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



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


7:30–9
Introductions and Purnima Overview with Divyananda



FRIDAY



6:30-7:00
Guided Meditation


7:10-8:40
Integral Yoga Hatha Mixed Level


8:45–9:30
Breakfast


9:30 –11:30
Purnima Sadhana: Meditation Poses with Divyananda


12-12:30 pm
Puja at Kailash or Meditation at Guru Bhavan or Chidambaram


12:45–1:30
Lunch


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


2:40
Van leaves to Farm


3:00-4:15
Karma Yoga at Farm


5:30–6:30
Stretch and Relax with Sridevi


6:30–7:15
Dinner


7:30
Vans to LOTUS (behind VV)


7:45–9
Gayatri Chanting at LOTUS



SATURDAY



6:20 am
Vans to Kailash (behind VV)


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


7.10-8:40
Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 1 Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 2 Joint Freeing Series with Hope Mell


8:30–9:30
Breakfast


10–11:30
Purnima Sadhana/ Concentration & Meditation


11:45
Van to LOTUS (meet behind dorms)


12–12:30
Meditation at LOTUS


12:45–1:30 pm
Lunch


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


3:30-5:30
Restorative Yoga with Divyananda


5:30–6:15
Dinner


7:30–9
Satsang (Gathering of Seekers of the Truth)
Kirtan,
Video of Swami Satchidananda
Talk



SUNDAY



6:00-7:00
IY Meditation with Rev Lakshmi


7:10–8:45
Yoga Meditation with Divyananda


8:45–9:45
Breakfast


10:00-11:30
Into The Bliss: with Divyananda


12-12:30 pm
Laugh-a Yoga with Bharata


12:45–1:30
Lunch


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