This program offers a wonderful opportunity to focus on your spiritual life by allowing ample time for a balanced schedule of personal meditation, study, introspection, and recreation. You are supported by scheduled ashram activities such as weekly classes, services, meditations, and other optional spiritual activities.
Conducted Weekend Programs
These special weekends offer balanced yet concentrated programs of classes, meditations, introspection and free time designed to help improve your understanding of the Self-Realization Fellowship teachings and meditation techniques. The programs are thematic; specific topics pertaining to the spiritual life are explored during each weekend. Kriya Yoga review appointments are available for Kriyabans. For a schedule of conducted weekend programs, please see Conducted Retreats.
Guest Volunteer Program
This program provides an opportunity to live and serve for up to four weeks in an SRF ashram. Participants, all of whom are students of the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, are assigned to specific ashram areas and serve along with Resident Volunteers. An exchange of six hours of service per day is expected. The program also allows guests with limited financial means to fully contribute to the ashram.
Resident Volunteer Program
The Resident Volunteer Program is for men who want to serve and study in the ashram community for up to two years. The first step in applying for residency is to participate in the Guest Volunteer Program. While at Hidden Valley, you can discuss with an administrator your interest in returning as a Resident Volunteer. Following the initial period of spiritual service, the prospective applicant's suitability for the Resident Volunteer Program is evaluated. An application must be completed and approved prior to acceptance. After your application receives initial approval, you must take a medical examination. This program is available for single men with no dependents who have been students of the SRF Lessons for at least six months.
You will serve under the direction of SRF monks and are assigned to an ashram department based on need or any specific skills you may bring. Service areas include landscaping, farming, general maintenance, auto maintenance, woodshop, computer systems, kitchen, and housekeeping. A six-hour day of service is expected, and some additional responsibilities are assigned to residents where needed to maintain the community environment. Please note that all classes, as well as instructions for service, are given in English. To fully benefit from the program and participate in the daily service periods, the ability to read, understand, and speak English is essential. Please see Resident Program for additional details.
All guests and residents may meet with SRF monks for individual spiritual counseling about the Teachings.
All guests should bring
- Alarm clock
- Warm jacket
- Notebook and pen
- Durable walking shoes or hiking boots
- Swimsuit
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
- Rain gear (November through March)
- Work clothes and boots, if participating in the Guest Volunteer Program
- Conservative shorts are acceptable for work and recreation.
- Trousers and shirts with collars and sleeves should be worn to all group activities such as meditations, classes, and meals.
- Please do not bring televisions to Hidden Valley, as their use would conflict with the purpose of a spiritual program founded on silence and solitude.
- Smoking is discouraged; however, if you must smoke, please do so only in the Chalet parking lot.
As Hidden Valley is sustained by donations, your generous support is both needed and appreciated. The suggested donations to help defray the cost of meals, lodging, and day-to-day maintenance of the Hidden Valley facilities are $65 per day for the General Guest Program, and $200 for Conducted Weekend Programs.
The Guest Volunteer Program has a suggested donation of $15 per night, or $75 per week. We are grateful for larger contributions from devotees who have the financial means. However, please take to heart that Hidden Valley is open to all, regardless of ability to contribute financially.