A self-paced yoga and meditation retreat based on the wisdom of Paramhansa Yogananda
If you’re ready to melt your stresses away through the healing power of meditation, yoga and nature, then a supported personal retreat is for you. You’ll return home feeling nurtured and recharged.
Enjoy 20,000 tulips during your retreat this spring.
Stay with us between April 10th and early May for Personal Retreat and enjoy special perks:
- Free entrance ticket to the Crystal Hermitage gardens to see 20,000 tulips and myriad flowering plants and trees
- 10% discount at the Crystal Hermitage boutique
- A free book about Crystal Hermitage.
Imagine...
The peace from your morning yoga and meditation stays with you as you sit on a bench by Lotus Lake, cradling a warm cup of tea in your hands. The pine-scented air carries the birdsong and wraps around you like a gentle embrace.
You gaze across the lake. The water, still as glass, reflects the blue sky. Your heart expands with quiet joy as you watch a mother deer and her fawn graze nearby.
Every breath is an invitation to enter deeper into this calmness. You can feel the world fall away until only this perfect, peaceful moment remains.
I'm ready to relax
Peace awaits you
Surround yourself with life-long meditators and yogis and be immersed in the vibrant spiritual energy, which will uplift and rejuvenate you, reigniting your enthusiasm and joy. Feel empowered and supported on your spiritual path.
Through your choice of our daily retreat activities including guided meditation and yoga, you will feel nurtured so you can go home feeling refreshed and at peace.
Experience the transformative power of a retreat in one of the world’s oldest and most successful intentional spiritual communities.
Through guided Ananda Yoga® and meditation sessions, you will enter into a slower pace and quiet your mind, so you can practice being in the present moment, and discover inner peace.
A Personal Retreat allows you to unwind and recharge through guided meditation, Ananda Yoga®, and pranayama breathing, helping to release stress and quiet your mind.
Surrounded by nature’s beauty, you’ll feel supported on your spiritual journey and return home refreshed and rejuvenated. With structured or self-guided activities, you’ll leave with lasting peace and the ability to cultivate wellbeing in your daily life.
Peace is calling!
Welcome to our retreat
As soon as you enter into The Expanding Light Retreat, a sense of peace, calmness and quiet will welcome you. As guests often say, the serene, magical grounds create a truly peaceful atmosphere, making every visit feel like a glimpse of heaven on earth.
As you settle into the retreat’s uplifting embrace, you will feel your energy shift. Whether you find stillness in meditation, inspiration in spiritual teachings, or renewal in the beauty of nature, each moment here invites you to go deeper within.
Stroll through sacred spaces, from the serene waters of Lotus Lake to the radiant Temple of Light. Let the whispering trees, vibrant gardens, and peaceful sanctuaries support your journey inward, offering a space to reconnect with your highest self.
Personal Retreat is your experience
We are here to support you on every step of your journey. Whether you want to have an inward and quiet experience, without much interaction, or you want more social opportunities and guided activities, we have various options available to help you customize your experience and make the most of your stay.
Feel the serenity of nature
Take a break from technology and experience the healing power of our 750 acres of evergreen forests, meadows, and lakes.
Whether you choose to take a self-guided affirmation walk on one of our many trails, enjoy the expansive views on Sunset Ridge, or experience world-renowned Sharing Nature® activities, this retreat will give you the space to immerse yourself in nature’s beauty.
Learn powerful meditation techniques
Wouldn’t it be fulfilling to learn meditation techniques that actually work, taught by experienced meditation teachers?
On this retreat, through step-by-step guidance in ancient and scientific meditation techniques, you will feel confident and empowered to develop a regular meditation practice at home.
Practice yoga postures for higher awareness
Discover a yoga practice that is spiritually focused and centering, rather than just another trendy workout.
Imagine starting each day moving through gentle Ananda Yoga postures, supported with transformational affirmations. Guided hatha yoga is offered each morning and afternoon during your stay.
Explore Energization Exercises
Through practicing Paramhansa Yogananda’s Energization Exercises, you will gain greater awareness and control of your energy, so you can live a more centered, balanced and joyful life.
Though not widely known in modern society, these exercises are simple and yet quite revolutionary in their neurological and physiological benefits.
Dive into the philosophy of yoga
Experience dynamic discussions and immersive classes on yoga philosophy that bridge ancient wisdom with modern life.
Offered several times a week, these thoughtful explorations provide practical insights to help you integrate spiritual principles into your daily routine.
Let us cook for you!
Relax and take a break from thinking about your next meal. On this retreat, your all-you-can-eat meals are included in your stay!
Feel nurtured and energized with our organic, international, vegetarian meals* prepared with love. Sit back, relax and mindfully enjoy your meals in our electronics-free dining room or our outdoor piazza.
*Gluten-free and vegan options available!
I'm ready for renewal
A retreat in the heart of a spiritual community
The Expanding Light Retreat is in the heart of Ananda Village, one of the world’s oldest and most successful intentional spiritual communities. Ananda’s spiritual tradition is based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, author of Autobiography of a Yogi, and founded by his direct disciple Swami Kriyananda.
During your stay, you’ll get to explore not only The Expanding Light Retreat, but other beautiful places at Ananda Village like the world class tulip gardens at the Crystal Hermitage, the community cafe and health food market, expansive views at Sunset Ridge, and many sacred temples.
You will meet people that have been living, meditating and serving in this community for over 50 years. Our residents have chosen to live a conscious life dedicated to service and meditation—not removing themselves from the world—but rather integrating a spiritual and harmonious approach into every aspect of their lives. You’ll feel encouraged, inspired and supported on your unique personal spiritual journey.
Free gifts to continue your journey
Enjoy these special offerings when you come for a Personal Retreat
Free book
Pick out a book from the Wisdom of Yogananda series – get a new one each visit
Personal Retreat guide
Bring a plethora of self-guided and supportive activities home with you to keep your inspriation alive
Online course discounts
Access discounts to join in our online courses to continue learning and growing at your own pace
We look forward to meeting you!
Sundara Traymar
Personal Retreat Host
Sundara is a gifted and extraordinarily creative teacher, winning friends wherever he is. He finds deep joy in helping people understand spiritual concepts. His classes and weekend retreats are immersive and experiential, and his clear explanations help people apply yogic teachings to real-life situations.
Sundara has lived at Ananda Village since 2008 and serves as The Expanding Light spiritual director, supporting the spiritual welfare of both retreat staff and guests. Among the many hats he wears, he is a certified Ananda meditation teacher trainer, hosts and leads weekend retreat programs and oversees our flagship programs, Karma Yoga and Personal Retreat.
Nayaswami Mantradevi
Personal Retreat Host
Nayaswami Mantradevi is warm and approachable and you’ll feel like you have an understanding friend in her. She has an aptitude for helping people gain inner clarity and find ways to take the next step in their ongoing spiritual unfoldment.
Mantradevi has lived at Ananda since 1979 and her inherent insights, clarity, and joy are gained from years of meditating, teaching, and counseling. She now puts her talents into developing programs for The Expanding Light, working with teachers leading the programs, spiritual counseling, and supporting guests and staff alike.
Bhramacharini Meerabai
Personal Retreat Host
Brahmacharini Meerabai’s gentle and grounded presence is felt by all, whether it be guests or staff. Among her many talents, Meerabai is gifted at holding everyone in her awareness, and is instantly attuned and helpful whenever a need arises.
Meerabai has lived at Ananda Village since 2013 and currently serves as Guest Services manager, lovingly supporting all aspects of guest reservations and accommodations. She’s also a regular personal retreat host and Ananda Yoga sadhana leader. Living on The Expanding Light campus, she serves as our dedicated 24-hour onsite staff member, always ensuring everyone is well taken care of, no matter the hour.
Gayatri Kretzmann
Family Personal Retreat Host
FAQs
I'm new to meditation. Will I be able to do this retreat?
Yes, having a meditation practice is not required for any retreat. We offer meditation classes for beginners multiple times per week.
What is included in my retreat price?
- 3 vegetarian meals/day
- Tea, coffee, fruit throughout the day
- Twice daily yoga & meditation sessions
- Classes, activities and community events
- Lodging according to your selection
- A Personal Retreat host to guide and support you in your experience
What is not included in my retreat price?
- Airport transport
- Additional healing services (massage, spiritual counseling)
- Extra snacks (available in our community market)
If you need any of these services, please contact us in advance so we can help you to arrange it.
Can I come as a day guest? What does a day pass include?
Yes, you are welcome to join us for the day. Your pass includes all your meals, access to our facilities and two yoga and meditation sessions.
To book a day pass, please call Guest Services at 800-346-5350 or 530-478-7518.
What's your cancellation policy?
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 actually cancel your reservation call Guest Services at 800-346-5350 or 530-478-7518.
Do you offer any discounts?
Yes, we do! Please ask our Guest Services team to help you apply a discount to your registration. Exclusions do apply (see below).
*Promotional Discounts:
- Bring a Friend: 15% off each guest when you bring a friend with you (must be a first-time guest).
- Awake & Ready: 15% off when you book 2+ months in advance.
- Longer Stay: 20% off when you book 28+ consecutive days with us.
- Book Your Next Stay: 15% off when you book your next stay with us before departure.
Needs Based Discounts: We want to make our retreat accessible, and we thus offer additional discounts to various populations such as Seniors, Veterans, Ananda Kriyabans and Sevakas. These discounts are provided on an as-needed basis and by request only. Please inquire with Guest Services if you would like to explore options.
*Exclusions: While these promotional discounts are applicable for Personal Retreat (as described on this page), they are not applicable to some other programs featured on our website such as certificate programs through the Ananda School of Yoga and Meditation, Karma Yoga Immersion, Inner Renewal Retreat, Kriyaban Retreat or Spiritual Renewal Week.
I'm coming from a distance. What is the nearest airport, and how do I get to The Expanding Light Retreat?
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 1.5 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: 13930 Expanding Light Drive, Nevada City, CA.
What if I have special dietary requirements?
Our retreat kitchen offers thoughtfully prepared vegetarian meals. We are able to accommodate some dietary needs, including non-dairy, non-wheat, and egg-free options.
Due to the size and structure of our kitchen, we are not able to accommodate more specific or medically complex dietary requirements. If you have additional dietary restrictions, we kindly ask that you plan to bring any supplemental food you may need to support your well-being during your stay.
For your convenience, a small refrigerator is available in the Serenity House Lounge for guests staying there, and a full-size refrigerator is located outside our kitchen for storing personal food items. A local market near Ananda Village is also available should you need to purchase specialty items.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in helping us maintain a smooth and nourishing retreat experience for all guests.
What do I need to bring with me?
The atmosphere at The Expanding Light is casual. Consider bringing layers just in case (our elevation is 2,500 feet).
- For yoga postures and meditation, bring comfortable, loose-fitting attire.
- If you plan to attend Sunday Service, it’s ideal to bring something a bit less casual.
- Slip-on shoes are helpful, as we remove our shoes when entering the Temple and also the living quarters
- If you enjoy walking, we suggest a good pair of walking shoes so you can enjoy our nearly 700 acres of beautiful grounds.
- You also might want to bring a bathing suit in summer to be able to enjoy the beautiful Yuba River (just a 20-minute drive from The Expanding Light Retreat).
We provide towels and unscented all-purpose liquid soap.
Do you have a dress code?
Expanding Light 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.
Can I bring my children?
Our personal retreat offerings are designed for adults, but older and/or mature children who will appreciate the experience are welcome to join.
Though younger children are welcome as well, they will need parental supervision at all times. We ask that you speak with us before making your reservation if it will include younger children.
Babies and toddlers, unless prone to a rather mild and calm temperament, can disrupt the retreat experience for other guests. As a general rule, we are not able to accommodate this age-group.
Can I bring my pet?
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.
Do you have wifi? What about cell service?
Yes, wifi is available to guests in certain areas of the retreat. While we keep the dining room as an electronics-free space, wifi access is available in other areas, including rooms in both Harmony House and Serenity House accommodations.
Cell-phone service can be spotty in our area; AT&T and Verizon tend to get the best service.
Want to fully unplug? We’re happy to store your cell-phone or electronic devices in our safe at Guest Services to help you out!
How can I make a donation to The Expanding Light Retreat?
We appreciate your consideration, as The Expanding 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.
I would like to bring a group of people for a private retreat. How can I do that?
Fabulous! There are many ways that we can accommodate groups, even offering unique and tailored experiences for your needs. If you’re interested in exploring your options, please reach out to Guest Services and we will put you in touch with our Guest Groups host.
Prices and Accommodations
Serenity House is an inn-style house with twelve rooms and four shared hallway bathrooms. Most rooms have two twin beds (queen or converted king available in limited availability and by special request). Each room has a bedside table, wardrobe, and a mini split heating/cooling unit.
Guests also have access to a centrally-located lounge equipped with a television, video player, and library of inspirational videos/books. There’s also a small kitchenette with tea and a refrigerator for personal items.
Rates
The rates below cover everything for one person per night*, including your shared or private room, a shared hallway bathroom, three delicious vegetarian meals each day, and full participation in the program. A minimum two-night stay is required.
Sun - Thur
Weekend
-
Standard Shared $154
-
Standard Private $218
-
Standard Shared $167
-
Standard Private $244
*Minimum two-night stay. Extra charge for additional people.
Each Harmony House room has a private entrance, a private bathroom, a desk, mini split heating/cooling unit, a ceiling fan, and a hairdryer.
Harmony House is dedicated to expressing Yogananda’s expansive approach to religion and his belief in celebrating God through beauty. Simply and elegantly appointed, each room is decorated in the theme of one of the great world religions.
Rates
The rates below cover everything for one person per night*, including your shared or private room, an ensuite bathroom, three delicious vegetarian meals each day, and full participation in the program. A minimum two-night stay is required.
Sun - Thur
Weekend
-
Ensuite Shared $192
-
Ensuite Private $294
-
Ensuite Shared $210
-
Ensuite Private $330
*Minimum two-night stay.Extra charge for additional people
Cabins: Each cabin has one room, which is larger and more private than other standard rooms; cabin occupants share separate men’s and women’s shower houses about a minute’s walk away. All cabins have A/C.
Rates
The rates below cover everything for one person per night*, including your shared or private cabin, access to a shared shower house, three delicious vegetarian meals each day, and full participation in the program. A minimum two-night stay is required.
Sun - Thur
Weekend
-
Shared Cabin $147
-
Private Cabin $203
-
Shared Cabin $159
-
Private Cabin $228
*Minimum two-night stay.Extra charge for additional people
Tent camping is available on varied campsites. RVs are welcome year-round, but we do not have RV facilities or hookups.
All meals are included for tenters and RVers. Because of wild animals, food is not allowed in the tenting area, and tent spaces DO NOT include facilities for cooking or picnicking. We have a refrigerator on an outside deck behind our kitchen, which guests can use. Tenters are expected to bring their own tenting gear.
Please note: We are in fire country. No campfires are allowed. Tenters cannot use candles, kerosene lamps, or anything with an open flame.
Rates
The rates below cover everything for one person per night*, including a tenting/rv space, access to a shared shower house, three delicious vegetarian meals each day, and full participation in the program. A minimum two-night stay is required.
Sun - Thur
Weekend
-
Tent/RV $118
-
Tent/RV 128
*Minimum two-night stay.Extra charge for additional people
Serenity House is an inn-style house with twelve rooms and four shared hallway bathrooms. Most rooms have two twin beds (queen or converted king available in limited availability and by special request). Each room has a bedside table, wardrobe, and a mini split heating/cooling unit.
Guests also have access to a centrally-located lounge equipped with a television, video player, and library of inspirational videos/books. There’s also a small kitchenette with tea and a refrigerator for personal items.
Rates
The rates below cover everything for one person per night*, including your shared or private room, a shared hallway bathroom, three delicious vegetarian meals each day, and full participation in the program. A minimum two-night stay is required.
*Minimum two-night stay. Extra charge for additional people.
Sun - Thur
-
Standard Shared $154
-
Standard Private $218
Weekend
-
Standard Shared $167
-
Standard Private $244
Each Harmony House room has a private entrance, a private bathroom, a desk, mini split heating/cooling unit, a ceiling fan, and a hairdryer.
Harmony House is dedicated to expressing Yogananda’s expansive approach to religion and his belief in celebrating God through beauty. Simply and elegantly appointed, each room is decorated in the theme of one of the great world religions.
Rates
The rates below cover everything for one person per night*, including your shared or private room, an ensuite bathroom, three delicious vegetarian meals each day, and full participation in the program. A minimum two-night stay is required.
*Minimum two-night stay. Extra charge for additional people.
Sun - Thur
-
Ensuite Shared $192
-
Ensuite Private $294
Weekend
-
Ensuite Shared $210
-
Ensuite Private $330
Cabins: Each cabin has one room, which is larger and more private than other standard rooms; cabin occupants share separate men’s and women’s shower houses about a minute’s walk away. All cabins have A/C.
Rates
The rates below cover everything for one person per night*, including your shared or private cabin, access to a shared shower house, three delicious vegetarian meals each day, and full participation in the program. A minimum two-night stay is required.
*Minimum two-night stay. Extra charge for additional people.
Sun - Thur
-
Shared Cabin $147
-
Private Cabin $203
Weekend
-
Shared Cabin $159
-
Private Cabin $228
Tent camping is available on varied campsites. RVs are welcome year-round, but we do not have RV facilities or hookups.
All meals are included for tenters and RVers. Because of wild animals, food is not allowed in the tenting area, and tent spaces DO NOT include facilities for cooking or picnicking. We have a refrigerator on an outside deck behind our kitchen, which guests can use. Tenters are expected to bring their own tenting gear.
Please note: We are in fire country. No campfires are allowed. Tenters cannot use candles, kerosene lamps, or anything with an open flame.
Rates
The rates below cover everything for one person per night*, including your tenting/RV space, access to a shared shower house, three delicious vegetarian meals each day, and full participation in the program. A minimum two-night stay is required.
*Minimum two-night stay. Extra charge for additional people.
Sun - Thur
-
Tent/RV $118
Weekend
-
Tent/RV $128
Contact Us
We’d love to hear from you! Call us at (800) 346-5350 or (530) 478-7518 or send us a message with the form below and we’ll reply to you as soon as we can.
Guest Services office hours are: Mon – Sun: 9 AM – 5 PM
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