LOTUS 40th Anniversary Celebration
Retreat Highlights
- Experience the Light of Truth Universal Service honoring all world faith traditions [cite: 14]
- Participate in diverse panels exploring inner and outer peace across world and nature-based faiths [cite: 45, 57]
- Deepen your practice with daily Integral Yoga Hatha and meditation sessions [cite: 31, 38, 50, 51]
- Learn the history of the shrine through a special documentary on the building of LOTUS [cite: 35]
- Join a dedicated World Peace Ceremony to renew a global commitment to unity and respect [cite: 54]
About this Retreat
Details of this retreat
This weekend is a time to come together and renew our commitment to the universal message of LOTUS dedicated to the Light of all faiths and to world peace. Interfaith programming fills the blessed weekend. Over the past four decades, LOTUS has welcomed thousands of spiritual seekers from around the world, to partake of the deep Peace that emanates from the shrine.
Just like a lotus flower, the Light of Truth Universal Shrine reaches to the sun and encourages us to reach out to each other with respect and love, as we progress on our spiritual paths. May LOTUS continue to serve as an all-encompassing beacon of unity and peace recognizing the divine truth behind all forms of faith: religious, cultural, secular and personal spirituality. May the motto, “Truth is One, Paths are Many,” be embraced by more and more spiritual seekers world-wide.
Victory to the Light!
We’ll experience:
Awe-like wonder while learning how the LOTUS was built
Appreciation of all faiths during the Light of Truth Universal Service
Heart-felt sharings of inner and outer peace from world faith and nature-based faith traditions
Inspiration from the evening musical and dance offerings
Inner peace while meditating within the LOTUS upper sanctuary
Testimonials
“One of the world's greatest meditation sites. Embodies the spiritual oneness at the core of all world faiths while celebrating each path's unique greatness. Palpably peaceful, uplifting, and exquisitely beautiful. Surrounded by serene countryside replete with wooded acreage full of wildlife and natural flora on the banks of the James River with lovely views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.”
–Rev. Paraman Barsel
“Beautiful, unique temple that is worth a visit for anyone, regardless of religious conviction.” –Surya
“The setting is beautiful and serene, we were privileged to have joined the meditation session, it was sublime to say the least. The LOTUS shrine is a must visit.”
–Shantanu Acharya
“This place was so peaceful and I like the light in the middle.” –Shuban Bala
“I love that all religions are honored and respected here. What a beautiful property.” –Bee Tomley
“The LOTUS is spiritually enlightening, educational and inspiring.” –Sue
“There's a sweet presence of unity peace and love.” -Dinora
Schedule
FRIDAY
3–5 pm Registration
5-6:30 Mixed Level Hatha
5-5:45 Yoga Nidra
6-6:30 Meditation
6:30–7:15 Dinner
7:30–8:15 Building of LOTUS documentary
8:30-9:30 LOTUS open with lights and fountains
SATURDAY
6-7 am Meditation
7:10-8:40 Hatha
8-8:30 Puja (Worship Service) at Chidambaram
8–9:30 Breakfast
10–11:45 Interfaith Service and Program
12–12:30 pm Meditation
12:45–1:30 Luncheon
2–3:30 World Faiths Panel: Inner Peace/Outer Peace
4-4:30 Program TBA
5:30–6:15 Dinner
7:30-9:30 LOTUS 40th Anniversary Evening Program
SUNDAY
6-7 am Integral Yoga Meditation
7:10–8:40 Integral Yoga Hatha
8:00 Puja (Worship Service) at Chidambaram
8–9:30 Breakfast
10–11:30 World Peace Ceremony
12-12:30 pm Meditation
12:45–1:30 Luncheon
2–3:30 Nature-based Faiths Panel: Inner Peace/Outer Peace
4-4:30 Program TBA
6:30–7:15 Dinner
7:30-9 LOTUS 40th Anniversary Closing Program
Getting Here
Directions
Accommodation
Availability of complimentary accommodations is determined by the order of booking.
Dormitory
The most popular accommodations we have are Dormitory Accommodations – shared room and shared bath. We have two dormitories, Vivekananda Vihar and Ramalinga Nilayam, which are centrally heated and air-conditioned and convenient to meals and programs.
Lotus Guest House (Private Room)
Each room in our six unit guest house is equipped with a small refrigerator, queen size bed and full bath. Each room in our nine unit guest house is equipped with a queen sized bed and full bath, and no refrigerator.
Tenting
Set off in a quiet, wooded area adjacent to the Lotus Guest Houses are twelve campsites. Campers have use of the bathroom, shower, and laundry facilities nearby Vivekananda Vihar dormitory. Camping is available from March 15th to December 1st.
Shared Dormitory: Bottom Bunk
Private Dormitory
LGH: Full Bed
LGH: 2 Twin beds
LGH: Queen Bed
Tent-Site
Venue & Amenities
Meals
Menu Types
What's Included
- Accomodations
- Meals
- Meditation Sessions
- Yoga Classes
What's Not Included
- Transportation
- Airfare