Meditation & Yoga Retreats

Based on the Teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda

Find your retreat!

Return Home to Yourself

Meditation & Yoga Retreats

Based on the Teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda

Find your retreat!

Imagine a place where the noise fades...

Where your breath slows, your heart softens, and you begin to remember what peace feels like.

Welcome to Ananda Meditation Retreats—a sanctuary just a few hours from the Bay Area in the foothills of Northern California. Here, you’ll find two unique campuses:

  • The Expanding Light Retreat, for guided programs and joyful spiritual community, and
  • The Seclusion Retreat, for deep silence, nature, and personal renewal.

Whether you’re drawn to connection or stillness, both paths lead inward—to calm, clarity, and the quiet joy of your own soul.

Upcoming Retreats

Events

Today

List of events in Photo View

    September 5, 2026 – May 9, 2027

    Ananda Yoga® Teacher Training

    With Darshana Moore and Saraswati Gott
    Online and The Expanding Light Retreat 13930 Expanding Light Drive, Nevada City, CA, United States

    This hybrid training will help you earn your 200-hour yoga teacher certification while going deep into the spiritual heart of yoga. Start online on Sept 5 with two opportunities to come in person for a portion of the training. A transformative journey that integrates body, mind, and soul, and leaves you energized, inspired, and ready to teach!

    September 5 – December 12

    Bridge to Ananda Yoga®

    With Darshana Moore and Saraswati Gott
    Online and The Expanding Light Retreat 13930 Expanding Light Drive, Nevada City, CA, United States

    This hybrid training is especially designed for those who are already yoga teachers, and would like to go deeper in their teaching and learn more about Ananda Yoga. Start online on Sept 5 with an opportunity to come in person in Oct. Bring greater depth, meaning, and joy into your classes!

    September 11 – September 13

    Achieving Inner Peace and Tranquility

    With Nayaswami Hansa
    The Expanding Light Retreat 13930 Expanding Light Drive, Nevada City, CA, United States

    Learn simple, effective techniques you can use every day to calm the mind, reduce stress, and stay centered—through guided meditation, gentle yoga, and practical tools for inner balance.

Swami Kriyananda's Centennial
June 21-28
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Swami Kriyananda's Centennial
June 21-28 | Register by March 15
Learn More

New to Ananda Retreats? Start Here

Events

Today

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    Flexible Dates

    Personal Retreat

    The Expanding Light Retreat 13930 Expanding Light Drive, Nevada City, CA, United States

    Step away for a few days—reconnect through yoga, meditation, and nature at your own pace. Leave refreshed, centered, and uplifted.

    Flexible Dates

    Secluded Personal Retreat

    The Seclusion Retreat 18443 MacNab Cypress Road, Nevada City, CA, United States

    Reconnect with your source of inner peace in a sanctuary of stillness. Take time for meditation, reflection, and spiritual renewal, free from distractions.

    September 18 – September 20

    Yoga Retreat: Fall Into Relaxation

    With Shahla Simpler and Vidya Wells
    The Expanding Light Retreat 13930 Expanding Light Drive, Nevada City, CA, United States

    Slow down and fall into deep relaxation. Through gentle yoga, breathwork, meditation, and time in nature, restore calm, clarity, and inner balance.

Spiritual Training - Through the Practice of Karma Yoga

Go beyond a retreat—Experience a fully immersive lifestyle where meditation, service, and daily life become one
  • Live among others dedicated to growth, connection, and higher purpose.
  • Build a consistent meditation routine with guidance and support.
  • Discover how selfless service brings deep fulfillment and inner freedom

Starting at $325 for 2 weeks · $500/month

Learn More!
Meditation
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Ana-Nandadevi-Karma-Yoga
Karma Yogis at The Expanding Light Retreat seated in pronam, surrounded by nature and joy

What Guests Have Shared

"This place so wonderful for a true getaway. I have enjoyed so many of their retreats. The grounds, people, food, and programming is truly top notch. I recommend to any yogis or aspiring yogis. Enjoy!"
Marissa Dragoo
Marissa DragooExpanding Light Retreat
"As always, the Expanding Light Retreat was perfection. Clean and comfy room, delicious and soul-nourishing food, staff who are more like family, and mind-blowing instruction. Can’t wait to return."
R.B
R.BExpanding Light Retreat
"What a wonderful place to reconnect with nature, with myself, and with the cosmic energy. I came here for my birthday, and it was the best gift to myself. The land and gardens feel sacred. The people we met welcomed us with open hearts."
Angela Bohl
Angela BohlSeclusion Retreat
Experience calm & contentment If you're feeling stressed or you just want to get away from the fray, this is the place. I come to Expanding Light when I want to spend time investing in myself and my inner being. And I always leave with a huge dose of calm and contentment.
J.M
J.MThe Expanding Light Retreat
"The Expanding Light is perfect place for a healing spiritual retreat. I’ve stayed here for a personal retreat as well as for several organized retreats. Each time, the experience has been uplifting and rejuvenating [...]"
Mridu Vashist
Mridu VashistExpanding Light Retreat
"I love coming here on a regular basis to step away from normal life and become quiet and reflective. The surrounding woods are very quiet and remote, and at night the sky is lit up with stars."
Theodore T
Theodore TSeclusion Retreat
"Beautiful setting, very relaxing with great food and really nice people! Helpful instruction in yoga and meditation, even for a beginner "
Terry H
Terry HSeclusion Retreat
"This was such a wonderful experience. I did not know what to expect but everyone was so welcoming and helpful. I learned a lot that I will carry into my everyday life. We only had 2 days but I will never forget my time there. I hope to return again and also the food was amazing!"
Vicky Steven
Vicky StevenExpanding Light Retreat
"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. I felt very welcomed and super comfortable here. The grounds are truly beautiful, well maintained, and serene."
Yanna Kisala
Yanna KisalaSeclusion Retreat
"For me Ananda Village and Expanding Light Yoga and Meditation Retreat have been the healing place since 2013. No matter what is going on in my life when I come to Ananda, I leave the place feeling rejuvenated, energetically recharged and spiritually renewed"
Ludmila S.
Ludmila S.The Expanding Light Retreat

Rooted in Timeless Teachings, Open to All

At the Ananda Meditation Retreats, everything we share is inspired by the universal spiritual principles of Paramhansa Yogananda and his direct disciple, Swami Kriyananda. Their practical, uplifting wisdom is about living with greater peace, joy, and clarity—something anyone can benefit from.

While our roots are in this tradition, the practices themselves—yoga, meditation, and simple living in harmony with higher truths—are universal. Wherever you are on your journey, you’ll find inspiration and support to deepen your own connection with what is most sacred to you, in a way that feels natural and authentic.

Energize your spiritual life with inspiration straight to your inbox.​

Receive Ananda’s inspiring videos, articles and news about our retreats and online programs.

Energize your spiritual life with inspiration straight to your inbox.​

Receive Ananda’s inspiring videos, articles and news about our retreats and online programs.