Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Sanctuary for Spiritual Growth and Meditation Retreats
Founded in 1968 by Swami Kriyananda, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, we have dedicated over five decades to creating a sanctuary for spiritual growth and inner transformation. Our retreat is part of Ananda Worldwide, a global movement rooted in the teachings of Yogananda, author of *Autobiography of a Yogi*. We specialize in guided meditation retreats, yoga programs, and Karma Yoga service opportunities, all designed to help individuals cultivate joy, peace, and self-awareness. Our 72-acre property in Northern Californias Sierra Foothills features serene meditation gardens, wild forests, and sacred spaces that support deep introspection. With accommodations ranging from secluded cabins to budget-friendly bungalows, we provide nourishing vegetarian meals and a tranquil environment free from modern distractions.Our team of experienced spiritual directors and practitioners offers personalized guidance, ensuring each guest receives the tools needed to align with their inner source of joy. We adhere to the highest standards of ethical practice, maintaining a non-smoking, drug-free, and alcohol-free environment. Our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition as a transformative destination for individuals and groups seeking spiritual renewal. We operate with transparency, offering flexible retreat options, including personal seclusion and group reservations, while upholding the principles of selfless service and community. Our legacy of fostering inner peace through meditation and yoga continues to inspire thousands annually.
Services
Meditation Retreats
Yoga Programs
Karma Yoga
Accommodations
Personal Retreats
Group Reservations
Spiritual Guidance
Vegetarian Meals
Nature Immersion
Silent Retreats
Details
- Year established: 1968
Highlights and features
- Founded by a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda with 55+ years of spiritual leadership
- 72-acre property featuring meditation gardens, wild forests, and sacred spaces
- Personalized spiritual guidance from experienced practitioners and directors
- Nourishing vegetarian meals and eco-conscious, distraction-free environment
- Flexible retreat options for individuals, groups, and Karma Yoga participants
What people say
Life-changing experience
Profound rejuvenation
Supportive staff
Serene natural setting
Spiritual energy
Services
Meditation Retreats
Our meditation retreats offer immersive experiences in a serene environment designed to deepen spiritual practice. Guests engage in guided sessions, silent meditation, and nature-based mindfulness activities. Programs range from weekend workshops to extended personal seclusion, catering to both beginners and experienced practitioners seeking inner transformation.
Karma Yoga
The Karma Yoga program combines spiritual growth with community service, offering low-cost stays in exchange for 30 weekly hours of work. Participants engage in gardening, kitchen duties, and maintenance while receiving meditation instruction and yoga sessions in a supportive, spiritually aligned environment.
Accommodations
We provide diverse lodging options across 72 acres, including secluded cabins, budget-friendly bungalows, and tent camping. All accommodations emphasize simplicity and tranquility, with amenities ranging from private kitchens to shared facilities, ensuring a peaceful retreat experience aligned with nature.
Yoga Programs
Guided yoga programs focus on Hatha Yoga postures, pranayama breathing, and spiritual philosophy. Led by experienced instructors, these sessions integrate physical practice with meditative techniques to enhance vitality, inner stillness, and alignment with yogic principles for daily life application.
Group Reservations
Our retreat center accommodates groups up to 15 people for spiritual workshops, wellness programs, and nature-focused gatherings. Facilities include dedicated meeting spaces, communal dining areas, and access to meditation gardens, creating an ideal setting for collaborative spiritual growth and team-building experiences.
People
Swami Kriyananda
Founder
Founded Ananda in 1968 after becoming a disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda in 1948. Authored 150 books and 400 musical compositions, establishing global communities based on Yogananda's teachings.
Nayaswami Jyotish
Spiritual Director
Spiritual successor to Swami Kriyananda, directing Ananda Sangha Worldwide since 1966. Co-authored multiple books on Kriya Yoga and spiritual living, teaching globally on meditation and self-realization.
Nayaswami Devi
Spiritual Director
Co-led Ananda's global expansion since joining in 1969. Edited numerous spiritual texts and conducted workshops worldwide on Kriya Yoga meditation and integrating spirituality into daily life.
Paramhansa Yogananda
Spiritual Founder
First great yoga master to settle in the West, arriving in 1920. Authored *Autobiography of a Yogi* and established the spiritual lineage that inspired Ananda's founding principles and practices.
Questions
What is the Ananda Meditation Retreat's primary focus?
We specialize in meditation and yoga retreats rooted in Paramhansa Yogananda's teachings, offering programs for spiritual growth, selfless service (Karma Yoga), and personal rejuvenation in a natural sanctuary.
What types of accommodations are available?
We offer secluded cabins, budget bungalows, tent camping, and shared housing options accommodating up to 15 guests, all designed for simplicity, comfort, and connection with nature.
Are meals included in retreat packages?
Vegetarian meals are included in program tuition. Our nourishing cuisine aligns with yogic principles, emphasizing fresh, whole foods to support physical and spiritual well-being during your stay.
Can I participate in Karma Yoga without prior experience?
Yes! No prior yoga or meditation experience is required. The program includes guided instruction in Hatha Yoga, meditation techniques, and spiritual philosophy for all participants.
What nearby attractions exist for free time?
Guests enjoy Lake Tahoe, Yuba River, and Nevada City's historic district during free time. Our property features hiking trails, meditation gardens, and sacred spaces for personal exploration.
Is the retreat accessible for individuals with limited mobility?
While our natural setting includes uneven terrain, we offer accessible accommodations and can customize experiences to accommodate mobility needs. Contact us directly to discuss specific requirements.
Reviews (5)
Nyc Raw Girl
Dec 08, 2021
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Do not go during Covid restrictions. This is a lovely, lovely place but too expensive during Covid. I paid for a cabin in the woods which was lovely but it came with: no food, no temple access (even though there are many temples on the grounds), no Sunday services, no meditations, no yoga, no garbage pickup, no showers, NOTHING. Just an expensive cabin in the woods. I was absolutely warned about this before I came. I just didn't realize how much I would regret spending that much money for what felt like nothing. I would wait until at least a temple is open for use.
Cesarina Pulleyn
Jul 17, 2021
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I cant even begin to explain how amazing my retreat adventure was. I choose to go to the silent retreat, hoping to find peace. I love to talk so I thought it might be difficult for me but it wasnt, it was so rejuvenating and inspiring.
First, it was life changing. I showed up hoping to get eaten by a bear and left with so much love and peace you would think I had jumped aboard a time machine and traveled to my happy kid self and took her back with me. The staff was incredible. Susan was calm, kind, friendly, creative, wanting to help in anyway she could, extremely knowledgeable and willing
First, it was life changing. I showed up hoping to get eaten by a bear and left with so much love and peace you would think I had jumped aboard a time machine and traveled to my happy kid self and took her back with me. The staff was incredible. Susan was calm, kind, friendly, creative, wanting to help in anyway she could, extremely knowledgeable and willing
Yanna Kisala
Sep 17, 2019
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I did a personal retreat here over a week after long travels. Exactly what I needed to rest my body and mind. I loved that it's a spiritually all inclusive retreat. The staff here are genuinely friendly, and accommodating. All were eager to help me with anything I needed. I felt very welcomed and super comfortable here. The grounds are truly beautiful, well maintained, and serene. I enjoyed staying in a cozy, comfortable bungalow. I enjoyed the meditation and yoga sessions and am grateful to learn proper techniques. And the vegetarian meals were truly delicious and made with lots of love and with
Ying Bing
Jan 01, 2018
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I think the best part of the Seva Yoga program in the Meditation Retreat is that it provides a very supportive environment for deeper meditation practices, for introspection, for clearing ones mind and heart, without losing the balance of having the opportunity to giving services to others. And the bonus point also includes being able to meet amazing people, super amazing people, that are also drawn to this place. Last but not the least, it is also a very inspiring place to learn to look at lifes experiences from a higher consciousness level through discussions on the issues coming up during
Nick Herman
Dec 06, 2017
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The Seva yoga program changed my life. It came to me at a time where I needed some deep introspections/ insights into myself and the universe. The kind, supportive, and wise staff at the meditation retreat allowed me to not only grow in my own way, but to become a part of a great spiritual family full of teachers and sages that lead by example. Every day I learned something new about every aspect of this world. If the task at hand was chopping wood, doing dishes, or enjoying a Kirtan with these great souls, it provided deep growth across many planes of consciousness.
