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Sanjan Thelen

Sanjan Thelen

An inspired teacher and host, Sanjan has lived, since 2012, in several Ananda communities, serving in many ways. Some of his roles have been teaching for Online with Ananda, coordinating the Kriya Yoga Sangha, participating in Ananda's outreach throughout the US, directing the Ananda Wisconsin meditation group, and serving at the Crystal Hermitage Gardens where 20,000+ tulips are shown every year for Ananda’s spectacular Springtime at Ananda.

Originally from England, Sanjan greets you with a delightful combination of heart-felt joy and humor that makes you feel you’ve just gained a friend. He has the ability to share Yogananda’s teachings on a variety of subjects, filling his classes with depth of perception and illustrative stories. Sanjan’s willingness to go out of his way to serve and his warmth of heart uplift all those around him. 

Nayaswamis Dharmadas and Nirmala

Nayaswamis Dharmadas and Nirmala

Nayaswamis Dharmadas and Nirmala worked closely with Swami Kriyananda for over 40 years beginning in the 1970s and have taught yoga and meditation on three continents. They helped create four Ananda spiritual communities around the world and were the founding spiritual directors of Ananda India from 2003-2012. They have also toured North America, Europe, and India since the 1970s giving vocal, chanting and instrumental performances.

Sundara Traymar

Sundara Traymar is the International Director of Sharing Nature Worldwide. He has been personally trained by world renowned author Joseph Bharat Cornell. Since moving to Ananda Village in 2008, his deep joy has been helping people understand spiritual concepts in clear and compelling ways. He also serves as part of management team at Expanding light retreat at Ananda Village

Nandadevi Traymar

Nandadevi Traymar has been a long-term practitioner and teacher of both Hatha Yoga and meditation in her home country, Argentina. She has served at the Expanding Light Retreat in California for nearly two years working with people of all ages and walks of life in the Karma Yoga Program, supporting them in their efforts to strengthen their spiritual lives.

Jitendra Guindon

Jitendra Guidon, Director of Online with Ananda’s Online Outreach ministry, is a disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda living at Ananda Village in Northern California. While serving with Ananda, he enjoys spreading the ancient teachings of Yoga to all truth seekers around the world and look forward to connecting with new friends from different backgrounds and affiliations.

Shyama García-Davis

Shyama García-Davis is an Ananda Yoga and Meditation teacher. Since 2005, she has been studying and practicing the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, sharing them in her native Spanish language. She currently serves as part of the Ananda worldwide communications teams, supporting Ananda's outreach efforts.

Brahmachari Prashad

Brahmachari Prashad is a resident of Ananda Village in Nevada City where he serves as head of the monastery. He is an active member of Ananda's music ministry, serving as a soloist and multi-instrumentalist. He started the spiritual path at Ananda Palo Alto in 2012, discovering the peace of meditation and the joy of spiritual community. Prashad began his career as a software engineer in Silicon Valley but currently serves at the Crystal Hermitage gardens and The Expanding Light Retreat, following the motto, "The Guest is God".

Nayaswami Ananta

Nayaswami Ananta is a deep soul who serves many as a Kriyacharya (teacher of Kriya yoga), spiritual guide and gardener, deeply in tune with nature and plants. He heads the organic farm at Ananda village and serves as an example for the life of Kriya yogi and a deep devotee of the path of self-realization.

Nayaswami Bharat

Bharat is the author of AUM: The Melody of Love and is a Kriyacharya. He has been an Ananda teacher and monastic for 40 years. Also known as Joseph Cornell, he is the author of the highly acclaimed Sharing Nature Books, which have been translated into twenty-five languages. Bharat and his wife, Nayaswami Anandi, live at Ananda Village. Bharat serves also as the head of the Nayaswami Order.

Nayaswami Padma

Padma has a wealth of practical experience managing Ananda businesses and people. She we involved for 26 years bringing Swami Kriyananda’s books to the world through Crystal Clarity, Publishers. She worked closely with Swami Kriyananda during some of his most prolific years of writing. In her classes and talks, she weaves spiritual teachings with memorable stories. Padma is a Lightbearer and Kriyacharya, and director of Ananda Washington.

Nayaswami Hriman

Hriman’s early studies in Catholic theology give him a profound respect for the shared truths of all religions, and the practical benefits of Raja Yoga. Audiences at his Sunday services and classes appreciate his gentle humor and practical insights for living, drawn from the ancient yoga teachings. Hriman is a Lightbearer and Kriyacharya, and director of Ananda Washington.

Carianne James

Carianne James is the Visual Arts Director for Living Wisdom School at Ananda Village, Nevada City, CA. Her "out of the box" techniques help people loosen up, drop their self-judgments, and feel a joyful, creative flow. Her style is playful, non-threatening, and affirmative.

“Carianne is an inspired, nurturing, intuitive art teacher. She is guaranteed to boost your confidence and help you expand!” 

—E.F., Nevada City, CA

David Eby

David Eby, professional cellist, music director for Ananda and creator of “The Four Accords of the Inspired Musician, has spent the past 15 years exploring the relationship between music and consciousness. He was the music producer and costar for the film, Finding Happiness. He brings his 30 years of performing and conducting around the world and 25 years of teaching into a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere.