Guru Purnima & Hanuman Olympics
HONORING OUR TEACHERS WITH RITUAL & PLAY
Thousands of years ago the tradition of Guru Purnima began. The guru is one who dispels the darkness, or one who brings to light that which is hidden from awareness. Guru is frequently translated simply as “teacher.” Purnima means “full.” It is during the time of the full moon that we celebrate and honor the guru, the spiritual preceptor, within and without.
“‘Guru is a person’ is in our eyes. Actually, the Guru is his or her teachings. Remove that physical form, it will not remain forever. If we think that the Guru is a person, then the Guru will die and the game is over. If the Guru is the teaching, then that Guru will remain until you are liberated.”
Baba Hari Dass
We will celebrate and honor Baba Hari Dass and all teachers with chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa followed by a traditional Vedic yajna (fire ceremony) and a bhoj (feast). In the afternoon, we will continue the festivities with the Hanuman Olympics!
We look forward to celebrating the teacher and teachings with you!
Guru Purnima Schedule
| Saturday, July 20 | |
| 6:00 a.m. | Arati (ritual of light) |
| 6:00 a.m. | Consecration of Baba Hari Dass Memorial center stone |
| 7:00 a.m. | Chanting of Hanuman Chalisa |
| 8:00 - 11:00 a.m. | Puja (ceremonial offering) & yajna (fire ceremony) |
| 11:30 - 1:00 p.m. | Bhoj (feast) |
| 1:00 - 4:00 p.m.. | Hanuman Olympics |
Hanuman Olympics
A Mount Madonna tradition is reimagined! Aptly named after the monkey hero of the Ramayana who is an embodiment of selfless service and strength, the Hanuman Olympics is a sports day with a yogic twist – and is all about children and grown-ups having fun together under the summer sun.
Continuing in the spirit of the original versions, this time of play and friendly competition will feature some of the old classics: volleyball, water balloon toss, Tug of Peace – and more!
All are welcome to join in the Olympics on Saturday, July 20, at 1:00 – 4:00 pm at the lower campus volleyball courts.
Recommended items to bring: Change of clothes for outdoor activities, tennis shoes, water bottle, sunscreen, and a white cotton t-shirt for tie-dye.
Hanuman Olympics Schedule
| Saturday, July 20 | |
| 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. | Opening Events |
| | Opening Ceremony |
| Family Games | |
| | Tug of Peace |
| Water Balloon Toss | |
| 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. | Various Ongoing Activities |
| | Volleyball Tournament |
| | Face-painting |
| | Tye-dying |
| | Pickleball/Tennis |
| | Horseshoes |
| | Obstacle Course |
| | Music & Dance |
