The Ashram

Resting on 120 acres of woodland 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 year round. Swami Radha founded the Ashram in 1963 and it continues to grow and thrive.

In the summer the Ashram hums with courses, celebrations, and teacher training programs. Any time of the year, the Ashram is a place to go within, grow, and be inspired by the beauty of our natural surroundings.

Spiritual Directors

The Ashram was founded by Swami Sivananda Radha, 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...

 

ascent magazine

Ascent is an award winning international magazine acclaimed for its excellence. Starting out as Yasodhara Ashram's inhouse newsletter in the 1960's, Ascent was transformed into a newsstand magazine in 1999. Ascent's gutsy editorial is well recognized; it was winner of the Utne Independent Press Award for Best Spiritual Coverage in 2003 and 2005, and a nominee for General Excellence in 2004. And nominated again in 2006 for Best Spiritual Coverage.

"ascent is really the primo magazine of yoga. Your articles have so much substance and there is art in what you do."-Sharon Gannon, founder, Jivamukti Yoga

"ascent is of great benefit to all who are interested in pursuing a spiritual life." -Tenzin Palmo, author of Reflections on a Mountain Lake

timeless books

timeless is dedicated to open intellectual and spiritual enquiry with publications that challenge readers to expand their minds and transform their lives. With such yoga classics as Swami Radha’s Hatha Yoga: The Hidden Language and Radha: Diary of a Woman’s Search and the cutting edge anthology from ascent magazine, Inspired Lives, timeless honours both old wisdom and new, offering truly timeless reading.

The Radha Network

A number of yoga centers in North America and Great Britain are connected to the Ashram. These Radha Centres provide access to Swami Radha's teachings through resident teachers trained at the Ashram.

 

History of Ashram founder and the devlopement of the Ashram.

Click to learn about the history of the Ashram, from the 1950's till the present day. Get a picture of who we are and how we developed.

Walking Tour of the Ashram

See the lay of the land and what it's like at the Ashram. Take a tour with our click through picture display.

Donations

Yasodhara Ashram Society is a registered charity. We rely on donations to maintain the work that Swami Radha began over 50 years ago. Today, her Ashram and teachings are known throughout the world. We invite you to be a part of this legacy.

All overhead and administrative costs are covered from our operational income, which comes primarily from our courses and retreat programs. Ashram residents and teachers offer their time and expertise without pay, as selfless service. Click to learn more.

Satsang

Every evening the Ashram community gathers in the Temple of Divine Light for Satsang, a Sanskrit term that means to be "in the company of the wise.' Satsang is a time for everyone to chant mantra, sing bhajans and reflect on the day together.

The Ashram Bookstore

Our metaphysical bookstore carries a wide selection of classic and contemporary books and music from around the world. Click here to see a sample of our selection.

The Food

A sign in the kitchen reads, "The kitchen is the heart of the ashram." Everyone who visits the community agrees with this. Our yoga nourishes your mind and spirit; our simple, balanced vegetarian and vegan meals nourish your body. The food is mostly organic and in season, much of it coming from our large organic garden and orchard.