Sacred Series: Guru Purnima

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.

We hope you will join us in celebrating 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).

There are a number of ways from which you may choose to participate:

• Flexible Stay & Guru Purnima Observance:
  Arrive any day beginning Friday, July 24, and stay through Wednesday, July 29, to fully immerse yourself in the lead-up to and observance of Guru Purnima. Your stay includes shared meals in community, morning and evening arati, access to the facilities and miles of hiking and walking trails, and a selection of yoga classes and special offerings throughout the program (see below for the full list). Please register at least 48 hours in advance to your desired arrival date.

Cost: Based on lodging selection and number of nights.

• Guru Purnima Mountain Experience (Saturday, July 25, ONLY):
  Register for a Mountain Experience day visit on Saturday, July 25. The day will include a special yoga offering, The Guru Within & Without, featuring teachings on guru, Vedic chanting, and asana practice. On Saturday you will also be able to see displays of Baba Hari Dass’s teachings, writings, and projects he has inspired, as well as a video about his life. Please register by Thursday, July 23.

Cost: $105 for adults and children 13+; $50 for children 5 – 12 years old; free for children 4 years & under

• Guru Purnima Observance & Bhoj (Tuesday, July 28, ONLY):
  Arrive by 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, July 28, to join in the Guru Purnima observances, including prayers and offerings at the Memorial for Baba Hari Dass, Ganesh Puja, Hanuman Puja, chanting of the Hanuman Chalisa, Ram Puja & Yajna, bhoj (feast), followed by the Hanuman Olympics. Please note: NO OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS INCLUDED. Advance registration is required. Space is limited; register early to secure your spot.

Cost: FREE

• Join Us from afar via Livestream:
  Join the Guru Purnima observances via livestream on the Temple YouTube channel. No registration required.

Cost: FREE

Special Offerings & Yoga Classes

Classical Ashtanga Yoga | Saturday, July 25, 7:30 – 9:45 a.m.
An all-levels class offering breathing practices, meditation, and movement methods to quiet the mind and develop concentration. The practice includes one hour of pranayama (breathing techniques) and meditation, followed by a brief break and then 70 minutes of asana (postures). Taught by various teachers trained in Classical Ashtanga Yoga (eight-limbed path) in the lineage of Baba Hari Dass.

The Guru Within & Without: A Special Yoga Offering | Saturday, July 25, 3:30 – 5:00 p.m.
Honor the teacher within and without through this special offering. Hear Baba Hari Dass’s teachings on guru, chant Vedic prayers, practice pranayama, meditate with focus on your inner guide to peace, and conclude with asana practice. Guru points the way. We will follow together. Presented by Sarada Diffenbaugh with asana led by Vika Kolesov.

All-Levels Yoga | Sunday, July 26, 7:00 – 8:30 a.m.
This is a moderately paced, all levels yoga class combining breath, meditation, and poses to balance the physical and subtle body. Expect a short seated portion of class with guided breath and meditation, and a yummy asana sequence that balances flow and holds, challenge and restoration.

All-Levels Yoga | Monday, July 27, 7:00 – 8:30 a.m.
Start your day with Pushpa Danielle Barr in a meditative yoga class featuring pranayama, chanting, and meditation. Focus on breath, subtle energy balance, and alignment in a fun and inspiring all-levels practice.

Restorative Yoga | Monday, July 27, 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Join Sara Williams to rest and decompress during this all levels restorative yoga class. Come in comfortable clothes or pajamas! Relax your mind and body, and increase emotional well being. With the help of prop and soothing music, activate your parasympathetic nervous system through calming, supportive postures. Safe for all bodies.

Sri Ram Ashram Presentation | Monday, July 27, 7:15 p.m.
Learn about the history of and current happenings at Sri Ram Ashram, a home for abandoned and orphaned children in Northern India and one of several initiatives inspired by Baba Hari Dass. In 1984, Baba Hari Dass fulfilled a lifelong dream when he founded Sri Ram Ashram. The first children arrived in 1987, and for more than 40 years the Hanuman Fellowship and extended community has sponsored and supported the ashram. What has evolved is a remarkable, ongoing story of resilience, dedication, and love.

Hanuman Olympics | Tuesday, July 28, 2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
A Mount Madonna tradition reimagined! Aptly named after the monkey hero of the Ramayana, who is an embodiment of selfless service and strength, the Hanuman Olympics is a day of sports with a yogic twist — it’s all about children and grown-ups having fun together under the summer sun. In the spirit tradition, this time of play and friendly competition will feature some of our old classics: volleyball, water balloon toss, Tug of Peace – and more!

Classical Ashtanga Yoga | Wednesday, July 29, 7:00 – 8:30 a.m.
This class is designed to offer a space for new and seasoned practitioners to practice the teachings of Classical Ashtanga Yoga as presented by Baba Hari Dass. The first portion of class, from 7:00 to 7:45 a.m., will be devoted to a brief pranayama practice and a 15 to 20 minute meditation. The second portion, from 7:45 to 8:30 a.m. will be devoted to asana practice. All levels are welcome to join for one or both parts of class.

Additional offerings on the mountain include:

• Personal time to relax in community spaces, including Anjaneya’s World Cafe and Oceanview Books & Gifts
• Access to the 380 acres of hiking trails, walking paths, and indoor amenities
• Option to visit the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
• Option to book a wellness treatment at Kaya Kalpa Wellness Center (additional fees apply; advance reservations recommended)

We look forward to celebrating the teacher and teachings with you!