Course: RESIDENTIAL COURSE: Saint Francis, the Christian Yogi
Description
Paramahansa Yogananda recognized in him a true Christian yogi: one who had realized God through inner transformation, devotion, and joy.
This 5-day course is a unique experience that interweaves study, contemplation, and pilgrimage. We will explore the life of Francis and his mission — his radical conversion, his relationship with nature, his luminous poverty, and his ability to see God in every creature.
Then we will visit the places where Francis walked, prayed, and loved.
Places of Pilgrimage
- San Damiano, where Francis heard the voice of Christ and received his mission
- Eremo delle Carceri, a refuge of prayer and silence among the forests of Mount Subasio
- Porziuncola, the little sanctuary Francis called “my home”
- Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, where his body rests and where we will meditate at his tomb
A concrete invitation to awaken the inner Saint that lives within each one of us.
Dear friends, we will do our best, but we cannot guarantee that we will be able to provide a translation for everything in your program. We apologise for any inconvenience!
Your teachers:
Nayaswami Mary Minty has been a member of Ananda for over 40 years. At Ananda Assisi, she has served in many capacities; for many years she ran the boutique, blessing everyone who came into the store with her warm smile and loving assistance.
In recent years she has served more as a minister and teacher, and she especially enjoys telling stories about the lives of the saints. Her deep devotion and joyful simplicity help her to communicate not only the facts of their experiences, but their love for God and the transforming power of their earthly presence.
The total price of your all-inclusive stay, which includes course, board and lodging, is:
€700 (140 euros per day) in a single room,
€550 (110 euros per day) in a double room,
€500 (100 euros per day) in a 3- to 5-bed dormitory.
* Price of membership card not included €. 18,00
Programme
Monday — Morning class on the mission of Saint Francis: who he was, how he lived, and what he teaches us today.
Tuesday — Morning visit to San Damiano, the place of the calling. Return to Ananda for
lunch.
Wednesday — Departure at 10:00 AM for Eremo delle Carceri, among the silent forests of
Mount Subasio. Picnic lunch immersed in nature.
Thursday — Visit to Porziuncola. Return to Ananda for lunch.
Friday — Final day. Departure at 6:30 AM for a meditation at the tomb of Saint Francis in the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi. Return at 8:30 AM for breakfast and a concluding class in the Temple: how to bring these teachings into everyday life.
Services
700 euros (140 euros per day)* in a single room,
550 euros (110 euros per day)* in a double room,
500 euros (100 euros per day)* in a 3- to 5-bed dormitory.
* Price of membership card not included €. 18,00
We will offer you:
-Full board from the evening of arrival to lunch on the day of departure
-All meditations and guided sadhana
-Ananda Yoga classes
-The course and materials (if any)
-The essentials for your practice: meditation cushions, yoga mats, Aum-board
-Kirtan and other evening programs
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 ([email protected]). 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.
Teachers
