The Ashram

Resting on 140 acres where the mountains touch the waters of Kootenay Lake, Yasodhara Ashram is a vibrant spiritual community. People come here from all over the world to learn about yogic practices. Swami Radha founded the ashram in 1963 and it continues to grow and thrive. In the summer the ashram hums with up to one hundred people. At other times, most of the people here are residents and karma yogis, numbering between 25 and 40 people. Any time of the year, the ashram is a place to go within, grow, and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Spiritual Directors

The ashram's founding guru, Swami Sivananda Radha, was a pioneer in the development of yoga in the west. Although she passed away in 1995, her love and presence is felt by all who come here. She left the ashram under the care of her designated successor, Swami Radhananda, who continues to guide the work. More...

Our Practices

Swami Radha introduced a number of yogic practices, including Kundalini, Hatha, Karma and Mantra Yoga, and the Divine Light Invocation. These practices are the foundation of all the courses offered at the ashram. Yoga has the potential to help us realize our innate wisdom. In a supportive community with trained instructors, you have the opportunity to try the different practices and experience the results. More...

 

Satsang

Every evening the ashram community gathers in the Temple of Divine Light for satsang, which is literally translated from Sanskrit as 'the company of the wise.' It's a time for everyone to chant, sing and reflect on the day together.

The Food

A sign in the kitchen reads, "The kitchen is the heart of the ashram." Everyone who visits the community agrees with this. While yoga nourishes your mind and spirit, the ashram food nourishes your body. We serve simple, balanced, vegetarian meals, made by karma yogis. The food is mostly organic and in season, some of it harvested from the ashram's garden.

The Radha Network

There are a number of satellite yoga centers associated with the Ashram. These Radha Centres allow people all over the world to study yoga as taught by Swami Radha. In addition, Swami Radha started Timeless Books and Ascent Magazine. Founded in 1978, Timeless Books has been carrying on the teachings of Swami Radha by offering a wide selection of books, cd's, and videos. Ascent Magazine has grown into an award winning publication, acclaimed for its excellence in spiritual coverage.

The Ashram Bookstore

The bookstore carries a wide selection of books and music from around the world. Click here to see a sample of their selection.