Ananda Dhiira Master Unit is managed by Avadhutika Ananda Acira Acarya, Acting Master Unit Secretary – Ladies. Every year, Didi has various activities and also grows a variety of vegetables, herbs, flowers, and fruits. This summer, Didi had many guests and volunteers, and organized smaller women’s retreats, and two meditation retreats and one Kiirtana and Sadhana Retreat. Overall, the Master Unit is thriving with various activities and produce.
Ananda Dhiira was filled with spiritual practice, learning, service, and fellowship during two retreats organized by Avtk. Ananda Acira Ac. in August 2026. Surrounded by peaceful oak forest in the Sierra foothills of Northern California, the Master Unit offered participants a supportive environment in which to deepen their meditation, enjoy nature, and experience collective spiritual life.
From August 5 to 9, 2026, Didi Ananda Acira conducted an introductory meditation retreat attended by twelve people. All the first-time participants received initiation, while those returning for their second or third retreat reviewed their existing meditation lessons and learned new ones. Sister Prashanti, who had been deeply inspired by a previous retreat, returned with her husband, two sons, and daughter. Her connection to the spiritual path had become so meaningful that she had adopted as her legal name the Sanskrit name given to her by Didi. During the retreat, her sons and husband received initiation from Acarya Diiptimanananda Avadhuta, while her daughter received initiation from Didi Ananda Acira.
We could feel Baba’s grace throughout the retreat. Everyone who joined the retreat were very sincere and made it possible to organize beautiful Akhanda Kiirtana and Sadhana Shivir. Volunteer service is also always important and Ananda Dhiira got a new volunteer by Baba’s Grace just before the beginning of the meditation retreat on August 5. She later joined the Kiirtana Retreat and decided to remain at Ananda Dhiira for several weeks of volunteer service before returning to Italy. The way is all happened was very inspiring. While traveling to collect a participant from the airport, Didi stopped at the gate of Ananda Dhiira and met a woman visiting from Italy. After learning about Ananda Dhiira and speaking briefly with Didi, she offered join the retreat as a volunteer. Her positive spirit and readiness to help soon became a great blessing. She assisted extensively with cleaning and practical work, making the organization of the retreat lighter and more enjoyable.
The meditation retreat from August 5 – 9 took place during an intense heatwave, with daytime temperatures reaching 41°C, or approximately 106°F. Participants welcomed opportunities to cool off in the beautiful South Yuba River, and a newly installed air conditioner in the main-building meditation hall provided relief during the hottest hours. Fortunately, the evenings and nights at Ananda Dhiira were cooler, allowing everyone to rest comfortably.
The program was further enriched by several guest workshops. Sisters Rhonda and Crystal offered sessions in gong and crystal-bowl healing, during which participants relaxed on the floor and experienced the subtle and soothing vibrations of the instruments. Sister Harmony conducted Qigong and Tai Chi classes on the outdoor deck as the sun was setting and the air became cooler. A gifted teacher and longtime resident of the area, Harmony has supported Ananda Dhiira in many ways and has inspired several local friends to attend its retreats.
From August 12 to 16, Didi Ananda Acira organized a five-day Sadhana and Kiirtana Retreat for Margiis wishing to go more deeply into meditation and collective spiritual practice. Eight people participated, completing two sessions of Akhanda Kiirtana, five Sadhana Shivirs, three seminar classes based on AMPS Central topics, and a variety of other spiritual programs. Acarya Diiptimanananda Avadhuta attended the retreat and presented the seminar classes. The intensive program created an uplifting atmosphere of devotion and inner reflection.
Volunteer service and the flourishing gardens also contributed greatly to life at Ananda Dhiira. From March through May, Didi had devoted considerable effort to expanding the vegetable and fruit gardens, constructing several new raised beds and planting a wide variety of vegetables. While Didi attended the Summer Conference at Ananda Kanan, a Vietnamese sister volunteered to care for the gardens. Didi returned to find a vibrant landscape producing an abundant weekly harvest.
The cucumbers were an outstanding success this year, growing as long as 53 centimeters—nearly 21 inches, while remaining exceptionally juicy, flavorful, and free from bitterness. Tomatoes, squash, pumpkins, and herbs also flourished. The basil harvest was so plentiful that Didi prepared several batches of pesto, which she froze for use throughout the year and shared with friends and volunteers.
In August, Sister Tapanista also joined Ananda Dhiira as a volunteer. Originally from Vietnam and a resident of the United States for many years, she brought a cheerful and dedicated spirit to the Master Unit, devoting much of her time to meditation, Kiirtana, and service.
