Siddha Yoga Ashram, Oakland

The Siddha Yoga Ashram in Oakland (or Oakland Ashram) is a Siddha Yoga retreat site in the Golden Gate neighborhood of Oakland, California, on the east side of San Francisco Bay. It was the second ashram established by the Indian meditation master Swami Muktananda, the first being Sri Gurudev Ashram, now Gurudev Siddha Peeth, in Ganeshpuri, India.

Siddha Yoga Ashram, Oakland;

Temple History
Architecture
How To Reach The Temple
Daily Poojas And Festivals
Videos

When Swami Muktananda was on his second world tour in 1975, it became clear that he needed a permanent center in the United States where people could spend time with him and do the Siddha Yoga practices of chanting, meditation, and seva, or selfless service. His devotees acquired Hotel Stanford in a depressed part of Oakland and transformed it into an ashram.

The Oakland Ashram is where Swami Muktananda (also known as “Baba”) first began teaching his devotees about the ancient philosophical teachings of Kashmir Shaivism. It is also where he developed Siddha Yoga Dham Associates and the other organizational aspects of Siddha Yoga.
The Siddha Yoga Ashram in Oakland is modelled after an ancient gurukula, or center of spiritual learning. The ashram offers a variety of events and retreats in which longtime practitioners as well as newcomers can explore the spiritual teachings and practices of Siddha Yoga.

As we go through the back hallway of the ashram, we discover a beautiful, covered, outdoor temple with a murti, or statue, of Bhagavan Nityananda, Baba Muktananda’s Guru and one of the most venerable saints of modern India. In this lovely garden-like setting one is naturally drawn inward. Considered the heart of the ashram, the Temple, with its powerful and silent atmosphere, is an ideal place to meditate, contemplate, or simply sit quietly. We chant here several times a day. At the rear of the Temple is a puja, or altar, for Lakshmi, the goddess of abundance and beauty.

The Bhagavan Nityananda Temple is open to everyone seven days a week. The Temple was built as a refuge for those who come to meditate, pray, and enjoy a time of silent contemplation. It holds the love and blessings of Bhagavan Nityananda.

Temple is located at the Stanford Ave, Oakland, CA. 22nd St. Caltrain Station is the nearest rail head present. San Francisco International Airport is the nearest airport present.

The Ashram Daily Schedule of chanting, meditation, courses, and selfless service was created by Swami Muktananda to support seekers in deepening their spiritual practice. This daily schedule is recommended for everyone who spends time at the Ashram, and is, in itself, an ideal schedule for spiritual retreat. Over the years, seekers have found that as they participate in the beautiful rhythm of each day, they begin to experience a renewed flow of energy and inspiration.

The first Tuesday of the month chant will be Kundalini Stavah and Shri Shiva Mahimnah Stotram. The daily Noon Chant includes the Kundalini Stavah and meditation.

Ashram Hours: The Ashram opens at 6:00 a.m. every day. It closes at7:30 p.m. on weekdays, at 8:45 p.m. on Saturdays, and at 1:50 p.m. on Sundays. The ashram is closed between 9:20 -11:30 a.m. and 1:50 – 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The Guruseva schedule during those times is available to ashram staff and those participating in the Ashram Sevite Program.