Good News from Ananda Dhiira

Homely feelings, nature, and hospitality attracted more and more people to the Ananda Dhiira Master Unit in Grass Valley, California, Los Angeles Region. Avadhutika Ananda Acira Acarya organized four small retreats in the last six months, and this helped the people to deepen their daily spiritual practices.

Didi Ananda Acira with Kai and her dog, Rudranath, and Anandii on the deck at Ananda Dhiira

The rainy season was long this year, and storms affected our property. Some fallen trees and erosion in some parts of our land needed to be taken care of. We started to clean up the garden, cultivate the soil and prepare for the plantation. We had karma yoga and took care of repairs daily with our volunteers. In this small retreat, we had four times Kiirtana and meditation, regular yoga asanas, sharing on philosophy and spirituality, being in nature, and giving a chance to do service by doing karma yoga. Of course, the participants also got their meditation lessons reviewed and personalized asanas. Even though a small retreat but everyone feels good energy and inspiration.

 

Avtk. Ananda Acira Acarya and Ac. Diiptimanananda Avt. organized a beginner retreat at Ananda Dhiira Master Unit from March 29 – April 2, 2023, with the participation of sixteen people. Most of the people were new to Ananda Marga, and they enjoyed spending time in nature, classes, and other activities.

It was a very nice and inspiring retreat because even though the participants are of different nationalities, backgrounds, and cultural diversity, there is so much connection between us. A lot of laughter, sharing, enjoying nature, singing, and meditating together were unforgettable memories.

 

 

Collective photo at Ananda Dhiira during the meditation retreat from March 29 – April 2, 2023

We enjoyed delicious healthy sattvik meals during the retreats

Cultural sharing (RAWA) in the evening




Ananda Dhiira Renovations and Good News

Avadhutika Ananda Acira Acarya is taking care of Ananda Dhiira MU. She has been busy renovating the building this year. The main building at Ananda Dhiira Master Unit was in bad condition. Most of the plywood trim and beams were rotten. By His grace, we have finally done the exterior construction by changing most of the wood and painting. Now the main building is in good condition. Due to limited finance, the work took a long time but is now completed. 

Due to age, the large deck on the west side of the house had also deteriorated. Didi replaced it with a new deck with the help of Dada Gunatmananda and many volunteers. The new deck is beautiful, and the grape wine survived the construction. It is almost finished – only need to complete the railing. We are currently raising funds to complete it. The deck is vital for all in-person programs at Ananda Dhiira for meditation and classes when the weather is nice. 

Ananda Dhiira MU has been full of life during the last months. Two sisters have been staying here as volunteers for the past two months. In November, we had a small meditation gathering with eight participants. We also had several visits for karma yoga weekends and Akhanda Kiirtana. 

After repairing and painting the side of the house.

Ananda Dhiira Master Unit. This is the main building where Didi lives and has various activities.

The old deck was rotten beyond repair and had to be removed. This picture is before the deck was removed.

Brother Mukunda, brother Pavan, sister Nandita, and a few more volunteers helped to remove the old deck.

Brother Rainjan and Dada Gunatmananda removing the old deck.

Didi Ananda Acira and volunteers building the new deck.

The new deck is almost finished – only need to complete the railing.

Didi installed new floor materials in the kitchen.

Figs from Ananda Dhiira Master Unit

Dry rot in one of the rafters before the renovation of the side of the house and the roof.

The deck at Ananda Dhiira is very useful for outdoor classes. It provides a larger space than the living room and fresh air.