
Spiritual Practice • Conscious Living • Earth Stewardship
Cultivate Conscious Living
and earth stewardship through daily practice and shared life
on the land.

Our Way of Life
Spiritual Practice, Community & Earth Stewardship
Sunburst is a community of practice in the foothills north of Santa Barbara, where spiritual awakening, shared life, and care for the Earth come together as a living path.
Spiritual Practice
Learn time-tested practices of meditation, mantra, and conscious living rooted in the lineage of Paramahansa Yogananda.
Explore Practice
Community Life
Participate in Satsang, retreats, shared meals, and daily life within a supportive spiritual community devoted to inner growth and service.
Join the Community
Selfless Service
Participate in meaningful daily service that supports the sanctuary, the land, and one another as part of shared spiritual life.
Serve With Us
Founded in 1969
A Living Lineage
A Living Path of Practice and Service
Sunburst is a spiritual sanctuary and community of practice in the foothills north of Santa Barbara.
Founded by Norman Paulsen, a direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda, Sunburst has grown as a living expression of spiritual practice, selfless service, and care for the Earth.
Here, daily life itself becomes the path — through meditation, shared work, community living, and stewardship of the land.
Testimonials
What People Say
About Us
This place, its pristine 4,000 acres of natural beauty, the teachings and especially the people that make it up are truly AMAZING! I look forward to returning as soon as possible and encourage any open-minded soul seeking individual to do the same.

Anthony G.
Newport Beach, CA
Sunburst is more than a Center; they are a family. Many founding members are still with each other after 50 years, proving the success and sustainability of the Center. The consciousness of these members is simply beautiful.

Cindy W.
Santa Barbara, CA
I was fortunate enough to be able to stay at Sunburst for two days and attend their Sunday service. I have always been curious about intentional community, Kriya yoga, and spiritual practices… is a perfect combination of all of these things.

Meiyi C.
Oakland, CA






