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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
*Please note that dinner is not included in this program.
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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

Date

Saturday, Jul 20, 2024
Concluded

Time

6:00 am - 4:00 pm

Location

In-Person
445 Summit Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076
  • Registration Details:

    WAYS TO ATTEND

    • Day Visit Only
    • Overnight & Day Visit
    • Livestream Online

    Register for the day events via the button above, FREE of charge. Donations to cover the costs of food and event expenses are gratefully accepted.

    Celebration + Overnight on Friday, July 19
    Stay the night before the event – fees for accommodations and meals depend on choice of lodging – and then join the festivities!
    Event + Overnight

    Livestream
    Participate from afar via livestream from the Temple YouTube
    View Here

  • Important Notes:

    Please register each adult separately. You may include children and their ages in the Additional Requests field.

    Advance reservations are required for all visitors.
    48-hour notice is required to make a reservation.
    Please, no food, drugs, alcohol, pets, incense, candles or other flammables.

    Cancellations
    Please cancel your reservation in advance if you decide you cannot attend.

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