The Universal Shaiva Fellowship is happy to announce the 2008 Birthday Celebration of our beloved Gurudev Swami Lakshmanjoo, who attained Mahasamadhi in September 1991. Each year we joyously celebrate and remember Swamiji’s birthday. This year’s celebration will begin at 10am on Friday, the 9th of May. We will start with Puja (Worship) and the singing of sacred Shaivite hymns, which were loved by Swamiji. The day will culminate with the taking of prashad (holy food blessed by the master) consisting of a very tasty traditional Kashmiri vegetarian meal, followed by the singing of bhajans (devotional songs) and entertainment.

It is a blessing for us to share this wonderful day with others so please come. As you can imagine there is a lot of preparation involved for this auspicious event. If you would like to help please call Denise Hughes at
(310) 837-0402 (Toll free 877-594-2516).

RETREAT
On the Saturday following the Birthday (May 10th), the Fellowship will begin a four-day retreat, during which we will have the opportunity to examine and study a number of important teachings on Kashmir Shaivism.

Each day we will be viewing the original audio and video recordings of Swamiji’s revelations and commentaries of the following text:

• Bhagavad Gita (video): (The Song of God) the profound and precious teaching revealed by the illustrious Shaiva master Abhinavagupta.

• Shiva Stotravali: bathe in the devotional bliss engendered by Swamiji’s revelation of Utpaladeva’s masterpiece.

• Tantraloka 2: dealing with the elevated, esoteric, and elusive subject of anupaya, literally no means.

• Shiva Sutra of Vasugupta: This third chapter of the direct revelation by Lord Shiva deals with the spiritual means known as anavopaya. This means, although suited to the limited individual, is capable of carrying one to supreme realization.

Dates: Saturday, May 10th through Tuesday, May 13th.

Location: Universal Shaiva Fellowship Center, 10925 Stever Street, Culver City, CA 90230 – (310) 837-0402. Our Center is within 15 minutes of LAX (Los Angeles International Airport).

Attendance: The retreat will last four full days and begin each day at 9 am. Although coming for the entire retreat is ideal, you can schedule to attend for any number of days (from one to four). Those coming for the full retreat should plan to stay for the full day on Tuesday and not leave until late Tuesday night or Wednesday morning.

Retreat sundries: Attendees will be asked to donate a minimum of $60 per day to cover the cost of meals and other additional expenses.

Meals: Lunch and tea will be provided by the Fellowship and is included in the minimum donation.

Lodging: Lodging is available in the local area. Please contact us for information.

We look forward to seeing you at the Birthday Celebration, Friday, May 9th, and hope that you will also be able to attend the retreat. This celebration and retreat is always a memorable experience. If you are interested in attending please contact us at:
retreatmay08@universalshaivafellowship.org
or phone: (877) 594-2516 (toll free) or (310) 837-0402.

Reserve your space and pre-pay (it’s cheaper):
If you prepay before April 10th the cost for each day of the retreat is only $55 or $220 for the full four days. Payment can be made by Credit Card or Check.

With blessings of our beloved master Swami Lakshmanjoo, we are looking forward to hearing from you.