From June 5 – 7, 2026, Ac. Diiptimanananda Avt., Avtk. Ananda Acira Ac., Maungal Dev, and Sister Laksmi led a meditation retreat at the Yosemite National Park. The weather was beautiful and we enjoyed a lot of tranquil meditation in the mountain area and by the beautiful waterfalls in Yosemite.
We arrived at our campsite on Friday evening and settled in under the cool mountain air. Early Saturday morning, we gathered at 5:00 a.m. for collective meditation before heading out to secure a parking spot near the trailhead. Our hike followed the famous Mist Trail, leading us first to the magnificent Vernal Fall and then onward to Nevada Fall. With the spring snowmelt flowing down from the mountains, the waterfalls were at their most powerful and impressive. The Mist Trail lives up to its name—parts of the path pass so close to Vernal Fall that hikers are constantly showered by its cool mist.
After climbing above the waterfall, we rested in the sunshine, dried our clothes, and enjoyed a snack before continuing toward Nevada Fall. Above the waterfall, we found a beautiful spot beside the river where some of us took a refreshing plunge into the icy mountain water. We then shared lunch and meditated together surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
For our return journey, we took the John Muir Trail, enjoying spectacular views while avoiding the steeper and more slippery sections of the Mist Trail.
On Sunday, we visited a grove of giant sequoias before beginning the drive home.
A special thank you goes to Sister Laksmi, who organized the retreat. Her two children, ages 7 and 11, joined the adventure, as did Maungal Dev’s son. The children thoroughly enjoyed hiking, playing in nature, and sharing the experience with the group.
The weather could not have been better—cool nights, warm days, and clear skies. Yosemite’s beauty exceeded all our expectations. The towering granite cliffs, rushing waterfalls, ancient sequoias, and pristine mountain rivers created an unforgettable setting for meditation, friendship, and communion with nature.
We returned home refreshed, inspired, and grateful for the opportunity to experience one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Some of the participants were new to Ananda Marga and had a beautiful introduction to our meditation and yogic practices in this highly spiritually elevating environment.
