A Journey of Service (Seva) — My Experience Volunteering at the Silence Meditation Retreat in Ananda Village

A few weeks ago, my wife, Luna, received a call from Deepak Gilra, our very own Sacramento-based instructor for the Art of Living’s Silence Meditation Retreat. He was leading a 4-day in-person silence meditation retreat at the serene Ananda Village in Nevada City, California. He asked if she could volunteer to be part the cooking team.

It meant taking a couple of days off work, but Luna’s heart was set on serving, so she instantly said yes. I personally had heard so many wonderful things about the Ananda Village retreat center that I happily decided to join her.

The Silence Meditation Retreat

The Art of Living’s Silence Meditation Retreat is an advanced-level 4-day meditation program designed to help participants experience profound rest, mental clarity, and emotional release through the power of guided silence. Over several days, participants step away from the noise of daily life and immerse themselves in a nurturing environment of stillness, deep guided meditations, breathing techniques, and wisdom sessions. Without constant conversation or technology, the mind settles naturally, allowing layers of stress, tension, and mental chatter to melt away. Many leave feeling lighter, more centered, and deeply reconnected with themselves — carrying a quiet joy that lingers long after the retreat ends.

The Beauty of Ananda Village

Tucked away in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada, just beyond Nevada City, CA, Ananda Village spans over 700 acres of pristine natural beauty. Its grounds are dotted with peaceful meditation spots, tranquil ponds, apple and peach orchards, and blackberry bushes that add a touch of wild sweetness. Each spring, the village bursts into a dazzling display during its famous Tulip Festival, drawing over 20,000 visitors from far and wide.

Crafting the Retreat Menu

Luna teamed up with Amisha, a dynamic SKY Breath Meditation instructor who was leading the cooking team. Together, they designed a nourishing, flavorful, sattvic (no onion/garlic) menu — gentle on digestion, satisfying to the soul, and mindful of every participant’s dietary needs. For those with restrictions or allergies, thoughtful alternatives were planned with just as much care.

The grocery planning felt like a small expedition — farmers’ markets, Costco, Trader Joe’s, Sprouts, and several Indian grocery stores all made the list. By the end, our home looked like a mini grocery warehouse, with boxes and bags stacked high and ready for the days ahead.

Arriving at Gaia House

By Thursday afternoon, after a 2 hours scenic drive, we pulled up to Gaia House at the Ananda Village— our home base, kitchen, and dining space for the retreat. This stunning two-story structure, crafted from rammed earth, seemed to rise naturally from its serene surroundings. Inside, soaring ceilings and soft streams of natural light created an airy, uplifting atmosphere, while outside, lush gardens framed the view. The spacious kitchen instantly won Luna’s heart — the perfect space for the service ahead.

We joined Amisha, Deepak, and fellow volunteer Aurva, and soon the van was unloaded, aprons were tied, and the dinner preparations were underway. Cooking for more than 30 people is an art of timing, coordination, and precision — but Amisha and Luna quickly fell into a seamless rhythm. Aurva and I hit it off right away, and over the next few days we proudly served as both official taste testers and resident court jesters, keeping the kitchen filled with laughter and the atmosphere light and cheerful.

Feeding the Body, Supporting the Mind

By 6 pm, the dining area was set, the aroma of freshly prepared food filled the air, and the first warm, nourishing meal was served after a short prayer. Participants arrived from across California — some staying at Gaia House, others in accommodations throughout the village. The room buzzed with warm chatter, knowing that soon, silence would descend.

For the next three days, the kitchen became a lively symphony of chopping, simmering, and laughter. The menu traveled the world — Thai, Mexican, and Indian — all sattvic, beautifully plated, and labeled. My daily contribution was a fresh immunity-boosting shot each morning:

• Day 1 — Ginger, beetroot, and lemon for improved blood circulation and energy boost

• Day 2 — Turmeric with fresh pineapple juice for anti-inflammatory support

• Day 3 — Blackberry and apple (both freshly sourced from Ananda Village), ginger, and lemon for a high-antioxidant boost

When last-minute ingredients were needed, Aurva and I would dash to the whimsically named local store, Mother Truckers, turning each trip into a mini adventure.

Seva in Action

In the Art of Living, Seva means selfless service — work done without any expectation of reward or recognition, solely for the benefit of others and the greater good. It is both a spiritual practice and an expression of love, offered with joy and gratitude. Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar often describes seva as “doing something to bring a smile to someone’s face” and as a way to expand one’s sense of belonging from “me” to “we.”

At Silence Meditation Retreats, Seva can take many forms — from teaching the course, cooking meals, organizing logistics, assisting participants, to setting up spaces — each act becoming a kind of meditation in motion, cultivating humility, connection, and inner fulfillment.

For us in the kitchen, each day began before sunrise. The crisp morning air at Ananda Village carried a stillness that made you breathe a little deeper. After a warm shower, we centered ourselves with breathwork and meditation before stepping into the rhythm of service. By the time Amisha, Luna, and I entered the kitchen, golden rays of light were spilling across the counters. The space slowly came alive — the gentle thud of chopping vegetables, the scrape of a ladle against a pot, the swirl of spices mingling with the earthy aroma of simmering grains. Soft, soulful chants played in the background as trays of fresh fruit were laid out, and I mentally reviewed the morning’s immunity shot recipe.

Meanwhile, Aurva would head to the meditation hall to lead yoga and breathwork, his calm, steady voice guiding participants into the day. After their session, they would arrive for breakfast — some smiling, others carrying the serene glow of silence. They returned for lunch and dinner, greeted each time by warm food, gentle exchanges, and the comforting scent of home-cooked meals.

By 9 pm, the retreat center would grow still again. Participants slipped away to their rooms (after helping us with the cleanup), while us volunteers stretched our legs, sipped the last of the immunity shots, and gathered in a cozy corner to plan for the next day and share our spiritual experiences with Art of Living over the years.

Those closing moments — after the final dish was washed and the day’s work complete — became a meditation of their own. The camaraderie, the shared purpose, and the deep quiet of the night nourished us every bit as much as the meals we had prepared nourished the participants.

A Sanctuary for the Soul

Ananda Village was as much a feast for the eyes as our meals were for the body. During a longer break, Deepak led retreat participants on a short hike to witness the breathtaking Sierra Nevada sunset. next evening, he took them to a gently running stream, where participants dipped their feet in the cool water — a simple, refreshing joy that deepened the retreat experience.

By the final lunch, the transformation was undeniable. Those who had arrived carrying the weight of stress and tension now radiated lightness and calm — their faces softer, their eyes brighter. The stillness and depth of the meditations had worked their quiet magic.

Closing Reflections

As the retreat drew to a close, participants shared how profound the silent meditation retreat was and how effortlessly Deepak had guided the program — addressing even their deepest questions with clarity and ease. Many spoke of feeling lighter, clearer, and more deeply connected, as though they had tapped into a hidden wellspring within. The tranquil beauty of Ananda’s gardens, winding trails, and serene meditation spaces seemed to magnify that inner stillness, making each moment feel even more profound.

While online silence retreat programs offer convenience, there is something uniquely powerful about occasionally coming for in-person retreats— sharing nourishing meals, meditating side by side, and inhabiting sacred spaces with others on the same journey. It’s a rare chance to step away from life’s constant noise, recharge completely, and return home with a calm mind, an open heart, and a renewed spirit.

For Luna and me — and I’m sure for Amisha and Aurva as well — this was far more than just Seva (Service). It was a reminder of the joy in serving others and the beauty of contributing to a shared purpose. The friendships we formed, the stunning landscapes of Ananda Village, and the smiles of peaceful, fulfilled participants are memories we will carry with us for a long time.

And when the next opportunity arises, we’ll be ready to say an enthusiastic “YES” all over again :)

Beautiful Sunset at the Ananda Village, Nevada City, California