Residential Study & Karma Yoga Program
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Serve. Love. Give. Purify. Meditate. Realize.
Step away from the ordinary and immerse yourself in ashram life through the practice of selfless service in action (karma yoga). Live, work, and study in a vibrant beachfront spiritual community where every task becomes part of your yoga practice.
Guided by senior teachers, you’ll deepen your understanding of yoga, cultivate mindfulness in daily life, and experience the joy of serving for the greater good.
As part of the ashram community, you’ll share in:
- Morning and evening satsangs (meditation, chanting, and spiritual talks)
- Daily staff meetings and one yoga class each day
- Two nourishing vegetarian meals
- 5–7 hours of selfless service in various aspects of ashram life
- Personal guidance to advance your spiritual practice, deepen your asana, pranayama, and meditation, and navigate personal challenges
- Q&A sessions on yogic philosophy and the Four Paths of Yoga
- For yoga teacher training graduates: opportunities to receive teaching feedback and lead staff and guest classes
Between moments of service and study, dive into the turquoise ocean, relax on the beach, and connect with a community of seekers dedicated to growth and selfless living. Feel the uplifting energy of our Yoga Teacher Training courses, Upanishad classes, and inspiring talks from world-renowned guest speakers. Explore the full schedule of satsangs and workshops on our Online Program Calendar.
Program Options & Costs
- 36-Day Introduction Program: $1,044 for 36 days — includes accommodations, meals, yoga classes, and participation in select ashram programs as your schedule allows. Additional days may be added at $29/day.
- Three-Month Immersion Program: Free of charge — includes accommodations and meals.
- October 25–early July: Tent accommodations (bring your own tent).
- Early July–October 25: Dormitory accommodations provided.
- Please note: a 10% Bahamian VAT tax will be added to the total.
For complete details, download our Karma Yoga Program Information Package. For information about how to get here and what to bring, read our FAQs and Guest Information. Questions? Email the Karma Yoga Advisor at [email protected]
The Yoga Retreat’s Karma Yoga program opened my eyes to a few simple truths, chief amongst them that at the core of my Being is deep source of love and Self-acceptance. I would recommend the program to anyone seeking to know themselves better.
The Karma Yoga program was beautiful, challenging and educational. I will always cherish the friendships I made and the important lessons I learnt.
The process of Karma Yoga is cleansing to the body, mind and soul. It is from my experience at the ashram that I continually notice positive change in every aspect of life. Serving selflessly keeps me moving on a bright path, day after day.
Serving Karma Yoga at Sivananda Bahamas was wonderfully transformative. The worries and cares of my daily life melted away as I immersed myself in service, to be replaced by a lasting, permeating sence of peace … And I am still smiling!
Becoming a Karma Yogi allowed me to fully immerse myself in the yogic lifestyle. It gave me the opportunity to learn from wonderful teachers, from the kitchen cook to the boatman to the knowledgeable and compassionate swamis. All that while taking in the beautiful spiritual energy that surrounds us all in every corner of the ashram. It is a time to look within and fall in love with myself once again.
I can’t think of anything that has touched and transformed me so deeply, and I don’t think there will ever be.
You can apply by filling out this form.
Please read this Karma Yoga Program Information Package to familiarize yourself with the program.
You can send an email to [email protected] if you have questions.
Dress code
As the ashram is a spiritual community and study center, we ask that clothing be respectable and modest. As members of the ashram staff, you represent the ashram and its values. You are welcome to dress in casual, comfortable clothes suitable for warm days and cool evenings.
At satsangs and around the ashram, whether you are at work or not, your clothing should cover your shoulders and knees; you will be most comfortable in light-weight pants (women can also wear long skirts or dresses).
We are proud of our Karma Yogis and your presence at the ashram. The only exceptions to this dress code are:
- at the beach (although, you should plan to bring a cover-up to wear on your way to/from the beach)
- during asana class: your yoga clothes should be modest (ie. no halter tops, low necklines, or short shorts)
Remember that while off-site (on Paradise Island and in Nassau), you still represent the ashram and should plan to dress accordingly.
What to bring
- Yoga mat
- Meditation cushion (optional)
- Meditation shawl (for satsangs)
- Slip-on sandals
- Swimsuit
- Beach towel
- Sunscreen
- Rain gear
- Toiletries, including soap
- Alarm clock
- Flashlight
- Insect repellent
- Travel mug or tumbler
- Water bottle
- Dry snack foods (nuts, energy bars)
- Snorkeling equipment (optional)
For tent space only: bring your own tent, bedding, and towels.
Please note that there are laundry facilities onsite. Tokens for the washer and dryer, as well as laundry soap, are available for purchase at the Boutique (Reception during the summer).
“Karma Yoga, or the practice of selfless service, is the best preparation for the practice of meditation. Without purifying the heart and the mind from selfishness and other negative emotions, success in meditation is not possible. The ashram is the best setting for such a practice. Serving others with joy, in the company of other spiritual practitioners, is a safe way to practice Karma Yoga and eventually attain success in meditation and enjoy the bliss of the spiritual life.”
—Swami Swaroopananda, Director and Spiritual Preceptor
Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat Bahamas
Learn more! Read the blog post: Karma Yoga Practice and Benefits.
Please enjoy this video clip of Swami Swaroopananda answering the question, What are the benefits of being staff at the ashram? Hint: it’s the fastest way to advance your spiritual practice.
Don’t take our word for it. Karma Yoga is one of the main paths of yoga, and it’s one where failure is impossible. By practicing selfless service, we tap into the parts of ourselves that want to give and serve others. It’s the practice of letting go of our own egos so we can benefit the greater good.
People from all walks of life have come to the ashram to benefit from the practice of Karma Yoga — it’s both an external and internal practice. Here some of our past Karma Yogis describe their growth process, their experience of self-development, and the peace that arises through this powerful path of yoga.
- Karma Yogis Return to Serve Again
- Karma Yoga Couple Discovers Serenity at the Ashram
- 4 (New) Hard Lessons I Learned from Karma Yoga
- Karma Yoga: Three Inspiring Stories
- Joining the Brunch Team as a Karma Yogi in the Bahamas Kitchen
- 10 Amazing Things About Living at the Ashram
Get inspired, and learn more about what Karma Yoga really means.
