Introduction to Meditation
n.d.
Editions
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'Mental relaxation consists in the ability to free the attention at will from haunting worries over past and present difficulties. Mastery in mental relaxation comes with faithful practice. It can be attained by freeing the mind of all thoughts at will and keeping the attention fixed on the peace and contentment within. By faithful practice of meditation you can divert the attention from worry to peace.' —Paramhansa Yogananda
If you want to learn to meditate, or if you already meditate and want to bring more concentration and joy into your practice, this introductory weekend course is perfect for you.
Peace is the natural condition of the soul. Meditation leads you to that natural inner peace—and beyond—meditation brings a real, dynamic and uplifting connection with your higher Self.
Paramhansa Yogananda taught a number of 'scientific' techniques of meditation—scientific, because they can be tested through your own daily practice.
Topics that will be covered include:
- benefits of meditation and the importance of concentration in meditation and in daily life;
- exercises to help you increase your energy level and your awareness of the life-force energy flowing within you;
- an effective concentration technique brought to the West by Yogananda. He called it 'one of India's greatest gifts to the world.';
- how to sit comfortably so your body is not an obstacle to inner peace;
- a simple routine to help you establish a daily practice of meditation;
- how to keep your meditation practice fulfilling and enjoyable so that you will want to continue;
- resources, such as books, cds and dvds, to help you in your practice at home.
N.B. We can only guarantee translation in English if the reservation is made at least one week before the course begins.
This is what your day can look like:
6:00 - 7:00 Ananda Yoga
7:00 - 8:45 Spiritual Practices
8:45 Breakfast in Silence
9:30 - 10:30 Karma Yoga
11:00 - 13:30 Morning Lesson
13:30 Lunch
16:15 - 17:30 Ananda Yoga
17:45 - 19:30 Energisation and Meditation
19:30 Dinner in Silence
20:30 - 22:00 Evening Activities
Io amo meditare con CD di Swami Kriyananda
I segreti della meditazione di Swami Kriyananda
Services
The daily fee includes the following services:
- lodging (single, double or triple rooms are available, with or without adjoining bath, as well as rooms with 4-5 beds. Sheets, blankets and towels are provided.)
- vegetarian full pension
- free WiFi
- small library, a computer area and video room
- does NOT include the price of the course, workshop or program
The course fee includes:
- the course, workshop or program
- course material (if foreseen)
- daily spiritual activities (energization exercises Lessons, yoga and meditation and evening activities (on most evenings))
- meditation cushions, yoga mats, OM boards and blankets needed for the spiritual practices are available in the Temple of Light
If you are lodging outside of Ananda’s guest retreat housing, please call +39 0742 813620 / +39 334 574 5930 for information on pricing.
Accommodation: information and prices
Cost table
Attention: During the Covid-19 period the prices below are no longer applicable. The correct all-inclusive price for each course can be found on its individual page.
| Single room with bathroom | € 72.00 |
| Single without bathroom | € 61.00 |
| Double room with bathroom | € 56.00 |
| Double without bathroom | € 48.00 |
| Triple room with bathroom | € 48.00 |
| Triple without bathroom | € 41.00 |
| Dormitory (4-5 beds) | € 36.00 |
Note: To the price of lodging and food, you have to add the price of the seminar, that includes all activities: Energization Exercises Lessons, yoga and meditation and evening activities (on most evenings).
Payments can be made in cash, by Eurocheck, credit card (MasterCard and Visa), Bancomat. We can’t accept cash over 1000.00 euros.
Opportunity
Next time you come to Ananda, sign up for the program Yoga in Action to get a taste of community service and receive a discount on the cost of the course. You can choose the option Yoga in Action for any course where this program is available and you can continue with this option as long as you wish. Your service project might change each day.
When we learn to serve with the right attitude, this is a spiritual practice and is called Karma Yoga. The daily practice of Karma Yoga is a joyful and practical spiritual discipline that will benefit every aspect of your life.
At Ananda, there are two levels of the Yoga in Action option:
Yoga in Action Level 1
75€/course of 5 days
With Level 1, you will serve for a period of one and a half hours. This experience gives you a chance to contribute to the beautiful atmosphere of Ananda.
Yoga in Action Level 2
35€/course of 5 days
Yoga in Action Level 2 is only available if you have had prior experience of the Yoga in Action Level 1 option, or any of the Community Living Programs. With Level 2, you will serve for a period of three hours, split into two periods of daily service.
How to Register for This Program
In the page of the course you want to participate to, you will find, if available, the special price of the course with Yoga in action level 1 and 2. When you sign-up on the website or call or write us to book the course, just indicate that you wish to participate to the Yoga in Action Level 1 or 2 program. It’s that easy. Once you arrive at Ananda you will need also to complete a Yoga in Action Form and return it to our reception office.
How to book
You may make your reservation directly here on the website or by phone (+39 0742 813620) or email (info@ananda.it). Your booking needs to be confirmed by our reception office. For courses held online, there is no need to indicate the details of your stay (date of arrival, departure…).
For courses held at our center in Assisi, please indicate your arrival and departure dates and times, the program you wish to attend, your preferred accommodation, your address, phone and email. If you need to modify your reservation, please inform us at least one week in advance.
Our reception office is open from:
Monday to Saturday 9:30-1:30pm, 2:30-5:30pm
Sunday 9:30-11:30am, 2:30-5:30pm
For on-site courses, the programmes start on the evening of the day indicated.
If you cannot arrive during office hours, please let us know in advance.
Please contact us to check what translations are available. Courses, both on-site and online, may be cancelled if there are fewer than five participants.
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