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Ananda Meditation Retreats

Ananda Meditation Retreats

Home of The Expanding Light & The Seclusion Retreat

Home of The Expanding Light & The Seclusion Retreat

Ananda Meditation Retreats

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    Yoga and Meditation Retreats

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    Featured Retreats & Programs

    Personal Retreat

    Yoga, meditation, and nature at your own pace.

    Silent Retreats

    Go deep into silence and reconnect with your soul.

    Karma Yogis at The Expanding Light Retreat seated in pronam, surrounded by nature and joy

    Karma Yoga

    Immerse in spiritual community through service.

  • Campuses

    The Expanding Light Retreat

    Supportive retreats nestled in a vibrant spiritual community. 

    • Explore the Campus
    • Available Programs
    • Getting Here
    • Accommodations
    • FAQs

    The Seclusion Retreat

    A quiet forest sanctuary ideal for silence and deep meditation.

    • Explore the Campus
    • Available Programs
    • Getting Here
    • Accommodations
    • FAQs
  • Guest Groups
  • About
  • Contact

Karma Yoga Ashram Experience Application

"*" indicates required fields

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PERSONAL INFORMATION

Name*
Email*
Mailing Address*
MM slash DD slash YYYY
Marital Status*

KARMA YOGA PROGRAM INFORMATION

Have you ever stayed at the Expanding Light Retreat or the Seclusion Retreat (previously called Meditation Retreat)?*
The Expanding Light Retreat, as part of Ananda, is dedicated to following the non-sectarian teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda. While we do not proselytize-and do not expect that you become a follower of this spiritual path- our spiritual life is dedicated to God and our particular lineage of yoga masters, including Jesus Christ and Paramhansa Yogananda. Is this comfortable for you?*
The Karma Yoga Program is set up to offer people a focused and disciplined ashram experience. When we serve together with a willing and joyful attitude we benefit the most from this program and grow spiritually. For this reason it is important for participants in this Program to attend all daily activities. Are you willing to attend all activities during your stay with us?*
Daily service includes dishwashing (with heavy pots and pans) and housekeeping (cleaning bathrooms, vacuuming, etc.) and gardening. Will you be able to handle this in a responsible and energetic fashion?*

HOUSING

Are you willing to share a small room (possibly with bunk beds) with one other person (same gender) in our Karma Yoga housing? (Typically we cannot accomodate a private room)*
Are you comfortable with sleeping on the top bunk?*
Would you be interested in bringing your own tent to live in during your stay (applicable May through October)?*

OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION

At the heart of Paramhansa Yogananda’s teachings is developing a daily, regular meditation practice. Are you willing to commit to attending sadhana every morning from 6:30 am to 8:15 am?*
Are you willing to commit to not using marijuana, recreational drugs, or alcohol either on or off the property while you are in the Karma Yoga Program?*
We have a zero tolerance policy on this topic.
Do you have a residence to return to at the conclusion of your stay in the Karma Yoga Program? (This includes if for any reason you need to leave the program early.)*
Have you ever been convicted of a felony?*

TRANSPORTATION

Do you have your own transportation to the Karma Yoga Program?*
If not, will you be taking public transportation?*
Please visit our website for more information about tranportation options: https://www.expandinglight.org/who/directions.php

DIET RESTRICTIONS

Please provide two references:

PERSONAL REFERENCES

Name*
Name*
Accepted file types: jpg, gif, png, pdf, Max. file size: 512 MB.
You must have Medical Insurance during your stay in the Karma Yoga Program. Please provide your medical insurance information. If you do not currently have medical insurance we can refer you to a website to obtain travel insurance during your stay with us. Please bring your insurance card with you for your stay.

MEDICAL INSURANCE

MM slash DD slash YYYY

MEDICAL QUESTIONNAIRE

It is very important that you answer the following questions completely and truthfully, as your physical, mental and emotional health are important factors in determining how our programs can best work for you. The Karma Yoga Program requires that you participate in a variety of activities—some more strenuous than others. To help us decide if this program is right for you, please answer the questions below. All responses are confidential. Have questions? Please don’t hesitate to contact us at karmayoga@expandinglight.org.
Please check any of the following difficulties you have had and explain relevant specifics in the next question.*
If you have asthma medications and/or nitroglycerine, please keep them with you at all times during the course.
Do you smoke?*
If you do smoke it is essential that you ONLY smoke in designated areas both for the wellness of our guests and because we are in an extremely high fire danger area.

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

In case of an emergency, whom can we contact?
Name*
Address*
During your participation in the program, we will be taking photos and videos of Karma Yogis for marketing purposes. Do we have permission to use any photos and videos of you?*
Max. file size: 512 MB.

Joy is within you.

Locations

The Expanding Light Retreat
13930 Expanding Light Drive
Nevada City, CA 95959

The Seclusion Retreat
18443 MacNab Cypress Road
Nevada City, CA 95959

Guest Services

Guest Services Office Hours
Mon to Sun: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
(530) 478-7518 or 1-800-346-5350

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