Yogacharya's Birthday Weekend Celebration
With Song of the Morning Community
September 4 - 6, 2026
Yogacharya’s Birthday Weekend Celebration
Gathering as a Circle of Friends
“If you live God, you are able to make others feel His presence.”
— Paramahansa Yogananda, 1937
Join us Friday, September 4 through Sunday, September 6, 2026, as we gather in friendship to celebrate Yogacharya Oliver Black’s Birthday, give thanks for all we have accomplished together, honor the past, envision the future, and continue carrying forward the vision entrusted to him by Paramahansa Yogananda.
During his life, Yogacharya Oliver Black counseled, guided, and uplifted the spiritual lives of thousands of sincere seekers. Through Song of the Morning, the retreat he founded at the request of his Guru, Paramahansa Yogananda, his spiritual legacy continues to inspire and transform lives today. It is with gratitude that we gather each year to honor Yogacharya’s birthday and celebrate his life of service, devotion, friendship, and generosity.
Throughout the weekend, enjoy inspiring talks, meditation, fellowship, a rare archival presentation, and opportunities to share your experiences with Yogacharya for our Archives. Experience the Boathouse Meditation Sanctuary, celebrate the re-grand opening of the newly restored Wheelhouse, and reconnect with friends—old and new. Together, we’ll celebrate the friendships, generosity, and shared spirit of service that continue to sustain Song of the Morning.
We warmly invite you to join us—all are welcome!
Sharing Our History
We have a special opportunity for those who knew Yogacharya to have their stories recorded. This invitation is part of a larger Archives Committee initiative to preserve our truly rare and incredible legacy. A sign-up sheet with half-hour time slots will be available during the weekend, or you may contact Wendy Page-Echols in advance to schedule your time.
Another Archives Committee project will invite guests to help identify individuals in photographs taken during the 1970s and 1980s at the Ranch.
Fellowship with Yogacharya
On Saturday we will present a special two-part installment in our Fellowship with Yogacharya series titled “Life’s Journey.” This presentation is excerpted from Yogacharya’s Sunday after-service satsang at the Detroit Institute of Arts on April 27, 1969.
Subjects include:
- We Came Out of Spirit
- Applying Yoga to Life
- Discovering the Real Self
- Play Your Part
- Master and Disciple
New Book Release
We are also thrilled to announce the second edition of Fellowship with Yogacharya! Copies are expected to be available beginning Birthday Weekend.
This year’s Birthday Weekend theme, Gathering as a Circle of Friends, celebrates the friendships, generosity, and shared spirit of service that continue to sustain Song of the Morning. Whether you have been coming for decades or are visiting for the first time, we warmly welcome you to celebrate all we have been blessed to care for together.
Registration Details
Lodging Fee: By clicking the Register Now button, you’ll be able to pay for your lodging, which includes meals. All program activities are free for this special event.
Commuter Option: Guests attending as commuters may select the “Commuter Only” option during registration and add meals separately if desired.
2026 Yogacharya Birthday Weekend Schedule
You’ll receive a full schedule at check-in. Program times may and locations may vary slightly.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
2:00–4:00 p.m. – Check-in
5:00 p.m. – Dinner (Mainhouse)
7:00 p.m. – Welcome & Presentation: “A Yogi, Well Perfected”
8:00 p.m. – Bhagavan Krishna Commemoration Meditation
9:15 p.m. – Fellowship & Refreshments (Mainhouse)
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5
8:30 a.m. – Golden Lotus Hatha Yoga Class
10:00 a.m. – Brunch (Mainhouse)
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. – Wheelhouse Celebration & Fundraising Presentation (Wheelhouse)
2:00 p.m. – Fellowship with Yogacharya: “Life’s Journey”
5:00 p.m. – Dinner (Mainhouse)
6:30 p.m. – Rare Archival Presentation (Boathouse)
8:00 p.m. – Community Meditation (Domes)
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
7:00–10:45 a.m. – Boathouse Open for Personal Silent Meditation (Boathouse)
11:00 a.m. – Self-Realization Sunday Service Reading (Mainhouse)
1:00 p.m. – Community Dinner (Mainhouse – Catered by Aamchi Mumbai)
3:00–5:00 p.m. – Yogacharya Birthday Party (Domes)
Click the Register Now button on this page to reserve your place.
About the Program Leader
Song of the Morning Community
Spiritual communities are places where people live together in the spirit of cooperation and friendship, dedicated toward a common goal. Located on the property is our Clear Light Community, where residents support one another in a balanced life that is joyous and God-centered. Song of the Morning’s spiritual community is rooted in Paramahansa Yogananda’s vision […]
Learn more about Song of the Morning CommunityCategory : Guided Retreats