Siddha Yoga Blue Pearl Retreat
Experience the Light of Consciousness
Saturday, December 6, and Sunday, December 7, 2025
5:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Preparation and Practical Information for the Retreat
Preparation Exercises
Here are recommended ways for you to prepare in the weeks and days leading up to the Siddha Yoga Blue Pearl Retreat.
Study
Recommended reading (most of these chapters are quite brief):
Gurumayi Chidvilasananda: Enthusiasm
Chapter 4: “The True Companion Within”
Swami Muktananda: Play of Consciousness, 3rd edition, 2000
Chapter 23: “The Blue Pearl”
Chapter 29: “The Vision of the Blue Person”
Chapter 31: “The Eternal Blue of Consciousness”
Chapter 32: “The Dawn of Knowledge”
Chapter 33: “Final Realization”
Study as if Gurumayi and Baba are giving you direct instructions. Identify the passages that you find most relevant and experiment with applying this guidance in meditation. Record your insights in your journal.
Meditation
Meditate every day before the retreat. Make time to meditate for an extended period at least once a week. Write in your journal any experiences or insights arising from your meditation.
Posture and Breath
Practice hatha yoga or do other exercises that support physical strength and flexibility so that you are able to sit comfortably for an extended period of time.
Practice easy, steady posture and breathing by following the audio recording of Siddha Yoga Meditation Instructions by Gurumayi Chidvilasananda.
This CD is available in the Siddha Yoga Bookstore at the Siddha Yoga Ashram in Oakland, or online at www.siddhayogabookstore.org.
The audio recording is also available to purchase as a download or through streaming services. For more information, visit https://siddhayogabookstore.org/digitalproducts.aspx.
To help your posture and breathing, take a 15- to 20-minute walk every day. You can combine the walk with the practice of japa, mantra repetition.
Purpose Statement
As part of your preparation for the retreat, write down your purpose and what you expect to accomplish from taking the retreat.
After the Blue Pearl Retreat
To support your assimilation of what you’ve experienced and learned during the retreat, you may find it helpful to schedule specific times for meditation, reflection, and journaling.
Practical Information
Retreat Schedule
Friday, December 5
7:00–8:15 p.m. Entering the Blue Pearl Experience Orientation in Shaktinilaya Hall
Saturday, December 6
5:30 a.m. Arati in the Bhagavan Nityananda Temple (optional)
6:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Retreat Day 1 in Shaktinilaya Hall
Sunday, December 7
5:30 a.m. Darshan in the Bhagavan Nityananda Temple (optional)
6:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Retreat Day 2 in Shaktinilaya Hall
Before Coming to the Retreat Each Day
Bathe and wear clean comfortable clothes that are loose enough to allow you to move freely.
Apply bhasma (sacred ash) and kumkum bindi (dot of red turmeric powder) to your forehead. If you don’t have your own, these items will be available when you come to the Temple.
Bring with You
A pair of comfortable walking shoes for a japa walk during the day
Woolen asana
Shawl
Japa mala or japa ring
The Nectar of Chanting book
Whatever you need to be comfortable and upright during meditation, such as a pillow, cushion, blanket, etc.
Water bottle
Tissues and cough drops, if necessary
Throughout the Retreat
Observe silence
Eat and drink moderately
Arrive at least 5 minutes before all the retreat sessions
Darshan of Bhagavan Nityananda (optional)
Each day at 5:30 a.m. before the retreat session begins, there will be a special time for going to the Bhagavan Nityananda Temple. The Temple is in an enclosed outdoor area; please dress appropriately for the cold mornings.
On the first morning, arati will be performed in the Temple. On the second morning, there will be no arati, but you are welcome to go to the Temple for Bhagavan Nityananda’s darshan. Bhasma and kumkum will be available both mornings as you enter the Temple.
Meals
Accommodations in the Ashram include three vegetarian meals each day.
If you are not staying in the Ashram, breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be available for purchase during mealtimes. The following optional meal plan are also available for advance purchase at Registration.
3 meals/day $45.00/day
2 meals/day $30.00/day
1 meal/day $15.00/day
Accommodation rates and meal plans include unlimited hot beverages and fresh fruit.
Refreshments will be available for purchase in the Amrit Café during pauses.