Seek wisdom you can actually live, not just admire. If you’re longing for clarity, inner confidence, and a more direct connection with your higher self, this weekend retreat offers a meaningful introduction to the Bhagavad Gita as a practical guide for spiritual life. Rather than approaching it as theory alone, you’ll explore its teachings in a way that is intuitive, grounded, and immediately useful.
Swami Kriyananda, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, described the Gita as “the world’s greatest scripture” because its truths are direct, workable, and deeply transformative. During this retreat, you’ll discover how its timeless wisdom can help you move beyond old conditioning, strengthen your spiritual practice, and bring greater calm and courage into everyday life.
August 27 – 30
At The Expanding Light Retreat
2-Day Retreat
All Meals Included
Twice Daily Yoga and Meditation
FREE book!
This retreat is ideal for anyone who wants to:
Explore the Gita’s practical wisdom
Discover how this ancient scripture can support your spiritual growth and help you navigate inner obstacles with greater awareness and purpose.
Bring the teachings into daily life
This retreat goes beyond philosophy. You’ll learn how to apply the Gita’s insights to real-life challenges and meet them with steadiness, insight, and inner centeredness.
Experience Yogananda’s perspective
Guided by teachers inspired by Paramhansa Yogananda, you’ll encounter the Gita through a lineage known for clarity, authenticity, and heart.
Let devotion open the heart
A special evening of devotional music and chanting, along with stories from the Mahabharata, will bring the Gita’s message to life in a memorable and inspiring way.
Deepen your connection with the Divine
Whether you are new to meditation or returning to it, you’ll receive supportive guidance, sacred space, and practical techniques to help strengthen your relationship with God.
Rest in the beauty of nature
Enjoy time to walk, reflect, and simply be within Ananda Village, set on 750 acres of forests, trails, meadows, and sacred spaces designed for renewal.
Standard Shared – $593
Serenity House offers inn-style lodging with twelve rooms, four shared hallway bathrooms, twin beds in most rooms, and access to a lounge, kitchenette, tea, and a refrigerator for personal items.
Standard Private – $811
Ensuite Shared – $717
Harmony House rooms include a private entrance, private bathroom, desk, mini split heating/cooling unit, ceiling fan, and hairdryer.
Ensuite Private – $1059
Shared Cabin – $569.50
Cabins offer a larger, more private room with A/C. Guests share separate men’s and women’s shower houses about a minute’s walk away.
Private Cabin – $764
Tent/RV – $479
Tent and RV guests have access to a shared shower house. Meals are included, and tenters should bring their own gear. No campfires or open flames are allowed.
*Extra charge for additional people.
Extend your stay with a Personal Retreat if you’d like more time to rest, recharge, and deepen your experience. Add extra nights during registration.
No prior yoga or meditation experience is needed. The retreat is open to all levels, including beginners. Prices include three vegetarian meals per day, tea, coffee, and fruit throughout the day, twice daily yoga and meditation sessions, classes and activities, and lodging based on your selection.
Not included: airport transport, additional healing services such as massage or spiritual counseling, and extra snacks from the community market.
The nearest airport is Sacramento International Airport (SMF). Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO) is also an option. Both are about 1.5 hours away by car. Check-in is 3 pm–5 pm, and check-out is at 11 am.
In keeping with the spiritual atmosphere of the ashram, modest dress is requested. The retreat is casual, and comfortable layers are recommended due to the 2,500-foot elevation. Towels and unscented all-purpose liquid soap are provided.
Your guides for the weekend: Nayaswami Sagar and Nayaswami Narayan.
Past guests have described the experience as warm, practical, inspiring, and deeply supportive—offering tools, peace, and insights they could carry into everyday life.
The Seclusion Retreat
Price
On request
Please contact the organizer directly for pricing information
Thu, Aug 27