shared, with success stories, discussion, and hints from Yogananda’s teachings. Bring: bag lunch & floor plan!
Sunday, November 19 Noon-2pm, $25; Pre-register to save a spot µ
Donations Welcomed for Auction--Share the Light
In the Christmas season each year, we hold a time of inspiration, an opportunity to donate to the outreach provided by the Sangha office and Mandir building. This year, on Saturday, December 9, we will “Share the Light,” holding an inspired dinner with entertainment, followed by an auction fundraiser. Proceeds from the dinner will go towards operating expenses, while proceeds from the auction will go towards the loan incurred during the Mandir remodel.
Mark your calendars. Donate a treasure (either a valuable
item or precious service) to the auction, and prepare for a memorable event. See
Anna Bredahl to lend your help...
Deepen Your Meditation Retreat
“Meditate more and more deeply, until calmness and joy become second nature
to you. To be ecstatic is not difficult. It is thinking that it is difficult
that holds you apart from it. Never think of divine joy as distant from you, and
it will be with you always.” Paramhansa Yogananda
Set aside this day to deepen your contact with God. (Pre-requisite: Developing Inner Life class series or equivalent)
Saturday October 28, led by David and Karin LaBriere 8:00-4:30 , $65
µ
Weekend
with Uma McFarlane: Keeping CHrist in Christmas
Uma McFarlane has been one of Ananda’s primary teachers for over 30 years. Steeped in wisdom, her talks exude the joy of Spirit. Friday evening will be a general satsang—the chance to chant and meditate together, begin to focus our thoughts on the power of the Christmas season, ask questions and spend time informally with Uma. Saturday morning we will have a retreat and class on the inner blessings of Christmas. Sunday Uma will be our guest Lightbearer. Join us and set the tone for a powerful Christmas season.
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, December 1, 2, 3. Friday Satsang—Donation, Saturday Retreat—$35 µ
Winter Holy Season Schedule--See Long Term Calendar
Beginning with Thanksgiving and ending with Paramhansa Yogananda’s Birthday Celebration in early January, these six weeks provide a powerful time for tuning into God’s presence, both inwardly and outwardly. From the simple practice of gratitude, exemplified in Thanksgiving, through the self-offering of Christmas, the fresh start of a New Year, and the celebration of God’s current guidance through Yogananda’s life, we can completely re-inspire our lives. Join us for the inspirations of this holy season.
(Availble at the Mandir Boutique)
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Education for Life
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Autobiography of a Yogi
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The Path
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The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita
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Cities of Light—a Plan for This Age
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Out of the Labyrinth
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Hope for a Better World
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God is for Everyone
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Conversations with Yogananda
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The Essence of Self-Realization
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The Artist as Channel—a guide to Self-Realization
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The Art of Supportive Leadership
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Money Magnetism
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Affirmations for Self-Healing
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Scientific Healing Affirmations
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The Art and Science of Raja Yoga
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Saints Who Moved the World
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The Soul Journey
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Practicing His Presence
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How to be Happy All the Time
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New Release Soon: Swami Kriyananda as We Have Known Him
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New Release Soon: Many Hands Make a Miracle, Ananda History Part 1
(As service promised to go on a little longer)
In the midst of a Sunday Service one time, a man suddenly got up and left. The minister, upon seeing him later in the week, asked what had happened that caused him to leave so early. The man replied that he had gone out to get a haircut.
The minister asked him why he hadn’t gotten it before coming to church, whereupon the man replied that he hadn’t needed it then...
Weekly Postures Schedule at the Mandir
|
Monday |
5:45-7:00pm |
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|
Tuesday |
5:45-7:00pm |
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|
Wednesday |
10:00-11:15am |
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|
Thursday |
5:45-7:00pm |
Note that Monday morning Extra-Gentle Yoga has moved to Wednesday!
$10 per class or $36 for 4 classes. µ
1 Nancy Borden
9 Iswari Brockschmidt
11 Sue Weeks
13 Linda Kardos
19 Fedor Alvarado
Elizabeth Stern20 Joe Stern
28 Kari Misegades
29 Jim Magee
Blessings to all these great souls! If you’re missing from our list, please let us know.
Dec 1
Satsang with Uma, 7-9pm
Dec 2
Retreat and Class with Uma—Spiritualizing the Christmas Season, 8am-noon, $35 µ
Dec 3
Sunday Service with Uma
Dec 5
Class: Deepening the Inner Life—Meditation, Energy, Magnetism begins, 3 Tuesdays, 7-9pm, $100 (materials included) µ
Dec 9
“Share the Light” Fundraising Dinner and Auction, 5:30-9:30pm
Dec 15
Living Wisdom School Holiday Program (donations welcome), 7-9pm
Dec 16
5-Hour Christmas Meditation, 8am-1pm
Dec 16
Christmas Gala Evening, 7-9pm
Dec 20
Ananda Choir at the Grotto Festival of Lights, 9pm
Dec 23
All-Day Christmas Meditation, 8am-4pm
Dec 24
Christmas Eve Service, 10pm
Dec 25
Christmas Morning Meditation, 8-10am
Vegetarian Potluck ay Ananda Community, 1:30pmDec 31
Ring in the New Year Meditation and Prayers (AC), 11pm
New Year’s Eve Sunday Service
Ring in the New Year Meditation and Prayers (AC)
Jan 1
New Year’s Morning Meditation and Retreat (AC), 8am-noon
$25 (Light breakfast included) µ
Open House w/ Ganga Mata and Daiva (AC), 4-6pmJan 5
Yogananda’s Birthday Celebration, 7-9pm
Jan 9
Class: Developing an Inner Life--The Foundation of Daily Meditation begins, 4 Tuesdays, $150, 7-9pm. µ
Jan 24
Class: Kindness as a Spiritual Practice beings, 2 Wednesdays, $75 µ
Feb 6
Class: Developing an Inner Life--The Foundation of Daily Meditation begins, 4 Tuesdays, $150, 7-9pm. µ
Art & Science of Raja Yoga begins (details)Feb 10
"High Tea" Fundraiser, 4-7pm
Feb 21
Class: Pranayamas with Uddhava, 4 Wednesdays, $100 µ
Watch for details on these events in upcoming newsletters.
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©2006 Ananda Sangha of Portland