Dear Silence Seeking Aspirant;
Greetings to you.
At some point in one's spiritual progress an urge to silence arises uninvited; a wave that carries the mind self-wards, atman-wards.
Silence is not merely an absence of speech. It is a fullness of the mind; the mind filled with the flow of an energy stream rising from within. For such a silence one needs guidance, because there is a science to practicing silence that many are not aware of.
Swami Veda Bharati
Swami Veda is once again blessing us with his presence and guidance for this year's Summer Silence Retreat from June 20-30th at St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota. The silence retreats with Swami Veda in India and the USA have been deeply opening and insightful for many participants who have since chosen to make the annual ten days of silence a regular part of their summers.
Many of you have already received a personalized letter from Swami Veda in recently inviting you to this silence retreat. Some of you have been inspired within to consider reserving time for such a special occasion.
Please find the enclosed retreat information that may help you in your decision to make this spiritual commitment.
The deadline for registration is March 30th 2004. We are encouraging those who wish to take part in this special opportunity for spiritual growth to register early, as space is limited.
Please let us know of your commitment as soon as possible as we need to reserve the St. Olaf site by the end of March.
We look forward to your coming.
Yours in service,
Pandit Ananta
Setting: The retreat will be held at St. Olaf College, a scenic campus on a hill surrounded by beautiful forests and prairie with walking trails and open-style gathering rooms for relaxing. The 2000 Teachers Training Retreat was held here also.
Costs: $800 for room, meals, and teaching during the 10 days. To register, a $600 down payment is due by March 30th ($100 of this is non-refundable). The remaining $200 is expected one month before the retreat.
*Those wishing to observe the daily activities only and do not need lodging may contact The Meditation Center for suggested monetary offerings for the teachings.
Accommodations: June 20 (check-in after 2pm) through June 30, 2004 (check-out at noon). Single occupancy rooms, in Ytterboe residence hall, each with A/C, bed, chair and sink. Bed sheets and towels are provided with one optional change. Bathrooms/showers are shared by gender. A pay laundry is available.
Meals: Vegetarian meals & snacks. Meals begin with the June 20th dinner and end with the June 30th lunch. For day visitors only: Breakfast: $4.50, Lunch and Dinner: $8.75ea
Facility: St. Olaf College
1520 St. Olaf Avenue
Northfield, MN 55057
www.stolaf.edu (for more information)
Tel: 507.646.2222
Weather & What to Bring: Minneapolis summer days in June are often humid, in the upper 70s and 80s, with cooler evenings ranging from the 50s to 60s.
You might like to consider bringing the following: flashlight, camera, alarm clock, pen and paper for journaling, and a personal yoga mat/meditation seat and shawl.
Program offerings: Guided and silent meditations, hatha-yoga, and a variety of yoga philosophy-oriented presentations/lectures with personal time for reflection and contemplative nature walks.
Out-of-State airline arrivals: Please make your flight arrangements so as to arrive in the early afternoon of June 20th at Minneapolis-St.Paul International Airport. Return flight arrangements should be scheduled for the afternoon of June 30th.
a) Shuttle Service: You will need to arrange for CareTenders express shuttle service to take you and/or your friends to St. Olaf from the airport and return you to the airport after the retreat.
b) Schedule and Rates: Shuttle times are from 5am to 10pm 7 days a week. Shuttle pick-up from airport is on even hours and odd hours from Northfield. $35 one-way or $60 round-trip with advance notice. $30 one-way for 2 people. More specifics will be given to you/your group when you contact CareTenders. For reservations and more information call Toll-free: 888-492-7433 or Email: caretenders@deskmedia.com, Website: www.careextenders.com
* If there are problems in arranging your transport to and from St. Olaf College, you may phone for help at the Meditation Center, 612-379-2356 or 2386.
Directions: Arrival by personal car from Twin Cities:
Take 35W south for about 40 miles
Take Exit 69 and turn left
Follow Hwy 19 to Northfield city limits
Turn left at the St. Olaf College sign
Follow the campus signboard map to Ytterboe Hall
To Register for the Silence Retreat, OR for further questions, please respond to:
The Meditation Center
Silence Retreat 2004
631 University Ave NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413
612-379-2356