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Talaris Conference Center, Seattle, WA www.talariscc.com Retreat and Renunciate House Etiquette • Greeting: with ease, look into eyes, focus in Heart Center, say "Namaste" with hands in Namaste position in front of Heart center or, with one hand on Heart Center. • Clothing: Comfortable and modest. No wording on shirts or pants. White is suggested. • No inappropriate physical displays of affection and allow ease with each person you encounter. • Hugging: Do not hug Gurus or Sages unless invited. Namast-Hugs okay when invited. • When with Gurus: Do not speak over their words nor interrupt. When close by do not turn back toward Gurus. • Be responsible for your space including food, belongings, etc. • Be aware of what needs doing.
• No Alcohol nor Drug use nor Smoking nor Monkey Business. • Relax and enjoy Presence of All.
Optional accommodations in close proximity to Retreat Center: Use the following websites to find your own lodging close to Renunciate House:
Gurus are always regarded as a link between the individual and the Immortal. Just as the moon shines by reflecting the light of the sun and glorifies it, all disciples can dazzle like the moon by gaining from their Gurus. What is Guru Purnima? The full moon day in the Hindu month of Ashad (July-August) is observed as the auspicious day of Guru Purnima; a day sacred to the memory of the Great Sage Vyasa. Significance of Guru Purnima On this day, all spiritual aspirants and devotees worship Vyasa in honor of his divine personage and all disciples perform a puja (worship) of their respective spiritual preceptor or Guru. It is a good time to begin your spiritual lessons. Traditionally, spiritual seekers commence to intensify their spiritual sadhana (practice) from this day. The period Chaturmas (four months) begins from this day. In the past, wandering Spiritual Masters and their disciples used to settle down at a place to study and discourse on the Brahma Sutras composed by Vyasa, and engage themselves in Vedantic (holy texts) discussions. The Role of the Guru Swami Sivananda asks: "Do you realize now the sacred significance and the supreme importance of the Guru's role in the evolution of man? It was not without reason that the India of the past carefully tended and kept alive the lamp of Guru-Tattva (Guru Essence). It is therefore not without reason that India, year after year, age after age, commemorates anew this ancient concept of the Guru, adores it and pays homage to it again and again, and thereby re-affirms its belief and allegiance to it. For, the true Indian knows that the Guru is the only guarantee for the individual to transcend the bondage of sorrow and death, and experience the Consciousness of the Reality." Guru Purnima Celebrations: As written in the Guru Gita: The Guru's form should be meditated upon; The feet of the Guru should be worshipped; His/Her words are to be treated as a sacred Mantra; His/Her Grace ensures final liberation. Swami Sivananda recommends: "Wake up at Brahmamuhurta (4 a.m.) on this most holy day. Meditate on the lotus feet of your Guru. Mentally pray to him/her for his/her Grace, through which alone you can attain Self-Realization. Do vigorous [Practices] in the early morning hours … Worship the lotus feet of your Guru or his/her image or picture with flowers, fruits, incense and camphor. Fast or take only milk and fruits the whole day. [Share] with other devotees of your Guru and discuss with them the glories and teachings of your Guru. Alternatively, you may observe the vow of silence and study the books or writings of your Guru, or mentally reflect upon his/her Teachings. Take fresh resolves on this holy day to tread the spiritual path in accordance with the precepts of your Guru. At night, assemble again with other devotees, and [reflect upon the Teachings of your] Guru. The best form of worship of the Guru is to follow his/her Teachings, to shine as the very embodiment of his/her Teachings, and to propagate his/her glory and message."
Vajra Nirvana Zen Online Ashram SatGuru Zen Master G and SatGuru Siddhananda The Online Ashram is like any physical Ashram and holds its sadhakas (students) to the same standards and expectations of any serious spiritual path or worship center. Guru Purnima is not for the sake of the Guru, but for the sadhakas (students) to deepen their commitment to that Path, Practices and Guru, as well as paying respects to the Guru that is living a life of Seva (service to humanity) to lead the seekers to Full Liberation. At this time, it is appropriate to give offerings in way of gifts or donations to the Guru. The sadhaka community is working to create more formal festivities, celebrations and offerings to ensure this day is held as scared and holy. Guru Purnima Dates: 2009: July 7th (Celebration and Retreat July 18-19) 2010: July 25th 2011: July 15th
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