Ananda is a worldwide group of individuals who share the search for higher consciousness and the ideal of service to others. We express this service by offering uplifting values and techniques for achieving peace of mind and inner happiness. Ananda, which means "joy" in Sanskrit, was founded to support others in their quest for spiritual growth.

Ananda members are disciples of Paramhansa Yogananda. Yogananda was born in India in 1893 and is best known as the author of the best selling book The Autobiography of a Yogi.

Swami Kriyananda is a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda and is an internationally known author, lecturer, and composer. Widely recognized as one of the world's foremost authorities on meditation and yoga, he has taught these principles and techniques to hundreds of thousands of students around the world. In 1968, Kriyananda founded Ananda Village in Nevada City, California, dedicated to spreading the spirit of friendship, service, and community throughout the world.

Ananda is recognized as one of the most successful intentional community in the world. Today, over 1000 people reside in seven Ananda communities throughout the U.S. (Seattle, Palo Alto, Portland, Sacramento) and in Assisi, Italy and Delhi, India.