Personal Retreat Experience
Flexible Dates
Step away from your busy life for a few days; take time to be still and refresh your soul. Come almost any day of the year and stay as long as you like. Our retreat is part of Ananda Village, a cooperative community on the foothills of The Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Karma Yoga Ashram Experience
With Aramati Kuita, Dhananjaya Denholm and Arya Cheng
Flexible Dates
Begin a transformative journey with the Ananda Karma Yoga Ashram Program. Based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, this intentional community offers a unique blend of meditation, joyful service, and spiritual immersion. Establish a daily meditation routine, discover the transformative power of conscious action through service, and delve into Yogananda’s teachings on yoga philosophy. Immerse yourself in Ananda Village, a spiritual community dedicated to living these principles for over 50 years. Your experience includes inspirational classes, daily Sadhanas, shared accommodation, and opportunities for spiritual guidance. Apply now to join a community that wholeheartedly supports your quest for a more enlightened…
The Yoga Sutras: Demystifying Patanjali
With Nayaswami Krishna Das and Nayaswami Sagar
September 19 - 22, 2024
Embark on a transformative journey into the wisdom of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras during our retreat, "Demystifying Patanjali." Based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda and presented by his direct disciple, Swami Kriyananda, this retreat dives deep into the 8-limbed path outlined by Patanjali over 2200 years ago. Through introspective exercises, affirmations, visualizations, discussions, and meditation practices, explore the universal teachings that guide seekers to divine union. Learn to direct energy in beneficial ways, cultivate qualities of non-violence, stillness, and focus, and move towards the experience of oneness with all that is. Find your unique path to self-realization within the profound…
Spiritual Team Leadership
With Nayaswami Atmajyoti Schwarz, PhD
October 11 - 13, 2024
A Yogic Way of Creating & Leading Successful Teams “The people in an organization should count more with you than the work they are doing. People are more important than things. If you make your co-workers your priority, you will inspire them to do far better in their work.” - Swami Kriyananda ‘The Art of Supportive Leadership, p. 113 Are you a Business Leader seeking an uplifted and spiritual way to work in today's world? Spiritual Team-Leadership is a divine service focusing on working with and for God while collaborating with the Divine inside each of your team…
Yoga Getaway: Ananda Yoga® to Awaken the Chakras
With Arya Cheng and Uma Keller
October 11 - 13, 2024
Immerse yourself in the transformative retreat, "Ananda Yoga to Awaken the Chakras," and unlock the fullest potential of your energy. Dive into the astral spine's seven energy centers, the chakras, and learn how to channel energy inward for spiritual awakening and personal growth. Enjoy focused Ananda Yoga® practices designed to recharge and uplift you in just one weekend. Gain practical tools and knowledge as you explore the unique qualities of each chakra, practice yoga postures, and learn techniques to positively influence your attitudes and awareness. Take home a personalized yoga routine to awaken your chakra energy and experience a restorative…
CPAK – Conference on Precession and Ancient Knowledge
October 18 - 20, 2024
The Expanding Light Retreat at Ananda Village is the perfect setting for CPAK. And, to be able to stay right at the event will also be perfect for you. Lodgings are limited so do not delay. The Expanding Light is a place of high energy and serenity. Nestled in the heart of nature in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, our retreat center offers an oasis of calm amidst the demands of modern life. Some people notice a wonderful energy as soon as they set foot on the grounds. Others find this energy slowly transforming them as their program…
Taking Kriya for the First Time
With Devalila Veenhof
October 24 - 27, 2024
Embark on a transformative journey with our "Taking Kriya for the First Time" program. Guided by the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, this 3-day retreat provides a comprehensive foundation for new Kriya initiates. Explore the elements of Kriya Yoga, review essential techniques, and deepen your discipleship to the Kriya Gurus. Prepare inwardly for the profound Kriya initiation, a pivotal moment in your spiritual life. Eligible participants will receive the Kriya Yoga initiation during this immersive weekend experience. Be ready to embrace a new chapter in your spiritual journey.
Yoga and the 12 Steps© 11th Step Retreat
With Vivekadevi Noh-Kuhn
October 31 - November 3, 2024
Join our inspiring "Yoga and the 12 Steps" weekend retreat, where we harmonize the profound teachings of yoga with the spiritual principles of the 12 Steps. Immerse yourself in lectures, creative exercises, meditation, and yoga postures, fostering a rich inner life. Explore parallels between yogic wisdom and the 12 Step program, deepen your connection to a higher power through prayer and meditation, and strengthen your intuition. Build a supportive community and experience meaningful connections. Enjoy guided yoga sessions, delicious vegetarian meals, and the serene beauty of our expansive country hills.
First-Timers’ Weekend
With David Seybert and Miriam Rodgers
November 8 - 10, 2024
Rejuvenate in a Relaxed, Uplifting Setting If you haven't yet taken a Retreat at the Expanding Light, it's time to try something new! Bring a friend, and have a sublime experience together. It’s easy to slow down, enjoy, and reconnect with yourself at The Expanding Light.
How to Rise Above Your Karma
With Nayaswami Sagar and Saiganesh
November 15 - 17, 2024
Join our transformative retreat, "How to Rise Above Your Karma," and learn to use your life experiences to empower yourself. Gain a deep understanding of how the law of karma works and, more importantly, how to make it work FOR you. Explore your own karmic patterns and lessons, finding peace with your past and calmly navigating the roads ahead. Release bound-up energy to achieve success in all areas of life. Through guided introspection, learn effective ways to free yourself from karma, create a personalized "Rise Above Your Karma" Toolkit, and draw on divine grace through a powerful healing ceremony. Experience…
Sevaka Retreat – Support, Inspire, Connect
November 22 - 24, 2024
Dear Sevaka and Sevaka Life Members, You are lovingly invited to a special retreat designed exclusively for those who have taken Sevaka and Sevaka Life vows. This retreat offers us the opportunity to spend relaxed time in each other’s company diving deeper into our Sevaka vows, having time with Jyotish and Devi at the Crystal Hermitage, spiritual heart of Ananda Village. Retreat Highlights: Tea, Q&A, and Sunday Service with Nayaswamis Jyotish and Devi Time to relax and connect on a deeper level with fellow Sevakas Specially tailored Sevaka sadhanas Exclusive use of Swamiji’s apartment, Moksha Mandir and the Crystal Hermitage…
Yoga Retreat: Awakening the Heart’s Gratitude
With Bhawani Isaacson and Yogesh Lee
November 29 - December 1, 2024
A Spiritual Celebration of Gratefulness As autumn brings with it a sense of gratitude, does your heart yearn for an experience that relaxes your body and nourishes your soul? Experience a yoga retreat that rejuvenates your body, calms your mind and offers a variety of uplifting spiritual activities. Allow your whole self to be cradled in the serene beauty and tranquil peace of Ananda Village. Retreat Highlights: Yoga Postures and Techniques: Practice Ananda Yoga postures and other techniques to relax your body, focus your mind, and open your heart. Experience the energy of grateful self-offering Meditation Technique by Paramhansa Yogananda:…
Taking Kriya for the First Time
With Devalila Veenhof
December 5 - 8, 2024
Embark on a transformative journey with our "Taking Kriya for the First Time" program. Guided by the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, this 3-day retreat provides a comprehensive foundation for new Kriya initiates. Explore the elements of Kriya Yoga, review essential techniques, and deepen your discipleship to the Kriya Gurus. Prepare inwardly for the profound Kriya initiation, a pivotal moment in your spiritual life. Eligible participants will receive the Kriya Yoga initiation during this immersive weekend experience. Be ready to embrace a new chapter in your spiritual journey.
Family Christmas at Ananda
With David Kletter, Irene Schulman and Matthew Fredrickson
December 6 - 8, 2024
Celebrating the True Spirit of Christmas with Your Family Start of the holiday season by sharing the true spirit of Christmas with your family! Through stories, music, fun activities and sacred ceremonies we’ll awaken and connect with the inner Light that Jesus and all the great masters have come to share with us.
A Christmas of Inner Awakening
With Nayaswami Krishna Das and Nayaswami Sagar
December 12 - 15, 2024
Immerse yourself in the true spirit of Christmas at Ananda's "Christmas of Inner Awakening" retreat. Take a break from the holiday rush to connect with the deeper meaning of Christmas and spiritualize your season. Experience peace, divine love, and joy in the tranquil atmosphere of Ananda. Explore the essential oneness of Jesus' teachings and yoga teachings through special classes based on teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda. Join a holiday gathering with Nayaswami Jyotish and Nayaswami Devi, Ananda’s Worldwide Spiritual Directors. Delight in a Christmas concert by the Ananda Village Choir, festive caroling, and celebrations. Visit the spiritual heart of Ananda Village,…
New Year Renewal: Relax, Recharge, Refocus
With Nayaswami Krishna Das and Janaka Keller
December 28, 2024 - January 1, 2025
Step into the New Year with purpose and joy at Ananda's "New Year Renewal" retreat. Leave behind the usual celebrations and embrace a transformative 4-day experience designed to renew your mind, recharge your body, and refocus your life. Engage in guided introspection to glean lessons from the past year, set meaningful goals for the upcoming year, and create a Vision Board for positive intentions. Immerse in Ananda’s uplifting New Year’s Ceremony, featuring a Vedic fire ceremony, purification practices, prayers for world peace, and chanting a powerful ancient mantra 108 times. Enjoy serene walks in the tranquil hills of Ananda Village,…
Inner Renewal Retreat
February 16 - 20, 2025
Kriyaban Retreat
February 20 - 23, 2025
This special weekend can transform and permanently uplift your Kriya Yoga Sadhana. NOTE: The Kriyaban Retreat is for those who have already been initiated into the Kriya Yoga Technique through Ananda Kriya Sangha, or are approved to receive Kriya for the first time. For more information on initiation, see https://www.ananda.org/kriya-yoga/ During this retreat, you'll join together with other Kriya initiates, both new and longtime Kriyabans, as well as Kriyacharyas (Kriya ministers) to explore the depth and practice of the technique, how to deepen your life as a Kriya Yogi and to make your practice more effective. Kriya yoga is a vast…
A Magical Tulip Experience
With Sundara Traymar and Nandadevi Traymar
April 17 - 20, 2025
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of tulips with our "A Magical Tulip Experience" weekend. Re-inspire, relax, and rejuvenate your life surrounded by the healing energy of thousands of vibrant tulips at the Crystal Hermitage. Enjoy experiential nature activities, introspective exercises, Ananda Yoga® sessions, and a delightful vegetarian dinner. Explore 20,000 tulips in myriad colors, cherry and dogwood blossoms, and more. Receive the blessings of earth, sun, and flower energies as you strengthen your connection with your higher self. Wander through the gardens, enjoy music, and let the healing vibrations of Crystal Hermitage uplift your spirit. Share this ideal weekend…
A Magical Tulip Experience
With Sundara Traymar and Nandadevi Traymar
April 24 - 27, 2025
Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of tulips with our "A Magical Tulip Experience" weekend. Re-inspire, relax, and rejuvenate your life surrounded by the healing energy of thousands of vibrant tulips at the Crystal Hermitage. Enjoy experiential nature activities, introspective exercises, Ananda Yoga® sessions, and a delightful vegetarian dinner. Explore 20,000 tulips in myriad colors, cherry and dogwood blossoms, and more. Receive the blessings of earth, sun, and flower energies as you strengthen your connection with your higher self. Wander through the gardens, enjoy music, and let the healing vibrations of Crystal Hermitage uplift your spirit. Share this ideal weekend…
Yoga and the 12 Steps© Focus on Steps 1-3
With Vivekadevi Noh-Kuhn
May 15 - 18, 2025
Join our inspiring "Yoga and the 12 Steps" weekend retreat, where we harmonize the profound teachings of yoga with the spiritual principles of the 12 Steps. Immerse yourself in lectures, creative exercises, meditation, and yoga postures, fostering a rich inner life. Explore parallels between yogic wisdom and the 12 Step program, deepen your connection to a higher power through prayer and meditation, and strengthen your intuition. Build a supportive community and experience meaningful connections. Enjoy guided yoga sessions, delicious vegetarian meals, and the serene beauty of our expansive country hills.
Spiritual Renewal Week
June 22 - 29, 2025
Family Yoga Camp Retreat
With Matthew Fredrickson, Irene Schulman and David Kletter
July 9 - 13, 2025
Elevate your family's summer with our 5-day Family Yoga Camp Retreat at The Expanding Light Retreat! Join other conscious, yoga-loving parents and families for a week filled with play, learning, and relaxation. Led by Education for Life teachers and community residents, enjoy a unique blend of family circles, yoga postures, meditation, and more. Indulge in healthy, child-friendly, vegetarian meals, and engage in activities like stories, singing, games, and art to inspire and share universal spiritual values. Parents can attend classes on the Education for Life approach, while children participate in arts, crafts, music, and visits around Ananda Village. Experience Sharing…