Ox Yoke Retreat

Reservations

Ox Yoke Retreat is available to Self-Realization Fellowship Kriyabans who regularly attend an SRF temple. (SRF Lessons students who regularly attend an SRF temple may also stay at the retreat when accompanied by such a Kriyaban.)

Reservations are required to ensure your stay, as retreat facilities are limited. It is suggested that reservations be made well in advance. Only retreatants with reservations have access to the secured retreat grounds. Please let us know as soon as possible if you need to cancel a reservation.

To request a reservation, please fill out our reservation request form. If you need additional assistance or have any questions, please email: OxYokeRetreat@Yogananda-srf.org.

Accommodations

• The retreat includes three separate houses within an enclosed complex. Two houses have one bedroom each, and one house has three bedrooms. Each house has a living room and full kitchen facilities. A house can be reserved for one person, a married couple, or up to five people as space permits (House B). Only those listed on the reservation may stay in the house.
• Men and women are not scheduled at the retreat at the same time, except that a married couple may occupy a retreat house even if other houses are occupied.
• Children sixteen years or older may accompany their parents. No pets, please.
• Each house is furnished with a harmonium, various SRF books and CDs, and a CD player.
• Each house is equipped with heating and air conditioning. Basic bathroom supplies and extra blankets are provided.
• No laundry facilities are available on the premises, so please plan accordingly.

Donations

The SRF Ox Yoke Retreat is supported solely by donations. To maintain this wonderful retreat haven, we suggest the following donation rates:

• Single Occupancy: $80 per person per night
• Group Occupancy (2+ in one house): $65 per person per night

Retreat Information

Ox Yoke Retreat is located in the scenic high desert in Twentynine Palms, California, approximately 150 miles east of Los Angeles. 

Paramahansa Yogananda spent time in the desert near Twentynine Palms meditating deeply and working on his writings. He envisioned a retreat here where devotees could find peace, strength, and spiritual renewal. 

This dream was realized when Self-Realization Fellowship made the Ox Yoke property available to a committee of lay disciples, who transformed the three adobe structures on the property into retreat houses with modern facilities. In a radiant desert setting, Ox Yoke now provides the ideal atmosphere for silence, solitude, and meditation. 

On February 14, 1970, SRF’s third president, Sri Daya Mata, dedicated the Ox Yoke retreat for SRF Kriyabans attending Self-Realization Fellowship temples in California and Arizona.

Meals

Kitchens are equipped with basic cooking equipment, dishes, cups, and utensils so retreatants can prepare their own meals. It is recommended that retreatants go grocery shopping before they arrive at the retreat. Please note, it is requested that no meat, fish, or fowl be prepared or consumed in the retreat houses.

Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

• This is a self-directed retreat. No monastics or lay people live on the premises — retreatants create their own retreat schedule. The retreat houses do not have Wi-Fi, phones, TVs, internet, or radios.
• Retreatants need to bring bed linens for single/twin beds, pillowcase(s), towels, soap, and other personal items.
• No smoking, alcohol, or recreational drugs are allowed on the retreat grounds.
• Sunglasses, sun lotion, and hats are recommended if you plan to be outside during the summer months.
• Warm clothing is suggested in the winter months.
• Closed-toe shoes for outdoors are recommended as there are cactus thorns in some places on the grounds of the property.