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 begin the day at 6:30 a.m. with an official “unveiling” of the Memorial to Honor Baba Hari Dass, the Teacher and the Teachings.
After the ceremony for the Memorial, we will move into the celebration of Guru Purnima, to honor Baba Hari Dass and all teachers within and without, with chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa followed by a traditional yajna (ancient Vedic ceremony) and a joyful bhoj (feast). In the afternoon, we will continue the festivities with the Hanuman Olympics!
There are a number of ways through which you may choose to participate:
- Guru Purnima with Overnight Accommodations:
Book an overnight stay for Wednesday, July 9, the night before the festivities. Includes dinner on July 9, plus bhoj (feast) on July 10, as well as general access to the campus as for a personal retreat. Please register before July 7 – see link above.
Cost: Based on lodging selection.
- Guru Purnima & Bhoj:
Join the Guru Purnima festivities on Thursday, July 10: Arrive after 6:00 a.m. for the Memorial unveiling ceremony that begin at 6:30 a.m., and stay for the bhoj (feast). No accommodations. Please register before July 8 – see link above. Note: Include all members of your party in the “Additional Requests” field.
Cost: FREE
- Temple Darshan on Guru Purnima:
Book a shorter visit to the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple on the day of Guru Purnima, Thursday, July 10. Temple Darshan visits will be available from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. Please reserve your spot during the week prior to Guru Purnima using the Temple Darshan link above.
Cost: FREE
- Guru Purnima via Livestream:
Celebrate Guru Purnima from afar via livestream on the Temple YouTube channel. No pre-registration necessary.
Cost: FREE
We look forward to celebrating the teacher and teachings with you!
Guru Purnima Schedule
| Thursday, July 10 | |
| 6:30 a.m. | Welcome & Memorial Unveiling Ceremony, including a Ganesh Puja |
| 7:30 a.m. | Begin Hanuman Puja |
| 8:00 a.m. | Chanting of Hanuman Chalisa and Sindoor applied to Ganeshji & Hanumanji |
| 9:00 a.m. | 15 minute break |
| 9:15 a.m. | Ram Puja & Yajna, Arati & closing |
| 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!
Rates & What's Included
Details & Useful Information
GURU PURNIMA PERSONAL RETREAT RATES
Adults
Tuition FREE + accommodations & meals. Rates are per person, per night. Rates stated here apply to this program 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: Please plan to check in to your accommodations between 3:00 and 5:00pm, and check out by 11:00am.
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
Rates are based on stated occupancy (i.e., double and triple rates are available only to groups of two or three people who are staying in the same room).
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).
Camping
Bring your own tent
Developed campsites are available for people who wish to bring their own tent. Sites offer access to showers and flush toilets. To ensure a comfortable stay, please bring all personal items you will need, including towels, as these are not provided. Although camping is usually available year-round, please be aware that we can receive significant amounts of rain from November through May.
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. To ensure a comfortable stay, please bring all personal items you will need, including towels, as these are not provided. Prices are based on stated occupancy.
