Siddha Yoga Ashram in Oakland

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Yelp I have been meditating since last 20 years. Of all the spiritual / meditation centers that I have been to in the Bay Area so far, this is where I feel the most peaceful and calm. I love the energy and vibe this place has. I have had many enlightening spiritual "experiences" being on siddha yoga path and I have started on it just an year ago. I have found answers when I felt lost in various life problems. I was reading the reviews and did google on some negative information about the Founding Guru. I did not know what to believe because these are the opinions of individuals. There are a whole bunch of positive sentiments as well as few negative ones on internet. I was confused for a little while as it makes all kinds of thoughts pop up in your mind and you try to judge. But then I decided to trust my OWN experiences and how I felt when I was at the center. I wasn't really looking for a Guru when I came here first. But when I learned Gurumayi's messages and saw her videos and webcasts, I felt so much at peace, experienced the Shakti she is passing on to me, and I felt as though she is calling me to be her disciple. So I decided to go with my intuition , my own experiences- which was to be on Siddha Yoga path. Thank you Gurumayi, for your blessings and love.5 stars

Yelp This Ashram is a gem for anyone wanting to learn meditation or further their practice. Don't be fooled by postings about past "abuses" , people having to "leave". As with any practice of self knowledge people can have challenges and difficult times. This is NOT a cult nor is anyone forced to donor be what they don't want to. I have practiced here for almost 30 years and feel very sure of Siddha Yoga and it's Mission.5 stars

Yelp Namaste. I have been a loyal, dedicated and faithful devotee of Siddha Yoga and the Siddha Gurus for 34 years. Last year I was banned by the Oakland Ashram manager for simply asking questions regarding my Guruseva {selfless service] scheduling..they told me if I ever hoped to come to the Oakland Ashram again {which is supposed to be a PUBLIC place of worship..}..they demanded / commanded that I come meet with the Ashram manager and 2 other officials. I knew immediately that this was not God's Will for me and let them know that the "outer structure" of Siddha Yoga has changed dramatically from the 80's..maybe it's because Gurumayi is not going around busting egos anymore?? I don't know, and it's really not my concern..I trust the Shakti..I have Faith in the process, and I have imbibed much from my Guru..continue to do the practices daily and am raising my son to do the same..this is what prompted me to call the manager after one year's time...my son had told me recently that he missed playing the "mreedung" {East Indian drum} and that he missed his drumming teacher. We were driving one and a half hours once a month for the Childrens' Programs..we both miss the Ashram. I have since left 2 messages for the Oakland Ashram manager which have not been returned. I asked to speak with this manager's supervisor. That gentleman serves at the main and only other Siddha Yoga Ashram in the U.S..South Fallsburg / Shree Muktananda Ashram. He was actually very cordial, and/but confessed that he does not get involved with the Oakland Ashram manager's decisions. So I asked him, "Are you saying that ____ does not have to answer to anybody?" ____'s boss replied "That is correct" The action of the Ashram manager and whomever else involved there is a GREAT abortion of justice in my case. Would I still recommend the Oakland Ashram?..as I said..this "element" CANNOT taint the Oakland Ashram..it simply is too holy..Having said all that..I strongly would advise newcomers to keep to themselves and stay quiet..Siddha Yoga is an inner path to the Divine..therein lies your salvation.1 star

Yelp OK, this is the ashram that many people I've known in Berkeley over the years have ended up at. I have attended their Friday night Spiral Dance, but was put off by the child-unfriendliness of it. The really strange thing is that they have a restaurant serving Indian vegetarian food on site, but once when I tried to buy food there, I had to stand on line with a bunch of Ashram people who forbad talking. The line was long, and I was with my impatient kiddo, so I left. At least they finally trimmed back some of the overgrown bushes that they planted on the median strip on Stanford Ave., so that I don't have to feel like it's open season on Yoghis as I drive from work back home again.3 stars

Yelp You know that irritating book that every woman is reading/has read--Eat Pray Love? For you fans out there, this is the ashram that Liz Gilbert declined to plug (this is the Oakland branch of Gurumayi Chidvilasananda's many ashrams). So if you want a piece of that Guru Gita action, this is the place to go. But only if you're serious about it. I come here for Amberheena meditation oil.4 stars