Techniques of Self-Inquiry: How to find the True Self according to Vedanta

Location icon
14651 Ballantree Lane Grass Valley, CA 95949 USA
Date
November 14 - 21, 2025

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Details of this retreat

In this course we will have the practice of group scriptural study, personal self-inquiry and the practice of outer and inner silence.

There will be personal coaching and guidance in the study of Viveka Chudamani, the "Crest Jewel of Discrimination" by Sankaracharya. Enter into the peaceful silence of the inner Self through the practice of external silence.

Come away with deeper self-knowledge and a sense of clarity and peace.
Course schedule
5am - Wake up. Self-hygiene. Prep for meditation. Reminding Self about mouna
5:30am - 6 am Meditation in silence by yourself.
6-8 am - Swadhyaya. Group Study of scripture w Swami Sitaramananda's commentary
10-11 am - Brunch ( in silence mouna if possible)
11am-12pm - Karma yoga ( in silence mouna if possible)
12pm-1pm - Contemplation by yourself- homework ( in mouna mandatory)
1-3pm - Practice of personal self-enquiry guided by the teacher in the group" ( no group dialogue)
3-4pm - Contemplative walk ( in silence, alone)
4-6pm - Practice of hatha yoga ( asanas. Pranayama. In contemplative mood , in silence)
6pm-7pm - Dinner ( in mouna if possible)
7-8pm - karma yoga to the body or the environment. ( in silence if possible)
8-8:30pm - meditation in silence by yourself including mantra repetition.
8:30 pm -9:15pm - Assigned Self swadhyaya
9:15pm -9:30pm - Spiritual diary writing and sending
9:30pm - prepare for sleep
10pm - sleep
Pre-requisite
This is an advanced course. Aspirants need to be sattvic in self self-disciplined lifestyle.
Application to be sent in before course. Swami Sitaramananda will interview if needed.
Previous practice of yoga IS REQUIRED.
COURSE MATERIAL

"Viveka Chudamani" Crest Jewel of Discrimination
Self made label: silence mouna
Prepare family environment before the practice

Book

Tuition
$350 sliding scale plus accommodations
Certification
Certificate given after successful completion of the course based on attendance, attitude, and final examination

Getting Here

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

Accommodation

Online

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

Tent - Bring Your Own (male)

Accommodation
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

Accommodation
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)

Accommodation
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

Accommodation
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)

Accommodation
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)

Accommodation
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

Accommodation
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)

Accommodation
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

4.70 out of 5.0 average rating

5.0
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A True Ashram Experience – Exactly What I Needed
This was exactly the recharge I wanted and needed. The grounds are beautiful, the staff was incredibly helpful and supportive, and The Bliss treatment truly lived up to its name. I left feeling renewed and would absolutely return. I'd recommend it to anyone seeking a real ashram experience—just make sure that's what you're actually looking for.

The Sivananda Yoga Farm delivers exactly what it promises: an authentic ashram experience with chanting, meditation, two vegetarian meals daily, and modest dress code expectations. This isn't a luxury resort—it's a genuine spiritual retreat, and all of this is clearly stated upfront. Do yourself a favor and read the daily routine and expectations before booking. If you embrace what they offer, you won't be disappointed.

5.0
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restorative weekend at the Yoga Farm
I throughly enjoyed my time at the Yoga Farm last weekend. The grounds were beautiful, the staff was great and the food was amazing. A wonderful way to spend the weekend!

5.0
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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!

5.0
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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!

5.0
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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.

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