141 Monastery Road, Sand Springs, OK, USA
Up to 25 in group
November 22 - 24, 2024
About this Retreat
Swami Sankarananda in his own words is "a simple peace pilgrim, a servant of God in our path of awakening to the One Truth. This is a statement of grace. I was so much, rather thought myself to be, but through grace I have stripped all of this away, and sit here now in the eternal and boundless presence of Self. This Ashram, this body and this mind are servants, and are here for the purpose of serving the Lord's mission and your own real purpose in coming here to this physical plane - supporting your path to your own immortal, divine Self.
After having experienced the grace of inner peace, having lived with and been guided by great Yogis in the Himalayas, and having travelled the USA for nearly five years, now I have been asked to tend to this desert oasis named Divine Grace Yoga Ashram. This space is also simple, its mission is the same as I've been given since coming back to the USA in 2013 to begin a walking pilgrimage across the country. Peace is the mission, Peace is the prize. Peace is within, and can be known without only when it is known within."
He will travel to us from the
Divine Grace Ashram in Cottonwood, Arizona.
Details of this retreat
Silent Retreat with Swami Sankarananda
This silent retreat is open to all sincere truth seekers. Sacred space is provided and maintained, all participants are asked to observe and respect silence within scheduled times and remain at Osage Forest of Peace during the full extent of the retreat if possible.
The cost of the retreat goes toward the facilities at the Osage Forest of Peace only. Donations will be accepted for Swami Sankarananda during the retreat. This retreat is fully onsite with no commuter options.
If you wish to stay for three nights, you'll be given a spacious opportunity to spend Thursday evening through Friday evening in silence and rest before the retreat sessions begin on Friday evening.
Retreat Overview
Deepen your experience of yoga through silence, meditation, chanting, yoga asana and the teachings of the great Yogis. Swami Sankarananda will guide us through the majority of the retreat, sharing wisdom to inspire transcendence from living in fear, to living in peace & harmony.
To learn more about Swamiji, please click here.
For an overview of the goal, means, and practice within the retreat please watch this video:
[embed]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5QtQAA_Qn8[/embed]
Main Gathering Places
Most of the scheduled events will take place within the Main House. There are restrooms in the retreat house, and shower facilities are available in the individual cabins.
We will have a labyrinth walk on Sunday morning. Participants are encouraged to explore the grounds outdoors during personal time. There is a forest sanctuary with hiking trails and a Zen Garden for quiet reflective time in nature.
Meals
Simple, vegan food will be provided. Brunch and dinner are the scheduled gathering times for eating. Light snacks and tea will be available throughout the day.
Sleeping Arrangements
You will be matched with a roommate in a double occupancy cabin. If you wish to reserve the entire cabin for yourself and not have a roommate, please register for the single occupancy rate.
Seva
As part of deepening our yogic awareness and practices, opportunities for seva (self-less service) will be available throughout the weekend. We will discuss the various opportunities on Friday night and ask for volunteers. Sharing seva together is an essential aspect of the retreat weekend.
Spiritual Counseling
On Day 2 of the retreat, Swami will offer counseling sessions for those interested. Please sign up on the spiritual counseling sheet which will be available during the retreat.
What to Bring
Toothbrush/toothpaste, soap, and other personal toiletries
Yoga mat and any yoga props you like to use
Loose breathable clothes for yoga class
Sunscreen, bug spray, any necessities for outdoor time
Walking shoes
Any medications you are taking
General Guidelines
Silence is to be maintained during the retreat, except for chanting and discussion with the teacher. If anyone does not feel well or needs to discuss anything, they should let Swami know.
We encourage all participants to take this opportunity to unplug for the weekend. All communication devices (phones, computers, etc) are to be turned off at the beginning of the retreat, and it is best that you leave them off during the entire retreat. Please contact friends and family prior to the retreat. In case of emergency they may contact Swami, he will keep his phone on. His number is (234) 262-1086.
Retreat Schedule
Friday, Day 1
4:00 PM Arrival and check in
6:00 PM Dinner
7:00 PM Opening prayer, introductions and overview
7:30 PM Satsang: Silent Meditation, Chanting, Dharma Talk: From Sound to Silence
10:00 PM Lights Out
Saturday, Day 2
5:30 AM Wake up
6:00 AM Satsang Silent Meditation, Chanting, Dharma Talk
8:00 AM Yoga Asana / Pranayama Class
10:00 AM Brunch
12:00 PM Discernment Workshop #1
1:00 PM Individual Sadhana Practice
One-to-ones with Swami (sign up)
Reading and Reflective Contemplation
Meditation / Japa
Rest
Nature Walk
Introspection
Journaling
4-5:30 PM Gentle yoga
6:00 PM Dinner
7:00 PM Kirtan
8:00 PM Satsang: Meditation, Chanting, Dharma Talk
10:00 PM Lights Out
Sunday, Day 3
5: 30 AM Wake up
6:00 AM Satsang: Silent Meditation, Chanting, Dharma Talk
8:00 AM Yoga Asana / Pranayama Class
10:00 AM Brunch
11:00 AM Labyrinth - walking meditation
12:00 PM Discernment Workshop #2
1:00 PM Closing Discussions, Prayers & Arati - Practice of Silence Ends
2:00 PM Program ends
Verified
