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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:

 

Good News from Ananda Dhiira and the Meditation Project

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

 

Sectorial Sisters Conference at Ananda Dhiira

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

Successful Pracar in Santos, Monterrey, and Monclova, Mexico

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

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

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.

Seminars in Vancouver and Calgary

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

 

Ananda Vrati Regional Retreat

  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.

LFT Training at Los Altos Hills starting in January 2024

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)

 

Pracar Tour in Boston anda Pennsylvania Regions

A pracar tour was organized in the New York Sector on the East Coast in Boston Region, and Philadelphia Region. We were four Acaryas: Acarya Abhiramananda Avadhuta, Ac. Kovid Brc., Avtk. Ananda Hitaprabha Ac. and  Avtk. Ananda Kalyanmitra Ac. On the 15th of September, 2023, the four Acaryas met up at the New York Sectorial Office in Flushing, New York, and set out on the pracar tour in Connecticut, Long Island, Washington DC, and New York City.

The first destination was our Master Unit in Connecticut, Ananda Kalpataru, where we met with a professor and six students from Yale University in New Haven, CN. They were in communication with and invited by Timir and Shefali Prabhakar. Four students had been assigned to work on our land as part of a forestry course they are studying. We explored our land for a few hours, and the students shared some maps they had put together to help identify the boundary lines. They were so happy, and we did meditation together. 

The entire tour was successfully organized with programs at the University of Connecticut (UCONN), the Chamber of Commerce of Connecticut, and temples and community centers. It was a very inspiring program, and hundreds of people were met and introduced to Ananda Marga through flyers and visiting cards. 

The next day (Sept. 16), we spent in Hartford, Connecticut’s capital, about 30 minutes from Ananda Kalpataru. We were supported by wonderful weather throughout the days in Connecticut. On arrival in Hartford, we visited a park in the city center. As we arrived, there happened to be a festival going on, and upon approaching the organizer, we were given a spot to set up a booth to present Ananda Marga to the public. We were handing out leaflets and providing individual introductions to meditation. We were also invited on stage, and SS Dada Abhiramanandaji addressed the audience to announce our organizational presence. After the festival in the park, we went to the ISCON temple in Hartford, where we met up with some devotees for dinner and networking.

The next day (Sept. 17), we had an appointment at the University of Connecticut (UCONN) main campus in Storrs, CT. UCONN is the most prominent college in Connecticut, with 35,000 students. We visited some of the cultural centers on campus and the Student Health and Wellness Center. At a museum on campus, we met a student who was part of a mindfulness group of students who happened to meet on that day of our visit. We were invited and given a full hour to introduce ourselves and give an introductory meditation class to about 15 students and their professors. All enjoyed it very much, and the professor was happy to cooperate further in the future.

On the same evening, the Didis were able to cover a meeting at the Chamber of Commerce for female entrepreneurs, and they enjoyed the opportunity to network with women of the locality. 

The next day (Sept 18), we all attended a networking event by the Chamber of Commerce in Glastonbury, Connecticut. And then, we continued to Connecticut Community College at Manchester. We were warmly welcomed at the office for Student Life and taken on a tour to meet various administrative staff. As we strolled on the campus, we improvised some meditation introductions with students who showed interest. We had a good experience and look forward to following up with this and other community colleges. 

The next day, we visited the Governor’s office in Hartford, approached some staff members, and had a tour. From there, we attended “Yoga in the Park” and made friends with a yoga teacher in a network sponsored by the city to organize regular outdoor yoga classes throughout the summer. We had a warm and conducive exchange. 

On the last day in Connecticut, we had an appointment at a yoga studio in Willimantic. We were warmly welcomed by the owner, who showed us around the center; she also shared her background and the activities held there. She was very happy to meet us and invited us for further cooperation. 

Next was a visit to Jersey City, New Jersey, where a group of yoga and fitness centers partnered to organize a day of open house marketing with classes and socializing. 

The next day, we were at a seniors’ activity center on Long Island, where we gave meditation and yoga classes and interacted with about 80 participants who enjoyed our spiritual company.

Ananda Marga participated in a small event, where the Dadas and Didis met with various politicians of New York City. They talked with Adrienne Adams, Speaker of the New York City Council, and Linda Lee, councilmember of New York City’s 23rd City Council district. This meeting with representatives of the NYC Council was an unexpectedly warm networking experience. We had a chance to meet the Speaker of the NYC Council, Ms. Adrianne Adams, and other representatives and their staff at this lovely get-together.

World Cultural Festival 2023 in Washington, DC

We visited Washington, DC, and participated in the World Cultural Festival (WCF) on September 29, 2023. The WCF was organized by the Art of Living at the National Mall of Washington, DC. There were 17,000 artists, entertainers & speakers and 1 million people attended it. In this program, Ananda Marga was invited as a guest. The program was well-decorated and designed. It was culturally connected all over the world in 180 countries. Hundreds of prominent country leaders, ministers, bureaucrats, and United Nations officers saw and participated in it. More than one million people participated, and Ananda Marga was introduced to many prominent figures of the country and many volunteers and members of Art of Living during the program. Thousands of people witnessed the saffron of Ananda Marga Acaryas moving around the gathering.

At the WCR 2023, the Acaryas present were Acarya Abhiramananda Avadhuta, the Sectorial Secretary and General Secretary of Ananda Marga, Ac. Kovid Brc., (Regional Secretary of L.A. and Boston Regions), Avtk. Ananda Aparajiita Sectorial PWSA Secretary, Avtk. Ananda Kalyanmitra Ac. Sectorial HPMG(L) Secretary and sister Devika. Their participation was a huge exposure to Ananda Marga. They walked around the crowds, distributing leaflets and striking conversation. Many people approached them, asking who we represented, which started a good conversation. We also met with Ananda Margiis from the U.S. and other countries. During the festival, Avtk. Ananda Aparajiita Ac. gave a media interview, presenting AMPS and our philosophy.

We had the opportunity to meet several volunteers of Art of Living. They asked were inspired to interview Ananda Marga Acaryas. We were delighted to present our feelings and understanding of the program. In this way, Ananda Marga was introduced to the international community through social media and other gateways. It was a historical and special program in the history of Ananda Marga in Washington, DC. By Baba’s Grace, we successfully participated in the program.

In Washington, DC, Sandeep Khanuja, the chairman of RAWA in Virginia, organized a program at the Hilton Hotel in Virginia. More than 50 people participated. We were introduced to many I.T. people. Vinod Shukla from Mumbai was invited and discussed nature preservation and the environment. Acarya Abhiramananda Avadhuta expressed his view about meditation, mind and happiness, and the role of youth in the world. They widely spread the message in the Margii community.

The last program, Festival of Light, was conducted in Manhattan, New York, by the Indian American community. Ananda Marga was provided with one stall, having all the materials, books, leaflets, and honey. All the New York Acaryas were there. More than 300 people visited the stall.

More than thirty people were interested in learning meditation. Ac. Kovid Brc. took the lead in introducing meditation. He was also handing out the flyers to visitors to our stall. Towards the end of the program, Didi Ananda Kalyanmitra and Acarya Abhiramananda Avadhuta were interviewed. More than twenty organizations were introduced during the program. This program was very successfully organized.

Acarya Abhiramananda Avadhuta organized the participation of Ananda Marga in over thirty programs during this pracar tour. He has been dynamically reaching out to thousands of people and more than twenty organizations. Thirty sympathizers were created, twenty initiations were done, and one new unit was created in Hartford, Connecticut.

After a yoga and meditation class at a senior home.

The Acaryas met with sister Liilavati from Staten Island at the World Cultural Festival.

Visiting a yoga center in New Jersey

Didi Ananda Kalyanmitra leading Kiirtana at the senior home.

After a visit to a senior home.

A small gathering in New York where the Acaryas had a chance to meet with some of the political leaders in New York City.

Dadas and Didis with Ac. Dhruva and Devika

Brother Sandeep Khanuja organized an event that the Dadas and Didis joined.

Dada Kovid teaching meditation at UCONN.

Dada Kovid and Didis distributing flyers and interacting with students at the Connecticut Community College at Manchester.

Didi Ananda Aparajiita (left) and Didi Ananda Kalyanmitra with Adrienne Adams, Speaker of the New York City Council.

Acarya Abhiramananda Avadhuta with Adrienne Adams, Speaker of the New York City Council.

Thanks to all the sympathizers, Margii brothers and sisters, and non-Margiis for their support. Thanks to brother Timir and sister Shefali, who offered their home to the Acaryas.

Didi Ananda Kalyanmitra, Didi Ananda Aparajiita, Dada Kovid, and Dada Abhiramananda at the University of Connecticut (UCONN.)

Meeting with the staff at UCONN

At the World Cultural Festival 2023 in Washington, DC

India Day Parade in New York and New Jersey

The India Day Parade was conducted in Manhattan, New York, on August 20, 2023. It is considered the largest parade outside India and brings together thousands of members of the Indian Diaspora for one of the biggest cultural extravaganzas in New York City.
Ananda Marga participated in the Manhattan parade as well as a parade in New Jersey on August 27 and had a booth (stall) for displaying Ananda Marga’s books and honey from Ananda Kalpataru. Hundreds of people visited the Ananda Marga stall, and the Acaryas made many friends and connections.

Ananda Marga with the World Yoga Community during the Manhattan parade.

Ac. Abhiramananda Avt. with some of the guests of honor in the New Jersey parade.

The Ananda Marga booth at the New Jersey parade