The Expanding Light Retreat — Local services in Nevada City

I recently attended the Christmas retreat at the Expanding Light at Ananda Village, and I can wholeheartedly say it was an unforgettable experience. From the moment I arrived, I felt enveloped in an atmosphere of peace, love, and spiritual upliftment.

Sagar and Krishna Das were exceptional teachers, making everyone feel welcome, cherished, and deeply cared for. Their warmth and genuine passion for sharing the teachings of Yogananda were evident in our lessons. They provided insightful guidance, creating an environment where spiritual growth was not only encouraged but felt natural and uplifting. Their enthusiasm for the teachings of self-realization was contagious, and their dedication to supporting the spiritual journey of each guest was truly inspiring.

The food at the retreat was healthy and delicious. Every meal was prepared with love, offering wholesome, plant-based options. It was clear that the kitchen staff, including the karma yogis, were deeply committed to providing food that was both healthy and spiritually uplifting, making each meal a joy.

What always stands out here is the sense of community. The karma yogis, residents, and other guests were incredibly warm and loving. There was a genuine sense of interconnectedness, where people supported one another on their spiritual paths.

The retreat itself was a perfect balance of quiet reflection, uplifting teachings, and joyful celebration of the Christmas season. I left feeling recharged, inspired, and more connected to my own spiritual journey. If you're looking for a place that combines deep spiritual teachings with genuine community, healthy food, and loving hospitality, the Christmas retreat at the Expanding Light is a truly...

Ananda is a beautiful setting with a positive and loving energy. We felt welcomed and peaceful as soon as we arrived and with every encounter with the staff, guests, and volunteers that we met. Our instructors, Krishna Das & Yogesh were especially warm and inspiring throughout our stay. My husband & I attended the Recharge & Deepen your Meditation course at The Expanding Light. We felt that each moment was well worth our stay. Having on & off done Yoga since 1998 & Meditation since 2008, this course corrected and deepened my understanding and technique towards Meditation greatly. Our instructors led gently yet powerfully, teaching us about the importance of intention, of the preparation needed before sitting for meditation, the best ways to make spiritual progress and most importantly, leading a life where small changes and daily meditation can have a profound effect in achieving peace and joy in our lives. I have attended other Yoga, Pranayama, & Meditation courses or retreats and this weekend course has so far been the most meaningful to me. I resonated with the values and teachings of Ananda and the saints that have inspired and cultivated the environment. If you're looking for a course that has the ability to transform your outlook and draw you towards your best self, I would encourage you to take this course at The Expanding Light retreat. Also, I can honestly say that the nourishing food throughout the retreat was simply amazing! I've been back home for 3 days and have already made 2 of the recipes from the cookbook I bought at Ananda and they have been delicious. I really cannot...

I signed up for a 5-day retreat by The Expanding Light Retreat, partially to explore meditation and partially to wrap up my super chaotic year, hoping to begin the new year with a fresh start.

I booked this trip cause it looked more academic and systematic, and was also within driving distance from the Bay Area, where I lived.

The five-day experience was transformative, beyond my imagination. I not only felt physically recharged but was also emotionally stronger than ever. The change was noticeable from day 2 and I was intrigued.

I would partially credit the great environment at Ananda Village, the disciplined program setup, and the good vegan diet. But more importantly, the program was taught by experienced teachers dealing with spiritual life and walking the talk by devoting their whole lives to the endeavor.

It was nothing like a random commercial retreat, but rather, the teachers genuinely cared about your spiritual exploration journey and were eager to bring you along. However independent spiritual exploration should be, having an experienced teacher around to guide you makes the whole difference.

As someone who never interacted with the Ananda community before, I had doubts about whether it was legitimate. After trying it myself, I would recommend it to anyone who feels exhausted in heart and looking for a real life-changing exploration of...