Ananda is a global spiritual movement of individuals devoted to living and sharing the wisdom teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda. Through meditation, the study of yoga philosophy, and selfless service, we believe that everyone can live a life of ever increasing Joy.
Welcome to Ananda
Meet Our Community
We are the only dedicated Ananda teaching center in the North East United States that offers full in person instruction in the Path of Kriya Yoga. Ananda R.I. serves as a spiritual hub for a diverse constellation of Ananda meditation groups and communities throughout the North East.
How to Experience Ananda
Accessible yoga that focuses on energy & mental attitude in addition to physical posture
Sunday Service
Our weekly services are free and open to everyone. They are a great way to experience the Ananda community. Vegetarian lunch is served after the service. Attend online or in-person
A live music experience with the opportunity to chant and meditate as a group
“By the practice of meditation, you will find that you are carrying within your heart a portable paradise” – Paramhansa Yogananda
Learn to Meditate
New Course: February 21st – March 14th 2026
Saturday’s 10:30 a.m. – 12:00
Whether a beginning or experienced meditator, take this in-depth meditation class to develop and deepen your daily meditation practice and connect with your higher Self. Based on the meditation principles taught by Paramhansa Yogananda.
This course will help you bring more peace, deeper relaxation, and focused concentration to every area of your life.
Led by Ananda Meditation Teacher David Trauterman and Shannon Foley.
Ananda RI Spring Retreat
May 9 – 10th 2026: How to Heal Ourselves and Others
Nayaswami Sagar and Jitendra Guindon will be leading the 2026 spring retreat at Ananda RI. The focus of this spiritual retreat will be on the healing techniques, principles, and philosophy of Paramhansa Yogananda.
You will receive a broad understanding in a variety of healing practices with the power to transform your life and the lives of others for good. This is an experiential journey into the wisdom teachings of the Ananda path.
Connect Online & In-Person
Weekly Sunday Service 11:00-12:15 p.m.
Ananda offers Sunday Service lead by one of our communities serving Ministers. This service features devotional prayers, uplifting music/chanting, group affirmation practice, scriptural readings, and an inspirational talk by the Minister. Our morning closes with a ceremony called the Festival of Light; a beautiful allegory for the soul’s journey back to its home in God. We welcome you to stay and enjoy a potluck lunch with our community. More Details
Monthly Purification Ceremony 10:00 a.m.
This is a sacred fire ceremony offered the first Sunday of each month before our weekly service. This group practice includes reciting Sanskrit mantras while energetically offering our devotion & past karma into the fire, which is symbolized with ghee and rice. After the ceremony you are invited to come up to the altar and receive a blessing from one of our lightbearing ministers. More Details
Monthly Kirtan and Music 12:45-1:45 p.m.
Music has a special place in the Ananda community. Chanting & singing spiritual songs are beautiful ways to awaken the natural love of the heart. Group Chanting (Kirtan) is one of the spiritual practices we use to prepare the heart and mind for inspired meditation. Whether you choose to chant out loud or listen thoughtfully, chanting will bring you to a deeply peaceful place. Kirtan is offered the last Sunday of each month after Sunday Service. More Details
Monthly Virtual Healing Prayers 7:30-8:30 p.m.
Prayer have great power when they are concentrated and when the individuals will is attuned with Divine Will. By meditating and preparing the body appropriately, we can increase the amount of energy behind our prayers. “The channel is blessed by what flows through it” – is an oft quote aphorism of Paramhansa Yogananda and is especially felt during group prayers. This is a beautiful practice to expand your hearts love to include others and a great service to our larger family. This prayer group is offered the last Friday of each month. More Details
Our Inspiration
Paramhansa Yogananda (1893 – 1952), best known as the author of the Autobiography of a Yogi, was the first guru from India to make his home permanently in the United States. Paramhansa Yogananda showed how everyone, by means of meditation, can realize God in their daily lives as a tangible, loving reality. Learn More
