Dates: Friday, July 5 to Sunday, July 7
*All programs include a light vegetarian meal* Suggested Donation: Full Retreat - $150
How to Register:
ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. We cannot guarantee space without advance registration. |
Retreat Venue:
Sri Sri Sri Shivabalayogi Centre for Meditation & Culture 750 Oakdale Rd., Unit #4 North York, ON |
Typical Daily Program for Retreat
Morning Session:
Break:
Evening session:
NOTES
Morning Session:
- 9:00am - Meditation (1 hour silent meditation)
- 10:00am - Bhajans (devotional singing) and Arthi
- 11:00am - Q&A w/Sri Swamiji
- 12:00pm - 1:00pm - Lunch (vegetarian)
- 12:00pm -1:00 pm - Darshan w/Sri Swamiji
- 1:00pm - 2:30pm - Seva (Cleaning, organizing, errands, etc.)
Break:
- 2:30pm-6:45pm - Break/Rest
Evening session:
- 7:00pm - Meditation
- 8:00pm - Bhajans and Arthi
- 9:00-9:45 pm - Darshan w/Sri Swamiji
- 9:00pm - 10:00pm - Dinner (vegetarian)
- 10:00pm - 10:30pm - Seva (Cleaning, setup for next day)
NOTES
- The schedule may vary. Attendees should be prompt for all activities.
- Ashram rules apply: Modest attire and behavior should be followed. See Q&A below.
- Seva, or service work, is an important part of the Retreat. Participation in housekeeping chores or special projects is expected of everyone.
Meals
A vegetarian meal will be served Friday through Sunday for all attendees. We cannot guarantee accommodation of individual dietary restrictions.
A vegetarian meal will be served Friday through Sunday for all attendees. We cannot guarantee accommodation of individual dietary restrictions.
Commonly asked questions:
To familiarize yourself with protocol at programs such as Sri Swamiji‘s, here are a few Q and A:
Q: What should I wear?
Q: What should I bring?
Q: What is customary behavior upon entering the Meditation Hall?
For more Q&A see: Dhyana
To familiarize yourself with protocol at programs such as Sri Swamiji‘s, here are a few Q and A:
Q: What should I wear?
- Both men and women should wear modest, conservative clothing to the Retreat and Meditation Programs. This will indicate respect for Sri Swamiji and the sacred space; it will allow other attendees to focus on Sri Swamiji’s teachings and their meditation practice, rather than being distracted by revealing clothing.
- Shoulders must be covered. No tank-tops or low-cut shirts. No midriff-baring shirts or tight-fitting clothes. Men’s shorts should be knee-length. Women’s pants and skirts should cover the knees (mid-calf or ankle-length).
Q: What should I bring?
- Loose, comfortable clothing. A light-weight sweater or blanket for chilly, air-conditioned rooms.
- Your own asana (cushion) for sitting on the floor; or, to add to the provided chairs.
- Your own re-usable water bottle (to cut down on plastic bottles); can be refilled from the water dispenser on-site.
Q: What is customary behavior upon entering the Meditation Hall?
- Arrive with good hygiene.
- Shoes must be removed before entering the Meditation Hall.
- Do not point your feet toward the Guru, the altar, or any Deity when seated on the floor.
- Do not sit with your back to the Guru.
- When Prasad (blessed food) is passed out, please accept it in your right hand.
- Practice silence as much as possible while in the Meditation Hall; when speaking, use a quiet, respectful tone of voice.
- Avoid hugging and other demonstrations of affection while in the Meditation Hall and in the presence of the Guru.
For more Q&A see: Dhyana