Ananda Village, in North San Juan, has been a neighbor to Nevada County since 1968. Along with Sivananda Yoga Farm (since 1971) in the south county, these two spiritual centers have brought a large number of spiritual seekers from all over the world to our area. Perhaps they are part of the reason people feel a touch of God or Spirit when they come to Nevada County? I had the opportunity to interview Swami Kriyananda (J. Donald Walters), the founder and spiritual teacher of our local Ananda Village and seven more centers throughout the world. Swami Kriyananda, here to celebrate his 80th birthday, is a very prolific writer, with more than 80 books, and a composer, with over 400 pieces of music. In addition, he creates spiritual centers for devotees, seekers and those who choose to live a joyful life. If you have had the chance to visit Ananda Village, The Expanding Light or the Crystal Hermitage, you know how lovely and enchanting it is. If you have not, you are invited to do so as you open your eyes to possibilities of community living.



Swami Kriyananda, how did you become a spiritual teacher?

I was able to meet Paramhansa Yogananda (a world renowned teacher and guru) in 1948 after reading his book, "The Autobiography of a Yogi." Upon meeting him, the first thing I said was "I want to be your disciple!" This was a surprise to me since I had not been looking for this type of life. Yet, I was always seeking the truth, even in my younger years. The most important moment in my life was meeting Yogananda. It was very overwhelming and lead me to my life's work.

What lead you to Nevada County?

In the late 60's, I had been searching for land for a retreat center in many places all over the world, and I heard that land was inexpensive here. I found this area to have a "home beauty" and was able to buy the land at a reasonable price. Many things have happened since - both dramatic and lovely- to have what we have here now - a full community. My idea from my early life, was to create a harmonious community where people could live in ease. My friends and I started to do this, until they discovered I was serious! I never lost that ideal. When I meet my guru, Yogananda, I found that is also, what he wanted. If you want to change society, change a few people who are able to accept what you are teaching. If what they do works, others will see it and if many people begin to see it work, society will be affected.



What attracts people to come and visit or live at Ananda?

There are two ways of going for social upliftment - one is to impose your ideas on reluctant people or the other is to attract people who are inspired by your ideals and want to work together. It is much easier to live and work with people who share your ideals than with people who may mock your values. People come here to live because they have heard there is a place you can live happily, idealistically with supportive friends and neighbors. We provide communities where people can live in harmony. We have a new way of life showing people that you can accomplish more through cooperation rather than competing.

How does Ananda assist spiritual seekers?

For a spiritual seeker, it is difficult to be surrounded by people who are driven by materialism. If you go to the office, you may be around people who are living a competitive life. You may find you are putting up barriers of self-defense, which is not compatible with what you want. When you can live with people who share your principle of life, you can relax and begin to do something more. At Ananda, you have the daily encouragement to help others and live a spiritual life. When someone makes a mistake, there is help from the entire community, when someone marries, people pitch in to help with the ceremony or honeymoon, when someone is sick or in the hospital, they have many visitors. It is a loving community where people feel the difference. People who live here are all disciples of Yogananda and live by those principals. We respect all Master Teachers, but if you study all of them, the teachings become diluted. Although they teach the same basic truths, they will apply it differently according to the needs of their times, according to their personalities or their audience.



What are you dedicated to?

I am most dedicated to God - my two desires are to find God and to help other people to find him. I have always been centered around this desire, this light. I feel I have certain gifts that have been utilized to help people, mostly service to others. Meeting and learning from Yogananda reinforced everything I have done.

Where does one find truth?

In himself - there is no other place. Jesus said the kingdom of God is within you - you will never find it in books, the universities, you will never find it from anyone. A guru only helps you find it within yourself. A place like Ananda helps you to concentrate on your truth. Outward dogmas do not accomplish anything - you have to find that truth in yourself that will give you joy, inspiration and peace of mind. What will change and bring you closer to God is your truth.

You can find more information about Swami Kriyananda's birthday celebration and the Ananda community at the following Web sites: www.ananda.org/ananda/kriyananda/ or www.swamikriyananda.org. The Expanding Light at Ananda is 530-478-7518.

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Suzie Daggett is the publisher of the INSIGHT Directory of Healing Arts Practitioners; 530-265-9255, www.insightdirectory.com. Look for the seventh Edition of INSIGHT, available at many local outlets.