“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Mahatma Gandhi
Ananda Meditation Retreat – A Sacred Offering of Joyful Service
The Karma Yoga Ashram Program is a low-cost stay at the Ananda Meditation Retreat in exchange for 30 hours of weekly service in community. Duties include kitchen work, gardening, housekeeping, and maintenance, all shared in joyful fellowship with fellow truth-seekers.
Cost
- Special Pricing until Dec 31, 2025: $325/2 weeks / $500 per month for 30 hours of service per week.
- Tenting Option (Summer Only): $450 per month.
We strive to provide private accommodations for each Karma Yogi. However, due to limited housing, you may occasionally be asked to share a room with one other person. Men and women are always housed separately.
🌿 What's Included in the Karma Yoga Ashram Program
Discover a rich, immersive experience of spiritual community, personal growth, and joyful service. As a Karma Yogi, you’ll receive:
✨ Spiritual & Yogic Training
- Meditation instruction including pranayama, mantra, and mudra
- Guided Hatha Yoga sessions to support vitality and inner stillness
- Inspiring classes on yoga philosophy with senior Ananda instructors
- Individual spiritual coaching available upon request
🌲 Nature & Environment
- Plenty of time to recharge in peaceful meditation gardens and along scenic hiking trails
- Two days off per week with opportunities to visit nearby highlights like Nevada City, Lake Tahoe, and the Yuba River
🍽 Nourishment & Community
- Three nourishing vegetarian meals served daily
- Uplifting companionship with fellow truth-seekers
- Opportunities to join weekend programs at the Meditation Retreat
- Optional events and experiences at Ananda Village, a thriving spiritual community nearby
📅 For a closer look at daily life, view the Sample Schedule
📆 Program Duration
- Minimum Stay: 2 weeks (1 week for special circumstances)
- Maximum Stay: 3 months
- Typical Stay: 1 month
📝 Ready to Apply?
We welcome sincere souls from all backgrounds and walks of life.
🙋♀️ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🛎️ What is the housing like for Karma Yogis?
Karma Yogis stay in either a regular Bungalow or a Secluded Bungalow—simple, cozy tent cabins designed for peaceful retreat living. Each includes a twin bed, desk, and drawers for your belongings, along with heating for cooler nights and plenty of windows to let in fresh air and natural light.
Housing is generally private, but depending on availability, you may occasionally be asked to share with one other Karma Yogi.
🧘 I have limited-to-no experience with yoga or meditation, can I still come?
Absolutely! No prior experience is necessary. Learning is a core part of the Karma Yoga Program. During your stay, you’ll receive instruction in Hatha Yoga postures, meditation, and yoga philosophy.
🙏 I have my own spiritual and religious beliefs already. Will that be respected?
Definitely. Our intention is to support your personal growth and spiritual journey, however you define it. All sincere seekers are welcome.
🌎 Is there a typical Karma Yogi?
Not at all! Karma Yogis come from around the world, ranging from ages 18 to 70+, and reflect a wide diversity of backgrounds, cultures, and experience levels—from beginners to longtime practitioners. All are welcome with open hearts.
🗓️ Will I have any time off?
Yes. Karma Yogis enjoy two days off per week. We encourage a balanced schedule with time for service, yoga, meditation, and rest. Many use their free time to visit nearby hiking trails, Lake Tahoe, Nevada City, or simply enjoy the gardens and quiet beauty of the retreat.
📋 How do I become a Karma Yogi?
- Submit the online application (takes about 20 minutes)
- Our Karma Yoga manager will contact you to schedule a brief video-call interview
- Once accepted, you’ll receive details on preparing for your stay
📖 Sample Daily Schedule
Time | Activity |
6:30 – 8:30 AM | Energization Exercises & Meditation |
8:30 – 9:30 AM | Breakfast in Silence & Cleanup |
9:30 – 12:00 PM | Karma Yoga, 3x per week class or satsang, or Free Time |
12:00 – 12:30 PM | Noon Meditation |
12:30 – 2:00 PM | Lunch & Cleanup |
2:00 – 4:15 PM | Karma Yoga or Free Time |
4:30 – 6:30 PM | Energization, Hatha Yoga & Meditation |
6:30 – 7:30 PM | Dinner |
7:30 – 9:00 PM | Karma Yoga or Free Time |
Comments From Our Karma Yogis
The Karma Yoga program was an amazing lifechanging surprise for me. I didn’t really know exactly what to expect. So I went in open to all I could learn about myself. I did come with a desire to get to know myself further and deeper than I already thought I did. I received much more than that. The entire staff was open and willing to help me in every way possible to make me feel welcome and at home. They were there for me every moment that I needed them. Cheerfully and lovingly showing me the ins and outs of retreat living. I stumbled and they lifted me time and again. Every one of them nurturing me along my path of learning who I was. I cried. I laughed. I had proud moments. I had embarrassing moments. I had many many very deep moments. The heart connections I made are priceless. Mostly the moments of peaceful lovingness on my spiritual path have forever changed my life.
Netti Rivas, San Diego, CA
In three weeks in the Ananda Karma Yoga program, I had more sublime, expansive and revelatory experiences than I have had in most years of my life. This is a magical place with the perfect balance of support and freedom. In addition to meditation, yoga and spiritual exploration, I swam in the South Yuba, hiked the Buttes and steeped myself in the beauty of this land.
R.H., Massachusetts
I’ve got to thank you for giving me the tools I needed for this chapter of my life. I’m so grateful you helped me grow to be the person I am now, my time at the meditation retreat seriously changed my life in the most amazing way.
Nick, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands
“I enjoyed participating in the Karma Yoga program. During this time I ate great food and met amazing people, and was provided a beautiful environment to grow spiritually.”J.B., Oakland, CA
“This program exceeded my expectations. The work and free time balance was just right and the staff was very helpful and welcoming. The support here is incredible and I loved the meditations.”
“My experience at Ananda Meditation Retreat was everything I had hoped for. From the moment I walked through the front gate I felt a peace and calmness I had never felt before. I felt at home within myself and within this community. I am so grateful for the staff, the land, and this Karma opportunity. I will continue to practice all that I have learned here throughout my journey. Thank you Ananda Meditation Retreat for all of the love, support and guidance!”
“I came to Ananda Meditation Retreat Center because I was looking for a place to volunteer. This volunteer trip, however, turned out to be much, much more than just volunteering my time. Karma is an amazing way to experience the retreat center. Not only do you get a chance to meditate, meet those who are on the path, and be a part of a loving community, but you also get a chance to give back in a very meaningful way.” Rastika Prasad, Oakland, Californi
Thank you for all the love, warmth, generosity and experiences I cannot put into words. I have learned so much in this short amount of time and I cannot wait to return to learn more. I share my stories of Ananda with every person I meet and they are speechless at the fact that a place like this is available. It is a gem. I keep thinking to myself “How fortunate am I.”Nishi Munshi, Los Angeles
A program to live with positive, joyful, solution-oriented, and wise people; to learn and experience the true meaning of yoga and meditation.Yingbing You, Guangzhou, China
I appreciate the balance of friendship, work and meditation.Scott, Nevada City, California
Participating in the Karma Yoga Program is a full immersion in the warm embrace of spiritual community. I instantly felt at home, thanks to the kindness, openness, and humbleness of all the beautiful souls who live and serve here. The majestic natural beauty of the physical and energetic environment is profoundly supportive. The energy is peaceful, serene, and uplifted. It is a gift to serve here, and I have grown in my ability to be fully present.Megan
Ananda Meditation Retreat is a very special place, filled with powerful energy and beautiful souls. The Karma Yoga Program is a great way to experience it, being the best of two worlds; staff and guest. You get to serve along with staff, while deepening your meditation practice. The staff members are adorable people and make you feel at home right away. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for an extended stay with their inner Self.Delphie, Montreal, Canada
