The Foundation is Friendship
This Yogacharya Birthday Weekend, we celebrate our friendship and all we’ve accomplished together over the years…
“I don’t know how long it was later on that Master laid out my work and pointed out just what he wanted me to do, and foretold what would happen. I said, ‘How can I do anything like that? I know what you want, but it would take the tax-exempt money from 12–15 of the richest millionaires in the country to finance a thing like that!”
He said, “Forget that... all I’m asking you to do is put your mind to it, and we’ll all help you.”
What Our Circle of Friends Represents
For 37 years, the Circle of Friends has been the foundation of Song of the Morning, carrying forward the vision that Paramahansa Yogananda entrusted to Yogacharya Oliver Black.
The Circle of Friends was created as a way for those who love Song of the Morning, near and far, to be what sustains this sacred refuge where Truth-Thirsty souls come to meditate, renew their spirits, deepen their relationship with God, and experience the blessings of this spiritual community.
As we celebrate Yogacharya's Birthday, we give thanks for all who have faithfully supported this mission through friendship, generosity, service, and prayer. Together, we now look toward the future with the goal of welcoming 108 Circle of Friends.
How it Works
Those in our Circle of Friends make a deep and lasting impact through their recurring contributions, which form the foundation of our ability to serve and carry forward our mission. From our heart to yours, we invite you to join us in expanding the circle!
No amount is too small. It’s about being part of this, together.
Whether you choose to give monthly or annually, your participation in Circle of Friends helps carry this sacred mission into the future.
Circle of Friends is also a deeper spiritual commitment. In the same way that Yoganandaji instructed Yogacharya to just get started and said that the help would come, we each give what we can with faith, and the greater help comes. That is the only way this whole thing works!
We also invite you to participate in this year’s celebration by making a one-time Birthday Gift.
We are doing all of this for God and Guru. Join us.
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General Donation
Give a one-time donation towards sustaining our mission. These contributions are essential for meeting unexpected repairs and expenses.
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Genesis Building Fund
This fund helps us keep momentum with our current renovation projects. We are nearing completion of the Wheelhouse, but we want to keep going! Scroll down to see project accomplishments and what else is on our list.
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Circle of Friends
These monthly or annual contributions help bring stability to the regular upkeep of the 800-acre Retreat Center, including utilities, general maintenance, and staff payroll.
Every gift, no matter the size, received before and during Birthday Weekend will be included in our Birthday Weekend giving total. We'll celebrate the total during the Birthday Party on Sunday, along with our progress toward welcoming 108 Circle of Friends.
Celebrating All We’ve Done Together:
Renovating & Restoring our Buildings
“On the way to the Garden Court”
The Boathouse
Our beloved Boathouse, where Yogacharya lived, has been completely renovated with a meditation sanctuary and two hermitage suites for guests.
The Wheelhouse
The Wheelhouse upper yoga room flooring and bathroom renovation is complete, with the deck almost done. The lower apartment has been completely renovated for guests to enjoy quiet retreat.
If a project speaks to you, serves you, inspires you, please consider helping us keep the momentum by giving to the Genesis Fund…
Taking care of our current infrastructure is an ongoing project, but there are key improvements and renovations we need to make:
Boathouse: We still need to replace the old deck, make it ADA-compliant, and eventually replace the roof.
Wheelhouse: Current needs are the gutter system replacement and a new seal on the roof.
Mainhouse: We were able to hire a structural engineer to assess the space and this winter will begin plans for the various phases of renovations, with a focus on expanded dining capacity. This will be a major project.
Domes: Current needs include installing AC, and later on we need to add windows to the private rooms and renovate the bathrooms.
The Lodge: Future plans include expanding the entry and adding ADA accessibility.
Lower Bridge: The bridge leading to the Domes must be completely replaced or restored. It will be a very expensive project. Work is in process to explore grants and finalize quotes for possible 2027 work.
Cabin: This past spring we completed the porch, and future plans include finishing the interior and building more!
The Garden Court
To complete our vision is the Garden Court.
View more closely the vision for the Garden Court presented and designed by Paul Gorden under leadership from our Board.
