Enter the New Year in Silence

This winter retreat has become a favorite among Kriyabans. Recharge your Kriya practice and enter the New Year with renewed inspiration. The retreat includes long guided Kriya sadhanas, twice daily, morning and evening, time for personal meditation and reflection, and a special New Year’s fire ceremony and meditation. Daily brunch and light dinner are served.

For Kriyabans of all levels. Open to Ananda Kriyabans only.

Registration for this program is password protected. Write kriyayoga@ananda.org for questions or to request the password.

December 29 - January 1

This Retreat Is For Kriyabans Who:

  • have already received Kriya initiation through Ananda Kriya Sangha.

  • want extended, uninterrupted time in Kriya practice and silence.

  • want to begin the New Year with focused meditation and reflection.

  • like to be offered structure, inspiration, and meals for their seclusion.

Why Seclusion?

  • A Gift to Your Soul

    Seclusion is a sacred opportunity to step away from daily responsibilities and immerse yourself in inner stillness. Yogananda recommended it as one of the fastest ways to accelerate spiritual growth–in fact, he even said, “Seclusion is the price of greatness.”

  • The Blessing of Going Inward

    Seclusion is not an escape—it is a conscious return to your soul’s center. The Seclusion Retreat provides a sanctuary where the heart can open, the mind can quiet, and God’s presence can be felt more deeply.

I'm ready for a seclusion!

What Awaits You

  • Deeper Kriya Practice

    Each day includes two longer guided Kriya meditations, giving you time in practice that a typical day at home rarely allows. Guided sessions support focus, inspire devotion, and reinforce meditation discipline and spiritual understanding.

  • Shared Stillness

    You and your fellow Kriyabans share the same stillness, devotion, intention, and practice, helping you go deeper in this seclusion. There is great power in meditating together in shared devotion.

  • New Year's Eve Ceremony and Reflection

    On New Year's Eve, a fire ceremony and midnight meditation with healing prayers offer a chance to close out the year and set intentions for the one ahead. The seclusion ends with a spiritual journaling exercise on the morning of January 1st.

  • Energy of Decades of Devoted Practice

    Ananda was founded on this land, where Swami Kriyananda and generations of dedicated souls have spent hours in meditation over the past 57 years. These spiritual vibrations, along with the peace and quiet of the Seclusion Retreat, provide a strong foundation for a deep and uplifting retreat.

  • All Is Arranged, So You Can Simply Be

    This seclusion offers structure, inspiration, guidance, and meals, freeing you to rest, rejuvenate, and reconnect with your higher Self and true intuition.

What's Included in Your Stay

Your Room

Choose for our varied accommodation options. From a cozy cabin, to a private ensuite room.

Your Meals

Relax and take a break from thinking about your next meal. Daily brunch and light dinner are included, taken in silence throughout your stay.

Daily Practice

Twice daily energization Exercises and guided Kriya meditations. Daily inspiration and optional yoga.

New Year's Ceremony

A fire ceremony, midnight meditation with healing prayers, and a closing spiritual journaling exercise.

I'm ready to reset and recharge

Prices and Accommodations

A variety of private cabins, uniquely decorated and tucked into nature, designed to offer a quiet, serene retreat. Some are remote and secluded, others closer to the gardens and central facilities.

All Inclusive Rates

The rates below cover everything for one person per night*, including your cabin, three delicious vegetarian meals each day, and full participation in the program.

  • Full Kitchen + Private Bathroom Starting at $202

    Ideal for those seeking maximum comfort and autonomy. These cabins (e.g. Devotion, Generosity, Peace of Mind, Krishna) provide full kitchens, private baths, decks, and tranquil surroundings.

  • Kitchenette + Private Bathroom Starting at $177

    A balance of convenience and simplicity. These cabins (e.g. Kindness, Contentment) include a compact kitchenette and a private shower, perfect for solo or couples who don’t need a full kitchen.

  • Kitchenette + Shared Bathroom Starting at $131

    Budget-friendly options. Some cabin-style lodgings (e.g. Renunciation, Lahiri, Happiness Lodge) have a small kitchenette but share bath facilities in the nearby shower house.

*Minimum two-night stay. Extra charge for additional people. 

Simple, cozy dwellings, with easy access to shared bath facilities. These are insulated for seasonal comfort, but do not provide cooking or food storage facilities.

All Inclusive Rates

The rates below cover everything for one person*, including your bungalow, three delicious vegetarian meals each day, and full participation in the program.

  • Garden Bungalows $124

    Comfortable and convenient, these bungalows are near dining, lounge, and temple areas, offering the shortest walks to shared facilities.

  • Secluded Bungalows $115

    More tucked away for added privacy, yet still with easy access to the Shower House. A great choice for one person or for those wanting a quieter feel.

*Minimum two-night stay. Extra charge for additional people. 

The most economical lodging option, situated under a forest canopy with no hookups, ideal for those content with very simple, nature-immersed stays.
There is a Porta-Potty in the campground area and the shower house and toilets are nearby in the main retreat area.

All Inclusive Rates

The rates below cover everything for one person per night*, including three delicious vegetarian meals each day, and full participation in the program.

  • Tent $72
  • RV $82

*Minimum two-night stay. Extra charge for additional people. 

A variety of private cabins, uniquely decorated and tucked into nature, designed to offer a quiet, serene retreat. Some are remote and secluded, others closer to the gardens and central facilities.

All Inclusive Rates

The rates below cover everything for one person per night*, including your cabin, three delicious vegetarian meals each day, and full participation in the program.

  • Full Kitchen + Private Bathroom Starting at $202

    Ideal for those seeking maximum comfort and autonomy. These cabins (e.g. Devotion, Generosity, Peace of Mind, Krishna) provide full kitchens, private baths, decks, and tranquil surroundings.

  • Kitchenette + Private Bathroom Starting at $177

    A balance of convenience and simplicity. These cabins (e.g. Kindness, Contentment) include a compact kitchenette and a private shower, perfect for solo or couples who don’t need a full kitchen.

  • Kitchenette + Shared Bathroom Starting at $131

    Budget-friendly options. Some cabin-style lodgings (e.g. Renunciation, Lahiri, Happiness Lodge) have a small kitchenette but share bath facilities in the nearby shower house.

*Minimum two-night stay. Extra charge for additional people. 

Simple, cozy dwellings, with easy access to shared bath facilities. These are insulated for seasonal comfort, but do not provide cooking or food storage facilities.

All Inclusive Rates

The rates below cover everything for one person per night*, including your bungalow, three delicious vegetarian meals each day, and full participation in the program.

  • Garden Bungalows $124

    Comfortable and convenient, these bungalows are near dining, lounge, and temple areas, offering the shortest walks to shared facilities.

  • Secluded Bungalows $115

    More tucked away for added privacy, yet still with easy access to the Shower House. A great choice for one person or for those wanting a quieter feel.

*Minimum two-night stay. Extra charge for additional people. 

The most economical lodging option, situated under a forest canopy with no hookups, ideal for those content with very simple, nature-immersed stays.
There is a Porta-Potty in the campground area and the shower house and toilets are nearby in the main retreat area.

All Inclusive Rates

The rates below cover everything for one person per night*, including three delicious vegetarian meals each day, and full participation in the program.

  • Tent $72
  • RV $82

*Minimum two-night stay. Extra charge for additional people. 

FAQs

Seclusion is for you if you:

  • Feel called to deepen your meditations
  • Are looking for silence and solitude
  • Are seeking clarity, peace, or life direction
  • Want extended time away from external stimulation, technology, and distractions
  • Are preparing for a personal milestone or spiritual commitment
  • Follow Yogananda’s path and wish to strengthen your attunement

This seclusion is open only to Ananda Kriyabans who have received Kriya initiation through Ananda Kriya Sangha.

Registration for this program is password protected. Write to kriyayoga@ananda.org for questions or to request the password.

It is a silent retreat with a structured program, including guided Kriya meditation sessions held twice daily, morning and evening. Meals and personal time are kept in silence throughout.

The schedule includes open blocks between sessions, allowing time for walking, reading or listening to uplifting spiritual teachings or music, journaling, creativity, and rest.

 

Prices stated above are per person and include:

  • 2 vegetarian meals/day
  • Tea, coffee, and fruit throughout the day
  • All activities mentioned in the program schedule

Meals are included. Some secluders, though, prefer to make their own food, so as to stay fully immersed in seclusion. For this option, you would choose one of our cabins with a kitchen or kitchenette, equipped with cooking utensils and dishware. Bungalows and camping do not have cooking facilities, therefore you would join the retreat’s meals.

Let us know if you’re opting out on food. 

We can accommodate some special dietary needs with non-dairy, non-wheat, and egg-free choices. If you have other dietary needs, it may be that we will not be able to accommodate them in our kitchen and we thus advise that you bring some supplementary food for yourself.

  • Meditation gear (cushion, shawl, timer)
  • Uplifting reading material (we also have a small lending library that is open to all guests)
  • Journal and pen
  • Any items that support your prayer and devotional life
  • Flashlight – important!
  • Water bottle
  • Your own yoga mat, if you have one (we also have yoga mats, pillows and meditation benches for you to use)
  • Sturdy shoes and sandals (best to bring shoes, boots and sandals that are easily removable since there are no shoes worn in the cabins and temples)
  • Comfortable, casual, modest clothing — dress in layers, as evenings are usually cool even in summertime
  • Food if you are staying in a cabin with a kitchen and prefer to prepare your own meals
  • Optional: Sun hat, sun glasses, sunscreen, rain gear when applicable

Seclusion Retreat is first and foremost a spiritual ashram. In order to maintain our uplifting and inward atmosphere, please dress modestly. Examples include longer shorts and sleeved tee shirts are (preferred), though wide-strapped tank tops are ok. Aside from yoga classes, please add a modest cover-up with leotards, leggings, or swimsuits.

The Kriyaban Seclusion is available only to adults who have received Kriya initiation through Ananda Kriya Sangha. Children are not advised to attend this retreat.

Sorry, though we are animal lovers, we are unable to accommodate pets on our facilities. Please leave your beloved pets at home with a family member or sitter and enjoy the peace and quiet.

  • Check-In time: 3 pm – 5 pm
  • Check-out time: 11 am 

The best airport to fly into is Sacramento International Airport (SMF). The Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) is also an option, but is less preferable.

Both airports are approximately 2 hours driving distance from us, so you’ll need to rent a car or hire a drive. If needed, we can share contact information for drivers who have helped our guests in the past.

Yes, our retreat is a little out of the way. And once you get here, you’ll be glad it is! Address: 18443 MacNab Cypress Road, Nevada City, CA 95959

If you cancel or reschedule on or before 7 days prior to your arrival date, we can refund your entire payment, less a $55 processing fee.

If you cancel or reschedule within 7 days of your arrival date, we will hold your deposit for one year as a credit for a future stay, less a $55 processing fee. If you have paid more than the deposit, we will refund the surplus amount to you.

To cancel your reservation, please call Guest Services at 800-346-5350 or 530-478-7518.

We appreciate your consideration, as The Seclusion Retreat is part of Ananda Worldwide, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. You’ll have the opportunity to add a donation directly on your registration form, or you can donate using the button below.

Your Guide For This Retreat

Devalila Veenhof

Devalila, an Ananda Lightbearer and Kriyacharya, is Director of Ananda Kriya Sangha for North and South America. She has been practicing and sharing Paramhansa Yogananda’s teachings for over 20 years. She served as Director of Online with Ananda for nearly 10 years, where she developed and taught online courses. Devalila’s great joy and gifts are in supporting and encouraging people, wherever they are spiritually, and helping them find their next step along their journey toward Self-realization.

 

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