Natural Abiding: Meditation as a Pathway to Peace

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Up to 30 in group
Date
July 17 - 19, 2026

Retreat Highlights

  • Daily guided meditation sessions with skilled Integral Yoga teachers
  • Workshops on breath awareness, mantra, walking, and loving-kindness meditations
  • Hatha Yoga practices to support focus, energy, and relaxation
  • Teachings on how to make meditation part of your everyday life
  • Peaceful retreat setting with nourishing meals and optional private mentoring

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Details of this retreat

Meditation is a powerful tool to calm and focus the mind, allowing you to experience your natural state rather than creating one. Backed by modern science, the ancient practice of meditation is profound, simple, and rewarding. Whether you are new to meditation, have difficulty meditating, or seek to refresh your practice, you are invited to join us at Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville to experience a meditation intensive under the guidance of skilled Integral Yoga practitioners.

Experience the transformative practice of meditation as you explore a variety of meditation techniques, including walking meditation, mantra meditation, breath awareness, and loving kindness meditation.

Discover the benefits of meditation, including stress reduction and enhanced spiritual, emotional, and psychological well-being. Learn about the significance of meditation, leading to spiritual growth and how to incorporate meditation into daily life. This program will help you develop the clarity and concentration that enable you to become the master of your own mind.
This program offers:

Workshops on the practice of meditation led by Integral Yoga practitioners
Daily guided meditation
Hatha Yoga practices for cleansing and rejuvenation
Delicious, vegetarian meals for an enhancement of your meditation practice

What to Expect:
Integral Yoga promotes an easeful body, a peaceful mind, and a useful life. Developed by Sri Swami Satchidananda, the path of Integral Yoga uses every aspect of life as a stepping stone to calm the mind and enjoy inner peace. The practices of Integral Yoga, including pranayama (yogic breathing), meditation, and Hatha Yoga, will help you realize the Peace which is your own true nature.

Sadhana refers to any spiritual practice that is aimed at progressing the aspirant toward the ultimate expression of their life. When done intentionally, everything can be sadhana, the way you think, move, eat, and interact with others. Since 1970, Integral Yoga Retreats have provided the sanctuary and solace everyone needs from time to time. Surrounded by a serene woodland landscape, Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville serves as an ideal environment for rest and relaxation. Teachers offer experiential classes in Yoga philosophy, meditation, breathing techniques, Yoga postures, and deep relaxation. During the retreat, you will have the opportunity to seek support and clarification from the senior Integral Yoga instructors.

Private mentoring is also available.
Testimonials
I decided to take this program to "fill up my empty cup". WOW did it happen...more than I could ever have imagined. The classes I attended were all excellent…The environment and atmosphere was so peaceful, loving, and secure; what I have always experienced at Yogaville and it was the same this visit, if not more than ever. Maybe it was the impact of the pandemic and the heightened need to be "cared for" the way Yogaville does. THANK YOU! from the bottom of my heart and the farthest depths of the universe. — Sara
I needed a reset, I was struggling, feeling short-tempered and broken. I feel I've regained the tools to help guide me back to my center, to be better for everyone and for me. Thank you! — E.M.
I came to deepen my personal practice and spiritual journey. This weekend exceeded my expectations. I cannot wait to return! — L.O. 



Sample Ashram Schedule





MONDAY – FRIDAY



5 – 6:15 am
Integral Yoga Meditation (with leader)


6:30 – 7:30
Morning Meditation


6:30 – 8:00
Integral Yoga Hatha: Level 1 or Mixed level


8 – 8:45
Puja at Chidambaram


8 – 9:00
Breakfast


12 – 12:30 pm
Noon Meditation


12 – 12:30
LOTUS Meditation (Thurs. Fri. & Sat.)


12 – 12:30
Chidambaram Meditation (M, W, F)


12 – 12:30
Puja at Kailash (W & F) – chanting or meditation offered on all other days


12:45 – 1:30
Lunch


2 – 4:00
LOTUS open – gift store open (Friday only)


5 – 6:30
Mixed Level Hatha


5 – 6:30
Restorative (Tuesday only)


5 – 6:30
Gentle Yoga (Friday only)


5 – 5:45
Yoga Nidra (Friday only)


6 – 6:30
Evening Meditation


6:30 – 7:15
Supper


7:30
Scripture Study Class (Tues. & Thurs.)


7:30 – 9
LOTUS open – gift store open (Friday only)


10 pm
Lights out in dorms



SATURDAY



5 – 6:15 am
Morning Meditation (with leader)


6 – 6:45
Guided Meditation


6:20 – 7:20
Morning Meditation


7 – 8:30
Integral Yoga Hatha: Level 1


7 – 8:30
Integral Yoga Hatha: Level 2


8 – 8:45
Puja at Chidambaram


8 – 9:30
Breakfast


9:30 – 10:45
Talk: Yoga in Daily Life


10 – 4 pm
LOTUS open, gift store open


12 – 12:30 pm
Puja Kailash


12 – 12:30
LOTUS Meditation


12:45 – 1:30
Lunch


2 – 5
LOTUS open (gift store open)


4 – 5:30
Mixed Level Hatha


5:30 – 6:30
Supper


7:30 – 9:30
Satsang (Sivananda Satsang Hall)


10 pm
Lights out in dorms



SUNDAY



5 – 6:15 am
Morning Meditation


6 – 6:45
Integral Yoga Meditation


6 – 6:45
Guided Meditation


7 – 8:30
Integral Yoga Hatha: Level 1


7 – 8:30
Integral Yoga Hatha: Level 2


8 – 8:45
Puja at Chidambaram


8 – 8:45
Puja at Kailash


8 – 9:30
Breakfast


10 – 11
Talk: Taking it Home


10 – 4 pm
LOTUS open, gift store open


12 – 12:30 pm
Noon Meditation


12:45 – 1:30
Lunch


6 – 6:30
Evening Meditation


6:30 – 7:15
Supper


10 pm
Lights out in dorms

Getting Here

Location icon Yogaville

Directions

Yogaville offers transportation from the airport, train and bus stations in Charlottesville, VA. If you are driving Google Maps has reliable turn-by-turn directions.

Accommodation

Availability of complimentary accommodations is determined by the order of booking.
Dormitory

The most popular accommodations we have are Dormitory Accommodations – shared room and shared bath. We have two dormitories, Vivekananda Vihar and Ramalinga Nilayam, which are centrally heated and air-conditioned and convenient to meals and programs.
Lotus Guest House (Private Room)

Each room in our six unit guest house is equipped with a small refrigerator, queen size bed and full bath. Each room in our nine unit guest house is equipped with a queen sized bed and full bath, and no refrigerator.

Tenting
Set off in a quiet, wooded area adjacent to the Lotus Guest Houses are twelve campsites. Campers have use of the bathroom, shower, and laundry facilities nearby Vivekananda Vihar dormitory. Camping is available from March 15th to December 1st.

Shared Dormitory: Bottom Bunk

Accommodation
Bottom bunk in a shared dorm room. Dorm rooms contain 4-8 beds. Shared bathroom Dorm rooms are not coed Availability is Gender Specific

Private Dormitory

Accommodation
This is a private room with a shared bathroom in our Ramalinga Nilayam Dorm - Females Only

LGH: Full Bed

Accommodation
Private room and Private Bath. A single Full bed and a private bath designed for those seeking peace in solitude.    

LGH: 2 Twin beds

Accommodation
Private Room and Private Bath. Two twin Beds and a private bath that is ideal for friends looking to experience the bliss of Yogaville.  

LGH: Queen Bed

Accommodation
Private Room and Private Bath. A queen bed or a queen with two day beds and a private bath that is perfect for couples and families searching for a peaceful time together. Please put in the personal comments if you need a room that includes trundles.  

Tent-Site

Accommodation
Open from Mar. 16–Nov. 30. Closed from Dec. 1–Mar. 15 Set off in a quiet, wooded area adjacent to the Lotus Guest Houses are Eighteen campsites. Campers have use of the nearby bathhouse as well as laundry facilities at the LGH Building 3.   Also, all tent sites have tent platforms for a more comfortable and dry tenting experience.  Fires and Stoves are not Permitted. Price is per person per night. Please bring your own tent, tie downs, tarp (weather protection). bedding and towels.  

Venue & Amenities

A/C in Rooms icon A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi icon Free Wifi
Spa icon Spa
Sauna icon Sauna
Pool icon Pool
Towels icon Towels
Free Parking icon Free Parking
Kitchen icon Kitchen
Tour Assistance icon Tour Assistance
Hot Tub icon Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea icon Coffee/Tea
Cafe icon Cafe
Restaurant icon Restaurant
Fitness Center icon Fitness Center
Yoga Studio icon Yoga Studio
Housekeeping icon Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent icon Bicycles For Rent
Yogaville is home to the Light of Truth Universal Shrine (LOTUS). The LOTUS is a unique temple dedicated to interfaith understanding and the Light within all faiths. Individual altars represent and honor the different world faiths and spiritual paths. The vision, design and inspiration of Sri Swami Satchidananda, LOTUS was dedicated in 1986. It demonstrates, “Truth is One, Paths are Many.” In the peaceful countryside of Virginia, the doors of LOTUS are open to welcome people of all backgrounds and beliefs.

Meals

Menu Types

Organic, vegetarian/vegan food Labeled ingredients Lacto-vegetarian Gluten-free and vegan options Salad bar Large herbal tea selection Coffee is available for purchase at Mandala Cafe

What's Included

  • Accomodations
  • Meals
  • Meditation Sessions
  • Yoga Classes

What's Not Included

  • Transportation
  • Airfare

Customer Reviews

No reviews available.

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