“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”

~ Mahatma Gandhi


The Seva Yoga Ashram Program is a low-cost program which allows you to stay at the Ananda Meditation Retreat while serving either 20 or 30 hours per week in joyful fellowship with other truth-seekers. Duties range from serving in the kitchen, gardens, and housekeeping.

*COVID Protocol: You will be required to take a Rapid Antigen Test before arrival.

Cost

There are several pricing options:

  • 30 hours of service per week is $600/ month in a shared room; $750 for private room; $450 for tenting.
  • 20 hours of service per week is $800/ month in a shared room; $950 for private room; $650 for tenting.
 

What’s Included

  • Step-by-step instruction and guidance in meditation including pranayama, mantra, mudra
  • Guided Hatha Yoga postures sessions
  • Inspiration at our morning satangs for learning and sharing about yoga philosophy with our senior instructors
  • Study group focused on the deeper teachings of yoga and meditation, including Bhakti Yoga (the path of the heart), Gyana Yoga  (the path of wisdom) and Karma Yoga (the path of service), and Raja Yoga (meditation)
  • Ample time in nature  amid peaceful meditation gardens and hiking trails
  • Days off for optional visits to nearby attractions, such as historic Nevada City, Lake Tahoe, and the magnificent Yuba River
  • Delicious vegetarian meals
  • Joyful companionship with fellow truth-seekers
  • Individual spiritual coaching available
  • Opportunities to attend weekend programs at the Meditation Retreat
  • Optional events at Ananda Village to experience life at a large-scale spiritual community
  • For more information, see sample schedule

Seva Yoga stays are from 2 weeks up to 3 months.

Please use link below to apply.

Apply Now

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Seva Yoga

What is housing like for Seva Yogis?

Seva Yogis share a Bungalow or Monkalow with one other person. Private rooms may also be available at an additional cost. See pricing options above.


I have limited-to-no experience with yoga or meditation, can I still come?

We will teach you! Education is an important component of the Seva Yoga Program. During your stay we will teach you Hatha Yoga postures, meditation, and yoga philosophy.


I have my own spiritual and religious beliefs already. Will that be respected?

Definitely! Our goal is to support your personal growth, however you conceive of it.


Is there a typical Seva Yogi?

Seva Yogis come from around the world reflecting a variety of cultures and ranging in experience from beginner to advanced. Ages range from 18-70+. We welcome all with open hearts.


Will I have any time off?

Yes. Seva Yogis have time off each week. We support a balanced schedule so everyone has ample time for service, yoga, and meditation. Often Seva Yogis use their time off to take trips to nearby hiking trails, Lake Tahoe, or downtown Nevada City, or simply explore the beautiful gardens here.


How do I become a Seva Yogi?

First, submit the application online which takes about 20 minutes to complete. After your application is received, the Seva Yoga manager will contact you for a brief phone interview.


Comments From Our Seva Yogis

In three weeks in the Ananda Seva Yoga program, I had more sublime, expansive and revelatory experiences than I have had in most years of my life. This is a magical place with the perfect balance of support and freedom. In addition to meditation, yoga and spiritual exploration, I swam in the South Yuba, hiked the Buttes and steeped myself in the beauty of this land.
R.H., Massachusetts
I’ve got to thank you for giving me the tools I needed for this chapter of my life. I’m so grateful you helped me grow to be the person I am now, my time at the meditation retreat seriously changed my life in the most amazing way.
Nick, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands
“I enjoyed participating in the Seva Yoga program. During this time I ate great food and met amazing people, and was provided a beautiful environment to grow spiritually.”J.B., Oakland, CA
“This program exceeded my expectations. The work and free time balance was just right and the staff was very helpful and welcoming. The support here is incredible and I loved the meditations.”
“My experience at Ananda Meditation Retreat was everything I had hoped for. From the moment I walked through the front gate I felt a peace and calmness I had never felt before. I felt at home within myself and within this community. I am so grateful for the staff, the land, and this seva opportunity. I will continue to practice all that I have learned here throughout my journey. Thank you Ananda Meditation Retreat for all of the love, support and guidance!”
“I came to Ananda Meditation Retreat Center because I was looking for a place to volunteer. This volunteer trip, however, turned out to be much, much more than just volunteering my time. Seva is an amazing way to experience the retreat center. Not only do you get a chance to meditate, meet those who are on the path, and be a part of a loving community, but you also get a chance to give back in a very meaningful way.” Rastika Prasad, Oakland, California
What a welcome step to serve and learn in such a beautiful, natural and meditative setting. I’ll definitely be back.Mike Fuller



The Seva Yoga program was an amazing lifechanging surprise for me. I didn’t really know exactly what to expect. So I went in open to all I could learn about myself. I did come with a desire to get to know myself further and deeper than I already thought I did. I received much more than that. The entire staff was open and willing to help me in every way possible to make me feel welcome and at home. They were there for me every moment that I needed them. Cheerfully and lovingly showing me the ins and outs of retreat living. I stumbled and they lifted me time and again. Every one of them nurturing me along my path of learning who I was. I cried. I laughed. I had proud moments. I had embarrassing moments. I had many many very deep moments. The heart connections I made are priceless. Mostly the moments of peaceful lovingness on my spiritual path have forever changed my life.
Nett Rivas, San Diego, CA

Thank you for all the love, warmth, generosity and experiences I cannot put into words. I have learned so much in this short amount of time and I cannot wait to return to learn more. I share my stories of Ananda with every person I meet and they are speechless at the fact that a place like this is available. It is a gem. I keep thinking to myself “How fortunate am I.” Nishi Munshi, Los Angeles


Nishi (left) in retreat dining room with guests.




I appreciate the balance of friendship, work and meditation.Scott, Nevada City, California

A program to live with positive, joyful, solution-oriented, and wise people; to learn and experience the true meaning of yoga and meditation. Yingbing You, Guangzhou, China



Participating in the Seva Yoga Program is a full immersion in the warm embrace of spiritual community. I instantly felt at home, thanks to the kindness, openness, and humbleness of all the beautiful souls who live and serve here. The majestic natural beauty of the physical and energetic environment is profoundly supportive. The energy is peaceful, serene, and uplifted. It is a gift to serve here, and I have grown in my ability to be fully present.Megan

Ananda meditation Retreat is a very special place, filled with powerful energy and beautiful souls. The Seva Yoga Program is a great way to expereince it, being the best of two worlds; staff and guest. You get to serve along with staff, while deepening your meditation practice. The staff members are adorable people and make you feel at home right away. i would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for an extended stay with their inner self. Delphie, Montreal, Cananda

Delphie arrived by plane and bicycle from her home in Montreal, Canada. After flying to San Francisco, she biked and camped the rest of the way here.