Ananda turns 40:  Spiritual village on San Juan Ridge invites public to anniversary celebration

Forty years ago, a small band of people looking for meaning in their lives settled a community on the San Juan Ridge [California, USA] where they could meditate, practice yoga and embark on a spiritual journey.

This weekend, residents of Ananda Village are inviting the public to their retreat on Tyler Foote Road for a three-day celebration of their endurance and growth.

The now-sprawling Ananda Village was the first of seven Ananda communities around the world founded on the principles of world peace among all people.

Urban apartment-type communities have sprouted up across the western U.S. in Palo Alto, Sacramento and Seattle. Outposts in Italy and India are flourishing; another community is being considered in Spain.

But the community on the Ridge “is the mother. There’s just great depth here,” said Corinne Hickey, director of marketing for Ananda Worldwide.

This weekend’s event is an opportunity for the public to visit the gardens of the Crystal Hermitage, learn about permaculture gardening, yoga, meditation and tour the heart of the community, the Expanding Light Ananda Yoga and Meditation Retreat. Read Article

By Laura Brown