Ananda Village Miraculously Saved From Fire

Also read article about Ananda in The Union newspaper:
On guard - Ananda spiritual group learned the hard way to be ready for fire

Dear Friends,

We had a narrow and miraculous escape from danger and destruction. Around 11:30 am Saturday, August 28th, a fire was started along Tyler Foote Road on the steep slope below The Expanding Light. The fire quickly spread up the hill, and came very close to destroying The Expanding Light and perhaps the whole community. The blaze came within a few feet of several buildings at The Expanding Light, but we lost only one small cabin. In the end about 60 acres burned but little other damage was done.

There was a huge and rapid response by the various fire-fighting agencies. At the height of the effort there were 40 fire trucks, around a dozen bombers and helicopters, and nearly 400 firefighters involved. Ananda residents were also fighting on two fronts. There was a large group at The Expanding Light guarding the buildings and making sure that no small spot fires had a chance to start. There was an even larger group at the Village Green near Master's Market sending out powerful prayers for protection. Communication was all being coordinated at the Village Office, and all our other communities were contacted and were praying as well.

It all worked! The fire chief told us that this was a dangerous fire at the height of a perilous fire season. He expected it to be much worse than it was, perhaps, consuming thousands of acres. They were amazed that they were able to put it out so quickly, and had no explanation except to say that we were "very lucky." At several critical times during the fire, as the flames were advancing toward one of our housing clusters, the wind suddenly shifted and blew back toward areas that had already been burned.

We feel, of course, that there are reasons other than "luck." Partly it was the hundreds, perhaps, thousands of hours of brush clearing that Prakash and others have done. In part, it was the loving prayers from Ananda Sangha members throughout the world. We deeply thank all of you for this.

But, the main credit must be given to our guru, Paramhansa Yogananda, and Divine Mother for their protection. We have long given this community and everything in it into God's hands. We are very grateful that no one was hurt, and that we don't have to face the challenge and effort of rebuilding Ananda — God and Guru's community — once again.

In gratitude and divine friendship,
Jyotish & Devi Novak