Full Moon Yoga Meditation Retreat

According to ancient yogic teachings, the full moon day is an auspicious time.

The lunar energy is believed to magnify one’s internal energy, therefore it is recommended that full moon days be spent uplifting the mind with spiritual practices. Learn about the yogic significance of purnima (the full moon) and take advantage of this opportune time to practice yoga and meditation in silence.

The goal of meditation is to realize the True Self, which is expressed as the experience of resting in our True Nature. This is the state of permanent Peace and Happiness. Meditation is the portal through which one enters to have this experience. The yoga practices bring us to a state of equanimity or balance. Each practice has a purpose and a particular intention as both preparation for and deepening of our meditation experience.
Instruction, guidance and practice will include:

Meditation techniques: including becoming aware of the witnessing attitude and how to diminish the tendency to cling to particular thoughts
Asana: physical postures to keep the body supple and strong, reduce tension and to establish a comfortable meditation posture.
Pranayama: breathing practices to regulate the prana that energizes the thoughts in order to bring about a reduction of thoughts, still the mind and balance the energy
Mantra Japa: Repetition of mantras to allow the mind to become one-pointed and to open the heart to loving vibrations
Chanting Ancient Vedic Mantras: group chanting of Gayatri Mantra and Purnima Mantra in the LOTUS shrine.
Yoga Nidra: to relax the body and withdraw the senses and the outgoing tendencies of the mind
Restorative Yoga: for relaxation and meditation
Karma Yoga: Meditation in action

The various yoga practices presented are chosen with the objective of establishing and/or deepening a regular and meaningful meditation practice.

This retreat is open to students at all levels of experience and practice.
Testimonials:
Swami Divyananda has a natural teaching style that comes from genuineness, love and respect for her students. I felt accepted and understood at the level that I am currently experiencing. Her encouragement helped me settle in more consistently into my practice and go from here with confidence. — Linda Carder

This program is extremely helpful to deepen your spiritual practice. Swami Divyananda  is very warm and caring. An Excellent experience. — Tanja Prakasha

Sw. Divyananda is a stellar master teacher. Her guidance through the sessions of the course were strong and steady in creating a stronger foundation for my practice. — Margaret Ralph



Tentative Schedule





THURSDAY



3–5 pm
Registration


5–6:30
Integral Yoga Hatha – Mixed Level with Saci


6-6:30
Meditation


6:30–7:30
Dinner


7:30
Vans leave for Kailash at Sivananda Hall (SH)


7:35 – 8:45
The Call to Awaken, Swami Divyananda.
Kirtan led by Sister Vani.
Moon rises at 7:30 PM, sun sets at 7:55 PM



FRIDAY



6:30-7:00
Guided Meditation with Vani (SAM)


7:10-8:40
Integral Yoga Hatha Mixed Level with Sumati (SAM)


8:45–9:30
Breakfast


9:30 –10:30
Meditation Basics with Swami Divyananda


10:45 – 11:45
Meditation Hike with Avi Gordon
or, Karma Yoga on the Farm


12-12:30 pm
Meditation at Guru Bhavan


12:45–1:30
Lunch


1:30-3
Be Free (Journal, Hike, Read, Rest etc.)


3:30–4:45
The Secret Greatness of "Bad" Meditations, Swami Vidyananda


5:00–6:30
Hatha Yoga


6:30–7:15
Dinner


7:30
Vans to LOTUS (SH)


7:45–8:30
Interfaith Contemplations, Ramakrishna Sackett (All Faiths Hall, LOTUS)
Full Moon Darshan


9:00
Vans return to SH



SATURDAY



6:30–7:00 am
Meditation


6:30–7:00
Full Moon Darshan at Kailash (please observe silence)


7:10–8:40
Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 1 Integral Yoga Hatha
Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 2 Joint Freeing Series with Hope Mell (VVA)


8:30–9:30
Breakfast (SH)


10–10:45
The Witness and the Mischief Maker, Swami Divyananda


10:45–11:30
Tradak, Litkit Japa, Walking Meditation, Krishna Howeth (SAM)


11:45
Van to LOTUS (meet behind dorms)


12–12:30
Meditation at LOTUS


12:45–1:30 pm
Lunch


1:30-2:30
Be Free (Journal, Hike, Read, Rest etc.)


2:30–3:45
The Meditator's Lifestyle, Saci Murphy


4:00–5:30
Restorative Yoga (SAM)


5:30–6:15
Dinner


7:30–9
Satsang (Gathering of Seekers of the Truth) (SH)
Kirtan, Video of Swami Satchidananda
Talk by Rev. Bhagavan



SUNDAY



6:00-7:00
IY Meditation with Sister Vani (GB)


7:10–8:45
Hatha Yoga with Sumati (SAM)


8:45–9:45
Breakfast


10:00–11:30
Into The Bliss, Swami Divyananda (SAM)


11:00–11:45
Closing Sharings and evaluations


12:45–12:30
Lunch


2 PM
Check out