46th Annual New Year’s Yoga Retreat
RETURN TO SOURCE: PAUSE TO EXPERIENCE THE TIMELESSNESS OF YOGA
As the dawn of the New Year approaches, we invite you to pause to experience the timelessness of Yoga at Mount Madonna. Take the precious opportunity to explore Yoga – the science, philosophy, and methods – that supports and leads to personal experience of Source.
Tucked away in Northern California, our campus offers easy access to Silicon Valley, Santa Cruz, Monterey, and the Bay Area. Enjoy breathtaking views of Monterey Bay and explore hundreds of miles of trails that weave through peaceful meadows and towering redwood forests.
Let’s gather together and perhaps discover lessons that will allow for greater purity in mind and heart …such that we can progress along the path toward realization of our true divine essence.
Yoga (union) was, is, and always will be a matter of personal experience and source was, is, and always will be within each one of us. Yoga can be seen as the journey of the Self, to the Self, through the Self. During this retreat, we will consider source texts and also examine the journey that results in self-realization and the experience of that which is indescribable.
Join us for our 46th annual New Year’s Yoga Retreat, and explore with us the timeless traditions of Yoga shared by Baba Hari Dass that offer an inspired wellspring for study, practice, and community.
The retreat program will include:
- Arati (morning and evening ritual of light)
- Practices of Yoga asana (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), and meditation
- Presentations on the theme, returning to source
- Music, including kirtan (devotional singing)
- Time in nature and in ritual
- Opportunities to connect with old & new friends.. and more!
- New Year’s Eve program, including a presentation of “Cave of Enlightenment,” a spiritual play written by Baba Hari Dass
- New Year’s Day mantra yajna (ancient Vedic ritual) for peace
Options for attendance:
- In-person at Mount Madonna.
Tuition: $395 + accommodations & meals. - Online: Enjoy a rich and engaging program from anywhere in the world!
Tuition: Sliding scale $50+. - New Year’s Eve Day 11:00 a.m. to Midnight: Participate in the day’s activities (see schedule below), including dinner and the New Year’s Eve program.
Cost: Adults $59; Children 5-12 years $25, under 4 free. Overnight accommodations (dorm style) may be available for New Year’s eve night, for an additional fee. Please inquire with guest services. - New Year’s Day Yajna & Brunch: Arrive between 6:30 – 8:00 a.m. for the mantra yajna.
Cost: FREE.
Basic Schedule
| Saturday, December 28 | |
| 3:00 - 5:30pm | Arrival & Registration | 5:15 - 6:15pm | Dinner | 6:00 - 7:00pm | Arati | 7:15 - 8:30pm | Welcome Gathering |
| Sunday, Monday & Tuesday, December 29 - 31 | 6:00 - 7:00am | Arati | 7:15 - 8:30am | Yoga sadhana, including pranayama & meditation |
8:45 - 10:00am | Yoga asana | 10:00am - 11:00pm | Brunch | 11:00 - 1:30pm | Break or mid-afternoon options | 1:30 - 3:00pm | Theme Presentations | 3:30 - 5:00pm | Afternoon asana | 5:15 - 6:15pm | Dinner | 6:00 - 7:00pm | Arati | 7:15 - 9:00pm | Kirtan (devotional singing) & Restorative Practice New Year’s Eve Program (7:15pm - 1:00am) |
| Wednesday, January 1 | 6:00 - 7:00am | Arati | 7:00 - 10:00am | Mantra Yajna for Peace -or- | 7:30 - 9:30am | Yoga sadhana & asana | 10:00am - 11:00am | Brunch | 11:00am - 12:00pm | Closing Gathering | 12:00pm - 12:30pm | Check out of accommodations |
“…the present… is the only reality we have. The present is a moment that will subside. If we catch that moment and keep the mind calm, the next moment will be pulled by that peace. In this way a chain of peaceful moments will be experienced in the mind.”
Baba Hari Dass
Rates & What's Included
Details & Useful Information
NEW YEAR'S RETREAT RATES INCLUDING ALL NIGHTS
Adults
Tuition $395 + accommodations & meals. Rates are per person, and are inclusive for all days of the retreat. Rates stated here apply to this retreat only; other retreat and program accommodations pricing may differ. Please note: no unaccompanied minors.
Rates: Retreat rates depend on your choice of accommodations and include meals, registration fees, and access to the Mount Madonna campus.
Arrival & Departure: Plan to arrive and check-in between 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm. Check out is at noon; however, you may stay for lunch following the program closing.
Reservations: Retreats must be booked a minimum of 48 hours in advance.
Meals: Two vegetarian meals are served during retreats, including brunch and dinner. Breads, spreads, and a tea bar are also available between meals.
Accommodations & Meals
Make the Mountain Home
Ram Cottages
Two and Three Rooms
The Ram Cottages have easy access to the Wellness Center and many hiking trails. Ram Cottage #1 sleeps four and offers two bedrooms, a small kitchen, one shared full bathroom, and shared living space with an outdoor deck. Ram Cottage #2 sleeps six in three rooms and offers a kitchenette and one shared full bathroom. All beds are singles. Prices are based on stated occupancy.
Guest Rooms
Single, Double, or Triple
These tasteful hotel style rooms, some with ensuite bathrooms, are located in our Conference Center, where there is wifi, two lovely courtyards with expansive views in which you may read and relax, and a full tea bar available at all times in the conference wing of the building. Rooms that don’t have en-suite bathrooms have access to nearby shared bathrooms and showers (private while in use). All beds are singles. There are no phones or TVs in any of our rooms. Prices are based on stated occupancy.
Rustic Cabins
Single or Double
Our simple rustic cabins are located in the Oaks Campground. They are a short 10-minute walk uphill from the Conference Center, but have a feeling of being more remote. Cabins sleep two people and feature electricity and heat but no wi-fi or indoor plumbing. All beds are singles. A separate shower house is nearby, containing private showers and dressing rooms, and flush toilets. If this sounds a bit rustic, please consider booking a room in the Conference Center. Prices are based on stated occupancy.
Yurts
Single or Double
Located in the Oaks Campground, a 10-minute walk up the hill from the Conference Center, our yurts sleep 2 people and have electricity and heat, but no plumbing and no wi-fi. A yurt is a cozy, circular space provided by a wood structure and canvas walls. Each yurt is situated on a wooden platform, and is outfitted with a comfortable queen- or twin-size beds, linens, towels, warm comforters and blankets. A separate bathhouse with private flush toilets and shower rooms is nearby. The yurts are a short distance from the associated parking area. Note that high levels of rainfall November – April may affect yurt accessibility (walking path is available year-around).
Own Vehicle
Parking Space
Regular size parking spaces are available for your van, camper or other vehicle. There is no access to electricity. Showers and restrooms are available in campgrounds and Center buildings. Prices are based on stated occupancy.
Commuting
Drive yourself
Commute from off-campus each day and attend the full program, including all meals and activities.
