How to Progress in Life with the Four Paths of Yoga

This yoga retreat at Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm in Grass Valley, California, is a week-long immersion in the four paths of yoga, led by Atmajyoti Chaitanya. It is open to beginners and experienced students alike, and suits anyone who wants a practical, classical approach to self-development: how to bring steadiness, clarity and an open heart into ordinary life. You can attend the full week, come for the weekend only, or choose the days that fit your calendar.

What to Expect

The retreat draws on the Sivananda teaching of harmony between head, heart and hands. Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, Raja/Hatha Yoga and Jnana Yoga are taught together, as a synthesis meant to balance your strengths and weaknesses and help you work with the mental tendencies and habits that hold you back. The aim is accessible theory paired with practice you can carry home.

Afternoon workshops take up themes such as:

- Transforming the self through three levels of mind
- Oneness, ego and self-awareness
- Purification practice through the four paths
- The mind and karmic tendencies
- Turning emotions into selfless love
- Mechanics and control of the mind
- How to tailor your yoga path

The recommended daily rhythm is simple and repeated. Morning satsang, with meditation, chanting and a lecture, runs from 6:00 to 7:30am, followed by an asana class from 8:00 to 9:45am. Vegetarian brunch is at 10:00am, then Karma Yoga at 11:00am and a nature walk at noon. The workshop runs from 1:00 to 2:30pm, leaving free time until a second asana class from 4:00 to 5:45pm. Dinner is at 6:00pm, and the day closes with satsang from 7:30 to 9:00pm.

On arrival day, check-in is at 2:00pm. Guests are encouraged to arrive by 4:00pm for the asana class, with dinner at 6:00pm, a welcoming orientation at 7:00pm and satsang at 7:30pm.

About Atmajyoti Chaitanya

Atmajyoti Chaitanya is a graduate of the Sivananda Yoga Teachers' Training Course (2017), the Advanced Teachers' Training Course (2019) and the Sivananda Yoga Health Educator Training. A devoted Hatha Yogini, she shares the classical teachings of yoga with enthusiasm, depth and authenticity.

The Setting

Sivananda Ashram Yoga Farm is in Grass Valley, California, and the retreat takes place within its daily ashram life. Lodging ranges widely: day-visitor attendance, bring-your-own tent space with separate areas for women and men, and the Om, Siva and Krishna cabins with twin beds, offered as private rooms, shared with a friend, or as dorm shares with another guest. Deluxe Shanti rooms are the larger option, with a queen bed and futon for a private guest or couple, or with two or three twin beds for friends and family or as a shared dorm. Meals are vegetarian. Check-out is at 12:00pm, and you are welcome to stay on the grounds for the rest of the afternoon.

Before You Go

There are no prerequisites other than a sincere desire to learn classical yoga. Daily tuition is charged separately from accommodation, and lodging, two vegetarian meals, two yoga classes, two satsangs and the afternoon workshops are part of the stay.

Bring slip-on shoes, loose comfortable clothing, writing materials, a meditation shawl or blanket, a yoga mat, a sitting cushion, a water bottle and a flashlight. Course books and other materials are available in the ashram boutique, including works by Swami Sivananda, Swami Vishnudevananda and Swami Sitaramananda.