Register here: Retreat Registration - 2023
Registration Opens on May 1, 2024. Dates: Thursday to Sunday, June 20 to June 23 Thursday/Friday/Saturday Programs at 9:30am & 7:00pm Sunday, Homa at 10:00am Fees: Full Retreat $445 USD (3 full days + 1 half day) Session Rates
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Retreat Venue:
Ganesh Place Ashram 594 Ray Hill Rd. Mills River, NC 28759 See accommodations and travel details here |
How to Register:
ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS IMPORTANT. We cannot guarantee space without advance registration.
- Complete the online Retreat Registration - 2023 for each attendee and pay by credit card or PayPal or check
- We would appreciate ALL Registrations and Payments by June 1 for Retreat planning purposes.
- Checks will still be accepted if received no later than June 1.
ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS IMPORTANT. We cannot guarantee space without advance registration.
Typical Daily Program for Retreat
Morning Session:
Break:
Evening session:
NOTES
Morning Session:
- 9:30am - Meditation (1 hour silent meditation)
- 10:30am - Bhajans (devotional singing) and Arthi
- 11:30am - Q&A w/Sri Swamiji
- 12:30pm - 1:30pm - Lunch (vegetarian)
- 12:30pm - 1:30pm - Individual Darshan w/Sri Swamiji
- 1:30pm - 3:00pm - Seva (Cleaning, organizing, errands, etc.)
Break:
- 3:00pm-6:30pm - Ashram Closed
Evening session:
- 7:00pm - Meditation
- 8:00pm - Bhajans and Arthi
- 9:00 - 9:45pm - Individual Darshan w/Sri Swamiji
NOTES
- The schedule may vary. Attendees should be prompt for all activities.
- Ashram rules apply: Modest attire and behavior should be followed. See Q&A below.
- Seva, or service work, is an important part of the Retreat. Participation in housekeeping chores or special projects is expected of everyone.
- The Ganesh Place property serves as both a Meditation/Retreat Center and as Sri Swamiji's Private Residence during His annual Tour. Therefore, it is important to have a schedule for adequate rest and privacy. During Retreat, the gates will open at 9:00 am and 6:30 pm each day, providing time to park, check in, and get settled in the Meditation Hall. The property will be closed from 3:00 to 6:30 pm each day of the Retreat. Thank you for your understanding.
Meals
A vegetarian lunch will be served Thursday through Sunday for all attendees. We cannot guarantee accommodation of individual dietary restrictions.
Commonly asked questions:
To familiarize yourself with protocol at programs such as Sri Swamiji‘s, here are a few Q and A:
Q: What should I wear?
Q: What should I bring?
Q: What is customary behavior upon entering the Meditation Hall?
For more Q&A see: Dhyana
To familiarize yourself with protocol at programs such as Sri Swamiji‘s, here are a few Q and A:
Q: What should I wear?
- Both men and women should wear modest, conservative clothing to the Retreat and Meditation Programs. This will indicate respect for Sri Swamiji and the sacred space; it will allow other attendees to focus on Sri Swamiji’s teachings and their meditation practice, rather than being distracted by revealing clothing.
- Shoulders must be covered. No tank-tops or low-cut shirts. No midriff-baring shirts or tight-fitting clothes. Men’s shorts should be knee-length. Women’s pants and skirts should cover the knees (mid-calf or ankle-length).
Q: What should I bring?
- Loose, comfortable clothing. A light-weight sweater or blanket for chilly, air-conditioned rooms.
- Your own asana (cushion) for sitting on the floor; or, to add to the provided chairs.
- Your own re-usable water bottle (to cut down on plastic bottles); can be refilled from the water dispenser on-site.
Q: What is customary behavior upon entering the Meditation Hall?
- Arrive with good hygiene.
- Shoes must be removed before entering the Meditation Hall.
- Do not point your feet toward the Guru, the altar, or any Deity when seated on the floor.
- Do not sit with your back to the Guru.
- When Prasad (blessed food) is passed out, please accept it in your right hand.
- Practice silence as much as possible while in the Meditation Hall; when speaking, use a quiet, respectful tone of voice.
- Avoid hugging and other demonstrations of affection while in the Meditation Hall and in the presence of the Guru.
For more Q&A see: Dhyana
Contacts and Questions:
- ganeshplace@gmail.com
- Carol 919-624-1932