Your First Stay
Yasodhara Ashram has been welcoming people of all ages, race, gender & sexual identity, ability and religious & cultural backgrounds, from around the world, for the last fifty years. We aim to create a safe, supportive environment for all.
As a guest, you may access the Ashram’s many spiritual resources, including the meditation rooms, our extensive library and the surrounding natural beauty of lake, mountains and forest.
Most first-time guests begin with a course or retreat. Some decide to stay on after the course, to build spiritual awareness and absorb the peace and natural beauty of the Ashram.
Our courses and retreats range from five days to three weeks, and there are many options for extended stays and Karma Yoga.
We ask that all guests stay on-site during their visit to absorb the benefits of their time here without distractions.
Commonly Asked Questions
What is an ashram?
An ashram is a spiritual community formed around the body of teachings from a particular guru and lineage. Yasodhara Ashram is based on the teachings of Swami Sivananda Radha and is open to people of all backgrounds to pursue their spiritual development. Yasodhara Ashram is both a residential spiritual community, with residents who live here year-round, and a yoga retreat and study centre, open to guests and students. Our Ashram focuses on the Light and Divine Feminine.
How do you pronounce ‘Yasodhara’?
Yah-show-duh-ruh
What kind of yoga do you practice at Yasodhara?
We practice a holistic yoga based on a lineage of teachings from Swami Radha, who studied with Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh. There is an emphasis on the spiritual traditions of yoga. Our approach includes Karma Yoga, Mantra Yoga, Kundalini Yoga and Dream Yoga. (see Our Practices) The Hatha Yoga and Hidden Language Hatha Yoga we teach here is gentle and reflective.
Combining yoga practices with personal development techniques, our teachings create a bridge to the spiritual dimension while supporting the aspiration to live our practice in daily life.
What is a swami?
A swami is a person who has made a commitment to a life of renunciation and selfless service. Similar to a nun or monk, swamis take a different name and are initiated into mantras that emphasize redirecting energy to the Divine and away from the illusions of the world.
What is satsang?
Satsang translates to “in the company of the wise.” It is a spiritual service where the community gathers together in devotion and prayer. Ritual, mantra, bhajans and inspirational talks are all part of the nightly tradition. Satsangs are held every evening at the Temple of Divine Light.
Additional Information
The Ashram is on Pacific Daylight Time in summer and Mountain Standard Time in winter. This means we are on the same time as Vancouver (PDT) from March through November, and the same time as Calgary (MST) from November through March.
Plan time before or after your stay to visit the surrounding area. Some local attractions include Ainsworth Hot Springs, the Crawford Bay artisan community, Eastshore Community, the city of Nelson, Kokanee Glacier Park and the Valhalla mountain range.
Essential things you should know before you arrive:
• Meals & accommodation
• Stay on site
• Celibate community
• How to get here
• Medical emergencies
Tour the Ashram
