Ananda Portland

"When you grow up spiritually, you won't miss the pleasures of the world."
— Paramhansa Yogananda

As our hearts become more deeply rooted in inner peace, joy begins to arise from within rather than from changing outer circumstances.

Join us for an inspiring evening of meditation, chanting, and prayer as we honor Mahavatar Babaji and open our hearts to greater peace, joy, and spiritual awakening. For more information: https://anandaportland.org/events/babaji-day-celebration/

"The way to freedom is through service to others. The way to happiness is through meditation and being in tune with God."
— Paramhansa Yogananda

True freedom isn't found in having fewer responsibilities—it comes from expanding our hearts through selfless service. True happiness isn't dependent on circumstances—it arises naturally as we deepen our connection with the Divine.

How are you inviting more freedom and joy into your life today? 💙

"Intuition is soul guidance, appearing naturally in man during those instants when his mind is calm." — Paramhansa Yogananda

We often think intuition is something mysterious or rare, but Yogananda reminds us that intuition arises naturally when the mind becomes calm. The challenge is that our minds are so often filled with worries, plans, opinions, distractions, and constant activity that it can be difficult to hear the quiet guidance of the soul.

Meditation helps us create that inner stillness, but we can also cultivate it throughout the day by pausing, listening deeply, and resisting the urge to react immediately to every thought and emotion that arises.

✨ Have you ever experienced clear inner guidance that came during a moment of calmness, prayer, or meditation?

For more information: https://anandaportland.org/events/divine-light-kirtan/

“An important factor in overcoming karma is meditation. Every time you meditate, your karma decreases, for at that time your energy is focused in the brain and burns up the old brain cells.

“After every deep meditation, you will find yourself becoming freer inside.”

From the book, The Essence of Self-Realization by Paramhansa Yogananda

Have spiritual questions? Come ask them.

Join us for a special free Q&A gathering with Nayaswami Jyotish and Devi on Saturday evening. This is a rare opportunity to receive practical, heartfelt guidance on meditation, relationships, life purpose, and your spiritual journey.

All are welcome—bring your questions, or simply come to listen and be uplifted.
For more information:
https://anandaportland.org/events/qa-satsang-with-jyotish-and-devi/

"When you make up your mind to do good things, you will accomplish them if you use dynamic will power to follow through. No matter what the circumstances are, if you go on trying, God will create the means by which your will shall find its proper reward."
— Paramhansa Yogananda ✨
So often, the obstacle isn't the circumstance — it's the moment we stop trying.
Yogananda reminds us that dynamic will power isn't about forcing outcomes through sheer effort alone. It's about aligning our deepest intention with something greater than ourselves — and then refusing to give up. When our will is rooted in goodness, we are never truly working alone. God meets us in our effort.
This doesn't mean the path will be easy. It means the path will be supported. 🙏
Every small act of follow-through — every time we choose to try again despite doubt or difficulty — is itself a prayer, a declaration of faith that the good we seek is worth pursuing.
This week, where in your life is God asking you to keep going — even when the way forward isn't yet clear?