Welcome to the Siddha Yoga Ashram in Oakland
The Siddha Yoga Ashram in Oakland was established by Swami Muktananda on April 28, 1975. The Ashram welcomes visitors and spiritual seekers of all ages, faiths, and cultures. The Ashram offers programs such as:
Events such as Siddha Yoga Satsangs, recitation of Shri Guru Gita, and meditation retreats like the Muktananda Dhyana Saptah.
Please check the Calendar of Events.
Opportunities for seva, or selfless service. Please contact the Seva Team
at sevateam@syaoakland.org if you are interested in offering seva.
Ashram Hours
The Ashram is open to the public every Wednesday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in addition to when the Ashram is open for special events.
The Bookstore is generally open on Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and on Sundays from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The Bookstore offers a wide selection of books on Siddha Yoga, CDs, DVDs featuring chants and devotional songs, incense, dhoop, meditation oils, malas, asanas, shawls, and other items to support your spiritual practices.
The Amrit Café is open every Sunday from 10:15 to 11:00 a.m. for brunch. Brunch items for purchase may include scones, chai, coffee, savory cereal, home-fried potatoes, and scrambled tofu.
Hours may change to accommodate events.
Are you planning to visit the Ashram for the first time?
We have events for all ages. Children, teens, and young people are beloved and vibrant parts of our community. Each month there are events that are especially for children and their families and for teens and young adults.
Welcome Orientations
Welcome Orientations are a great way to become familiar with Siddha Yoga. These are generally offered 30 minutes before a Siddha Yoga Satsang. Please check the events calendar for dates when Siddha Yoga Satsangs are scheduled.
Where will I eat?
The Amrit Café offers a selection of snacks, drinks, and fresh organic meals for purchase.
What should I wear?
The Siddha Yoga Ashram in Oakland is a place of spiritual retreat. Please dress modestly, as you would when entering any place of worship, to respect the sacred atmosphere. Please note the following guidelines:
Dress for the occasion - for example, exercise clothing is great for hatha yoga classes but not suitable for a Siddha Yoga satsang.
Avoid revealing garments - please cover your shoulders, chest, waist, and thighs. Undergarments should not be visible.
Avoid clothing with endorsements, slogans, or political iconography.
Shoes must be worn in the Ashram except for the Meditation Halls and the Bhagavan Nityananda Temple.
How can I encourage my friends to join me?
Share with your friends what draws you to the Siddha Yoga Ashram in Oakland and invite them to join you. Show them the Siddha Yoga path website as well as the Siddha Yoga Ashram in Oakland website. Invite them to a Welcome Orientation and an event that you might enjoy together.
How can I get to the Siddha Yoga Ashram in Oakland?
The Siddha Yoga Ashram in Oakland is an urban ashram. Visitors walk, bike, drive, and take public transportation. Directions are on the Contact webpage.
How can I prepare before I come?
In anticipation of your visit to the Siddha Yoga Ashram in Oakland, and to prepare further, you might like to begin a practice of visiting the Siddha Yoga path website. It is a vibrant, grace-filled site that is updated frequently.
Below is a sample of information available on the Siddha Yoga path website:
How can I choose the right event for me to participate in?
Here are some of the ongoing events to help you decide where to start. Many of the events offered are free to attend. For events with a registration fee, information is provided.
If you would like to…
Attend an event with teaching, chanting, and meditation
Siddha Yoga Satsang. Please see the calendar for dates.
Experience the power of meditation
The Bhagavan Nityananda Temple and Shaktinilaya Hall are open for meditation (see current schedule),
Muktananda Dhyana Saptah (registration required)
Experience the joy of chanting
Recitation of Shri Guru Gita. Please check the Calendar of Events for the time for Shri Guru Gita recitation.
Siddha Yoga Satsang and Chanting and Meditation Sessions. Please see the calendar for dates.
The following are the focal events of the year:
The Siddha Yoga Shaktipat Intensive is offered in October and November.
The Siddha Yoga Shaktipat Intensive is the primary vehicle through which Gurumayi Chidvilasananda bestows shaktipat-diksha, the awakening of the spiritual energy within a seeker (registration required).
Sweet Surprise
In this satsang, Gurumayi shares her Message for the New Year, which guides our focus of study for the year (registration may be required).
We look forward to welcoming you in person at the Siddha Yoga Ashram in Oakland.