“Liberation is dependent on inner, rather than outer renunciations. The highest yogic attainments are not barred to the family man.” Babaji, to Lahiri Mahashaya (Autobiography of a Yogi, ch. 34)

Shivaratri is a curious festival. Its full name is “Maha Shivaratri Vrata” which means “the austerity performed on the great night of Shiva”. On this night, one worships God in the form of Shiva, who is said to be covered in ash, has a great cobra coiled around his neck, his neck is blue because of undigested poison, he wears the Moon as a hair-clip, and from the top of his matted locks comes pouring out in great torrents the purifying stream of the Ganga river. He is worshipped by staying awake the whole night, chanting his mantra, and observing a strict fast.

Outwardly, it’s a curious festival for an even more curious deity.

But when we unravel the layers of meaning hidden in the ancient tradition behind this holy night, what emerges is an inspiring practice that is as applicable in daily life as it is on this special night.

The Bhagavad Gita says: what is night for the ordinary man is day for the yogi. Swami Kriyananda interprets this profound stanza to mean that things which are meaningful to material people are not of interest to the yogi. Thus, the “night” is the yogi’s “day”—a time when others are asleep. What does the yogi do in the night? She turns inward, towards the great light of the Spirit; she gives up anything that reminds her of the body (such as food); and she fills her mind with the chant of God. And of what form is the God that the yogi has turned towards? It is one who is beyond time (the moon), beyond death (ash), whose very form embodies wisdom (the Ganga river).

Join us for a Satsang where we will meditate on the transcendent form of Shiva, the Lord of Renunciants; explore the inner significance of Shiva and Shivaratri; and see how we can build a practice of inner renunciation within our own lives.

After the Satsang, we will have a Maha Shivaratri Kirtan and Celebration. Please note the kirtan is an in person only event.

Upcoming Saturday Satsangs with Murali

5:00 – 6:30 PM at the Blue Lotus Temple
Free and open to everyone

Satsang, meaning “Fellowship with Truth,” is an age-old tradition in India that Paramhansa Yogananda brought to the West. We meditate together to feel the aura of the Masters embracing everyone. In this uplifted atmosphere, we share inspiration on a spiritual topic. The topic serves as a gateway to spontaneous interactions and nurtures devotion and attunement. Its larger purpose is to deepen our connection with each other and with God.

We’ll begin with chanting and meditation, followed by a talk on the week’s topic, and close with sharing and Q&A.

Upcoming Dates:

Mar 14, Apr 25, May 23, Aug 1