First Timers' Retreat
First Timers' Retreat
13930 Expanding Light Dr, Nevada City, CA 95959, USA
January 22 - 24, 2027
About this Retreat
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. She 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.
Nayaswami Krishna Das books and manages the many guest groups that The Expanding Light hosts, leads pilgrimage trips to holy places in India and the U.S., teaches weekend retreats, and gives spiritual counseling to guests. He came to Ananda in 1978 and immediately found his home and purpose in life at Ananda. An exceptionally knowledgeable and gifted meditation and yoga philosophy teacher, Nayaswami Krishna Das shares his passion for these teachings with dynamic enthusiasm. He has a vibrant zest for life that comes out in a warm, personable nature and serviceful disposition. He’ll go out of his way to make you feel comfortable and clear about the teachings.
Details of this retreat
A beginner-friendly immersion to yoga, meditation, and spiritual community based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda.
If you’re ready to explore meditation, take a break from the noise of the world, and reconnect with what truly matters, then this weekend is for you. Whether you’re totally new to yoga and retreats or simply looking for a peaceful reset, the First Timers’ Retreat will meet you right where you are—with warmth, wisdom, and joy.
Why This Retreat Might Be Just What You Need:
You’re ready for a reset—and a peaceful place to simply breathe deeply.
You’ve been craving meaningful connection—with yourself, with others, with something greater.
You’re curious about meditation or spirituality, but not sure where to begin.
You want time in nature to reflect, recharge, and remember what truly matters.
What Awaits You During This Retreat:
Learn to Meditate—and Deepen Your Spiritual Connection
You’ll receive comprehensive instruction in Hong-Sau meditation, a powerful technique taught by Paramhansa Yogananda that can quiet the mind and open the heart. Whether you’re brand new to meditation or looking to deepen your practice, you’ll gain tools you can take home to support a more peaceful, purposeful life.
Experience Gentle Yoga to Awaken Body, Mind & Soul
Start each day with Ananda Yoga®—a spiritually centered practice that includes guided postures, affirmations, and breath awareness. These sessions are accessible to all levels and help you tune into higher awareness and lasting calm.
Take Time for Yourself
Imagine sipping a cup of tea by Lotus Lake after your morning meditation, or curling up with a book on a peaceful garden bench. This is your time to rest, reflect, and simply be. Let the forest paths, radiant skies, and sacred stillness give you the pause you’ve been longing for.
Connect with Other First-Time Seekers
Share this experience with other first-time visitors who are also exploring a spiritual path. In group gatherings, meals, and evening activities like kirtan, sunset walks, or visiting a community home, you’ll feel the warmth and authenticity of a true spiritual family.
Rejuvenate in Nature’s Embrace
Surrounded by 750 acres of forest, gardens, farms, and temples, you’ll feel supported by the healing energy of the land itself. Nature here isn’t just a backdrop—it’s an active part of your inner transformation.
Nourish Yourself Body, Mind & Soul
Enjoy delicious, healthy vegetarian meals prepared with expertise and love. Every meal features an organic buffet that includes options for gluten-free and vegan diets—because feeding your soul also means feeding your body well.
Receive a FREE book from the “Wisdom of Yogananda” series as part of your retreat experience
First Timers' Comments:
“Thank you so very much for your kindness and guidance. I truly came away learning so much and can't say enough about how beautiful and peaceful Ananda Village is. There is definitely a joyous and spiritual vibration. Even the animals feel it; I saw lizards playing with each other, deer relaxing in the shade under my porch, birds singing; it was all magical.
"I got exactly what I hoped out of the retreat and then some; quiet time, a chance to do yoga and meditation twice a day, eat healthy food, and even a taste of bliss. The divine spirit is available when one taps into the source through positive and healthy focus.” —K.M., San Rafael, CA
"The structure of the program was excellent for me. I came knowing very little about this strand of spiritual philosophy and practice, so the introductory sessions provided a good first scaffolding for me." —J.M., Olympia, WA
"All teachers and staff were inspiring. Everyone has joy and love in their hearts, and it radiates." Tara, Middletown, CA
"No matter the point in your life upon arrival, you will leave uplifted and take with you that which speaks to your soul." —C.M., Danville, CA
"When people ask me about the retreat, I say 'They are living it.' Meaning you all are truly living a spiritual life and creating spiritual community in every way." —Teresa, Kentucky
Here is a poem I wrote at Ananda during one of my last days with you all.
Awakened souls embrace me.
Nature's loveliness and serenity nurture me.
Attunement and energy surround me.
Now is all that matters.
Deep joy and inner peace flood my soul.
Abundantly blessed, I am forever grateful.
Blessings of love, joy, and peace to you!
— Joyce, your sister from MN
If you’re ready to explore meditation, take a break from the noise of the world, and reconnect with what truly matters, then this weekend is for you. Whether you’re totally new to yoga and retreats or simply looking for a peaceful reset, the First Timers’ Retreat will meet you right where you are—with warmth, wisdom, and joy.
Why This Retreat Might Be Just What You Need:
You’re ready for a reset—and a peaceful place to simply breathe deeply.
You’ve been craving meaningful connection—with yourself, with others, with something greater.
You’re curious about meditation or spirituality, but not sure where to begin.
You want time in nature to reflect, recharge, and remember what truly matters.
What Awaits You During This Retreat:
Learn to Meditate—and Deepen Your Spiritual Connection
You’ll receive comprehensive instruction in Hong-Sau meditation, a powerful technique taught by Paramhansa Yogananda that can quiet the mind and open the heart. Whether you’re brand new to meditation or looking to deepen your practice, you’ll gain tools you can take home to support a more peaceful, purposeful life.
Experience Gentle Yoga to Awaken Body, Mind & Soul
Start each day with Ananda Yoga®—a spiritually centered practice that includes guided postures, affirmations, and breath awareness. These sessions are accessible to all levels and help you tune into higher awareness and lasting calm.
Take Time for Yourself
Imagine sipping a cup of tea by Lotus Lake after your morning meditation, or curling up with a book on a peaceful garden bench. This is your time to rest, reflect, and simply be. Let the forest paths, radiant skies, and sacred stillness give you the pause you’ve been longing for.
Connect with Other First-Time Seekers
Share this experience with other first-time visitors who are also exploring a spiritual path. In group gatherings, meals, and evening activities like kirtan, sunset walks, or visiting a community home, you’ll feel the warmth and authenticity of a true spiritual family.
Rejuvenate in Nature’s Embrace
Surrounded by 750 acres of forest, gardens, farms, and temples, you’ll feel supported by the healing energy of the land itself. Nature here isn’t just a backdrop—it’s an active part of your inner transformation.
Nourish Yourself Body, Mind & Soul
Enjoy delicious, healthy vegetarian meals prepared with expertise and love. Every meal features an organic buffet that includes options for gluten-free and vegan diets—because feeding your soul also means feeding your body well.
Receive a FREE book from the “Wisdom of Yogananda” series as part of your retreat experience
First Timers' Comments:
“Thank you so very much for your kindness and guidance. I truly came away learning so much and can't say enough about how beautiful and peaceful Ananda Village is. There is definitely a joyous and spiritual vibration. Even the animals feel it; I saw lizards playing with each other, deer relaxing in the shade under my porch, birds singing; it was all magical.
"I got exactly what I hoped out of the retreat and then some; quiet time, a chance to do yoga and meditation twice a day, eat healthy food, and even a taste of bliss. The divine spirit is available when one taps into the source through positive and healthy focus.” —K.M., San Rafael, CA
"The structure of the program was excellent for me. I came knowing very little about this strand of spiritual philosophy and practice, so the introductory sessions provided a good first scaffolding for me." —J.M., Olympia, WA
"All teachers and staff were inspiring. Everyone has joy and love in their hearts, and it radiates." Tara, Middletown, CA
"No matter the point in your life upon arrival, you will leave uplifted and take with you that which speaks to your soul." —C.M., Danville, CA
"When people ask me about the retreat, I say 'They are living it.' Meaning you all are truly living a spiritual life and creating spiritual community in every way." —Teresa, Kentucky
Here is a poem I wrote at Ananda during one of my last days with you all.
Awakened souls embrace me.
Nature's loveliness and serenity nurture me.
Attunement and energy surround me.
Now is all that matters.
Deep joy and inner peace flood my soul.
Abundantly blessed, I am forever grateful.
Blessings of love, joy, and peace to you!
— Joyce, your sister from MN
Getting Here
Meditation Retreats, 13930 Expanding Light Dr, Nevada City, CA 95959, USA
Directions
Yes, our retreat is a little out of the way. And once you get here, you’ll be glad it is!
Our address is 13930 Expanding Light Drive, Nevada City, CA. If using Google Maps. We are located 1.5 hours away from the Sacramento International Airport, as well as the Reno/Tahoe International Airport. If you need a ride to or from the bus, train, or plane, please contact us and we can share contact information for a drivers who have helped our guests in the past.
Our address is 13930 Expanding Light Drive, Nevada City, CA. If using Google Maps. We are located 1.5 hours away from the Sacramento International Airport, as well as the Reno/Tahoe International Airport. If you need a ride to or from the bus, train, or plane, please contact us and we can share contact information for a drivers who have helped our guests in the past.
Accommodation
PRIVATE ENSUITE - King
Equally appropriate for a single person or for a couple, a king private room can provide the peace and solitude you crave. This airy room has a king-sized bed with a private, ensuite bathroom. An inviting outdoor space awaits you outside your front door, surrounded by a serene, forest setting.
PRIVATE ENSUITE - Twin
Equally appropriate for a single person or for a couple, an ensuite private room can provide the peace and solitude you crave. These charming rooms have two twin beds with a private, ensuite bathroom. An inviting outdoor space awaits you outside your front door, surrounded by a serene, forest setting.
PRIVATE STANDARD - Queen
Equally appropriate for a single person or for a couple, enjoy your own peaceful room with a queen bed and a shared bathroom down the hall. Your room is simply and tastefully decorated, with windows opening toward the surrounding forest. A bright and airy communal lounge and kitchenette is available 24 hours a day, perfect for relaxing with a book or sharing a cup of tea with friends.
PRIVATE STANDARD - Twin
Equally appropriate for a single person or for a couple, enjoy your own peaceful room with two twin beds and a shared bathroom down the hall. Each room is simply and tastefully decorated, with windows opening toward the surrounding forest. A bright and airy communal lounge and kitchenette is available 24 hours a day, perfect for relaxing with a book or sharing a cup of tea with friends.
PRIVATE BUNGALOW - Queen
This private bungalow is equally appropriate for a single person or for a couple.
These brand new built bungalows are tucked into a gentle hillside built on spacious durable platform, bright and airy inside, with expansive windows and French-doors that connect your space to the surrounding forest. Each bungalow has a queen bed, insulated walls, and air-conditioning, with a communal shower house that is centrally located, less than a minute's walk and shared by other cabin guests, campers, and our karma yogis.
PRIVATE BUNGALOW - Twin
This private bungalow is equally appropriate for a single person or for a couple.
These brand new built bungalows are tucked into a gentle hillside built on spacious durable platform, bright and airy inside, with expansive windows that connect your space to the surrounding forest. Each bungalow has two twin beds, insulated walls, and air-conditioning, with a communal shower house that is centrally located, less than a minute's walk and shared by other cabin guests, campers, and our karma yogis.
PRIVATE CABIN - Twin
Equally appropriate for a single person or for a couple, your private cabin is tucked into a gentle hillside, bright and airy inside, with expansive windows that connect your room to the surrounding forest. Each cabin has two twin beds, with a communal shower house that is centrally located and shared by other cabin guests, campers, and our karma yogis.
SHARED ENSUITE - Twin
Share this charming room with someone else. Each room has two twin beds with a private, ensuite bathroom. An inviting outdoor space awaits you outside your front door, surrounded by a serene, forest setting.
SHARED STANDARD - Twin
Share this charming room with someone else. Each room has two twin beds and a shared bathroom down the hall, and is simply and tastefully decorated, with windows opening toward the surrounding forest. A bright and airy communal lounge and kitchenette is available 24 hours a day, perfect for relaxing with a book or sharing a cup of tea with friends.
SHARED BUNGALOW - Twin
Share this charming bungalow with someone else.
These brand new built bungalows are tucked into a gentle hillside built on spacious durable platform, bright and airy inside, with expansive windows that connect your space to the surrounding forest. Each bungalow has two twin beds, with a communal shower house that is centrally located, less than a minute's walk and shared by other cabin guests, campers, and our karma yogis.
SHARED CABIN - Twin
Share this charming cabin with someone else. The cabins are tucked into a gentle hillside, bright and airy inside, with expansive windows that connect your room to the surrounding forest. Each cabin has two twin beds, with a communal shower house that is centrally located and shared by other cabin guests, campers, and our karma yogis.
Venue & Amenities
A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi
Spa
Sauna
Pool
Towels
Free Parking
Kitchen
Tour Assistance
Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea
Cafe
Restaurant
Fitness Center
Yoga Studio
Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent
For over 45 years, The Expanding Light Retreat has been a sacred haven for groups seeking inspiration, clarity, and connection. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada foothills, our campus features an octagonal Teaching Temple, sunlit dining room, garden-view piazza, and a range of lodging options—from deluxe en-suites to cozy cabins and tent sites. Enjoy three nourishing vegetarian/vegan/GF meals daily, and peaceful gardens and meadows.
Meals
Menu Types
Vegan
Vegetarian
Pescetarian
Ayurvedic
Includes Meat
Organic
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Nut Free
