Ananda Temple of Palo Alto - Palo Alto, California

Shanthala Gorur Ashwath

I have been a meditator and have been practicing yoga for decades. And Ananda is one of the most powerful centers for meditation that I have encountered in my life. The temple was less known in the area, so I found this gem organically. One can sense the deep serenity and spiritual power as one walks in to this temple. The teachers here are strong, inspiring, friendly and open and the classes they offer here are life changing. This is one of the rare meditation centers that dynamically offers the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, a great Yogi, the author of spiritual classic "Autobiography of a Yogi". They offer meditation classes, classes on Yogic philosophy on how to live a wholesome and fulfilled life, lessons in Kriya Yoga, discourses on the Bhagavad Gita and much more. I would highly recommend anyone who is looking to improve their lives, to walk in and discover what this place has to offer.

David James

Ananda Palo Alto has been the biggest part of my life the last 8 years. There are so many opportunities and experiences to take part in: group meditations, yoga posture classes, music programs (kirtans, instrumental concerts, etc.), and so much more! I love attending the Sunday services with beautiful music and poignant messages for all. The monthly family service is equally fun and uplifting! The teachings, the music, and the spiritual fellowship all help to uplift my life and strengthen my relationship with God!

Ileana Vidal

I have been coming to Ananda Tenple for more than a year, and I found all what I need for my spiritual growth. Classes , satsang support in my journey , meditations and friends.
The Sunday service is very inspirational with music , readings, short meditation and very meaningful sermon .
I highly recommend for everyone , starters in the yoga path as well for more advanced practitioners.
Love , peace and friendship is the fragrance in this holy temple . ?

Yudhisthira Doug Andrews

For decades I was part of two Ananda Teaching Centers in Boulder Creek and Scotts Valley in Santa Cruz County. When Covid forced the closure of the Scotts Valley Center about four years ago, I was drawn to relocate to the Ananda Community in Mountain View, just a few miles from the Ananda Temple. The Temple building is lovely, but the real Temple is the people who go there and what they do.. I feel so blessed to be surrounded by so many smart, dynamic, sincere human beings who move through the world with conscious grace and compassion, people who practice yoga and meditation every day. These are people who actively choose to change themselves for the better rather than trying to change things beyond their control. The Ananda Temple of Palo Alto is my spiritual home, my physical polestar.

Karthik Suresh

Ananda Palo Alto is a serene sanctuary for those seeking spiritual growth, inner peace, and a sense of community in the heart of Silicon Valley (where everyone is running a race and stressed out). Especially important in this fast-paced environment, Ananda offers a much-needed respite for individuals who are overwhelmed by the pressures of daily life. Whether you're new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, the center provides a wealth of resources to support your spiritual journey. Their meditation and yoga classes are led by experienced instructors who guide participants with patience and wisdom, helping them find calm and clarity in a busy world.

One of Ananda's standout features is its focus on holistic spiritual development. Beyond physical postures, their approach to yoga incorporates meditation, philosophy, and devotion, offering a comprehensive path to self-mastery and inner strength. The teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda and Swami Kriyananda provide a timeless spiritual framework that encourages individuals to explore and deepen their own faith, free from dogma.

James Noh-Kuhn

I'm updating my review ( the old one was during covid).

Sunday morning services, classes during the week and some Saturdays, a Book and Gift shop, and even The Living Wisdom School are all located here.

Information online is very helpful, including schedules, class registrations, general information and background, chatbot, etc. The office and book ship are open most days (closed Mondays).

The main temple is usually kept locked, but staff will open for you if you stop by the book shop/ office.

Really great yoga classes - see the schedule online (Tue, Wed, and Thur evenings, and Fri mornings, as of Oct 2024).

Peter Copley

Sunday service here always speaks right to the heart of my issues. The teachers are full of love and compassion, never speaking down to me but lifting me up to a higher plane. The weekday classes are convenient and full of life lessons that I have been searching for. I found my spiritual home when I found Ananda.

Eloisa Fuentes

Ananda is best understood through experience, I encourage all who are seeking to connect or re-connect with spirituality to attend one of the many activities offered by Ananda. For me the realization of the truth of these universal teachings came very quickly, as a sense of remembering something I already knew to be true. Daily meditation, service and spiritual company has centered my life and is a constant source of joy.