 |
Statement of Approval: The Ananda Institute of Alternative Living has received approval from the California Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education School Code 93794257.
Effective Date: May 16, 2006
Expiration Date: April 27, 2010
“We have received approval to provide educational services, registered with the State of California (School Code# 93794257). Registration means we have met certain minimum standards imposed by the state for registered schools on the basis of our written application to the state. Registration does not mean we have met all of the more extensive standards required by the state for schools that are approved to operate or licensed or that the state has verified the information we submitted with our registration form.”
The Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education (Bureau) has completed the review of our Application to Provide Educational Services, as well as supplemental documentation. It has been determined that our request complies with the minimum standards contained in California Educational Code (CEC) Sections 94915 (b) and (f), and Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR) Section73410 for offering the following courses of instruction: the Ananda Institute of Alternative Living Core Curriculum, the Ananda Cooperative Communities Training, the Education for Life Teacher Training, the Ananda Health & Healing Training, and the AIAL Study Abroad Program—found in this catalog.
Objectives (See objectives in the overview section of each particular training program.)
Placement Services While the Ananda Institute of Alternative Living does not guarantee
job placement after graduation, the Ananda Cooperative Communities Training graduates and the Education for Life Teacher Training graduates are prime candidates for employment in various Ananda Cooperative Communities and Living Wisdom Schools. These graduates are offered counseling assistance on the various communities and schools where they can seek employment once all their courses have been successfully completed. The Ananda Institute of Alternative Living Core Curriculum and Study Abroad Programs do not offer placement counseling when taken as standalone programs. The Ananda Health & Healing Training is designed to be either a preparatory program for students seeking employment in the healing arts, or a continuing education program for those who are already healing arts practitioners. It is not vocational training.
Admission To be admitted to all our higher education certificate programs, students must be a high school graduate or at least 18 years of age, tour the school, receive certain disclosures, and sign an enrollment agreement. Students under the age of 18 are only admitted with written parental consent and the approval of the Institute Director.
Nondiscrimination Students are admitted without regard to race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin or disability (as long as the student has the capacity to perform the hands-on skills normally required for service projects and for living at the facility, which is an off-the-grid, alternative living facility)
Accommodations All students attending the Ananda Institute of Alternative Living programs live on site, with the exception of the time spent in the study abroad program.
Room, Board, Tuition All students attending the Ananda Institute of Alternative Living programs pay an all-inclusive fee for room, board and tuition. The all-inclusive fee for 2007-2008 school year is $20,750.
Financial Aid Those students requesting financial aid must apply to the Director of the Institute in writing at the time the application is submitted. If the student has completed a personal interview and tour of the school, a further interview will then be conducted with the Financial Administrator.
Library & Reference Materials The Institute maintains a small library with required reading material, plus books and audio tapes related to course study. These books may be checked out from the library. In addition, a variety of references are brought into class. During the course a list of reference books is provided, with an explanation of how and when they might best be used.
Student Counseling It is our desire for students to succeed in their studies. Towards this end, the instructor works closely with each student throughout the course. Students requiring special assistance are encouraged and invited to bring their special learning needs to the attention of the instructor.
Tardiness Instruction presentations are limited to small groups, usually under 12 students, so as to insure that each student receives individualized attention from the instructor. When students come to class tardy, it can be disruptive to the flow and distracting to the sensitive nature of the subjects that we deal with in class. Consequently, promptness to class helps enhance the learning experience. Students more than 15 minutes late will not receive credit for that hour of instruction. Students will need to make up time missed through the tardiness. Make up can be discussed with the Director.
Dropout Students dropping out of the course may receive a tuition only refund based upon our refund policy outlined in this catalog. The last day of classes attended will be considered the date of cancellation, whether or not a cancellation notice is given by the student to the Director.
Grades The Institute currently offers “Pass” and “Fail” grades for each class completed in each term—fall, winter and spring.
Leave-of-absence Students may request a leave of absence in the event of illness, family emergency or other compelling reasons. The student may then be admitted to a later course when they are covering the same material that was missed. If the student would like to review the part of the course they already took, the fee will be only 50% of the per-diem fee at the time of review—these fees do not include room & board, which would be extra. Fees for the part of the course that was not yet taken will reflect the per-diem fees at the time of attending the rest of the course.
Student Conduct Any student may be dismissed by the Director, for any behavior that could lead to injury, or which could damage the school facilities or disrupt the normal presentation of course work or other operations of the school or boarding facilities. The use of alcohol or non-prescription drugs are strictly forbidden while living on the premises and attending classes at the Institute. Intoxication, drugged behavior, behavior deemed inappropriate, possession of a weapon or behavior creating a safety hazard to other persons at the school, or repeated absence without valid excuse are grounds for immediate dismissal.
Complaint Resolution If you find you have a problem with the Ananda Institute of Alternative Living, please discuss the problem with your instructor. The school is dedicated to providing you with an atmosphere that helps you to learn. If for any reason you are unable to resolve the matter, you may submit a written complaint to: Ananda Institute of Alternative Living, 14618 Tyler Foote Rd., #114, Nevada City, CA 95959. The written complaint should contain your name and address, the nature of the problem you encountered, the date the problem occurred or began, the names of the individuals involved in the problem, copies of documents, if any, which contain information regarding the problem, evidence that, or an assertion that the complaint procedure was properly followed. A response will be sent to you within 10 days. If you are unable to resolve the problem, you may contact the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education at 400 R Street, Suite 5000, Sacramento, CA 95814-6200 or you may call (916) 445-3428.
Federal & State Funding. This institution does not participate in federal and state financial aid programs.
ESL Students This institution does not provide English as a Second Language (EDL) instruction.
Students From Other Countries Students from other countries are advised that all classes are conducted in English, that all legal entry and residency requirements are the responsibility of and the expense of the student. Conversations will need to be conducted ahead of time, between the prospective student and the Director, to determine if the student has an acceptable level of English proficiency to insure successful participation and completion of the full course of study.
Student’s Right to Cancel The institution, for all students, without penalty or obligation, shall refund 100% of the amount paid for institutional charges, less the registration fee, if notice of cancellation is made prior to or on the first scheduled day of instruction. The institution advises each student that any notification of withdrawal or cancellation and any requests for a refund must be made in writing.
Student Tuition Recovery Fund The State of California created the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) to relieve or mitigate economic losses suffered by California residents who were students attending schools approved by, or registered to offer Short-term Career Training with the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education (Bureau). You may be eligible for STRF is you are a California resident, prepaid tuition, paid the STRF fee, and suffered an economic loss as a result of the following:
- The school closed before the course of instruction was completed.
- The school’s failure to pay refunds or charges on behalf of a student to a third party for license fees or and other purposes , or to provide equipment or materials for which a charge was collected within 180 days before the closure of the school.
- The school’s failure to pay or reimburse loan proceeds under a federally guaranteed student loan program as required by law or to pay or reimburse proceeds received by the school prior to closure in excess of tuition and other costs.
- The school’s breach or anticipatory breach of the agreement for the course of instruction.
- There was a decline in the quality of the course instruction within 30 days before the school closed, or if the decline began earlier than 30 days prior to closure, a time period of decline determined by the Bureau.
- The school committed fraud during the recruitment or enrollment of program participation of the student.
You may also be eligible for STRF if you were a student that was unable to collect a court judgment rendered against the school for violation of the Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education Reform Act of 1989.
You must pay the state-imposed fee for the Student Tuition Recovery Fund (STRF) if all of the following applies to you:
- You are a student, who is a California resident and prepays all or part of your tuition either by cash, guaranteed student loans, or personal loans, and
- Your total charges are not paid by any third-party payer such as an employer, government program or other payer unless you have a separate agreement to repay the third party.
You are not eligible for protection from the STRF and you are not required to pay the STRF fee if either of the following applies:
- You are not a California resident,
- Your total charges are paid by a third party, such as an employer, government program or other payer, and you have no separate agreement to repay the third party.
It is important that you keep copies of the enrollment agreement, financial aid papers, if any, receipts, or any other information that documents the monies paid to the school. Questions regarding the STRF may be directed to the Bureau for Private Postsecondary and Vocational Education, 400 R Street, Suite 5000, Sacramento, CA 95814-6200, (916) 445-3428. (Authority Cited: CEC 94944)
Record Retention Student records are retained for 5 years. Transcripts are available upon written request.
Credit for Prior Experience or Training The Institute acknowledges the value of prior experience. Because of the unique nature of our training programs, credit for past experience is only available after consultation with the Director and the head of the program you wish to enter.
Specialized Instructional Materials & Equipment (please refer to each course overview for related information)
Cost Total cost for the 9-month program beginning September 2008 and ending June 2009 is $20,750, all-inclusive which includes room & board in standard shared accommodations at the Institute, tuition costs, and the study abroad program costs.
Enrollment & Financial Agreement Students must sign an enrollment agreement and have met with the Institute Director and the Financial Assistant before admission.
Ananda Institute of Alternative Living
Overview
The Ananda Institute of Alternative Living offers a holistic, Education for Life (EFL) approach to higher education. The training offered is ideal for those seeking “higher education for higher consciousness”, where values, ethics and yoga philosophy allow students to gain a deeper understanding and ability to apply higher consciousness to job, career and life.
Unlike traditional colleges, the Institute provides an environment that encourages and supports spiritual growth. At the same time, we provide a solid academic curriculum coupled with a dynamic experiential focus that allows students to realize their goals in a practical manner. Students don’t have to “leave behind” their spiritual life to pursue higher education. Classes all approach success from the standpoint of higher consciouness. The goal of education is viewed within the context of finding a career that doesn’t compromise one’s own search for happiness, inner peace, and self-realization. The programs we offer include:
Ananda Institute of Alternative Living Core Curriculum (364 hours)
Ananda Cooperative Communities Training (364 hours)
Ananda Health & Healing Training (364 hours)
Education for Life Teacher Training (364 hours)
Ananda Institute Study Abroad Programs (96 hours)
The Ananda Institute of Alternative Living is located at the Ananda Meditation Retreat, www.meditationretreat.org a retreat and training center that has been in existence for nearly 40 years. The retreat was founded in 1967, by J. Donald Walters, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, author of the spiritual classic “Autobiography of a Yogi.” Ananda was created as a place for personal spiritual growth, including classes on various forms of yoga, meditation, healing, and yoga philosophy. The Ananda Institute of Alternative Living was created in 2003 as a non-profit, educational corporation independent of the Ananda Church of Self-Realization, which owns the property where the Institute is located.
Ananda Institute of Alternative Living Core Curriculum
“Higher Education for Higher Consciousness”
The purpose of the Core Curriculum is to offer students a holistic understanding of life, spirituality and higher consciousness. This course is a pre-requisite for the Education for Life Teacher Training, Ananda Cooperative Communities Training, and the Ananda Holistic Health & Healing Training. The standard program involves a one year series of classes and programs that provide both theoretical and experiential components. Some students may need a second year of study to attain the necessary proficiency.
Textbooks and Required Reading:
- Education for Life, by J. Donald Walters
- Intentional Communities, How to Start Them and Why, by J. Donald Walters
- How to Meditate, by John Jyotish Novak
- The Art of Supportive Leadership, by J. Donald Walters
- Art as a Hidden Message, by J. Donald Walters
- Material Success Through Yogic Principles, by J. Donald Walters
- Raja Yoga, the Art & Science of Yoga, by Swami Kriyananda
- The Bhagavad Gita, translation by Paramhansa Yogananda
- Affirmations for Self-Healing by J. Donald Walters
- The Peace Treaty, a play by J. Donald Walters
- Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramhansa Yogananda
Course Syllabus:
Part A: Education for Life
- Understanding Education for Life
- How Education for Life Principles apply to Institute Students
- Psychological Chart for Balanced Learning & Living
Part B: Cooperative Communities
- History & Evolution of Cooperative Communities
- Simple Living & High Thinking
- Successful Attitudes & Attunement Principles for Cooperative Living
- “Building with Spirit” for planning & building today’s communities
- What Makes Ananda Cooperative Communities Successful
Part C: Business & Leadership
- Material Success Through Yogic Principles
- Case Studies of Ananda Cooperative Communities Businesses
Part D: Personal Development
- Meditation as a guide for inner calmness and clarity of mind
- Developing intuition & attunement for understanding oneself and others
- Cultivating a Serviceful Attitude toward one’s community, neighbors and country
Part E. Health & Healing
- Holistic Health & Healing for Living a Balanced Life
- Affirmations for Self-Healing
- Yoga postures, energization exercises & yoga philosophy
- Alternative & subtle energy principles
- Vegetarian diet & vegetarian cooking for health
Part F. The Arts
- The Role of The Arts in Uplifting Society
- Music and its Effect on Positive Emotions
- Art for Self-Expression & Expressing God’s Love
- Drama: The Peace Treaty: Themes for Creating World Peace & Harmony
Part G. The Bhagavad Gita
- Bhagavad Gita and its metaphor for meeting life’s daily challenges
- Similarities in Eastern & Western philosophy through Gita & Bible interpretations
- Yoga philosophy for understanding spiritual principles for success & happiness
Part H: Vegetable Gardening
- Vegetable gardening for sustainable living
- Alternative Living Modalities (solar, generators, hydroponics, organic gardening)
- The Secret Life of Plants: a spiritual, energetic approach to gardening
Part I: Foreign Language (preparation for study abroad)
- Basic Hindi for travelers
- Basic Italian for travelers
Instructional Modes: Classes, Lectures, Guest Speakers, Experiential Classes, Studio Classes, Papers, Tests, Evaluations.
Faculty: One Core Curriculum mentor teacher for each student, one program director for all students in program.
Ananda Cooperative Communities Training
The purposes of the Ananda Cooperative Communities Training is either to train students to work in Ananda Cooperative Communities, or to give students an in-depth foundation of these principles, so that they may work in their chosen occupation with a deeper awareness and application of these principles.
Placement: While the Ananda Institute of Alternative Living cannot guarantee job placement in an Ananda Cooperative Community, there are options for graduates in a variety of cooperative community settings, including cooperative community businesses, schools, housing & facilities, community planning & management, public relations & publications, community events, and guest & member services. Current Ananda Cooperative Communities include:
Ananda Village Cooperative Community outside of Nevada City, CA
Ananda Mountain View Community (California)
Ananda Sacramento Community (California)
Ananda Seattle Community (Washington)
Portland Ananda Community (Oregon)
Ananda of Rhode Island (Rhode Island)
Ananda Europa (Assisi, Italy)
Plans are underway for the formation of an Ananda Community in India (near Gurgaon, India)
The course is open to students who have completed the Ananda Institute of Alternative Living Core Curriculum, or who have equivalent experience to substitute for this pre-requisite. The program may be one academic year in length or it may be longer, up to 4 years, depending on the student’s previous educational and life experience background. At the completion of the course, students are awarded an Ananda Cooperative Communities Training certificate.
Textbooks and Required Reading:
- Intentional Communities, How to Start Them and Why by J. Donald Walters
- Material Success Through Yoga Principles, by J. Donald Walters
- Cities of Light, by J. Donald Walters
- Education for Life, by J. Donald Walters
- Reflections on Living 30 Years in a Spiritual Community, by Sara Cryer
- The Art of Supportive Leadership, by J. Donald Walters
- The Art & Science of Raja Yoga by Swami Kriyananda
- Autobiography of a Yogi, by Paramhansa Yogananda
Course Syllabus:
Part A: Understanding Cooperative Communities
- History & Evolution of Cooperative Communities
- Simple Living & High Thinking
- What Makes Ananda Cooperative Communities Successful
Part B: Business, Planning & Operation Principles
- Ethics & Values in Ananda Cooperative Communities
- Village Councils, Planning & Cooperative Government
- Material Success Through Yogic Principles
- Public, Neighbor & Community Relations
- Building with Spirit principles for communities
Part C: Social, Psychological & Spiritual Principles
- Developing a Serviceful Attitude toward one’s community, neighbors and country
- Creating Harmonious Environments, both inner and outward
- Successful Attitudes & Attunement Principles for Cooperative Living
- Holistic Health & Healing for Living a Balanced Life
- The Role of Music & the Arts in Cooperative Communities
Part D: Making it all Work
- Personal Development
- Working with Others
- Characteristics of a Successful Cooperative Community
- Attributes of an Ananda Cooperative Community Member
Instructional Modes: Classes, Training Practicum, Internships, Papers, Tests, Evaluations
Faculty Number: One mentor teacher for each student, one program director for all students in the program. Several guest lecturers from the Ananda Communities participate in this program.
Study Abroad: A very unique portion of the Institute’s curriculum is the incorporation of a Study Abroad component. This traveling and studying together as a group of Institute students and faculty is a powerful and dynamic learning experience which previous students have described as the highlight of their lives. In 2008-2009 this may involve time in Peru.
Applicants must complete a written application and an interview (by phone or in person) with the Directors of the Ananda Cooperative Communities Training, Nakula (Paul) and Sara Cryer.
Fee for 2008-2009 (9-month program) for tuition, room & board, and the 5-week Study Abroad Program is $20,750. This does not include books and supplies.
Contact for more information: Nakula & Sara Cryer, Directors
Ananda Institute of Alternative Living
14618 Tyler Foote Road, #114
Nevada City, Ca 95959
(530) 292-3034
email: registrar@anandauniversity.org
Education for Life (EFL) Teacher Training
The purpose of the Education for Life (EFL) Teacher Training is to train students to work in an Education for Life or Living Wisdom™ School, or to apply EFL principles to other educational settings. The standard program involves a one year series of classes and internships that provide both the theoretical and experiential components necessary for becoming a successful EFL teacher. Some students may need a second year of study to attain the necessary proficiency. At the completion of the course, students are awarded an EFL Teaching Credential. The course is open to students who have completed the Ananda Institute of Alternative Living Core Curriculum or who have equivalent life experience.
Placement: While the Ananda Institute of Alternative Living does not guarantee placement in an Education for Life School or Living Wisdom School, there are options for graduates teaching in preschool through twelfth grade. Those interested in teaching at the college level should contact the Institute Director and the EFL Teacher Training Director. Potential occupations include Teacher, Aide, or Administrator in an Education for Life or Living Wisdom School. Currently, the EFL Teacher Training Program is the primary means for preparing people to teach in the Education for Life and Living Wisdom Schools, which include the following: Ananda Living Wisdom™ School at Ananda Village: preschool through 12th grade; Palo Alto Living Wisdom™ School: kindergarten through 8th grade; Portland Living Wisdom™ School: preschool through 6th grade; Seattle Living Wisdom™ Preschool (with plans to expand to Kindergarten and Grade 1 by Fall 2006). In addition, plans are currently underway for new EFL schools in Assisi, Italy and Encinitas, California.
Textbooks and Required Reading:
1) Education for Life by J. Donald Walters (Swami Kriyananda)
2) For Goodness’ Sake by Michael Nitai Deranja
3) Sharing Nature with Children I and II by Joseph Bharat Cornell
4) The Art of Supportive Leadership by J. Donald Walters
5) From Joy I Came by Lorna Knox
Outline of Subject Matter Covered (see also Core Curriculum Classes)
Part A: Getting to Know Your Students
1) Building Positive Relationships with Your Students
2) Progressive Development Chart
3) Prioritizing the Tools of Maturity
4) Comprehensive Inventory
5) Student Evaluation Chart
6) Working with Parents
Part B: Curriculum Skills
1) Curriculum Categories
2) Development of Maturity Skills
3) Flow Learning
4) Lesson Plans
Part C: Classroom Management
1) The Art of Firm, Loving Discipline
2) Energy Changers
3) Classroom Standards of Behavior
4) Class Leadership
5) Using the Physical Environment
Part D: Making It All Work
1) Personal Development
2) Time-line
3) Characteristics of a Successful EFL Class
4) Attributes of an EFL teacher
Instructional Modes: Classes, Papers, Internships, Tests, Evaluations. We use common teaching tools (paper, whiteboards, audio visual, etc.)
The Education for Life Course is a combination of the following:
- Classroom presentations and discussions based on assigned readings.
- Personal conferences with mentor teachers on individual progress in developing skills, and
- Opportunities to practice skills as intern teachers
- Assigned papers and student generated presentations on what they have learned.
Student-Teacher Ratio: One EFL credentialed mentor teacher for each student, one
program director for all students in program
Applicants must complete a written application and an interview (by phone or in person) with the Director of the Education for Life Teacher Training, Michael (Nitai) Deranja, at livwishs@hotmail.com or call (530) 292-3024.
Fee for 2008-2009 (9-month program) for tuition, room & board, and the Study Abroad Program is $20,750. This does not include books and supplies.
Ananda Health & Healing Training
This program is ideal for those wanting a total immersion in the spiritual principles of healing, holistic health, alternative and complementary healing techniques, and specific healing techniques that Paramhansa Yogananda presented to the West from the ancient wisdom of India. The Ananda Institute of Alternative Living offers an educational program and a spiritual environment that assists students who are interested in an integrated approach to deepening their spiritual lives and exploring the healing arts.
The educational objectives are directed toward two groups of students:
1—To train health practitioners to work in their chosen occupation with a deeper awareness and application of holistic health and healing principles (with an emphasis on the spiritual aspects) and alternative and complementary healing modalities.
2—To give students an in-depth foundation of holistic health and healing principles and alternative/complementary healing modalities, and to guide them in selecting a particular field of practice in the healing arts for further occupational training.
This is not a course of study that prepares students for employment in a particular healing art. Rather it is designed to be either a preparatory program prior to selecting a healing arts training/certification program in which to enroll, or a continuing education program for those who are already healing arts practitioners. For both groups of students, the program is a combination of didactic and experiential, and it is a highly-individualized approach to education.
The course is open to students who have completed the Ananda Institute of Alternative Living Core Curriculum, or who have equivalent life experience to substitute for this pre-requisite. The program may be one academic year in length or it may be longer, up to 4 years, depending on the student’s previous life-experience and educational background. At the completion of the course, students are awarded an Ananda Health & Healing Training certificate.
The syllabus for the Health & Healing specialty module includes the following:
Part A: Exploring Definitions of Health & Healing and Holism
1) Health as a Dynamic State of Well-Being
2) History & Evolution of Healing in Cultures East and West
3) Energy and Prana as Healing Forces
4) Subtle Energy Anatomy
5) Yoga and Healing
6) Body, Mind and Spirit as an Interactive Whole
Part B: Exploring the Body-Mind Connection
1) Anatomy & Physiology of Body and Brain
2) Understanding the Role of Consciousness in Health & Healing
3) Awareness as a Transformational Tool
4) Will Power and Willingness as Keys to Health & Healing
5) Using Energy & Magnetism for Healing Body-Mind-Spirit
6) Mental Attitudes for Health & Healing
7) Understanding Feeling vs. Emotion
8) Physiological and Psychological effects of Meditation
9) Spiritual Psychology and Transforming Consciousness
Part C: Holistic Healing Techniques (Yogic, Alternative,
Complementary)
1) Nutrition, Diet and Cooking for Optimal Wellness
2) Ayurveda, the Science of Life—Creating Balance & Harmony
3) Introduction to Bodywork & Energy/Prana Healing
4) Introduction to Herbology, Flower Essences, Aromatherapy
5) Exploring Vibrational Healing
6) Using Music, Mantra and Art to Heal Body-Mind-Soul
7) Healing effects of Yoga Postures and Pranayama
8) Using Prayer, Affirmations, Visualization as Healing Tools
9) Divine Will Healing
10) Integrative Approaches to Health & Healing
Part D: Personal Development/Creating Balanced Living
1) Dynamic Rules of Health
2) Facilitating Personal & Spiritual Health in Self & Others
3) Developing Intuition
4) Tools for Raising and Expanding Consciousness
5) Exploring Belief Systems, Values, Ethics
6) Developing Awareness of and Respect for Diversity
7) Moving Beyond Fear in Death & Dying
8) Communication Skills for Harmonious Living
9) The Art of Listening
10) Creating Therapeutic Relationships
11) Creating Harmonious Environments in Body, Mind, Spirit,
Personal Space, Culture, Society, and Nature
A very unique portion of the Institute’s curriculum is the incorporation of a Study Abroad component. This traveling and studying together as a group of Institute students and faculty is a powerful and dynamic learning experience which previous students have described as the highlight of their lives. In 2008-2009 this may involve time in Peru.
Applicants must complete a written application and an interview (by phone or in person) with the Director Nischala Cryer
Fee for 2008-2009 (9-month program) for tuition, room & board, and the Study Abroad Program is $20,750. This does not include books and supplies.
Contact for more information: Nischala Cryer-Director
(530) 292-3024
registrar@anandauniversity.org
Ananda Institute of Alternative Living
Study Abroad Program
Educational Objective: To train students in Ananda Institute of Alternative Living principles for higher consciousness by offering an experiential understanding of world religions & cultures, spiritual cooperative communities in India (and/or Peru), holistic healing modalities in India (and/or Peru), and the study of the great communities of India (and/or Peru). It can be a standalone program but is required for students taking the Core Curriculum, the Education for Life Teacher Training, Ananda Cooperative Communities Training, & Ananda Holistic Health & Healing Training unless there is a special arrangement with the course director.
Countries: India and/ or Peru. This course was generally designed for study in India, though during some years we may offer the program in both India and Italy. In 2007-2008, the study abroad program is currently planned for time in India and Peru. Those students interested in longer living/training programs in India and/or Peru should contact the Institute for information on extended programs.
Placement: The Ananda Institute of Alternative Living Study Abroad Program can be taken by any college-age student as standalone program. However, this program is required for the Education for Life Teacher Training, the Ananda Cooperative Communities Training and the Ananda Health & Healing Training.
Dates: In general, the study abroad is slated to occur during April. Students wishing to join this program should contact the Director for an application and permission to attend.
Cost: Costs of the 2009 Study Abroad program is approximately $5000, depending on which itinerary students apply for. For more information, email registrar@anandauniversity.org or call (530) 292-3024, M-F, 9-5 PST.
Application: For a course application, please call (530) 292-3024 or write:
Ananda Institute of Alternative Living
Annual Study Abroad Program
14618 Tyler Foote Road, #114
Nevada City, CA 95959
registrar@anandauniversity.org
Program Specifics: This is an annual winter term course with classes, guided tours and experiential learning opportunities.
Textbooks and Handouts
- World Religions, an overview of the world’s major religions
- Autobiography of a Yogi, by Paramhansa Yogananda
- Basic Hindi (& or Spanish) for Travelers
- Affirmations for Self Healing, by J. Donald Walters
- The Bhagavad Gita, translation by Paramhansa Yogananda
Part A: Understanding Indian Culture
- History & Evolution of India and Vedic Culture
- Beginning Hindi for travelers
- Hindu Gods & Goddesses
- Religions of India: Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Sikh & Christian
- Great Indian spiritual leaders: Mahatma Ghandi, Mother Teresa, the Dalai Lama, Ramakrishna, etc.
- Indian art, dance, drama & music for higher consciousness
Part B: Health & Healing in India
- Exploring India’s Ayurveda: philosophy, herbal & rejuvenation therapy
- Healthy Indian vegetarian diet & cooking class (Ayurvedic, Yogic)
- Yoga, Meditation & Yogic Philosophy
- Affirmations for Self-Healing
- Understanding Health & Healing in India
Part C: Understanding Indian Communities
- Simple Living & High Thinking Ideals in India through the ages
- Exploring India’s ashrams and communities
- Understanding a modern Indian intentional community
Part D: Education for Life in Indian Intentional Communities
- Visit to schools based on service (Rishikesh, Varanasi, McLeod Ganj)
- Education for Life service projects in Indian villages
- Exploring plans for an EFL school in an Indian Intentional Community
Part E: Personal Development during study abroad in India & Italy
- Daily (morning) meditation and introspection
- Journaling & guided art for deepening understanding of India & Italy
Part F: Health & Healing in Italy
- The role of prayer & healing in Italy
- Yoga Postures & Meditation
- Affirmations for Self-Healing
- Healthy Yogic Vegetarian Diet & Cooking Class
Part G: Italy’s Spiritual & Artistic Communities
- History of religious communities South America
Part H: Education for Life at European Intentional Communities
- Exploring plans for an EFL school at a South American Community
- Adapting Education for Life principles to a South American Community
- Education for Life Service Projects in South American communities
Sample Class Schedule
(classes are held M-F, with some evening programs)
Class Times are generally 9:00-5:00 p.m., with some evening classes. Students are expected to attend all or part of the yoga & meditation sessions from 6:30-8:00 a.m. M-F. in the meditation temple. Prices for all programs include tuition, room & board for one 9-month session.
(This is a sample only indicating some daily classes and times offered during the week and throughout the school year)
6:30-8:00 |
Meditation |
8:00-8:50 |
Breakfast |
9:00 |
Affirmations for Self-Healing |
9:30-10:30 |
Class A: Material Success Through Yoga Principles
Class B: Business &The Art of Supportive Leadership
Class C: Creating Harmonious Relationships & Environments
Class D: Saints & Sages who Moved the World
Class E: Specialty Practicum & Advanced SpecialtyPracticum |
11:00-12:00 |
Class A: Yoga Philosophy—The Bhagavad Gita & Daily Life
Class B: Developing Intuition
Class C: Beginning, Intermediate or Advanced Meditation
Class D: The Peace Treaty—Drama for Higher Consciousness
Class E: Specialty Practicum & Advanced SpecialtyPracticum |
12:00-12:30 |
Group Meditation |
12:30-1:30 |
Lunch |
1:30-2:30 |
Class A: Art for Self-Expression
Class B: Energy & Prana Healing Force
Class C: Divine Will Healing
Class D: Personal Development: The Chakras
Class E: Foreign Language (for study abroad prep)
|
3:00-4:30 |
Class A: History of Cooperative Communities
Class B: EFL & Flow Learning
Class C: Music for Emotional Healing
Class D: Our Earth, Our Universe—Alternative Living (solar, generators, organic gardening)
Class E: Communications—co-creating films, articles, newsletters & presentations
|
4:30-5:30 |
Yoga Postures for Higher Awareness |
6:30-7:30 |
Dinner |
7:30-8:30 |
Class A: Psychology: Understanding People
Class B: Independent Study—Math, Creative Writing, etc. |
Homework: Students at the Institute receive homework assignments, and are expected to participate in presentations.
Ananda Institute of Alternative Living
Main Instructional & Administrative Staff
Sara Cryer is Director of the Ananda Institute of Alternative Living. She has held teaching, administrative and director responsibilities for over 20 years in the field of education, cooperative communities, and the arts. She is director of the Living Wisdom Summer Camps, co-director of the Ananda Meditation Retreat, and was founding director of her own design & communications firm, and a founding member of the Ananda Mountain View Community. She is author of Reflections on Living 30 Years in a Spiritual Community, and has written articles related to yoga, communities, education, and health for Yoga International, Yoga Journal, Healing Retreats & Spas, Sacred Pathways, Natural Health & Healing, and more.
Nitai (Michael) Deranja is Assistant Director of Curriculum for Ananda Institute of Alternative Living. He is the founding director of the first Ananda Schools (now Living Wisdom Schools), which have been in existence for 35 years. He is a director of the Education for Life (EFL) foundation, which offers teacher training and continuing education for Living Wisdom School Teachers. He has taught Education for Life principles to educators and participants in Europe and the US, and has led student study abroad programs to India, Europe, Costa Rica, and Mexico. He is author of For Goodness Sake, Sharing Values with Teens & Children, and he is co-author of Journey to the Heart of Nature.
Nakula (Paul) Cryer is Assistant Director of Finance for Ananda Institute of Alternative Living. He joined the Ananda Village Cooperative Community in 1970 and is one of its founding members. Today, there are 8 Ananda communities in the US and abroad. In 1972, he created the first organic dairy at Ananda Village, which provided fresh milk, cheese and yogurt to residents of the village and surrounding neighbors. He has been owner of his own consruction/design firm in Washington, D.C., and in 1996 founded Ananda Design & Construction, serving as CEO for this company. He is co-director of the Ananda Meditation Retreat, an elected member of the Ananda Village Council, a member of the Village Planning Committee, a board member of the Ananda Village Living Wisdom School, and a member of the North San Juan Strategic Planning Committee. He has taught building community principles, yoga philosophy and business principles for over 20 years.
Celia Alvarez, Ph.D. holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in Linguistics from the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, and a B.A. in Language and Communication from Hampshire College, Amherst, Massachusetts. Her areas of research and teaching at the graduate and undergraduate level included the study of language, gender, and identity across cultures, the study of oral narrative of personal experience, oral history, women’s studies, multicultural/bilingual education, higher education, and ethnic studies. She has been in the forefront of curriculum reform in higher education and development of trans-disciplinary academic programs of study over the last 30 years. She served on the Board of Trustees of Hampshire College 2003-07.
Guest Lecturers
Joseph (Bharat) Cornell, Sharing Nature with Children, Nature Education
Korin Boyle, Hindi & Indian Culture
Savitri Simpson, Chakras & Higher Consciousness
Dr. Peter Van Houten, Meditation & The Brain
Kraig (Satyaki) Brockschmidt, Stress Reduction, Music, Health & Healing
Mary Kretzmann, Health & Healing,
Lila Devi Stone, Health & Healing
Mantradevi LoCicero, Art & Consciousness
Dana Andersen, Art & Consciousness
Patrick Mahoney, Music & Consciousness
Clare Mahoney, Dance & Consciousness
Scott Roberts, Alternative Science & Technology
Parvati Hansen, Foundations of Eastern Philosophy
Janakidevi Steinmetz, Creativity & Directional Psychology
Dennis Schulmann, Art of Oral Expression
Pat Kirby, Art of Written Expression
David Eby, Yoga & the Art of Musical Experience
Byasa Steinmetz, the Yugas, World Cultures & Consciousness
Devaki Soupios, Drama & Consciousness
Jyotish & Devi Novak, Cooperative Communities
Seva Wiberg, Cooperative Communities
Vidura Smallen, Cooperative Communities
Peter Goering, Cooperative Communities
Latika Parojinog, Cooperative Communities
Santoshi Kendall, Business & Leadership
Helen Purcell, Education for Life
Toby Moorhouse, Education for Life
Sue Loper-Powers, The Art and Science of Raja Yoga, Introduction to Healing Arts
Renee Glenn, Graphic Designing
For more information, contact:
Ananda Institute of Alternative Living
14618 Tyler Foote Road, #114
Nevada City, CA 95959
(530) 292-3024
email: registrar@anandauniversity.org
website: www.anandauniversity.org
Ananda Institute of Alternative Living
Location: Ananda Meditation Retreat 14618 Tyler Foote Rd., #114
Nevada City, CA 95959 (530) 292-3024, M-F, 9-5 PST
contact: registrar@anandauniversity.org
|
|
