Feb 04, 2012 at 04:54 AM

Shivaratri is a night that celebrates the Hindu deity Shiva who represents the Pure Conscious Principle. Our celebration takes place from Sunday, the 19^th of February into Monday, the 20^th. This particular night is considered a time of consecration and dedication, which can result in the mind’s illumination.

The program begins at the Community Building on the morning of the 19^th with the ritualistic creation of 1008 Shiva Lingams. At sunset we continue our vigil: chanting, praying, and performing ritual throughout the night in the CB. The closing ritual ends just before dawn, the consecrated offerings are then carried in pilgrimage style to the Hanuman Temple and following morning Arati they are carried to our Upper Pond where the offerings and participants submerge into the cleansing waters. 

Please contact the MMC Reception Office to find out details concerning the observance of the Auspicious Night of Shiva at 408-846-4065.

Hara Hara Mahadev!

This small group retreat is devoted to a deeper level of meditation and purification practice for people who already have had some Yoga experience. To help calm the mind and allow it to turn inward, we will utilize a light diet of pure foods, a variety of purification practices, an observance of silence, and a meditative cave-like atmosphere of seclusion, all designed for inner reflection. A number of hours each morning and afternoon will be devoted to prescribed meditations, breathing exercises and practice of asana in the tradition of Ashtanga Yoga as taught by Baba Hari Dass. Time for reflection and study, spiritual stories, rituals, chanting of mantra and other devotional practices are also part of this special retreat. Because this type of practice deepens as we immerse ourselves, we give first priority to those who are able to attend the full program. Enrollment is limited, please register early. This retreat is taught by senior Mount Madonna Center staff. Work-study and sliding scale options are available. For participants who have not attended this retreat before, please call (408) 842-8530 and give your name and phone number so we can contact you to go over some details.