Relax and renew your body, mind and spirit amid the peaceful sanctuary of the Meditation Retreat. The Ananda Meditation Retreat was founded in 1968 by Swami Kriyananda, a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda. Surrounded by 72 acres of beautiful meditation gardens and wild forest in Northern California's Sierra Foothills, the Ananda Meditation Retreat is an ideal setting for a rejuvenating, inner experience.
Our Meditation Retreat has been a place of deep meditation and sincere devotion for over fifty years. Long before that, the Maidu Indians held this to be sacred land. The beauty and presence of the Divine is tangibly felt by all who come here. Studies show that being in nature and using techniques such as forest bathing can greatly reduce stress and blood pressure while strengthening your immune system, concentration, and level of happiness.
Our Meditation Retreat has been a place of deep meditation and sincere devotion for over fifty years. Long before that, the Maidu Indians held this to be sacred land. The beauty and presence of the Divine is tangibly felt by all who come here. Studies show that being in nature and using techniques such as forest bathing can greatly reduce stress and blood pressure while strengthening your immune system, concentration, and level of happiness.
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The Ananda Meditation Retreat was founded in 1968 by Swami Kriyananda, and the guided programs we offer are based on the teachings of his guru, Paramhansa Yogananda. When Swami Kriyananda first walked this land, he said he deeply felt the blessings of his guru and knew this was where he felt God could start what would become the Ananda Community.
These retreats are offered by experienced yoga practitioners who have been living these teachings for over 50 years. Whether you have been meditating for many years or are just beginning your inner journey, we invite you to experience the joy, knowledge, depth, kindness and warmth through guided meditations, walks through stunning forests and gardens, and a variety of food served with love and care.
Our directors are long time devotees of Paramhansa Yogananda, author of the spiritual classic, Autobiography of a Yogi, and the lifelong students of the Self-realization teachings of Raja Yoga. You will find in us a friend and guide for your personal or guided retreat. Nayaswamis Durga and Vidura Smallen are founding members of nearby Ananda Village.
Take I-80 east to the town of Auburn, then Highway 49 north to Grass Valley/Nevada City (turn left onto Hwy 49 after you exit I-80). Stay on Hwy 49 through Grass Valley and Nevada City. As you pass through Nevada City on Hwy 49: Take the left turn at the large sign which says "49 to Downieville" and follow the general directions below.
Located on 72 acres in the Sierra foothills of Northern California, the retreat sits on sacred lands, replete with abundant wildlife (deer, coyote, bear and foxes) and myriad varieties of flora, including an ancient, rare manzanita grove. The lush gardens-displaying a wonderful blending of cultivation and wild, indigenous species-have "wow'ed" the multitudes of visitors that come here.
Reviews (7)
Nyc Raw Girl
Dec 08, 2021
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Do not go during Covid restrictions. This is a lovely, lovely place but too expensive during Covid. I paid for a cabin in the woods which was lovely but it came with: no food, no temple access (even though there are many temples on the grounds), no Sunday services, no meditations, no yoga, no garbage pickup, no showers, NOTHING. Just an expensive cabin in the woods. I was absolutely warned about this before I came. I just didn't realize how much I would regret spending that much money for what felt like nothing. I would wait until at least a temple is open for use.
Cesarina Pulleyn
Jul 17, 2021
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I can’t even begin to explain how amazing my retreat adventure was. I choose to go to the silent retreat, hoping to find peace. I love to talk so I thought it might be difficult for me but it wasn’t, it was so rejuvenating and inspiring.
First, it was life changing. I showed up hoping to get eaten by a bear and left with so much love and peace you would think I had jumped aboard a time machine and traveled to my happy kid self and took her back with me.
The staff was incredible. Susan was calm, kind, friendly, creative, wanting to help in anyway she could, extremely knowledgeable and willing
First, it was life changing. I showed up hoping to get eaten by a bear and left with so much love and peace you would think I had jumped aboard a time machine and traveled to my happy kid self and took her back with me.
The staff was incredible. Susan was calm, kind, friendly, creative, wanting to help in anyway she could, extremely knowledgeable and willing
Yanna Kisala
Sep 17, 2019
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I did a personal retreat here over a week after long travels. Exactly what I needed to rest my body and mind. I loved that it's a spiritually all inclusive retreat. The staff here are genuinely friendly, and accommodating. All were eager to help me with anything I needed. I felt very welcomed and super comfortable here. The grounds are truly beautiful, well maintained, and serene. I enjoyed staying in a cozy, comfortable bungalow. I enjoyed the meditation and yoga sessions and am grateful to learn proper techniques. And the vegetarian meals were truly delicious and made with lots of love and with
Ying Bing
Jan 01, 2018
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I think the best part of the Seva Yoga program in the Meditation Retreat is that it provides a very supportive environment for deeper meditation practices, for introspection, for clearing one’s mind and heart, without losing the balance of having the opportunity to giving services to others. And the bonus point also includes being able to meet amazing people, super amazing people, that are also drawn to this place. Last but not the least, it is also a very inspiring place to learn to look at life’s experiences from a higher consciousness level through discussions on the issues coming up during
Nick Herman
Dec 06, 2017
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The Seva yoga program changed my life. It came to me at a time where I needed some deep introspections/ insights into myself and the universe. The kind, supportive, and wise staff at the meditation retreat allowed me to not only grow in my own way, but to become a part of a great spiritual family full of teachers and sages that lead by example. Every day I learned something new about every aspect of this world. If the task at hand was chopping wood, doing dishes, or enjoying a Kirtan with these great souls, it provided deep growth across many planes of consciousness.
Asha Nayaswami
Oct 29, 2017
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Barb Walley
Sep 09, 2016
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