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SATSANG

To gain maximum benefit of being in a yoga community, it is highly suggested Arati: This is the light ceremony that takes place at the end of each satsang.
that you take at least one yoga class per day and attend both satsang The priest waves the lamp in front of the altar acknowledging the many saints
sessions. We find from guest feedback that when they fully participate in the and sages from many traditions. The light represents wisdom and the clarity of
schedule, they feel included in the ashram community and have a greater sight, both mental and spiritual. The light is then offered to the attendees, who
experience of the healing effects of yoga upon departure. hold their palms towards the light, guiding the hands towards the eyes and
then passing the hands in front of body as if to cover the body in light. This is
A Special Time simply a blessing.

Since 1967 the staff and guests of the Yoga Retreat have gathered together Prostration: After arati, all who wish may bow in prostration in the direction of
twice daily at 6:00am and 8:00pm for satsang. the altar; this represents the surrender of the ego and the acknowledgement
of the God within each one of us. This is not required of anyone, though all are
“Sat” means “wisdom” and “sangha” means “company,” so satsang literally welcome to participate.
means “company of the wise.” This is the time we come together as a
community to meditate, chant, and learn together. Satsang embodies the Prasad: Sweet food is offered to the altar at the beginning of each satsang. At
collective energy of our spiritual community. the end, the sweet food, usually fruit, that has absorbed the positive vibrations
from satsang is then offered to the everyone as they leave. Prasad is taken with
The format is 30 minutes of meditation, 20 minutes of call-and-response the right hand.
chanting in Sanskrit (kirtan), and an educational talk or presentation for the
last 30-45 minutes. We then close with prayers and a simple ceremony of light Please note:
(arati) and the sharing of prasad.
Sitting comfortably: There are mats and cushions for sitting on the floor as
Meditation: The meditation technique practiced in our lineage is mantra well as chairs and benches. Arrive a few minutes before meditation begins
repetition. A short instruction is given by the satsang leader before meditation to make sure that you are seated comfortably. Feel free to bring a personal
begins. You are also free to follow your own meditation tradition. If you arrive meditation cushion or clean towel to support your posture. If you are unsure of
late, please wait outside until the end of meditation. how to sit in a comfortable cross-legged position, you can ask a yoga teacher
at the beginning or end of class for advice. Please do not lie down during
Chanting: We begin with the Daily Chant. The leader sings one verse and we satsang.
repeat as a chorus. Two or three other chants may also be sung in the same
style. Chanting is an exercise in concentration and a means to open the heart Modesty: Yogis attempt to take attention away from the physical body and
and experience joy. Many of our chants are in Sanskrit; we also chant songs focus on the inner spiritual experience. The dress is very simple: nothing too
from all traditions and languages. Chants books are available for your use in the short or too low or revealing. In the temple please keep shoulders covered (no
temple. tank tops) and legs covered (no short skirts or shorts).

Talks/Presentations/Performances: Each satsang is unique. They feature a Feet: As is the custom in India, feet are not to be stretched out towards the
variety of talks by spiritual teachers and guest presenters as well as special altar or to the guest speaker sitting in front. If you need to stretch, please
programs, concerts, ceremonies, and symposia. We are renowned for the rich cover your feet with your shawl and stretch, or stretch the legs to the side.
tapestry of presenters and teachings that we offer in satsang.

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