The Guru Within & Without
A Special Day Visit & Yoga Offering
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.
Join us on Saturday, July 25, for a Mountain Experience day visit honoring the themes of Guru Purnima, observed this year on Tuesday, July 28. The day will include a special yoga offering titled “The Guru Within & Without,” featuring teachings on guru, Vedic chants and readings, followed by pranayama (breath practice), guided meditation, and asana. We will conclude with chanting prayers and sharing insights. Presented by Bhavani Siegel, Sarada Diffenbaugh, and Vika Kolesov. You will also have the opportunity to explore displays of the teachings, writings, and projects inspired by Baba Hari Dass, as well as a video about his life running from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m.
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)
If you wish to join us for Guru Purnima, book a Flexible Stay anytime between Friday – Wednesday, July 24 – 29, or join us in-person or online Tuesday, July 28, for the Guru Purnima Observance & Bhoj. Learn more about the different ways to attend on the Sacred Series: Guru Purnima program page.
We look forward to celebrating the teacher and teachings with you!
Mountain Experience Schedule
| Saturday, July 25 | |
| 10:00 a.m. | Check-in |
| 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. | Brunch |
| 11:30 - 12:30 p.m. | Guided campus tour to Sunset Ridge |
| 12:30 - 3:30 p.m. | Personal time |
| 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. | Video about the life of Baba Hari Dass |
| 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. | The Guru Within & Without: A Special Yoga Offering |
| 5:15 p.m. | Dinner |
| 6:00 p.m. | Arati |
| 7:00 p.m. | Mountain Experience program concludes |
Useful Information
Included in the Mountain Experience: Two vegetarian meals, a scheduled yoga class and guided walk, and access to the Temple and 380 acres of hiking trails, walking paths, and indoor amenities. Wellness treatments and Ayurvedic consultations are not included but may be booked in advance. Reservations must be made at least 48 hours prior to the day of your visit.
Arrival & Departure (day visit): Check in between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.; and depart by 7:00 p.m.
Presenters
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Bhavani SiegelECEBhavani was introduced to yoga in childhood, practicing asana and yogic breathing with her family. She met Baba Hari Dass in 1974; after becoming his disciple, she began formal study and sadhana practice. She then went on to begin teaching yoga in 1975.
A senior Yoga faculty member and a founding member of Mount Madonna, where she lives, Bhavani teaches many aspects of Yoga, including meditation, pranayama and yoga philosophy.
Among these, her specialties are:
– Foundational values in Yoga philosophy: Yama & Niyama
– Mantra Yoga: Sanskrit as Sacred Sound
– Ritual and Symbolism in the Path of YogaBhavani also leads Yogic rituals (Puja & Yajna) at Mount Madonna’s Sankaṭ Mochan Hanuman Temple. She also incorporated yoga for children as a school teacher for 20 years.
Considering the teachings of conscious communication an important aspect of the Yogic principle of non-harming, Bhavani integrated this study as facilitator/coordinator of Mount Madonna’s Yoga, Service and Community residential programs for over 20 years.
In Yoga teacher trainings, Yoga retreats, community programs, and seminars, Bhavani has continued her journey, guided by her revered teacher’s injunction to “teach to learn,” at Mount Madonna and at our sister community, Salt Spring Centre of Yoga.
Bhavani loves chanting and ritual, mystic poetry, and the solace of nature.
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Sarada Judith DiffenbaughPhD, E-RYT 500Sarada teaches Yoga Sutras, Samkhya Philosophy, Bhagavad Gita, Ashtanga Yoga (eight-limbed path), Bhakti Yoga (path of selfless action), children’s yoga, ethics and meditation. Sarada is the founder of Mount Madonna School where the ancient system of yoga has been translated into contemporary American education. She is one of the founders of Mount Madonna Center, serves as President of Sri Ram Foundation, which publishes Baba Hari Dass’ writings, is an Advisor Trustee of Sri Ram Orphanage, and serves on the Mount Madonna Institute Board’s Executive Committee.
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Vika KolesovRYT 500, AHCVika completed her classical Ashtanga Yoga Teachers Training YTT200 and YTT300 at Mount Madonna Institute School of Yoga and further deepened her holistic knowledge by earning her certification as an Ayurvedic Health Counselor (AHC) from the Mount Madonna Institute College of Ayurveda.
As an instructor, Vika is part of the rotating teaching team at Mount Madonna’s Redwood Room, leading both Classical Ashtanga and All Levels Asana classes. She tailors her instruction to support each student’s unique abilities and aspirations, integrating Ayurvedic principles—such as seasonal changes and time of day—to enhance balance and well-being.
Vika’s personal Asana practice is Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga as taught by Pattabhi Jois. Being deeply committed to lifelong learning, she continues her immersion in yoga and its related disciplines through ongoing studies in Sanskrit grammar and Vedic chanting.
