Dear Silence Seeking Aspirant;
Greetings to you.
At some point in one'sspiritual progress an urge to silence arises uninvited; a wave thatcarries the mind self-wards, atman-wards.
Silence is not merely anabsence of speech. Itis a fullness of the mind; the mind filled with the flow of an energystream rising from within.For such a silence oneneeds guidance, becausethere is a science to practicing silence that many are not awareof.
Swami VedaBharati
Swami Veda is once again blessing us with hispresence and guidance for this year's Summer Silence Retreat fromJune 20-30th at St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota. The silenceretreats with Swami Veda in India and the USA have been deeplyopening and insightful for many participants who have since chosen tomake the annual ten days of silence a regular part of their summers.
Many of you have already received a personalizedletter from Swami Veda in recently inviting you to this silenceretreat. Some of you have been inspired within to consider reservingtime for such a special occasion.
Please find the enclosed retreat information thatmay help you in your decision to make this spiritual commitment.
The deadline for registrationis March 30th2004. We areencouraging those who wish to take part in this special opportunityfor spiritual growth to register early,as space is limited.
Please let us know of your commitment as soon aspossible 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 ahill surrounded by beautiful forests and prairie with walking trailsand open-style gathering rooms for relaxing. The 2000 TeachersTraining 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 isnon-refundable). The remaining $200 is expected one month before theretreat.
*Those wishing to observe the daily activitiesonly and do not need lodging may contact The Meditation Center forsuggested monetary offerings for the teachings.
Accommodations:June 20 (check-in after 2pm) through June 30, 2004 (check-out atnoon). Single occupancy rooms, in Ytterboe residence hall, each withA/C, bed, chair and sink. Bed sheets and towels are provided with oneoptional change. Bathrooms/showers are shared by gender. A paylaundry is available.
Meals:Vegetarian meals & snacks. Meals begin with the June 20th dinnerand 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 toBring: Minneapolis summer days in June areoften humid, in the upper 70s and 80s, with cooler evenings rangingfrom the 50s to 60s.
You might like to consider bringing the following:flashlight, camera, alarm clock, pen and paper for journaling, and apersonal yoga mat/meditation seat and shawl.
Programofferings: Guided and silent meditations,hatha-yoga, and a variety of yoga philosophy-orientedpresentations/lectures with personal time for reflection andcontemplative nature walks.
Out-of-State airlinearrivals: Please make your flightarrangements so as to arrive in the early afternoon of June 20th atMinneapolis-St.Paul International Airport. Return flight arrangementsshould be scheduled for the afternoon of June 30th.
a) Shuttle Service: You will need to arrange forCareTenders express shuttle service to take you and/or your friendsto St. Olaf from the airport and return you to the airport after theretreat.
b) Schedule and Rates: Shuttle times are from 5amto 10pm 7 days a week. Shuttle pick-up from airport is on even hoursand odd hours from Northfield. $35 one-way or $60 round-trip withadvance notice. $30 one-way for 2 people.More specifics will begiven to you/your group when you contactCareTenders. For reservations and moreinformation call Toll-free: 888-492-7433 or Email:caretenders@deskmedia.com, Website: www.careextenders.com
* If there are problems inarranging your transport to and from St. Olaf College, you may phonefor help at the Meditation Center, 612-379-2356 or2386.
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
ToRegister for theSilence Retreat, OR forfurther questions,please respond to:
The Meditation Center
Silence Retreat 2004
631 University Ave NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413
612-379-2356