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 by Sarada Diffenbaugh, Vedic chanting, and asana (postures) practice led by 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.
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!
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 |
| 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 |
Presenters
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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.
