Retreats and Programs

2011 Calendar

Ongoing Daily, Weekly and Monthly Events:

Wednesday Kirtan (sacred music) & Potluck: Chanting and meditation starting at 5:45 followed by a vegetarian potluck dinner at about 7:00.

Daily Meditation and Yoga: We have group meditations every morning and most evenings in the Polestar Temple. On weekdays we start at 5:45 AM with Paramhansa Yogananda's energization exercises and a brief hatha yoga session, followed by chanting and meditation ending at 7:15 AM. On Thursday evenings, we have a long meditation from 7-9pm, with an hour yoga session before, from 6-7pm. On weekends we host a three hour meditation that start at 6:00 AM with a little bit of chanting and finishes at 9:00 AM, (on rare occassions we end earlier because of other events). You are also welcome to join us on weekdays for a brief mid-day meditation starting around 12:15.

Raja Yoga Class Series: Monday Evenings 5:00 – 7:00 PM. Raja Yoga (the king of yogas) starts with energization, hatha yoga, and meditation, followed by a discussion of the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda as applied to daily life. Feel free to come any time — email or call (808) 430-8009 for our current schedule.

3rd Friday Work & Play Day: the third Friday of every month we gather at 8:55 AM for our monthly service day followed by a local adventure, volleyball or other playful event.

Apprenticeship Program: Ongoing: runs for 1 – 2 months

Annual Events:

The Holidays at Polestar

Thanksgiving through the first weekend of the new year is a great time to visit Polestar. We have many special events, classes, and celebrations along with our normal weekly schedule of yoga and meditation. This year we have a special Christmas Choir Concert Saturday, December 17th, 4:30pm in our temple. Call for more details!

Christmas Eve Service — This whole family event includes sacred music, storytelling, chanting, ritual and prayers of the season. We begin at 5PM and are done by 6 allowing everyone the chance to be home for their Christmas Eve dinner.

Re-Dedication Retreat — January 4th – January 8th. The end of the year is an excellent opportunity to relax, reflect and renew our commitment to our core ideals and practices. A full but relaxing schedule of yoga, meditation, beach time, reflection, journaling, and celebration. Start your new year with a fresh burst of spiritual enthusiasm!

For more information on the holidays, email us or call (808) 430-8009.

Yogananda's Birthday Celebration — Our annual celebration of Yogananda's birth this year is Wednesday January 4th. (He was born on January 5th). It carries a triple significance for us as it is also marks the date of our community dedication, three years ago, as well as our temple dedication two years ago. We'll celebrate this momenteous event all weekend long, beginning with our 5:45pm kirtan with a special lineup of Yogananda-centered chants, with our regular potluck to follow. There will be a special slideshow presentation of images on "the life of Paramhansa Yogananda".

Independence Day Picnic and Celebration, July 4th — Non-stop volleyball, bocce ball, horseshoes, a giant slip and slide, face painting and fireworks in a drug and alcohol free environment are how we celebrate this traditional holiday – bring your family and some vegetarian fare for the barbecue!

“Adventures in Spirit:” Summer Internship Program 2012 — July 9 – 17. This popular program is in it's 14th year and is now open to students of all ages. A feast of spirit, with sadhana, service, music, adventure and community celebrations.

Family Campout: At Ho'okena Beach — June 17 – 20... is perhaps our most relaxing and joyous celebration of the year! Three days camping on our favorite beach with swimming, snorkeling, dolphins, campfires, boogie boarding, volleyball, and music along with great company and fabulous food. Please email or call (808) 430-8009 for reservations or more information.