Yasodhara Ashram

I stayed at Yasodhara in 2020 during the pandemic. It's been a year since I left the ashram and I'm still reaping the benefits of my stay. The people who run the ashram are kind, compassionate, fun and wise and I took so much away from that experience.I did a 2 month Karma Yoga stay and it was amazing. I got to do a bunch of challenging physical work outside (which was just what I needed), I made some delicious meals in the kitchen, I harvested some food from the land and I even spent some time in the Marketing/Communications office working on the website.I'm so grateful for my time at Yasodhara. It was very healing after an incredibly challenging 2020. During my stay, I reconnected with myself and my sense of goodness and belonging in this world. I would recommend a stay here for anyone who needs some time and space and some fresh air.

I came to the ashram for the 2 month Karma Yoga program in June 2022. My experience was so amazing I extended. Everyone here is respectful, kind and thoughtful. Not only have I been able to create my own spiritual practice, but also grow in a amazing community. After Covid, living in community has been extremely healing for me.I would recommend this place to everyone. It is a gift of a lifetime to be able to come here. The temple of light is filled with beauty. Photos don’t do it justice! But even more beautiful than the actual building is the people who are in it. I am constantly inspired by the devotion and love poured into it.

I have been to Yasodhara Ashram in winter and summer (and spring and fall!) and each time, I receive the solace and space that I need. I have done solo retreats, courses and visited with my family. The kindness and quality of the community resonates in everything, the buildings, the food, the courses, the care of the natural spaces and gardens. Getting to the Ashram and staying for at least a week is soooooo worth it!

I never give 5 stars... Until now. I participated in the yoga journey and everyone at the ashram went out of their way to accomodate my needs... Lots of rain but enough sun to enjoy the cherry, apple and magnolia blossoms. My neighbour wanted me to see the results of her Karma yoga... Clean, sorted and ready for produce!

Highly recommend if you're interested in community living, personal development and exploring spiritual practice.Yasodhara Ashram is an intergenerational community-based ashram that focuses on Karma Yoga (selfless service), supported by teachings from the woman who started it in the 60's, Swami Radha, and her guru Swami Sivananda from Rishikesh, India. I first visited just over 10 years ago for the 2-month program, to explore something new and spirituality in a western context.I returned recently for the 3-month Yoga Development Course, an intensive yoga program that has given me a whole new outlook on life and how I want to live it. But there's also shorter courses and retreats.The people and teachers here are what make this place so enriching, and where my learning comes from day-to-day. There is a wealth of teachings and even a great spiritual library, badminton court in summer, lake, trails and delicious healthy food served daily (mostly vegetarian).A beautiful safe space to practice, learn and develop myself in a supportive community.

I first came from Australia to the ashram 25 years ago, and was last here 19 years ago - not that I wasn’t connected during this time, I just couldn’t get here again until last month.I came back because this place, the teachings and community had had a profound influence on me, for the better. I wanted to see what had changed, and quite honestly - not much. The yoga teachings remain solid, and the community of people of all ages and from so many different places continue to work and learn together. The teachers have all been engaged for a long time and new ones learn and go out into the world too. I feel I picked up where I left off, at this different stage of my life.I balanced being here with working remotely from Australia, as well as taking some time out for personal retreat, nourished by the care and attention, good food and being part of community life in the mountains beside the lake - what a stunning way to wake up every day. I don’t know anywhere else in the world like this, it’s such a gift to the world - where you can continue your own personal and spiritual development, whatever your age or background.

Yasodhara Ashram is a magical place at any time of the year. The community is welcoming and inclusive. Not only is it a beautiful place to stay, but the workshops and courses are brilliant. People come from all over the world to experience this unique place. I count myself lucky to call the ashram my spiritual home. It is one of my favourite places on this earth.

Beautiful ashram and community. I enjoyed Asana class followed by a delicious meal + informative tour. The temple is a stunning work of art

Yasodhara Ashram is my favourite place in the world. I've been visiting the ashram for 20 years and each time my experience of myself and of life is brightened. My days at the ashram are filled with an elevated sense of meaning and of joy. My longest stay at the ashram was 15 months, my shortest was 2 days, and always I leave as a better version of myself than when I arrived. My greatest wish for the people I love is that they give themselves the gift of spending some time at the ashram.