EXPANDING LIGHT
TEMPLATE - First-Timers' Weekend
With David Seybert and Miriam Rodgers
Open Dates
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.
TEMPLATE - Taking Kriya for the First Time
With Devalila Veenhof
Open Dates
To attend this program one must have completed the first four steps of the The Path of Kriya Yoga and received approval from Ananda Kriya Sangha. Contact Devalila at Ananda Kriya Sangha for more information and approval. Once permission has been given, you'll be able to register online or by phoning 800-346-5350. Paramhansa Yogananda taught […]
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 existence.
Karma Yoga Ashram Experience - NEW
With Aramati Kuita, Dhananjaya Denholm and Arya Cheng
Package Dates
Karma Yoga Ashram Experience - RETURN
With Aramati Kuita, Dhananjaya Denholm and Arya Cheng
Flexible Dates
A Weekend in Divine Friendship
With Nayaswami Premdas
May 17 - 19, 2024
Join us for a special weekend retreat, "A Weekend in Divine Friendship," and immerse yourself in the unique energy of Ananda. Experience the harmonious blend of spirit and friendship in joyful ways. Connect with old and new friends, both guests and Ananda Village members, during interactive sessions. Discover the art of divine friendship, opening your heart to dynamic energy and magnetism. Enjoy enriching classes, experiential tours, meditation in sacred shrines, and a special evening program. Receive the gift of the book "In Divine Friendship, Letters of Counsel and Reflection" by Swami Kriyananda. Finish your weekend with Sunday Service in the Temple of Light and a lovely stay at The Expanding Light Retreat. Friendship and joy are the hallmarks of Ananda, and we look forward to spending this special weekend with you!
First-Timers' Weekend
With David Seybert and Miriam Rodgers
May 24 - 26, 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.
Re-Discover Your Own Happiness
With Nayaswami Krishna Das and Dr. Aditya Gait
June 7 - 9, 2024
Everyone Wants to be Happy! But That Elusive Element of Happiness is Often Missing, Especially as a Constant in Life True happiness is inside of you always—you just need to know how to access it. During this Retreat weekend, you will learn how you can experience happiness within, and learn to find it amidst the […]
Sevaka Order Retreat Meals, June 22nd
June 22, 2024
Jai Guru! Breakfast is at 9am and lunch at 12:30pm. Thank you for joining us!
Yoga Getaway: Energize Your Summer
With Bhawani Isaacson and Yogesh Lee
July 5 - 7, 2024
Awaken your inner energy with a rejuvenating yoga getaway! Join us for a mini-vacation that blends yoga postures, meditation, a pool party, delicious food, and inspiring company. Our Ananda Yoga classes, designed to be deeply fulfilling and energizing, combine stretches with soul-awakening affirmations. Experience twice-daily sadhanas, a workshop on working with your energy, and instruction in meditation. Enjoy a delightful pool time amidst the Crystal Hermitage Gardens, an evening outdoor Kirtan, and three delicious organic vegetarian meals daily. Whether outdoors or in an indoor studio, the yoga classes cater to your comfort. Learn to incorporate spiritual practices into your daily life and kickstart your summer with a perfect blend of relaxation, inspiration, and energy awakening. Feel refreshed and relaxed as you embark on this transformative weekend.
Family Yoga Camp Retreat
With Matthew Fredrickson, Irene Schulman and Tim Tschantz
July 17 - 21, 2024
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 Nature activities, cooperative games, and morning/evening sadhanas for parents with childcare provided. Create lasting family connections during this fun and inspiring retreat.
The Transformative Power of Prayer
With Sanjan
August 9 - 11, 2024
Immerse yourself in the transformative and tangible power of prayer during our weekend retreat featuring Whispers From Eternity by Paramhansa Yogananda. This profound text is not just a collection of prayers but a comprehensive guide on cultivating a Divine romance within and around you. Receive step-by-step instructions on how to pray effectively and thrive spiritually. Explore the right mindset for prayer, practices to enhance your prayer life, and the art of incorporating prayer into meditation. Join group prayer sessions, discussions
Bhagavad Gita Retreat
With Murali Venkatrao and Nayaswami Sagar
August 15 - 18, 2024
Immerse yourself in the world's greatest scripture, the Bhagavad Gita, during our transformative weekend retreat. Led by experienced program leaders Murali and Sagar, tap into the universal and highly practical spiritual teachings of the Gita. Explore how this powerful scripture can help you rise above the law of karma, overcome spiritual obstacles, and develop valuable skills for growth. Delve into discussions inspired by the Gita, deepen your meditation practice, and strengthen your relationship with God. Enjoy a musical evening, riveting stories from the Mahabharata, and free time to soak up the soothing vibrations of nature at Ananda Village. This unique retreat draws wisdom from "The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita Explained" by Paramhansa Yogananda. Don't miss this one-of-a-kind program to unlock the secrets and practical insights of the Bhagavad Gita.
First-Timers' Weekend
With David Seybert and Miriam Rodgers
August 30 - September 1, 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.
The Art of Spiritual Awakening
With Krishna Das LoCicero and Dr. Aditya Gait
September 6 - 8, 2024
Join us for "The Art of Spiritual Awakening" retreat and discover your role in unlocking the divine potential within you. Explore the inner call within every soul that pushes you to experience new realities and expand your awareness. Learn to cooperate with Divine grace, the power that awakens and deepens your spiritual journey. It's never too late to redefine yourself and become a being of light and joy. Maximize your spiritual efforts to create a joyful adventure into the lands of inner freedom. Develop magnetism and willpower, increase receptivity of your heart, define your true purpose, and cultivate a deep personal relationship with the Divine. Unveil the hidden power of prayer and meditation for drawing divine support. Embrace the transformative journey to express your highest aspirations and live a perfectly integrated life.
Silent Retreat
With Miriam Rodgers and David Seybert
September 12 - 15, 2024
Listen to the Song of Your Soul This 3-day Guided Silent Retreat is suitable for both beginning and experienced meditators. The methods and pattern of meditation practice are drawn from the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda. The sessions unfold at a gentle, progressive pace with opportunities to rest and reset within a longer, deeper rhythm than is […]
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 aphorisms of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. Uncover the secrets of the 8-limbed path and discover the transformative power of yoga in demystifying the journey to Self-Realization.
Yoga Getaway: Ananda Yoga to Awaken the Chakras
With Arya Cheng and Uma Keller
October 4 - 6, 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 yoga routine for deep inner relaxation. With a meditation technique from Paramhansa Yogananda, return home filled with vitality and the ability to access your inner energy at will through the practical tools of yoga.
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 […]
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© Focus on Steps 1-3
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 the power of friendship in the refined environment of Ananda Village. The weekend schedule includes insightful classes, yoga postures, meditation sessions, delicious meals, and a special healing ceremony to support your journey toward empowerment and spiritual growth.
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, the Crystal Hermitage, and receive a 20% discount on the self-paced online course, "The Yoga Teachings of Jesus." Recharge your soul, carry Christ within, and step into the New Year with renewed energy and joy.
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, kirtan, and special gatherings with Ananda members. Start the New Year healthy, joyful, and inspired with meditation and yoga sessions. Participate in the New Year's Eve Purification Ceremony, a transformative ritual to burn past karma and set powerful intentions for the New Year. Elevate your celebration and embark on a journey of self-renewal.