Last Chance

4th of : Vedic Sciences

Name: 4th of July: Vedic Sciences
Start: 2025-07-03
End: 2025-07-06
Location: Sivananda Yoga Farm
Rating: 4.69

4.6942 reviews

14651 Ballantree Lane Grass Valley, CA 95949 USA

July 3 - 6, 2025

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Acharya

Komilla

Olga

Silvia

Pundit

Swami

Pundit

Acharya Swami Sitaramananda

Swami Sitaramananda is a senior acharya of the International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers and is director of the Sivananda Ashram Vedanta Yoga Farm, California and the Sivananda Yoga Resort and Training Center, Vietnam. She is acharya of China, Taiwan, and Japan as well. Swamiji is the organizer and teacher of the Sivananda Yoga Health Educator Training (SYHET) program, an 800-hour program on yoga therapy, accredited by the International Association of Yoga Therapists (IAYT). Swami Sitaramananda is the author of “Essentials of Yoga Practice and Philosophy” (translated in Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese, and Russian), “Positive Thinking Manual”, “Karma Yoga Manual”, “Meditation Manual”, “Swamiji Said, a collection of teachings by Swami Vishnu” in His Own Words. She is responsible for the Vietnamese translation of “Completed Illustrated Book of Yoga” (CIBY) and “Meditation & Mantras” by Swami Vishnu. Many of her video & audio lectures on Yoga life, philosophy, and psychology as well as articles and webinars can be found on this website. Swami Sita is an ardent supporter of the integration of the Vedic sciences such as Vastu, Jyotish, Ayurveda, Yoga and Vedanta. She is an international teacher of the Sivananda Yoga Teachers’ Training Courses and Advanced Yoga teachers’ Training courses, as well as Meditation and Vedanta & Silence Courses both in Sivananda Ashrams in Vietnam and in Grass Valley, CA.

Komilla Sutton

Komilla is co-founder and Chair of the British Association for Vedic Astrology. She is an internationally-renowned consultant, teacher and lecturer. Indian born, Komilla Sutton is one of the pioneers in making this subject more accessible for Western readers. She is author of The Essentials of Vedic Astrology, Lunar Nodes: Crisis and Redemption, Nakshatras, and Indian Astrology.

Olga Mandodari Sokolova

Olga Mandodari Sokolova, is a certified Vaastu Shastra Consultant. She studied at the International Institute of Mayonic Science & Technology in Chennai, India under Dr. V. Sthapati Ganapati, a world renowned traditional architect of Southern India who relies on Vaastu principles in his projects. Ms. Sokolova earned her MS degree in Civil Engineering from the Architectural University of St. Petersburg, Russia and Associate of Arts and Associates of Applied Science in Interior Design from the Montgomery College, Rockville MD, USA and received Ph.D. from The Open International University for Complementary Medicines, Colombo, Sri Lanka affiliated with The International Institute of Integral Human Sciences, Montreal, Canada.

Silvia Nakkach, MA, MMT (Saraswati Devi)

Silvia Nakkach, MA, MMT (Saraswati Devi), is a Grammy-nominated musician and a renowned vocal artist. She is a former clinical psychologist, an author, a world-wide sound and music educator, and a Nada Yoga scholar and yogini. She is a pioneer in the field of sound and music therapies, and an academic consultant and the creator of many certificate programs on Sound, Voice, and Music in the Healing Arts across the world. A leading voice in the field of music in consciousness and shamanic practices. She has released 16 CD-Albums. She is the director and founder of the international Vox Mundi School of the Voice, and among other books, Silvithe author of Free Your Voice. voxmundiproject.com

Pundit Samavedula

Pundit Samavedula is a 6th generation Sama Veda pandit who was trained in the Vedas beginning at age 7. He attended the Shri Sarva Raya Veda Patha Shala school in South India, and after 12 years of study, received his Master's Degree in Vedic Studies (Ganapati Pandit). Panditji has been coming to the Yoga Farm and Vietnam since 2009 performing pujas, homas, and giving workshops on mantras and rituals. He has a very powerful voice and when he teaches he uses humor to keep everyone engaged and inspired.

Swami Adi Parashaktiananda

Swami Adi Parashaktiananda is a dedicated Sadhak and an experienced international Sivananda Hatha Yoga teacher and trainer in international TTC in USA, Vietnam , Japan and China for more than twelve years. He mainly serves as assistant to Acharya Swami Sitaramananda at the Sivananda Ashram yoga Farm in Grass Valley California and at the Sivananda Ashram in Vietnam. He took the first monastic vow from Sivananda lineage in 2011 and became a sannyasin in 2017. He teaches a 7-day Hatha Yoga Sadhana course and the 14-day Sivananda Sadhana Intensive course, whose emphasis is on individual sadhana. His teaching is classical and brought peace and clarity to many.

Pundit Bhima

Pundit Bhima, originally from South India, joined the Sivananda Yoga Farm in 2023. He was born and brought up in a Vedic Hindu family. His father was Sri Trinadha Lakshmi Narasimha Murty garu who was the Sri Devi Upasaka (meant to serve or one who serves). He is a traditionally trained priest from the Veda(Yajusha Smartha) from Guru Sri V. Sri Rama murty Garu. Pundit’ji takes care of the more than 10 temples and shrines at the ashram doing daily puja, aratis, and abhishekam. Pundit’ji is always happy and smiling and welcomes all to join him on his temple tours.

Details of this retreat

Description
This 4th of July Weekend we will hold a Vedic Sciences Conference at the Sivananda Yoga Farm. We will have satsangs, yoga classes, vegetarian meals, and workshops. We will have talks with Swami Sitaramananda(Yoga philosophy), Komilla Sutton(Jyotisha), and Olga Mandodari Sokolova(Vastu), and a special vocalist music sharing with Silvia Nakkach, MA, MMT (Saraswati Devi).

In addition, Pundit Samavedula and Pundit Bhimji will perform a very sacred Navagraha Puja & Chandi Homa for the protection and healing of everyone present, their family and friends, and the whole world.
Schedule
Thursday, July 3

2pm: Arrival
4pm: Yoga Class
6pm: Dinner
7:30pm: Satsang

Friday, July 4

6am: Welcome Satsanga with Swami Sitaramananda
8am: Yoga Class
10am: Brunch
1-3pm: Vastu Workshop with Olga Mandodari
4pm: Yoga Class
6pm: Dinner
7:30pm: Jyotisha Talk with Komilla Sutton

Saturday, July 5

6-10am: Navagraha Puja & Chandi Homa with Pundit Samavedulas
8am: Yoga Class (optional)
10am: Brunch
1-3pm: Jyotish Talk with Komilla Sutton
4pm: Yoga Class
6pm: Dinner
7:30pm: Vocalist music sharing with Silvia Nakkach

Sunday, July 6

6am: Vastu Talk with Olga Mandodari
8am: Yoga Class
10am: Brunch
12pm: Departure
Pre-requisite
There are no prerequisites other than a sincere desire to learn

Getting Here

Sivananda Yoga Farm, 14651 Ballantree Lane Grass Valley, CA 95949 USA

Accommodation

Online

For those that would like to participate from the comfort of your own home.

Tent - Bring Your Own

Guests may bring their own tent and gear and camp on the land. Sleep closer to nature in the fresh, open air. There are deck platforms designated for tenting. If you want more than one tent, book with us multiple times!

Om Cabin - Private or book with a friend

Book your own private Om cabin. Pleasant and simple lodging, our Om Cabins are the original tent cabins that were built about 20 years ago. They are placed in a peaceful and tranquil setting, on a gentle hillside overlooking the pond and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ashram. Each cabin is named for a different virtue, such as happiness or contentment. Each cabin is furnished with a dresser, desk, night stand, ceiling fan and propane heater. Om Cabin guests share a nearby bathhouse. Wifi internet is available.

Om Cabin - Double (share with another guest)

The double is a shared room, and the cost is per person. If you are not booking with a friend or family member, a roommate will be assigned. Pleasant and simple lodging, our Om Cabins are the original tent cabins that were built about 20 years ago. They are placed in a peaceful and tranquil setting, on a gentle hillside overlooking the pond and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ashram. Each cabin is named for a different virtue, such as happiness or contentment. Each cabin is furnished with a dresser, desk, night stand, ceiling fan and propane heater. Om Cabin guests share a nearby bathhouse. Wifi internet is available.

Siva Cabin - Private or book with a friend

Our Siva Cabins are newly built and are placed in a peaceful, tranquil setting, at the base of Siva hill on a gentle hillside overlooking the pond and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ashram. They feature an outdoor porch, bamboo wood flooring, ceiling fan, and are built with high grade materials and furnished with a side table, dresser and propane heater. Includes a private bathroom and shower. Wifi is available.

Siva Cabin - Double (share with another guest)

The double is a shared room, and the cost is per person. If you are not booking with a friend or family member, a roommate will be assigned. Our Siva & Krishna Cabins are newly built and are placed in a peaceful, tranquil setting, at the base of Siva hill on a gentle hillside overlooking the pond and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ashram. They feature an outdoor porch, bamboo wood flooring, ceiling fan, and are built with high grade materials and furnished with a side table, dresser and propane heater. Includes a private bathroom and shower. Wifi is available.

Krishna Cabin, Double (share with another guest)

The double is a shared room, and the cost is per person. If you are not booking with a friend or family member, a roommate will be assigned. Our Krishna Cabins are newly built and are placed in a peaceful, tranquil setting, at the base of Siva hill on a gentle hillside overlooking the pond and surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ashram. They feature an outdoor porch, bamboo wood flooring, ceiling fan, and are built with high grade materials and furnished with a side table, dresser and propane heater. Includes a private bathroom and shower. Wifi is available.

Deluxe Shanti Cabin - Private or book with friends

Pleasant, deluxe, lodging, our Shanti Cabins are placed in a peaceful, tranquil setting, on a gentle hillside overlooking the pond and are surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ashram. Includes private bathroom with shower, air conditioner, propane heater, ceiling fan, and attic space. Furnishings include a desk, table, chairs, dresser, wardrobe and a sitting area. A small refrigerator, dishes and cutlery are provided. Wifi is available.

Deluxe Shanti Cabin - Shared (share with another guest)

The double is a shared room, and the cost is per person. If you are not booking with a friend or family member, a roommate will be assigned. Pleasant, deluxe, lodging, our Shanti Cabins are placed in a peaceful, tranquil setting, on a gentle hillside overlooking the pond and are surrounded by the natural beauty of the Ashram. Includes private bathroom with shower, air conditioner, propane heater, ceiling fan, and attic space. Furnishings include a desk, table, chairs, dresser, wardrobe and a sitting area. A small refrigerator, dishes and cutlery are provided. Wifi is available.

Customer Reviews

4.69 out of 5.0 average rating

Olivia • Jun 30, 2025

5.0

Verified

Amazing family camp!

Family Camp allowed us to immerse, as a family, in every aspect of Yoga. In addition, I found I had plenty of time to explore my own process in relationship to Yoga and the Yoga lifestyle since there was much support with the kiddos. I connected deeply with many of the families and feel so grateful to the staff. my son had a blast and experienced emotional growth as a result of being surrounded by love and healthy lifestyle all week long. We will definitely be back next year!

Shannon • Mar 19, 2025

5.0

Verified

Rejuvenation and Inspiration

It was a short trip, just 2 days and nights, but it shifted me in a new direction. I really enjoyed the morning and evening Satsang, the vegetarian food was such a nourishing treat (and 2 meals daily was plenty), the yoga was very relaxing to the nervous system and I could tap into the subtle energy shifting in me. Met lovely humans from lands near and far. Loved the beautiful property/animals. The Shiva cabin was uplifting and comfy. Ayurveda workshop was very informative. I am inspired tremendously by the kirtan and look forward to finding a community to chant with at home. I’ll be back for sure. Om Navah Shivaya!

Sivapathasunderam • Dec 25, 2023

5.0

Verified

Will return

Was apprehensive of going because of my health conditions and reserved only for two nights. Regret that very much as I wished I stayed longer. The staff are very understanding, attentive to your needs and kind. I feel much better even with only two days. Thank you for the gita lessons, the satsang and even Karma yoga. I feel blessed.

Anonymous • May 30, 2023

3.0

Verified

Memroiall day weekend.

Disorganized. No schedule ahead of time. Everything is decided a day bofore or on the spot.

Anonymous • May 30, 2023

5.0

Verified

Memorial day weekend workshop

Swami Adi, was really helpful to give a broad overview of the center and also cover interesting topics.

4th of : Vedic Sciences

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Acharya Swami Sitaramananda

Komilla Sutton

Olga Mandodari Sokolova

Silvia Nakkach, MA, MMT (Saraswati Devi)

Pundit Samavedula

Swami Adi Parashaktiananda

Pundit Bhima

Details of this retreat

Getting Here