2610 Adial Road, Faber, VA, USA
Up to 35 in group
Mar 8 - 16, 2025
About this Retreat
Details of this retreat
THE AWAKENED JOURNEY
A retreat during which we will be celebrating what would have been the 80th birthday of our founder, M. C. Cannon (3/14/1945 to 1/24/2019).
Everyone is welcome to relax into balance, well-being, and awakened presence; immerse yourself in heart-opening and enlightening energies. Sink into deeply renewing meditations, explore our array of Wellbeing Services, enjoy our beautiful woodlands, and spend time in good company.
Sessions include the delightfully brilliant Mahamandaleshwar Swami Nityananda, a long-time friend of our founder MC Cannon, a Yagna (ancient fire ritual) on the full moon in celebration of what would have been MC Cannon's 80th birthday (3/14/25), and a transcendent Indian Classical music concert on the santoor.
Swami Nityananda and friends from Shanti Mandir Ashram will arrive Wednesday afternoon to join us in elevating and expanding the enlightening energies.
Note: Partial attendance for select days is not available.
“Thank you so much for the great hospitality I received during The Awakened Journey Retreat! It was exactly what I needed to restore balance and peace in myself.” - J.R.
Included in your retreat package:
*Plenty of time to relax and rejuventate.
*A week immersed in the enlightening, empowering, and radiant Sourcefield that is the heart of Sanctuary.
*Comfortable rooms.
*All meals: Enjoy our delicious plant-based meals with animal protein options.
*Daily meditation with Synchronicity High-Tech Meditation soundtracks.
*Daily presentations on different Holistic Lifestyle topics with long-term Sanctuary staff. (Optional)
*Wednesday afternoon Tea with Mahamandaleshwar Swami Nityananda followed by three days of programs.
*Yagna, a transcendent ancient fire ritual by Swami Nityananda with Brahmin Priests in honor of MC Cannon on the full moon of 3/14/25.
*Illuminating santoor, classical Indian music, concert by Vinay Desai from the Shanti Mandir Ashram.
*Explore the beautiful early springtime while walking through the forest for exercise or time to commune quietly with nature.
*High-speed WiFi in all buildings.
*One Transcendental Journey empowerment session. The High-Tech Meditation music moves you into a transcendent state of expanded consciousness while aroma generators and light therapy complete a transporting environment. People often share creative inspiration, enlightening insight, deep clearing, and life-changing revelations.
"If you are looking for a place to rejuvenate and be at peace and find joy, I highly recommend that you come to this very special space. It’s sacred and it’s beautiful and I can’t recommend it highly enough." - Anele A.
What’s not included in your retreat fee:
*Airport transfers. For a list of transfer services and other helpful travel resources, click here: Traveling to The Sanctuary
When should you arrive?
All arrivals should be by 3:30 pm on Sunday, March 9th, as the retreat begins at the 4:00 pm Meet and Greet. You may arrive on Saturday, March 8th, or Sunday March, 9th, and check in anytime after 11:00 am. You also have the option during the registration process to add additional nights (including meals) before Saturday. Guests add days to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Sanctuary.
Additional Wellbeing Services:
*For a full list of additional services to complement your stay, click here: Wellbeing Services
>>CLICK HERE FOR HELPFUL INFORMATION AND FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS.
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Swami Nityananda Bio
Gurudev Swami Nityananda was raised from birth in an environment of yoga and meditation. His parents were devotees of Bhagavan Nityananda and Baba Muktananda. He was trained from childhood by Baba, and in 1981, Baba declared that Swami Nityananda would succeed him to carry on the lineage.
Gurudev learned the various yogic practices, including meditation and Sanskrit chanting, and studied the philosophies of Vedanta and Kashmir Shaivism. In 1987, Swami Nityananda founded Shanti Mandir as a vehicle for continuing his Guru’s work and subsequently established four ashrams. In 1995, at the age of 32, at a traditional ceremony in India, the saints installed him as a Mahamandaleshwar in recognition of his spiritual attainments.
His humility, devotion, patience, and acceptance are palpable, his clear English and his knowledge of the Western culture allow audiences to grasp the traditional Vedic teachings with ease. While carrying the traditional teachings, he makes spirituality a practical part of modern daily reality, guided by the prayer “May all beings be content.”
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