About us

Ananda was founded in 1969 by Yogananda’s direct disciple, Swami Kriyananda, who passed away in 2013. Swami Kriyananda’s spiritual successor is Nayaswami Jyotish who along with his wife, Nayaswami Devi, serves as Ananda’s spiritual director.

Ananda is a global movement based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda who showed how everyone can realize God in their daily lives as a tangible, loving reality. Ananda is a non-denominational center for meditation, spiritual growth and community. All are welcome.

You can expand your sense of harmony and gain an increased sense of God’s active presence in your life through ancient and effective techniques including meditation, Kriya Yoga, spiritually oriented Hatha Yoga, community, and divine friendship.

Ananda’s primary goal is to help people achieve Self-realization, a state of consciousness that comes through shedding all outward self-definitions. Ananda has, therefore, created communities and centers that welcome all sincere seekers regardless of race, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or age. We are committed to providing an inclusive, welcoming environment for everyone to pursue the search for God.

We believe that life has but one purpose, Self-realization.

What is Self-realization?

Self-realization is the goal of all human endeavors and of all spiritual paths. It is the merging of the ego-self (which identifies with one body, one personality, one family, one nationality) with the Universal Self. This “realization” is something akin to what we experience when awakening from a nightmare of being trapped in a small, dark place: We feel intense relief, boundless joy and gratitude for having awakened in freedom.

The practices of Self-realization are rooted in universal truths and not in religious or  sectarian dogma. They were brought to the Western world by the Indian master, Paramhansa Yogananda,

As Yogananda said:

“Self-realization means realizing your true Self as the great ocean of Spirit, by breaking the delusion that you are this little ego, this little human body and personality. . . .”

Ananda Thousand Oaks is a community for Self-realization.

Our purpose is to help you “improve your knowing” through direct experience and realization. When you clear the the spinal highway of traffic and the mind of static, you awaken to your soul nature of joy, peace, transcendence, and love.

All Are Welcome!

You are invited to visit our temple to experience the joy of your own being.

With Love & Blessings,
Narayan, Dharmadevi & Jennifer