First-Timers' Week and Weekend

2-day weekend

• May 24 – 26, 2013
• Jul 12 – 14, 2013 (pick-ups & drop-offs available*)
• Sep 13 – 15, 2013 (drop-offs available*)
• Nov 15 – 17, 2013

*Pick up & drop off at Sacramento Airport. Click on link next to date to get full details.

5-day week

• Jun 9 – 14, 2013 (pick-ups & drop-offs available*)
• Aug 11 – 16, 2013 (pick-ups & drop-offs available*)
• Sep 29 – Oct 4, 2013

*Pick up & drop off at Sacramento Airport. Click on link next to date to get full details.

While most of our programs are perfect for those with no prior experience, this one is especially designed to introduce newcomers to meditation, yoga, and spiritual community. You’ll be amazed at the variety of things you can learn and experience in just one weekend.

You’ll have in-depth instruction in meditation, and experience guided yoga postures. You’ll explore spiritual principles that can help you improve your quality of life. You’ll enjoy a tour of Ananda Village, get to know some longtime residents, and enjoy the uplifting music and stories of Ananda.

For those who are able to take the 5-day program: you'll gain more depth in understanding and experiencing the science and art of meditation and how to make it part of your life. You'll also enjoy workshops on healing prayers, how to have radiant health, how to bring superconscious principles into daily life, and personalized instruction in yoga postures.

The First-Timers' Weekends are led by Mantradevi, and the First-Timers' Weeks are led by Anandi.

"Thanks to everyone at Ananda for creating a beautiful oasis where joy naturally bubbles up.  I felt effervescent surrounded by such blissful, loving people.... Expanding Light gave me the rejuvenation and growth in spiritual skills that I needed to help my dad with a full loving heart. When people ask me about the retreat, I say 'They are living it.' Meaning you all are truly living a spiritual life and creating spiritual community in every way."

—Teresa, Kentucky - 5 day program

"Thank you Anandi, and all the other extraordinary teachers and beams of God's light. Our hearts are touched and we will never be quite the same.  My friend said that her time in Ananda/Expanding Light was the best present she has ever had in her life! I guess that says it all.... me too!   We love you all and truly miss you!  At 10 am I wanted to head over to our classroom for another fascinating, laughter-filled, and inspiring class."

—Pam, Redding, Ca - 5 day program

"I've loved Yogananda for forty years, and finally came to visit. I LOVED being at the Expanding Light First-Timers' retreat! I couldn't have asked for more. I've never met such happy, balanced, high functioning people, and the whole time I felt so cared for and thoughtfully looked after. Every class was interesting and nourishing. The aura of openness and joy stayed with me for many days after I left. I'm looking forward to spending more time with the Ananda communities in the future. My wholehearted thanks. It felt like coming home."

—Sandra, Berkeley, CA

Prices are all-inclusive and cover accommodations, meals, classes or activities, and course materials.

First-Timers' Weekend starts the afternoon of the first date listed. It’s ideal to arrive before 4 pm, if you are able to. That way, you can join in the afternoon session of yoga and meditation, which begins at 4:45 pm. Dinner is at 6:30. The first real gathering of your group is at 7:30 pm. If you need to arrive here after 5 pm, that’s fine, but it helps us if you let us know at 800-346-5350. We can also put aside a dinner for you if you need to arrive after 7 pm. The program ends with lunch on the last date. Please see our Daily Schedule.

See Transportation and Directions whether you are coming by plane, car, bus or train. Our Frequent Questions page answers many of the questions you might have about How to Go on Retreat.