The Art and Science of Meditation

We invite you to this special retreat that will focus on deepening our understanding and practice of meditation as an art and science, taught by Paramahansa Yogananda and his Kriya Yoga lineage. Yoga meditation is universal and is rooted in the Raja Yoga of Patanjali Yoga Sutras, in the Bhagavad-Gita, and in various other yoga dharma. This retreat is designed for both new meditators and veteran practitioners, gathered into a devotional and concentrated silence in this sacred land of Song of the Morning.

Yogic scripture and teachings will be reviewed, chanting will be practiced to awaken devotion and deepen concentration, and meditation will be guided for greater depth. Naren will also be available for individual counseling and support for one’s meditation sadhana. Meditation postures will be reviewed during hatha yoga. Be prepared to sit in silent meditation for at least one hour. If this seems intimidating, this retreat might not be for you—but if you feel an inner calling to join, have faith!—you just might be surprised by the divine grace flowing from the Divine and from the gathered devotees on this sacred land. There will be ample time in Nature—Fall is the perfect time!

What to Bring for Retreat:

-journal and/or notebook

-meditation shawl and a meditation cushion

-write down some any questions or doubts you have about your meditation practice

-bring inspirational quotes or passages about meditation that you would share with the group

Tentative Schedule (final schedule will be emailed to all who register)

Naren will be available for counseling on one’s spiritual life and meditation practice. Please request this at the time of registering so that we can schedule the meetings ahead of time.

Friday September 22

2:00 Arrival

5:00 Dinner

7:00 Welcome and Satsanga (satsanga is an informal discourse on sacred teachings), Lodge

8:00-9:00 Meditation and Chanting, Lodge

Saturday September 23
Morning … Quiet time, sleep in, meditate, go for a walk

8:30a -10:15 Meditation (simple asanas, chanting, pranayam) Lodge

10:30 Brunch at Main House

11:00 Personal Time (Naren available for counseling)

12:00 Hatha Yoga (Naren available for counseling), Domes

1:30 Snack at Main House

2:00 Personal Time (Naren available for counseling)

3:30 Meditative Walk in Nature

5:00 Dinner

6:30 Meditation Posture Review in Lodge

7:00-7:45 Meditation Q&A (you can write questions in advance)

8-10 Meditation (break at 9pm, option to leave)

Sunday September 24

Morning … Quiet time, sleep in, meditate, go for walk

8:30a-10:15 Meditation (simple asanas, chanting, pranayam) Lodge

10:30 Light Snack Available

11:00a-12 Song of the Morning Sunday Service

1:00 Song of the Morning Sunday Dinner

3:00 Departure

You are welcome to donate more to support Song of the Morning Retreat

*Scholarships are available

Please contact the Retreat center office at office@songofthemorning.org or by calling (989) 983-4107 if you have any questions!