Discipleship Renewal Program

Discipleship Renewal — Ananda Meditation Retreat
Altar with Divine Mother's image at the Ananda Meditation Retreat, adorned with roses and candlelight
Ananda Seclusion Retreat · October 9–18, 2026

Discipleship
Renewal

Nine days to step back from the noise of ordinary life, and return — deeper, quieter, more your own true Self — to the path you have already given your life to.

Apply for October 2026
When
Oct 9 – 18, 2026 Nine full days, arriving the evening before
Where
Seclusion Retreat The original site where Ananda began
For Whom
Kriyabans Living Discipleship graduates, established in sadhana & seva
Investment
Aprox. $900-$1,200 Includes lodging, 2 meals daily & program fee
✦

“These nine days of concentrated meditation, sadhana, chanting, and inspiration carried our group, by gradual stages, out of our workday routine and steadily deeper into the essence of our path.”

— Prakash, Ananda Village
What This Program Is

A homecoming to the roots of our discipleship.

For many Ananda devotees, Living Discipleship stands as one of the great turning points of the spiritual life — an unforgettable deepening of attunement to Master and Swamiji. Discipleship Renewal was born from that same fire.

It is a way back — for those who have already walked the full immersion of Living Discipleship — to reset, recharge, and reignite your dedication to the path. Nine days at the original grounds of Ananda, where longer meditations, deeper satsang, and quiet hours with the Masters' relics restore what daily life so easily wears thin.

This is not an introduction. It is a return to depth, offered to those who have already made sadhana and seva the center of their lives.

Altar at the Ananda Meditation Retreat decorated with flowers, with photos of the Masters and candles
A Day at the Retreat

The Rhythm of the Day

A schedule built entirely around remembering God — from the wake-up bell before dawn to the last chant of the evening.

6:00
Wake-Up Bell
6:30
Energization Exercises
7:00 – 10:00
MeditationIf you cannot do the whole time, we can work with you to adapt it to your needs
10:15
Brunch
11:00 – 11:30
Karma Yoga & Cleanup
12:00 – 1:30
Class
1:30 – 4:00
Free TimeRest, journal, walk the gardens, or simply be still
4:00 – 5:00
Yoga PosturesPreparing the body for stillness
5:00 – 6:30
MeditationAn evening return inward
6:30
Dinner
7:45
Evening EventSatsang, kirtan, fire ceremony, devotional sharing, ...
What to Expect

Every part of the day turns toward God.

I

Sadhana, twice daily

Energization Exercises, postures, chanting, and meditation form the backbone of every day.

II

Refined core techniques

Satsangs focused to refresh Energization, Hong-Sau, the AUM Technique, and Kriya — deepened and clarified.

III

Three days of silent, guided seclusion

Held gently within the structure of the group, to go even deeper in the experience.

IV

Meditation with the Masters' relics

Quiet hours at the Crystal Hermitage and the Shrine of the Masters.

V

The gardens of the Seclusion Retreat

Walks and quiet time amid the nature of one of the sacrest places on earth.

VI

Personal spiritual support

Guidance from senior devotees throughout your nine days.

VII

Sattwic meals

Vegetarian food, twice daily, with gluten-free and vegan options on request.

VIII

Company of gurubhais

Nine days alongside others, on the same journey, with the same devotion.

In Their Own Words

What Renewal Feels Like

Glimpses of the Retreat

Nine Days, Held Together

Gurubhais gathered around the table for a meal, with a photo of Swamiji at the head of the table Devotees gathered after a devotional painting class at the Meditation Retreat, holding small portraits of Master The Shrine of the Masters decorated with photos, flowers, and autumn pumpkins group at the Crystal Hermitage Dome, with Jyotish and Devi
A Space Held with love

Facilitating a Deep Inner Experience

We understand how important is to keep your spiritual life alive, and it is our joy to manifest the space to help you go deeper in your discipleship and in communion with God.

Dhyan and Shyama currently serve as managers for Ananda Village and coordinate this program offering support, enthusiasm and deep devotion.

Shyama and Dhyan photo
Applications Open Now

Ready to renew your discipleship?

Space is limited to keep this circle small and close. If you are interested in participating, please contact us.

Email to Apply for October 2026

We are glad to announce that the 9-day Discipleship Renewal Program is happening again soon. 

It will be hosted at the Meditation Retreat, October 9th-18th, 2026.  

For many Ananda devotees the Living Discipleship program stands out as a highlight of their spiritual life through Ananda’s ray, providing an unforgettable boost of attunement and enthusiasm for the spiritual path.   

This motivated us to offer ‘Discipleship Renewal’ program. A new version to the original program for seasoned devotees. A way to reset, recharge, deepen and reinvigorate your dedication to the path. 

Deepen your practice with longer meditations, satsang, devotional offerings, and time in holy places. Reflect, attune to nature, and enjoy nourishing sattwic meals in an atmosphere blessed by decades of deep spiritual dedication. 

WHAT is this program about

This program has come about in response to people eyeing the “Living Discipleship” program with renewed interest, looking for a similar opportunity to refresh their practices and deepening their atunement. 

This  immersive, 9 -day experience to deepen our practices and atunement to God and Guru and support your spiritual growth.

It is different from ‘Living Discipleship Program’ as it is centered on deepening in the practices, for those that have already done Living Discipleship, to dive into longer sadhanas and practical tools to grow in atunement and depth in meditation.

WHEN is it happening

Next dates available: October 9-18, 2026

WHERE will it be

Held at the Ananda Meditation Retreat, the original site of Ananda and where the community began.

FOR WHO is this program

This program is offered exclusively to Ananda Kriyabans who have taken the full immersion Living Discipleship Program before, are established in the core teachings and have made their sadhana and service to Ananda a central part of their lives.

What is the COST?

The cost of the program is $1200 aprox. (includes lodging, 2 meals a day and program activities).

There are some scholarships available for those who might need some financial assistance.

Review Program Policies, Housing and Costs

Coordinators

Shyama and Dhyan Garcia-Davis

Contact

[email protected]

HOW to participate?

If you are interested, send us an email to [email protected]
We will connect with you for an interview and to discuss next steps.
 

WHAT TO EXPECT

Living Discipleship is a unique opportunity to open more fully to the presence of God and Guru. Below are just a few examples of what Living Discipleship will offer participants.

  • Sadhana two times per day: Energization Exercises, postures (most afternoons), chanting, meditation
  • Satsangs in Master’s core techniques to deepen and refine: Energization Exercises, Hong Sau, AUM Technique, and Kriya
  • 3 Days of guided seclusion 
  • Special time at the Crystal Hermitage and with Masters relics at the Shrine of the Masters
  • Experience Nature on the beautiful gardens at the Meditation Retreat
  • Personal spiritual support throughout the program
  • Vegetarian meals, with GF and vegan options. Once you fill in the Application, you will have the chance to indicate any special diet requirements you have so that the kitchen is aware of your needs.