In Sweet Surprise, Gurumayi Chidvilasananda imparts her Message for the year. In 2025, Sweet Surprise will be held on Wednesday, January 1, via live video stream from Shree Muktananda Ashram.

No registration or fee is required for this event.

You can participate in Sweet Surprise via the Siddha Yoga path website or at the Siddha Yoga Ashram in Oakland.

• The Siddha Yoga Ashram in Oakland will be receiving Sweet Surprise via live video stream in Shaktinilaya Hall at 7:00 a.m. Please be in your seat by 6:50 a.m.

• To participate on a personal computer via the Siddha Yoga path website, click here for more information.

Information for Participants

Ways to Prepare for Sweet Surprise 2025

• Attend at the Siddha Yoga Ashram in Oakland:
  Preparation Satsang for Sweet Surprise 2025, Sunday, December 22. 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
  In this satsang, we will prepare for Sweet Surprise 2025 by listening to an audio webcast of a talk by Siddha Yoga meditation teacher Swami Ishwarananda, “The Power of Listening to Learn—The Power of Learning to Listen.”  After the audio webcast, we will chant and meditate. No fee or registration required.

• Attend online: The Power of Listening to Learn -- The Power of Learning to Listen, taught by Swami Ishwarananda, via audio webcast. No fee or registration required.

• Attend online: Preparation for Sweet Surprise: Gurumayi’s Instructions on Posture and Breathing, via audio webcast. No fee or registration required.

On the Day of the Event

• Dress modestly to support the sacred environment of the meditation hall.

• Have the following items with you:
  o a journal and pen for reflection and contemplation
  o a cushion and/or meditation asana to support your posture while seated
  o a small bottle of water

The New Year Day schedule at the Siddha Yoga Ashram in Oakland will include:

• Morning chai available for purchase in the Amrit Café before Sweet Surprise.

• Sweet Surprise 2025 via live video stream at 7:00 a.m.
  Please be in your seat in Shaktinilaya Hall by 6:50 a.m.

• Refreshments available for purchase in the Amrit Café following Sweet Surprise.

• Shri Guru Gita recitation will start approximately two hours after the conclusion of Sweet Surprise.

Transportation

See Information about transportation and driving directions.

More Information about Sweet Surprise can be found on the Siddha Yoga Path website.