Spiritual Festival, November 17 – 19, 2023

Welcome to the Spiritual Festival this weekend, November 17 – 19, 2023!

The Spiritual Festival is one of the principal online programs of the Sector this year.

The Spiritual Festival highlights the work of our Ananda Marga departments and trades. They will present their work, explain their goals, and welcome discussions. Apart from those, we will also have Dharma Cakra, Katha Kiirtana, Bhajans, Prabhata Samgiita and other spiritual programs.

We will start on Friday with Dharma Cakra at 4 p.m. with the program’s opening, followed by a spiritual class and Katha Kiirtana.

Saturday will be a full-day program starting at 9 a.m. EST with Dharma Cakra, followed by a devotional class and AMURT & AMURTEL Symposium. In the afternoon, there will be the ERAWS Symposium and WWD. In the evening and after Dharma Cakra, we will have an RAWA Program.

On Sunday, we will start at 8 a.m. EST with Dharma Cakra, followed by a PROUT Symposium and a Youth Symposium.

 

Highlights:

  • WWD Symposium
  • ERAWS – Neohumanistic Education Symposium
  • AMURT & AMURTEL Symposium
  • Prabhata Samgiita, Dharma Cakra and Katha Kiirtana
  • PROUT Symposium
  • Youth Symposium
  • We hope you can join us for those exciting online programs this weekend.
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Winter Retreat at Ananda Vrati, Pennsylvania

Welcome to the Winter Retreat 2024! This year, the Winter Retreat will be organized at Ananda Vrati Master Unit, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia Region, from December 28, 2023, to January 1, 2024.

The Winter Retreat is traditionally a very spiritually charged program, and this year, we will have daily Akhanda Kiirtana and dance in bliss into the New Year of 2024! Apart from Kiirtana, we will find time for walks, socializing, profound and joyful classes and workshops, and delicious Sattvik food.

Winter Retreat Highlights

  • Daily Akhanda Kiirtan
  • Celebrate New Year with your Spiritual Family!
  • Fun games and workshops
  • Classes on spiritual topics
  • Time for social interactions
  • Delicious Sattvik vegetarian food
  • Enjoy walks and activities in the beautiful nature around Ananda Dhiira.

Please click on the button for more information and to register:

 

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Good News from Ananda Dhiira and the Meditation Project

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Women’s Retreat at Ananda Dhiira

Avtk. Ananda Acira Ac. organized a Women’s Retreat on August 5th in Ananda Dhiira MU, attended by 12 women. We had yoga, kirtan, meditation, face detox, yoga nidra, flower mandala, breath work, and tai chi.

Meditation Project Online Meditation Retreat

Avtk. Ananda Acira Ac., Ac. Dayashiilananda Avt. and Ac. Satyamitrananda Avt. organized an online meditation retreat for beginners (The Meditation Project) in August 24 – 27, attended by 15 people. We have daily yoga, meditation, classes on Tantra, Food for Higher Consciousness, Cakra and Vrttis, cooking class, and Rawa.

Online Kaosiiki Divas on September 6, 2023

Didi Ananda Acira organized an online Kaosikii Divas on September 6, attended by 30 people. It was a nice celebration, where we started the program with DC, followed by the history of how Baba gave the Kaosikii dance, a detailed explanation of its benefits, how to properly perform it, and some stories, and we ended the program with doing kaosikii 21 minutes.

Online Prabhat Samgiita Divas on September 10

The WWD New York Sector organized an Online Prabhat Samgiit Divas on September 10, attended by around 45 people. On this celebration, we had Acaryas speak on Prabhata Samgiita, Prabhata Samgiita dance by sister Radha, and 3 hours Akhanda Prabhata Samgiita sung by the Margiis and Acaryas from different places in the sector. 

Good News from Ananda Dhiira

We are having a good harvest of various green vegetables, herbs, flowers, corn, squash, zucchini, beet, etc. The Weekly online meditation and satsaunga, attended by 5 – 15 people

 

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Sectorial Sisters Conference at Ananda Dhiira

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On October 13 – 15, 2023, a sister’s retreat was held at Ananda Dhiira Master Unit in Penn Valley, California. Avtk. Ananda Acira Ac., Avtk. Ananda Aparajiita Ac., Avtk. Ananda Radhika Ac., and Avtk. Ananda Kalyanmitra Ac. were present and coordinated activities, which included Paincajanya, asana classes, Svadhyaya, games, Dharma Cakra, cooking and clean up, Avarta Kiirtan, and more. A diverse group of eleven women (and two German Shepherds) flew in or drove up from Texas, Los Angeles, Arizona, and around the Bay Area. Two sisters were newly initiated at the closing of the retreat. Welcome, Krsn’á, to the Margii family!

Didi Ananda Apaparajiita taught an interactive class on Yama and Niyama and a workshop titled “Empowering Women: Strategies for Managing Emotions.” Didi Ananda Kalyanmiitra led Kiirtana on the guitar and gave a class on “The Power of Saying NO.” Two other participants also contributed their guitar playing for Kiirtana. “Ayurveda and Women’s Health” was a class offered by Didi Ananda Radhika. The kitchen was run by Didi Ananda Achira, who, as always, fed and filled many happy bellies. “This is the best food I’ve ever eaten in my life.” “I didn’t know vegetarian food could taste so delicious!” were some comments shared by the women. The Acaryas all took turns teaching Asanas, answering individual questions, offering life guidance, and pointing the women toward higher growth. One afternoon was spent walking to the South Yuba River. A few brave souls entered the cold water; some napped, and others sang Kiirtana. On the final evening, a special multicultural “talent show” and art exchange was held, in which every person shared a poem, song, dance, or story from a culture in her background. All weekend long, the atmosphere was filled with laughter, tears, hugs, positive vibrations, Baba and bonding. 

Didis and Sisters at Ananda Dhiira on the deck

Meditation by the South Yuba River

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Successful Pracar in Santos, Monterrey, and Monclova, Mexico

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Brother Iishvara took LFT training two years ago and has been very active in arranging talks and Pracar opportunities for our Dadas and Didis in Monterrey, Monclova and Santos, Mexico. Hundreds of people have attended and many of them taken initiation.

On September 9, 2023, a lecture was arranged by brother Iishvara. It was the second time the Ananda Marga Acaryas were invited to the city. Hundred people attended the program. Sixty people got initiation – 40 sisters got initiation by Avtk. Ananda Sutiirtha Ac. and 20 brothers got initiation by Ac. Iishvarakrsnananda Avt. and Ac. Parinirvanananda Avt. The mayor of Montclova city attended the program and got initiation by Ac. Iishvarakrsnananda Avt. 

In Monterrey City, on September 8, about forty people attended a lecture arranged by brother Iishvara. Ac. Iishvarakrsnananda Avt. and Avtk. Ananda Sutiirtha Ac. gave talks. 24 people got initiation (13 sisters and 11 brothers.) The third program was Ananda Marga seminar in the Monterrey Jagrti. Around 30 people attended the seminar, arranged by Ac. Cirananda Avt., and Ac. Iishvarakrsnananda Avt. was the trainer.

Didi Ananda Sutiirtha (right), Dada Iishvarakrsnananda (second left), Dada Parinirvanananda (left)

Dada Ragatmananda doing Kiirtana at Monterrey Jagrti during the September seminar.

Collective meditation during the program at Monclova

Akhanda Kiirtana in Houston

Brother Iishvara (left), Dada Iishvarakrsnananda (middle) and a young Margii.

Collective meal at Monterrey Jagrti after Sunday Dharma Cakra

Dada Cirananda (left) and Monterrey Margiis and Didi Ananda Sutiirtha

Morelia Margiis came for the Monterrey seminar and retreat at Monterrey Jagrti

Dada Iishvarakrsnananda (left), the mayor of Monclova (second left), translator, Iishvara (second right) and Dada Parinirvanananda (right) after the Monclova program 

Houston Good News

During the first week of September, a group meeting was organized by brother Mayank Lal. Three people got initiated after Ac. Iishvarakrsnananda Avt. gave a talk. The Margiis also organized a seminar in Houston from September 1 – 3, 2023. Four families participated (ten people.) 

Dada Iishvarakrsnananda giving a talk in Monclova and brother Iishvara translating

Collective meditation during the program

Many brothers took initiation during the program

Kaosiiki dance

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Pracar in New York, New Jersey, and Long Island by Didi Ananda Radhika

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On August 15th, 2023, Avtk. An. Radhika Ac. (GV Sectorial NY Sector and acting SWWS) attended a flag hoisting ceremony at the Consulate General Of India and other places like Hempstead and Long Island. On August 27th, Didi attended the “India Day Parade,” widely covered by the media and press. On September 9th, 2023, Didi attended the event organised by the PSPA foundation. Sadhvi Rtambharajis Pravacan was organised there. Many prominent persons from New York were present.

On September 23rd, 2023, Didi attended a “Health and Wellness Fair” organized by the National Council of Negro Women at Co-Op City Section Bronx for the Women’s Day celebration. The mission of this organization is to lead, empower, and advocate for women of African descent, their families, and communities. There was an excellent response from the community.

On September 30th, Didi attended ‘Celebrating Sanatan Dharma, organized by Akshardham Mahotsav, North America, where 400 mandir and community leaders were present celebrating unity, harmony, and cultural values of Bharat. Ananda Marga was honored and recognized, thereby positively impacting the masses about our mission. On October 3rd, 2023, Didi attended the “Queens meet and greet” organized by Non-Profit New York. All the events helped create many new acquaintances, contacts, and a lot of public exposure to Ananda Marga as an organization.

Didi Ananda Radhika also visited three temples and contacted many persons interested in yoga. Regular yoga classes are started at the Queens Village Ashram now. Two persons got an initiation. She also visited three Senior Care Centres and volunteered to conduct regular yoga classes at one of the centers. Cleaning the house’s rain gutter is done by Didi and a local brother volunteer, maintenance of the room ceiling.

Didi Ananda Radhika (right) at the Indian Consulate in Manhattan, New York along with SS Dada Abhiramanandaji, Dada Shankaranandaji and Dada Cakrapani.

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Seminars in Vancouver and Calgary

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Successful Seminars in Vancouver and Calgary

Dada Shiilabhadrananda, newly posted Sectorial SB/PCAP Secretary for the NY Sector, has an additional duty as RS Vancouver. From August to September, he visited Vancouver and Calgary for one month, where he conducted 2nd phase diocese seminars. In Vancouver, 12 Margiis attended the one-day seminar. Dada met some of these Margiis for the first time since his last visit to Vancouver as an LFT in 1974!

In Calgary, Dada gave the seminar in the Judith Ulbach Library. No acarya has visited Calgary for many months, so Margiis were happy to enjoy Satsang and spiritual knowledge from the seminar classes. Five Margiis attended the seminar in Calgary. The Margiis are also seriously trying to find a suitable Jagrti to buy, which would enable many activities for Margiis and non-Margiis alike. On Dada’s next visit in late October, he plans to do classes in both cities to create new Margiis and sympathizers.

Seminar in Denver

Meanwhile, a one-day seminar in Denver took place on August 27, both in person and online. Five Margiis attended the seminar, jointly given by Dada and Sectorial PWSA Secretary Didi Ananda Aparajiita. In other developments, a drop-in beginner’s meditation class begins in the Jagrti on October 17. It is being promoted with the help of a new signboard on the porch of the Denver Jagrti and advertisements in popular social media venues in Denver.

Fifty homeless persons received a Sadabrata lunch outside the Lawrence Street Rescue Mission shelter in central Denver. Thanks to Arun and Mahajyoti for the financial support and Sudama for the transportation to the Sadabrata site.

Collective meal after Dharma Cakra in Vancouver

New sign for Denver Jagrti – a new beginning for pracar there.

Dada Shiilabhadrananda leading Sadavrata (serving food to the poor and homeless) in Denver

Aarati (left), Dada Shiilabhadrananda and Margiis and new people in Calgary, Canada

 

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After-school Program at New York Sectorial Office

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The New York Sectorial Office after-school program (LEAD) has been going well since August. We had summer camp with full-day activities, including meditation, yoga, art, bike riding, and horse riding. Then, from September onwards, we had full-time after-school with 15 kids from pre-K to grade 4.

Ac. Kovid Brc. is taking care of the afterschool program.

The children do Kiirtana and meditation with the teachers

Learning to type and use computers

Field trip with Dada Kovid during the summer program

 

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Ananda Vrati Regional Retreat

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  A regional retreat for the Philadelphia region was organized from August 18 – 20, 2023. 35 Margiis and WT workers attended the program. After many years of renovation and extension work, the Ananda Vrati building is finally ready to use. This event was the first Ananda Marga retreat since the renovations started many years ago. The Margiis were happy to return to Ananda Vrati and see how beautifully the buildings have been renovated. Everything has been professionally done, and the building is designed for programs for all seasons, including the winter.

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LFT Training at Los Altos Hills starting in January 2024

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We will have LFT (Local Full Timer) training at Los Altos Hills Jagrti from January 5 to mid-February 2024. Acarya Shiilabhadrananda Avadhuta is the trainer and Ac. Diiptimanananda Avt. will take care of routine and discipline during the training. NB. This training is for brothers only. For sisters LFT training, please contact Didi Ananda Acira at +1 347 530 4425, anandaacira@gmail.com. And for brothers interested in taking the training, please contact Dada Diiptimanananda (+1 929 257 8099) to see if you qualify. 

Introduction

The acronym LFT stands for “Local Full Timer.” An LFT is a spiritual volunteer. LFTs work without a salary for at least one year in an Ananda Marga project in their state, province, or country. They usually live with the Acarya in a Jagrti or Master Unit. It is a wonderful opportunity to grow spiritually and to go deeper into spiritual practices.

 To become an LFT, one should undergo training and pass a final exam that certifies one’s competence to perform the LFT duty. The academic exam is not the main criterion for being an LFT. It is more the inculcation of Sadhana (meditation and other spiritual practices) in our daily life, leading a disciplined spiritual life, and engaging ourselves in as much service to society as possible, which are the most defining qualities of an LFT. Of course, intellectual knowledge is necessary to convince others of the spiritual-based lifestyle and path of Ananda Marga.

 Becoming an LFT requires no academic qualification, social status, or previous experience in meditation. One requires sincerity to become a better medium through which the Supreme Consciousness can manifest Itself. 

LFT Training for Brothers (Volunteer Training)

Date:

January 5 to February 15, 2024

Fee: $500 

Place: 

Los Altos Hills Jagrti

27160 Moody Road, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022

Trainers: Dada Diiptimanananda (daily routine, yoga, and meditation)

Dada Shiilabhadrananda (online classes)

 

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