Siddha Yoga Blue Pearl Retreat

Preparation and 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 Muktananda are giving you direct instructions for your practice of Siddha Yoga meditation. Identify the passages that you find most relevant. Before coming to the retreat, 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 experiences or insights arising from your meditation.

Posture and Breath

  • Practice hatha yoga or do other exercise that supports physical strength and flexibility so that you’re able to sit comfortably for an extended period of time.

  • Practice easy steady posture and breathing by following Gurumayi’s Meditation Instructions on CD. This CD is available in the Siddha Yoga bookstore at the Siddha Yoga Ashram in Oakland, or online at www.siddhayogabookstore.org.

  • Take a 15-20 minute walk every day. This will help your posture and breathing, and you can combine the walk with the practice of japa, mantra repetition.

Purpose Statement

As part of your preparation for the retreat, formulate a purpose statement articulating why you want to take the retreat and what you expect to accomplish from your efforts during the retreat.

After the Blue Pearl Retreat

After the retreat, you may find it helpful to schedule time for meditation, reflection and journaling. This will support you to further assimilate what you’ve experienced and learned during the retreat.

Additional Information

Retreat Schedule

  • Friday, December 5
    7:00–8:15 p.m. Orientation Session 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. Your clothes should be loose enough so that you can move freely.

  • Apply your own bhasma and kum-kum bindi (sacred ash and red turmeric powder dot). Both of these items will be available when you arrive if you don’t have your own.

Bring With You

  • 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 a covered 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 enter the Temple for Bhagavan Nityananda’s darshan. Bhasma and kum-kum bindi will be available both mornings as you enter the Temple. 

Meals

If you are staying in the ashram overnight, three vegetarian meals are provided each day. Meals include hot beverages and fresh fruits. In addition, cold drinks and refreshments are available for purchase in Amrit Café.

If you are not staying in the Ashram:

  • Breakfast, lunch and dinner will be available for purchase during the Blue Pearl Retreat.    

  • Refreshments will be available for purchase in Amrit Café during pauses.

  • The following meal plans are also available for purchase at Registration:

    • 3 meals/day (includes hot beverages and fresh fruits) $45.00

    • 2 meals/day (includes hot beverages and fresh fruits) $30.00

    • 1 meals/day (includes hot beverages and fresh fruits) $15.00