July 4th - Ananda Worldwide

 

July 4 – Ananda Worldwide

July 4, 1969 the papers were signed for the purchase of the first parcels of land that were to become Ananda World Brotherhood Village in northern California. This was the first and it remains the largest of the Ananda communities worldwide. (www.Ananda.org)

July 4, 1992 the papers were signed for the purchase of the Ananda Community apartment complex in Lynnwood, WA. (www.AnandaWA.org)

We all know that July 4, 1776 was the date the Declaration of Independence was signed by the thirteen colonies declaring their separation from British rule and 2026 is the 250^th anniversary of that date!

Only a week ago Ananda members from around the world came together in the largest such gathering ever to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of the birth of Swami Kriyananda, Ananda’s founder and a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda (whose teachings we seek to live and share as his disciples).

This time of year just happens also to be the summer solstice in the northern hemisphere.

Coincidences, all? Of course, not! The summer solstice is the apex of light and energy coming to our part of the world. It bespokes joy, creativity, and freedom from the bondage of darkness.

While America has been a beacon of hope and freedom to all the peoples of the world for these past two hundred and fifty years, and while many feel that this beacon has dimmed substantially at this time, it will not go out entirely. It is being tested. Fear and uncertainty always invite people to seek security at the expense of freedom but there exist millions of others like ourselves who yet wave the flag of freedom, high ideals, and hope in our daily lives and actions.

If one views Ananda as a race or nation of people, spread Dwapara style throughout the world, that nation asserted its aspirations, influence, and role in this world in the gathering of souls held last week, June 21-28, 2026. Never have so many members from so many countries been together at the original community founded by Swami Kriyananda. Never has the joy and confidence in serving the work of Self-realization, Kriya Yoga, intentional communities, high ideals, discipleship and simple living ever been so powerfully and clearly expressed and felt.

This celebration is the solstice of Ananda’s self-identity. Looking back a hundred years with reverence and gratitude, but also looking forward into the future, a new generation is rising to carry on the “great work” given to Swami Kriyananda by Paramhansa Yogananda. A renewed bond of identity, cooperation, and connection has been firmly established among the far-flung “colonies” of Ananda. The work will never be the same: enabled by technology but bonded by our discipleship, differences in geography, language, or culture have dissolved in the light of divine friendship and attunement.

Returning now to July 4, I sense that Ananda’s celebration is but a microcosm of the beginning of what I hope to be a shift in the cultural climate of America, and, by extension, those countries of the world that share America’s basic, founding ideals: a shift away from selfish protectiveness and returning to cooperation and shared ideals.

With this hope, I can say “God bless America.” I pray, too, that disciples of Paramhansa Yogananda serving the work of Ananda will, as we were exhorted to do during the week-long celebrations, re-dedicate ourselves to this our guru’s great work. We share with the founders of America the embrace of high ideals and have faith in divine Providence guiding our lives.