Housing, Registration and Fees: Ananda Seclusion Retreat: Bhawani Isaacson [email protected]
530-478-7557
Mail Check To: 14618 Tyler Foote Rd. #114
Nevada City, CA 95959
To Begin Application Process
Contact your local Ananda Minister or the Program Coordinators in order to understand the requirements for participation and to begin the application process.
Deposit
A minimum deposit of $350 is required to secure your place in the program once you have been approved by the Program Coordinators.
Refundability of Deposit
The deposit, less a $75 administrative fee, is refundable if cancellation is made at least 8 weeks prior to the start of the selected program. A cancellation made less than 8 weeks will result in the forfeiture of the full deposit.
Transfer of Deposit
The deposit, less a $75 administrative fee, is transferable to another program if cancellation is made at least 8 weeks prior to the start of the selected program. A transfer request made less than 8 weeks will result in the forfeiture of the full deposit.
Minimum Number of Participants
Due to the sheer amount of human resources it takes to offer Living Discipleship, in addition to the costs of conducting the program, a minimum number of 8 participants is required to run the program.
Cancellation of Program
A program will be canceled 8 weeks prior to the scheduled start if the minimum number of 8 participants has not been reached. Should this occur, a full refund will be made to all those who applied and submitted their deposit. Should the minimum number drop below 8 after the 8-week mark, the program will still commence with the lower number of participants.
Travel Plans
- Due to the cancellation policy it is recommended that you wait to book any flights or travel arrangements until 8 weeks prior to your program.
- The physical address of the Seclusion Retreat (do not send mail here): 18443 Macnab Cypress Rd – Nevada City, CA 95959
- If you are flying, please be aware that the closest airport to the Seclusion Retreat is Sacramento Airport, which is approximately 2 hours away. You will need to coordinate your own ride from the airport to the Seclusion Retreat. Often people choose to get a taxi, which could cost between $100-150 typically, depending on who you call.
- The program begins in the late afternoon of the first day. Plan your arrival to the Seclusion Retreat for 3:00 p.m. and no later than 4:00 p.m.
The program ends after brunch on the last day of the program. Please do not plan to depart the Seclusion Retreat before noon.
- If you have the flexibility to arrive a couple of days early or to stay a couple of days after the program, please consider doing so. These transitional days can make the experience even deeper and more easeful. Please make these arrangements directly with the Seclusion Retreat.
Payments
Payments are allowed by credit card or check. Most major credit cards are accepted. All payments are made directly to the Ananda Seclusion Retreat.
If you do not have access to a credit card valid in the United States, please contact the Seclusion Retreat to arrange payment.
Final Payment
Payment in full is due two weeks prior to the program.
A Technology-Free Experience
Living Discipleship is a technology-free experience, meaning that participants are asked to refrain from the use of technology (computers, tablets, mobile phones, etc.) for the duration of the program. The habits of texting, reading news, engaging in social media, etc. can be serious distractions — mentally and spiritually. They can keep participants from being fully present. The more you can let go of the outer world during your time in Living Discipleship, the greater the spiritual reward.
Leaving your devices at home is the easiest approach, but we recognize that is not always practical or feasible. We also recognize that it is important to stay in touch with family and loved ones during a prolonged absence. With that in mind, any devices that a Living Discipleship participant brings will be stored safely for you for the duration of the program. Your devices will be available for use on Sundays to connect with loved ones, and returned at the conclusion of the program.
In case of emergency, program participants can be reached 24 hours a day. An emergency contact number will be provided to you prior to the start of the program.
LIVING DISCIPLESHIP COSTS
The costs are three-fold for the program, and an estimate is outlined here, with details provided below. Your biggest variable in costs will be the accommodations that you choose.
- Cost Estimation
Program Fee:
- Standard 24 day course: $1200
- July 2026 (15-day) course: $700
Housing Fee ( $25 – $106 per night)
- Standard 24 day course: $1,488*
- July 2026 (15-day) course: $930*
*Estimate based on “Private Basic” lodging (most commonly chosen) for duration of program
Meals Fee:
- Standard 24 day course: $875
- July 2026 (15-day) course: $520
Estimated total cost:
- Standard 24 day course: $3,563
- July 2026 (15-day) course: $2,150
Program Fee ($1200 or $700)
The Program Fee covers all of the guided experiences, classes and satsangs, program-specific special events including experiences at Crystal Hermitage, special “away meals”, and all instructional and personal supplies (creative materials, journal, etc.)
A sliding scale price reduction of up to 50% is available to eligible participants. To be eligible, one must meet both of the below criteria:
- Demonstrated financial need such as working at devotees wages for Ananda (Church, School, or other Ananda entity), or working at minimum wage.
- Without another source of support, income or financial cushion.
If approved for the sliding scale price reduction, you are encouraged to reflect on what level would be most appropriate given your situation. The price reduction will be applied to the regular program price of $1200 or $700 (July 2026)
Program Fee, making the total Program Fee between $600-$1,200 (please note that meals and accommodations are separate).
Housing $25-$106 per night
Shared accommodations are an option during all of the course except during the seclusion periods. Before considering shared accommodations, please realize that Living Discipleship is a full-participation immersion. As such, you are around your fellow gurubais for most of the day. Having a private space to retire to at the end of the day can offer cherished solitude for reflection and inner stillness. If finances allow, private accommodations are advised.
The 24 day course has a period of seclusion for four nights and four full days. Shared Occupancy is not an option during this period of time. If you register for shared housing, you will need to move from shared occupancy to private occupancy during the seclusion period. The 15 day course does not have a formal seclusion period and shared accommodations are available for the entire 15 day course.
No matter what your choice of accommodations, the Ananda Seclusion Retreat will be your home away from home. Visit http://www.meditationretreat.org/accommodations-rates/ to see full descriptions of all accommodations. Please ignore the rates on the website, as Living Discipleship has a special price package arranged with the Retreat. Program-specific rates can be found on the next page.
Depending on your needs, there is a range of conveniences within the various housing options. You are encouraged to discuss the options with the Meditation Retreat Staff and find what will work best for you. The staff will help guide you to the right choice for you. Housing is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Early registration is therefore suggested.
HOUSING OPTIONS (cost per night)
Private Deluxe Cabin (nicest): Generosity, Devotion cabins | $106 |
Shared Deluxe Cabin (nicest): Generosity, Devotion cabins | $66 |
Private Deluxe Cabin: Contentment, Kindness, Krishna, Peace of Mind cabins | $98 |
Shared Deluxe Cabin: Contentment, Kindness, Krishna, Peace of Mind cabins | $62 |
Private Standard Lodging: Renunciation cabin | $79 |
Shared Standard Lodging: Renunciation cabin | $52 |
Private Basic Lodging: Bungalow, Lahiri Cabin, Wisdom Cabin, Happiness Lodge | $62 |
Shared Basic Lodging: Bungalows with twin beds | $44 |
Private Basic Lodging: Secluded Bungalow (monkalow) if available, men only | $56 |
Tent: bring your own or use ours (tent, pad, bedding, towels and pillow included) | $25 |
Meals $875 or $520 (15 day course)
The fee for meals includes all meals for the duration of the program. You may choose to bring supplemental food items to support your choice of diet. If your housing does not have a kitchen, there is a refrigerator and shelf space available for use by participants. Should you choose to augment your meals by bringing food, the fee for meals will not change.
The Meditation Retreat serves three vegetarian meals a day, breakfast, lunch and dinner. During seclusion, meals may be simplified as most people intentionally consume less during this period.
Typical Breakfast Options:
- Bread (gluten-free available)
- Butter, Jams, Peanut Butter
- Hard Boiled Eggs
- Oatmeal or other hot grain
- Variety of cereals and toppings (coconut, raisins, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds)
- Granola
- Yogurt
- Milk (alternative milks available)
- Fresh fruit
