Immerse Yourself in an Intentional Community
Experience a two-week to three-month ashram immersion, where you can serve, learn, and live the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda in a supportive spiritual community.
The Ananda Karma Yoga Ashram Program provides a balance of meditation and joyful service within spiritual community. We offer inspirational classes to help you establish new habits, attitudes, and ways of living a joyful, victorious life.
“If you make a determined effort, you will no longer walk in fear and uncertainty on the path of life. There is a Power which will light your way, which will bring you health, happiness, peace, and success, if you will but turn toward that Light.” -Paramhansa Yogananda
- 2x/day Guided Spiritual Practices (Energization, Yoga & Meditation)
- Classes in Yoga Philosophy based on Paramhansa Yogananda's Teachings
- 23-25 hours service/week
- Opportunity for 1-on-1 Spiritual Guidance and Support
- 3x/day Wholesome Vegetarian Meals
Dates: Year-round, 2-week minimum
Pricing: $325/2 weeks, $500/month
What Is Karma Yoga?
Every action (karma) that we perform puts out a vibration of energy—leading to happiness or suffering. The practice of Karma Yoga teaches us how to bring all our actions, thoughts, and feelings into harmony with our higher Self, helping us to feel that God is the doer.
As we learn to use our energy in service to others we become happier and live in ever greater joy and freedom!
“Make service your goal, and you will see the entire plan of your life change.”
“Make service your goal, and you will see the entire plan of your life change.”
— Paramhansa Yogananda
— Paramhansa Yogananda
Why Join Ananda Karma Yoga Ashram Program?
Establish a Daily Meditation Practice
“I’ve tried to meditate before, but I find it so difficult to control my mind!” Does this sound familiar?
The meditation we teach is a universal scientific technique taught by Paramhansa Yogananda.
Practicing daily meditation helps you develop the resilience to rise above challenges in daily life and find happiness in every circumstance. Most of all, a strong meditation practice helps you establish a deep connection with the Divine.
Find Joy Through Serving Others
What is the difference between work and service? It’s a matter of consciousness. The consciousness of “work” can leave you exhausted, but if you act with the consciousness of “service” you may find you have more energy when you finish, than you had before you started.
Whether you are washing dishes, chopping vegetables, weeding a flower bed or vacuuming a carpet, you begin to see that the spirit in which you serve is more important than the service itself—and this acts as a vehicle for spiritual transformation.
Karma yogis are valued and indispensable members of our staff!
Experience Spiritual Community
Everyone needs the right environment in order to support positive changes.
Ananda Village—home to the Ananda Karma Yoga Ashram Program—has been a living laboratory practicing Yogananda’s teachings for over 50 years. Here you’ll have the interaction and support of devotees who have been putting these teachings into practice for decades.
“I can’t begin to express in words how grateful I am for the past three months with you blessed souls. I am no longer alone, and I know what I am seeking. ”
“I can’t begin to express in words how grateful I am for the past three months with you blessed souls. I am no longer alone, and I know what I am seeking. ”
— Shana, past Karma Yogi
— Shana, past Karma Yogi
What Our Karma Yogis Do
Service
You’ll serve two daily shifts at the Expanding Light Retreat or, as needed, at another department within Ananda Village or the Seclusion Retreat (our sister campus, about 15 minutes away).
- You’ll serve between 23-25 hours per week.
- You will have 1.5 days off per week.
- Tasks include dishwashing and various kitchen tasks, general cleaning, outdoor projects, and more.
Spiritual Practices
Sadhanas (spiritual practices) are offered twice daily. They can include Energization Exercises, Yoga postures, Chanting, and Meditation. You are required to attend at least 1 sadhana per day while in the program.
- The Energization Exercises are a series of 39 energy-control techniques that Yogananda developed in order to help the practitioner increase, focus, and control the life-force.
- Yoga posture practice in Ananda Yoga® is gentle for beginning students, becoming more challenging with experience.
- Ananda Meditation® is for deep relaxation, stress reduction, and higher awareness. It can be a guiding light on the path to wholeness, and a powerful way to connect with the Divine.
Yoga Philosophy
Our course curriculum of yoga philosophy is based upon the book The Art and Science of Raja Yoga written by Swami Kriyananda, based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda.
You will also have classes and/or discussions on:
- The practices and attitudes of Karma Yoga
- Yogananda’s “How to Live” Principle
- The core teachings of the path of Self-Realization
— Swami Kriyananda
Spiritual Community
Karma Yogis have opportunities to experience spiritual living at Ananda Village and the Seclusion Retreat, access our sacred meditation temples, and connect with community members.
There will also be personal time to explore our 700 acres of peaceful forests, meadows, and lakes.
During the year, Karma Yogis are invited to participate in:
- Kirtans (Devotional Chanting)
- Satsangs (spiritual gatherings)
- Holiday Celebrations
- Group meditations and community events
Typical Daily Schedule
6:30 – 8:15 am | Sadhana (Energization Exercises, Yoga postures and Meditation) |
8:15 – 9:00 am | Breakfast in silence |
9:00am – noon | Breakfast clean up and class/activity/service shift (varies daily) |
12:00 – 12:30 | Meditation |
12:30 – 1:30 pm | Lunch |
1:30 – 3:30 pm | Karma Yoga service shift (or free time) |
4:45 – 6:30 pm | Sadhana (Energization, Yoga postures and Meditation) |
6:30 – 7:30 pm | Dinner |
7:30 – 9:00 pm | Karma Yoga service shift (or free time) |
“Working with people who are here to serve God and the collective whole is truly inspirational.”
“Working with people who are here to serve God and the collective whole is truly inspirational.”
— Michelle, past Karma Yogi
— Michelle, past Karma Yogi
FAQs
We ask that you Apply Here. After you’ve sent in your application and medical form, we’ll set up a time to do a Zoom Interview to get to know each other better, and talk with you more in depth about the program. It would also be helpful for you to read Autobiography of a Yogi and The New Path to get better acquainted with our spiritual tradition before you arrive.
For first-time stays, a 2-week minimum is required. Upon approval you are welcome to stay up to 3 months in the program.
Upon acceptance in the program, we will ask you to pay a $200 deposit.
- Comfortable accommodations for the duration of your stay
- Three wholesome vegetarian meals per day.
- Comprehensive course in yoga philosophy, which includes the books, The Art and Science of Raja Yoga and Lessons in Meditation.
- Twice-daily sadhanas. Our sadhanas include Paramhansa Yogananda’s Energization Exercises, Ananda Yoga, and Ananda Meditation.
- Opportunity for 1-on-1 spiritual guidance and support.
- We’ve found that it hasn’t worked well for people to work remotely or do other side activities while in our program. Between sadhanas, service, and classes, your daily schedule will be fairly full, but not overly so.
- During your stay, you will find that you have free time to enjoy Ananda Village’s 700 acres of scenic beauty; including our quaint “downtown” Ananda, our local farms, goat dairy, and Crystal Hermitage Gardens. You may also enjoy taking time to experience local hikes around the scenic Yuba River and explore historic Nevada City.
Ananda’s Karma Yoga Ashram Program functions within an ashram environment. We ask that you help us to maintain our peaceful, uplifting atmosphere. To ensure an enjoyable experience for all we ask that you follow these guidelines during your stay:
- No recreational drugs or alcohol of any kind while in our program.
- Dress modestly. Please check out our “What to Bring List” for clarification on clothing.
- Smoking is permitted only outdoors and only on the paved parking lots both out of consideration for our guests and to reduce fire hazard.
- No pets on the grounds (with the exception of service animals).
- Quiet hours are from 9:00 pm to 9:00 am. (If listening to music in your room, please use headphones.)
We have various resources and directions to help with getting to the Expanding Light Retreat. Please check them out here. If you have more questions about getting here, please contact the Karma Yoga Ashram Department and we will be happy to advise you.
During your stay, we require that you have medical insurance. Travel medical insurance can be an inexpensive insurance option during your stay with us. We recommend checking out this website for more information on travel medical insurance.
We ask that you attend at least 1 sadhana (yoga and meditation session) per day, all morning classes and your daily seva shift(s).
During your stay we encourage you to get into the ashram vibration and this includes the devotional chanting and music of Ananda. We’d be happy to teach you how to play our chants on harmonium or guitar. Please refrain from playing other music at the Retreat. If you would like to play your instrument, we ask that you do so quietly away from the main retreat facility. We can suggest areas where you can do this.
All of your meals will be provided for you during your stay. You will have access to a fridge to store some personal food.
The chefs and cooks provide a variety of delicious and nutritious vegetarian fare that satisfies most dietary needs. Gluten free and vegan options are available at every meal. If you have special dietary needs, please talk to us personally. It is not possible for karma yogis to use the kitchen for personal cooking.
If you cancel or reschedule at least 7 days before your scheduled arrival, we will refund your payment, less a $55 processing fee. If you cancel or reschedule with shorter notice, your deposit amount will be held for one year as a credit for a future stay, less a $55 processing fee. If you’ve paid more than the deposit, we will refund the surplus amount to you. If you have any questions about this, please don’t hesitate to contact us!
Accommodations
In Seva House there are eight bedrooms with two twin beds each; six of these shared bedrooms are equipped with bunk beds.
During your stay, be prepared to have a roommate. While there is a chance you might not have a roommate, we typically cannot accommodate a special request for a single room.
The showerhouse/bathrooms are located outside of Seva House.
Our designated camping location is situated right next to Seva House.
The showerhouse/bathrooms are located outside of Seva House.
“I feel that the greatest blessing of being in the Karma Yoga program was the opportunity to attune more deeply to Ananda’s lineage of great masters, to have fellowship with devotees, and to be able to practice the presence of God through service.”
“I feel that the greatest blessing of being in the Karma Yoga program was the opportunity to attune more deeply to Ananda’s lineage of great masters, to have fellowship with devotees, and to be able to practice the presence of God through service.”
— Steven, past Karma Yogi
— Steven, past Karma Yogi
Testimonials
Transform Your Life with the Teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda
Ananda Karma Yoga Ashram Experience
- 2x/day Spiritual Practices (Energization, Yoga & Meditation)
- Classes in Yoga Philosophy based on Paramhansa Yogananda's Teachings
- 23-25 hours service/week
- Opportunity for 1-on-1 Spiritual Guidance and Support
- 3x/day Wholesome Vegetarian Meals
Dates: Year-round, 2-week minimum
Pricing: $325/2 weeks, $500/month
- Upon acceptance in the program, we will ask you to pay a $200 deposit. This deposit is fully refundable up to 7 days prior to your arrival date. If you cancel within 7 days of your arrival, we will charge a $55 processing fee.
- If you have any questions please call us at (530) 478-7523 or fill out this form and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
