New Release Winter Solstice, December 21, 2023!
OM Mani Padme Hum…the Buddhist mantra of compassion
Channelled to her in a dream, Mirabai Moon believes this rendition of OM Mani Padme Hum is the most beautiful thing she has ever written. With the addition of folk duo The Levins on harmony vocals, Sara Milonovich of Daisycutter on violin, Karttikeya Arul on percussion, and engineer Mark Dann on bass, this track is pure magic. The way the melody weaves through light and darkness and always returns to the light is reflective of the spiritual journey. Just as the caterpillar becomes the butterfly, and the lotus transcends the muddy water to blossom into the most beautiful flower, so too do we transcend if we but persevere and keep reaching for the light. This mantra and the musical delivery of this track will inspire you to do so.
EVENTS
Be Still And Know Retreat with Swami Sankarananda
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Amethyst Retreat Center, 44 Buffalo Creek Rd., Duncannon, PA 17020
Please join us for a transformative three-day experience that stills the mind and settles matters of the heart. Deepen your experience of life through silence, meditation, chanting, yoga asana and the teachings of the great Yogis.
Swami Sankarananda will guide us through the majority of the retreat, sharing wisdom to inspire transcendence from living in fear, to living in peace & harmony. We will explore practices designed to help us re-discover the sacred silence within and to connect profoundly with our authentic selves. The wisdom teaching of Yoga and Yogic practices will help us to both experience and to sustain inner connection and awareness.
Why practice silence... Silence is peace. In a world that seems to become ever more complex and busy, it is important to take time to turn within and experience silence. There is no better cure for what ails us than to be silent, and yet we do not know how to be truly silent. To merely stop talking is not really to be silent. If one stops talking but the racing thoughts are there, it will cause heat and agitation in the mind. Yoga provides practical techniques for bringing silence and peace to the mind, which helps one reconnect with the true Self.
Schedule:
Friday
4PM Arrival & Check in
6PM Dinner
730PM Opening Prayer & Overview
8PM Satsang: Silent Meditation, Chanting with Swamiji and Mirabai Moon, Dharma Talk: Silence
10PM Lights Out
Saturday
530AM Wake up
6AM Satsang: Silent Meditation, Chanting, Dharma Talk: Sound to Silence
8AM Yoga Asana / Pranayama Class
10AM Brunch
12PM Tea & Vedanta: Theory & Practice of Self Inquiry - Discernment
1PM Self-reflection time. Swami will offer spiritual counseling sessions for those interested. There will be a sign-up sheet provided. Swami will also have a library of wonderful spiritual books with him...Feel free to borrow any of these during the retreat to read and reflect, journal or walk silently on the beautiful grounds of Amethyst.
4-530PM Gentle Yoga and Meditative Sound Bath with Mirabai & Shelley Herlihy
6PM Dinner
7PM Kirtan with Mirabai & friends
8PM Satsang: Chanting, Dharma Talk: Sadhana
10PM Lights Out
Sunday
530AM Wake up
6AM Satsang: Silent Meditation, Chanting, Dharma Talk: Steps Towards Inner Peace
8AM Yoga Asana / Pranayama Class
10AM Brunch
11AM Labyrinth - walking meditation
12PM Closing Discussions, Prayers & Arati - Practice of Silence Ends
1PM Program ends
As part of deepening our yogic awareness and practices, opportunities for seva (self-less service) will be available throughout the retreat. We will discuss the various opportunities and ask for volunteers. Sharing seva together is an essential aspect of the retreat weekend.
Accommodations are dorm-style rooms. Camping is also permitted, please bring your own camping gear. All meals will be vergetarian, with vegan, gluten free, and dairy free options available. Light snacks and tea will be provided throughout the retreat.