Basic Qualities and Practices for Sevakas and Sadhakas

The purpose of these guidelines, then, is primarily to explain and clarify a way of life that is already in existence, and thereby to guide the members of Ananda further in their efforts to grow toward perfection.

Ananda communities are, essentially, not only spiritual,
but also monastic communities. They are monastic in the dictionary-accepted sense of a community that renounces worldly interests that are centered in ego-gratification and in the quest for personal gain; and that is wholly dedicated to living for God alone, to serving Him, and to becoming united with Him, eventually, in spirit.

May these Guidelines for Conduct help to point the way to perfection for those who have accepted the ray of the divine light that was brought to the West by Paramhansa Yogananda, and that is expressed through Ananda World Brotherhood Village and all Ananda World Brotherhood Colonies located throughout the world.

With divine love,
Swami Kriyananda (J. Donald Walters)
Introduction to the 2005 Edition

From Nayaswami Jyotish and Nayaswami Devi

Ananda has evolved greatly from the time that Swami Kriyananda first wrote the booklet, Rules of Conduct for Members of the Ananda Monastic Order. Its name has now been changed to Guidelines instead of Rules and the name for the Ananda Monastic Order has been changed to Ananda Sevaka Order.

Today Ananda is a much more diverse group both geographically and socially than it was in 1987 when the first Rules of Conduct was published.

The various Ananda colonies have grown to become centers of inspiration with large residential populations and even larger congregations, and each is now autonomous.

There are Ananda meditation groups on every continent and teaching centers spread throughout the United States, Europe, and India. Inevitably with such diversity comes variety. The term “member,” for instance, takes on many shades of meaning. The very terms “Ananda” and “Ananda community” now refer to any or
all of the various Ananda communities and no longer to Ananda Village alone. More diverse, also, are the degrees of commitment to the life of renunciation as defined by these Guidelines for Conduct.

The current edition is addressed to those who have taken, or are in training to take, the Membership Vows of the Ananda Sevaka Order. The term “community” as used here refers to the community of spirit that embraces all members of the Order, wherever they might live. The Sadhakas and Sevakas (previously called Novice Members of the Order) and Life Vow Sevakas (formerly called Life Vow Members of the Monastic Order) form the core of Ananda and exemplify its spirit. Order members view these Guidelines as a handbook for daily living and do their best to abide by both the letter and the spirit of what is contained here.

From the Sevaka Order booklet

1.—Sincere desire for Self-realization and personal dedication to this path

2.—Attunement with Master, Swamiji & the teachings as expressed through Ananda

3.—Loyalty to Ananda and our line of gurus: Jesus Christ, Babaji-Krishna, Lahiri Mahasaya, Swami Sri Yukteswar, Paramhansa Yogananda

4.—Willingness to embrace the work of Ananda Worldwide as a personal responsibility, and to participate as called upon to serve/support the worldwide efforts of sharing Yogananda’s teachings

5.—Seeing the Sevaka Order (those deeply dedicated to Ananda) as an important aspect of our lives

6.—Participation in the spiritual practice of tithing

7.—Regular practice of the energization exercises
—Regular practice of meditation techniques
—Daily practice of meditation: Hong Sau, Aum and Kriya.

8.—And meditation for longer periods on a regular basis with 3 hours as the daily goal

9.—In these practices setting aside the ego, allowing the divine consciousness to penetrate into every corner of our beings.

10.—Regular participation in community spiritual activities and events: Sunday Services, Group meditations, Seva opportunities, Spiritual commemorations, Etc.

11.—Participation in the practice of praying before undertaking tasks and at meetings

12.—Setting aside at least one week each year to take spiritual seclusion

13.—In the name of God and Guru, offering up every ego-attachment and self-limiting identity in daily practical acts of service to others.

14.—Directional progress toward non-attachment, simplicity, and a spirit of renunciation in family life and personal possessions

15.—Cultivating discrimination, the ability to distinguish right from wrong. In this process, actively seek and be open to guidance, especially on major decisions and tests, from counselors, leaders, and others

16.—Being solution-oriented in dealing with personal and community problems or issues. Take questions or suggestions to those who can promote solution-oriented changes.

17.—Working in cooperation with leadership

18.—Embracing the realities and the needs of the greater whole. Embrace a “Say, Yes!” attitude.

19.—Embracing your community as your home with care and respect

20.—Abiding by the prohibition of drugs or alcohol

🕉🕉Sadhaka vow

The promise for those who are accepted as a Sadhaka in Ananda Sangha (after the prayer to God, to the Ananda lineof gurus, and to the saints of all religions):