Gurani Anjali was tireless in her efforts to create opportunities for her many students to gather and practice together. Keeping the company of uplifting, inspiring and dedicated people was an important practice to her and she actively encouraged this in her students. She constantly created wonderful social and karma yoga (selfless action) situations as opportunities for applying Yogic practices in a group setting. This combined two of Gurani Anjali’s recurring themes. The first being “constant vigil is the rule,” which refers to the importance of maintaining keenly alert awareness. And second, that it’s also important to “light each other’s flame.” All to aid each other in maintaining and pursuing ever deeper spiritual realizations and to keep each other inspired on the Yoga path in the face of the challenges of everyday living.
Being in close proximity with other students was not only a tool for inspiring one’s Yoga practice, but also to work out individual samskaras (karmic impressions) and habitual tendencies that are often a hindrance to spiritual development. By working together and rubbing shoulders with another, one ‘rounds off’ the sharp corners of our binding conditioning and opens up to the limitless possibility of ultimate freedom.
Following are some of the many activities that were created by Gurani Anjali for the benefit of her students and the maintenance of Yoga Anand Ashram:
Karma Yoga Activities
Festivals & Celebrations
- Guru Purnima Celebration (The Fullness of the Guru)
- Kirtan / Deva-Devi Ratri (Night of the God and Goddess)
- Gurani Anjali Jayanti (Birth Celebration)
- Sacred Song Concerts
- Seasonal Celebrations (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter)
- Children’s Day
Music, Dance, Variety Shows & Parties
Fundraising Activities
- Santosha’s A Night of Dance
- Father’s Day Bake Sales
- Mother’s Day Plant Sales
- Thanksgiving Day Bake Sales