Ananda Service Corps Program
We invite you to stay and serve with us for up to a month at the Expanding Light Retreat alongside our retreat staff and karma yogis.
This program is available to any Ananda Kriyabans who are actively involved in our sister communities or meditation groups.
The primary focus will be on helping operations and guest hosting at The Expanding Light Retreat, with some service also at Crystal Hermitage. Service could involve a myriad of activities, including, but not limited to, kitchen support, cleaning shifts, boutique support, meal check-ins, hosting or touring our personal retreat guests, admissions, parking, garden support, etc.
You will also have the time and opportunity to immerse yourself in the village community and meditate in any of the temples and shrines.
Join Us for Seva and Satsang!
Cost: $15/day | FREE April 10 – May 12
- Your Shared Room in Seva House.
- 5 hours service/day
- 2x day Guided EL Sadhana or Personal Meditation
- 3x/day Wholesome Vegetarian Meals
About the Program
Who is Elegible?
This program is available to any Ananda Kriyabans who are actively involved in our sister communities or meditation groups; in short, our extended spiritual family members. If we feel it’s not the right fit, we may guide someone into our formal Karma Yoga Ashram Program instead.
How You'll Serve
The primary focus will be on helping operations and guest hosting at The Expanding Light. Service could involve a myriad of activities, including, but not limited to, kitchen support, cleaning shifts, boutique support, hosting or touring our personal retreat guests, etc. This year, if we can magnetize enough support at the Expanding Light we will also have opportunities for service at Crystal Hermitage.
How Much You'll Serve
You’ll be serving approximately 5 hours a day.
Length of Stay
If there is availability in Seva House, you can stay from 2 nights up to 1 month.
Cost of the Program
$15/day | FREE April 10 – May 12
We’ll host and feed you for free in our Seva House or tenting (note that you’ll be using the communal shower house). Depending on the circumstances and capacity, we can also upgrade you to our guest facilities, but we’ll need to charge you our regular guest rates, less the value of your seva hours (we’re sure hoping to have many guests, so we can’t offer too many upgrades).
Accommodations
We’ll host and feed you for free in our Seva House or tenting (note that you’ll be using the communal shower house). Depending on the circumstances and capacity, we can also upgrade you to our guest facilities, but we’ll need to charge you our regular guest rates, less the value of your seva hours (we’re sure hoping to have many guests, so we can’t offer too many upgrades).
Alternative Retreat Option
You are more than welcome to stay with us on retreat, and simply extend your time with us and switch over to the Ananda Spiritual Family Seva Program. No matter what, we’d love to see you! You can take a look at our retreats here, and contact our Guest Services staff if you need any help with your reservation.
*Or you can email us at karmayoga@expandinglight.org or call (530)-478-7523 if you have any questions.
Meet the Staff
Aramati is the co-director of the Karma Yoga Ashram Program.
Dhananjaya is the co-director of the Karma Yoga Ashram Program.
He first encountered the spiritual teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda in 2009. Since then his spiritual life has progressed steadily.
It was during Dhananjaya’s first stay in the karma yoga program in 2013 that he became a disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda and he also received initiation in Kriya yoga during that same visit.
He is a certified Ananda Meditation Teacher.