{"id":9,"date":"2026-08-01T17:53:39","date_gmt":"2026-08-01T17:53:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/anandachicago.org\/?page_id=9"},"modified":"2026-08-28T18:49:23","modified_gmt":"2026-08-28T18:49:23","slug":"home","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/anandachicago.org\/","title":{"rendered":"Home"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Welcome to
Ananda Chicago<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We are a meditation group rooted in the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda. We gather twice a month in Oak Park to energize, chant, meditate, and grow together as a spiritual community. All sincere seekers are welcome – wherever you are on your spiritual journey.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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What we do<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Meditation<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We practice Hong Sau and other Ananda techniques in a supportive group setting. Beginners are warmly welcomed – guided prompts are offered when helpful. Learn More.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Music & Chanting<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We sing and chant together, accompanied by harmonium, tabla, and kirtals. If you sing or play an instrument, you are more than welcome to make music with us. Learn more.<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\n

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Spiritual Community<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We come together from different walks of life, united by a shared longing for inner peace, joy and Self Realization. Our group is forming beautifully – come as you are. Learn more.<\/a><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Special Events <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join us in person for a special spiritual talk with Nayaswami Pranaba on Superconscious Living. Sunday September 20th, from 1-3pm at the Oak Park Main Public Library. Register Today!<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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About Ananda<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A global family of seekers<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ananda is a worldwide spiritual movement founded on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda. Its purpose is to help each person discover their own Self-Realization \u2014 a state of consciousness that arises when we shed all outward self-definitions and come to know the divine presence within.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ananda Chicago is a young and growing expression of this global family, meeting in person regularly in Oak Park.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Our Inspiration<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paramhansa Yogananda (1893\u20131952) was the first guru from India to make his home permanently in the United States. He showed how everyone, through meditation, can realize God in their daily lives as a tangible, living reality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His masterwork, Autobiography of a Yogi, is one of the bestselling spiritual classics of all time \u2014 read by millions across every religious tradition and recognized universally as a luminous portrait of the spiritual path.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The autobiography is a treasured collection of stories, humor, and practical, scientific explanations of the great yoga wisdom of the East.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read online for free!<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Yogananda\u2019s History in Chicago<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yogananda visited Chicago numerous times during his decades in America, including during the 1920s when he was captivating audiences across the country with his vision of a “scientific religion” that harmonized East and West.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

His lectures drew thousands to halls throughout the city, planting seeds of yoga philosophy in the Midwest that continue to flower today.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Let\u2019s practice meditation together<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Meditation Group Gatherings<\/span><\/strong>
Oak Park Main Library
834 Lake St, Oak Park, IL
Contact us to receive our current schedule and to be added to our What\u2019sApp group and e-mail list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Special Events<\/span><\/strong>
We host meditation workshops, kirtan evenings, and meditation intensives. Send us a note below to be the first to know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beginner Meditation Classes<\/span><\/strong>
We offer personalized beginner series for individuals and small groups. Reach out through the form below to discuss timing and format.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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CONTACT US<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ananda Chicago is a loving, peaceful, and safe community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We\u2019d love to add you to your WhatsApp group and email list. Send us a note – we\u2019ll be in touch with the upcoming schedule and answers to any questions you have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Or email us directly at info@anandachicago.org<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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