Bhakti, Kirtan & Singing for Opening the Heart

Location icon
14651 Ballantree Lane Grass Valley, CA 95949 USA(530) 272-9322
Date
January 16 - 23, 2026

About this Retreat

Details of this retreat

Bhakti and Music
Bhakti yoga is a natural path for those who are dominantly seeking emotional fulfillment, and desire to convert worldly emotions into Divine devotion. The devotee visualizes the Lord sitting or standing before him/her. He/she pours out her heart’s love, adoration, and shares his/her deepest thoughts and concerns with the Lord until a continuous flow of awareness moves between devotee and his/her beloved Lord. This continuous flow of love brings about a a close relationship with God and culminates in Divine Union in which the worshiper and that which is worshiped become One.
DEVOTION TO THE DIVINE
“Kirtan is singing of God’s name, with feeling. Such singing has a benign effect on both the physical and subtle bodies. It is an excellent method of soothing the nerves and directing the emotions to a positive goal. Kirtan melts the heart, fills the mind with purity and generates harmony and divine love. The chanting of Sanskrit kirtan, even when mechanically done, produces certain effects. When done with devotion, and awareness of the meaning, its benefits are immeasureable.” – Swami Sivananda
Daily Schedule
6-7:30am Satsang: Silent meditation, chanting and lecture
8-10am Yoga Class
10am Brunch
11am Karma Yoga
1-2:30pm Kirtan Workshop
2:30-4pm Free Time and Nature walks
4-6pm Open Yoga Class
6pm Dinner
7:30-9pm Satsang: meditation, chanting and lecture
Pre-requisite
There are no prerequisites other than a sincere desire to learn classical yoga.
Course Material
"Kirtan Book" by Sivananda Yoga Farm
"Selfless Love" by Swami Sitaramananda
Reference Materials
YouTube - Jaya Ganesha Daily Chants with Swami Sitaramananda
YouTube -The power of Love & Devotion by Swami Ramananda
Article - Seven Practices to learn how to Love
Article - Yoga of Relationships: The way to Selfless Love

Getting Here

Location icon Sivananda Yoga Farm, 14651 Ballantree Lane Grass Valley, CA 95949 USA(530) 272-9322

Accommodation

Tent - Bring Your Own (female)

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!

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 (2 twin beds)

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 dorm share with another guest (2 twin beds)

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 - Book with a friend (2 twin beds)

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 - share dorm with another guest (2 twin beds)

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 dorm (2 twin beds)

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 - book with friends or family (3 twin beds)

Accommodation
Deluxe Shanti - book with friends or family (3 twin beds) - 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 - book with friends or family (2 twin beds)

Accommodation
Deluxe Shanti - book with friends or family (2 twin beds) - 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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