SRI SRI SRI SHIVABALAYOGI MAHARAJ
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2026 Meditation Retreat

Register here : Retreat Registration - 2026
Please register as soon as possible; this will greatly help in the coordination of the Retreat. 
​
Dates:  Thursday to Sunday, June 18 to June 21 
  • Thursday, June 18, 10:00 am & 7:00 pm Meditations 
  • Friday, June 19, 10:00 am & 7:00 pm Meditations 
  • Saturday, June 20, 10:00 am & 7:00 pm Meditations 
  • Sunday, June 21, 10:00 am Homa 

​Fees: 

​Full Retreat 
$445 USD (3 full days + 1 half day)

Session Rates ​
  • Morning only (incl. lunch) $70 USD each session
  • Evening only $55 USD​ ​each session
Retreat Venue:

​Ganesh Place Ashram
594 Ray Hill Rd.
Mills River, NC 28759

Mailing Address:  PO Box 953, Fletcher, NC 28732

See accommodations and travel details here
Payment can be made online when you register (with PayPal, Credit Card, or by Check). The mailing address is Ganesh Place Retreat, PO Box 953, Fletcher, NC 28732.
​

​Please note:  The Ashram grounds will open 30 minutes prior to Program start times.  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 an Ashram schedule for adequate rest and privacy.  The grounds will open 30 minutes prior to Program start times to allow for parking and settling in.  Thank you for your understanding.

How to Register:
​​
  • Complete the online Retreat Registration - 2026 for each attendee and pay by credit card or PayPal or check
  • We would appreciate ALL Registrations and Payments by June 9 for Retreat planning purposes.​

ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS IMPORTANT.  We cannot guarantee space without advance registration.

Typical Daily Program for Retreat 

Morning Session:
  • 10:00 am - Meditation (1 hour silent meditation)
  • 11:00 am - Bhajans (devotional singing) and Arthi
  • 12:00 pm - Q&A w/Sri Swamiji
  • 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm - Lunch (vegetarian) 
  • 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm - Seva (Cleaning, organizing, errands, etc.)

Break:
  • 3:30 pm - 6:30 pm - Ashram Closed
​
​Evening session:
  • 7:00 pm - Meditation 
  • 8:00 pm - Bhajans and Arthi
  • 9:00 pm - 9:45 pm - 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 9:30 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 3:30 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?
  • 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: ​
  • [email protected] 
  • Carol 919-624-1932 
Contribute to The Shri Shivabalayogi Maharaj Charitable Trust

© 2026 The Shri Shivabalayogi Maharaj Charitable Trust
  • Home
  • Shivabalayogi
    • Who is Shivabalayogi
    • His Return
    • The Power of Tapas
  • Meditation
    • The Purpose
    • The Practice
  • Meditation Programs
    • Dhyana
    • Vibhuti
    • Bhajan
    • Bhava
    • Prashad & Bhandara
  • 2026 US Tour
    • Meditation Retreat >
      • Accommodations and Travel
    • Retreat Registration - 2026
  • Contact