Retreat 2008: “Start Afresh”

“Start Afresh” Retreat 2008

It has been three years since Sant Baljit Singh visited Western countries and now he will be available to us again! This retreat is a golden opportunity to be in the physical presence of a living Master which is a great boost for the soul and a gift beyond measure. Sant Baljit Singh wants to take us back to God, and as in 2005, he is asking us to be disciplined during this retreat to help us get there. For our maximum benefit, he is asking us to put all other recreational activities aside during this retreat in order to focus 100% on spirituality. He stresses that spiritual discipline and adhering to the daily program are very basic and necessary for our progress.

In alignment with Master’s request that we make a fresh, spiritual start of ourselves, he has asked for retreat 2008 to also have a new and exciting look. In order to add to the new spirit, we’ve decided to transform LCF and LCO into a beautiful and festive village setting like we haven’t seen before. Everyone will have the opportunity to participate in various village activities ranging from woodworking to arts and crafts. Each village area will have its own little nook and will have a purpose, whether it is benefitting some aspect of the mission, serving the local community or helping a local charity.  One will also be able to enjoy work in the gardens and other areas of need at the Lighthouse Centers. Since Master wishes to get to know us better, he also will be circulating among us during the daily activities!

In addition, this year’s retreat will culminate with a highlight (a surprise as yet!), as in 2005 when Master hosted the “Pizza Party.” Also, at the retreat, Master will personally give darshan to each person in attendance. Master has indicated that he does not intend to give formal Satsangs but rather will meditate with us each day.

Following are some guidelines and information which will help you prepare for this year’s retreat.

Pre-Registration

Registration will be in two parts. The first part is the Pre-Registration and the second part is the Registration for your retreat stay. Pre-Registration is required for this year’s retreat. You must Pre-Register. If you do not pre-register we cannot guarantee your admittance into the retreat.

Please do not finalize any travel plans until you have received an approval for your Pre-Registration.

Please allow 10 days for us to process and approve your Pre-Registration, then we will contact you with further information.

Please register as soon as possible. Retreatants staying in nearby motels or with local residents are also required to register.

If you are unable to Pre-Register online, please contact us using the information below to receive a Pre-Registration packet by postal mail or fax.

Retreat Qualifying Age

This retreat is open only to those who are 16 years of age and older. Parents please note that children under 16 cannot come to this retreat. Anyone age 16 or 17 needs to be accompanied by their parents to the retreat or have a letter of permission from parent or legal guardian.

Modesty in Dress

Master encourages us to see each other as souls rather than as physical bodies. It is for this reason that we should be modest in the way we dress while at the center. Clothing which displays the physical form can be a distraction for others. Therefore, excessively tight clothing, bare shoulders/strapless tops, low necklines, bare midriffs, tank tops, spaghetti straps, sheer fabrics, mini-skirts, short shorts, etc. are not allowed. Sleeveless clothing is not permitted for either men or women; clothing must at least have short sleeves. Men must wear shirts at all times. Women, please bring a shawl.

Seekers: Family and Friends

Family members and friends (16 years or older) who are not initiated but are sincerely interested in the path and who agree to follow the retreat schedule may attend the retreat. For friends or family members who you invite, you should be prepared to help and support them during their stay and make sure that they follow the retreat program. People on the Seeker Preparation Program (SPP) may also attend the retreat. All seekers must also register for the retreat.

Contact Us

You can contact us concerning general retreat questions and the Pre-Registration Form as follows:

Tel. +1 541 459 2622
(hours: 8:30am - 5pm PDT Mon-Sat)
Fax. +1 541 459 1573

email: info@retreat2008.org

Address:

Attn: Retreat 2008
Lighthouse Center Oregon
P.O. Box 10
Umpqua, OR 97486 USA

Download Full Details

For full detailed, printable information, please download this PDF file:

“Start Afresh” Retreat 2008 Information 

Español

Para recibir información en español sobre el registro al Retiro 2008, favor de contactar a su Representante Nacional.

Français

Pour recevoir les informations d'inscription à la Retraite 2008 en français, s'il vous plaît contactez votre Représentant National.

Recommended Arrival/Departure Dates

The LCO retreat schedule begins on July 10. We will open the retreat on July 7. It is highly recommended that you arrive between July 7-9 so that you can begin the full retreat schedule on July 10. The retreat ends the evening of July 16. Departures are recommended for July 17 & 18.

The LCF retreat schedule begins on July 24. We will open the retreat on July 23. It is highly recommended that you arrive on July 23 so that you can begin the full retreat schedule on July 24. The retreat ends the evening of July 27. Departures are recommended for July 28.

Payments & Donations

The cost of providing food and accommodations for one person per day at Retreat 2008 is $30 per day. The rate is the same regardless of whether you plan to stay at LCO/LCF or offsite. The costs associated with organizing and implementing the retreat have increased substantially and your advance payment is much needed just to cover the cost of the retreat. Payments made by credit card will not be charged and checks will not be deposited until your Pre-Registration has been approved.

Registration alone does not cover all the expenses of making these very special retreats with the Living Master happen.

If you would like to make a donation above the cost of your stay then Lighthouse Centers Florida and Oregon are a not-for-profit tax-exempt organization. Therefore, your Retreat 2008 donation (beyond the $30 daily rate) is tax-deductible. Donations to LCF and LCO will help finance the costs of Retreat 2008.

Pre-Retreat Seva Opportunities

Join in the fun and special blessings of setting up a retreat with Master. Every area needs help, from cleaning to construction projects to agriculture. Skilled workers as well as general good hands are needed. There is a lot to do and your help is greatly appreciated.

If you are interested in helping with retreat preparations, and are willing to commit to a rigorous daily schedule of 8 hours or more of volunteer service, 6 hours of meditation and evening satsang, then please call or email as mentioned below and complete an application to join the pre-retreat crew.

Beginning May 1 there will be a team of pre-retreat volunteers at LCO to prepare for the retreat. Pre-retreat volunteers may come anytime beginning May 1. LCO will be closed for guest retreats during this time in order to focus on retreat preparation. For pre-retreat seva at LCO, please phone: (541) 459-2622 or email: info@retreat2008.org

Beginning May 26 there will be a team of pre-retreat volunteers at LCF to prepare for the retreat. Pre-retreat volunteers may come anytime beginning May 26. LCF will be closed for guest retreats during this time in order to focus on retreat preparation. For pre-retreat seva at LCF, please phone: (386) 842-2100 or email: info@retreat2008.org