Dear Subud Members,
We would like to share with you a brief update as to our Seven Circles Retreat Center. We are now in our 14th year of operation as a non-profit Corporation led by Subud members on the Board of Directors and by a very capable management team on the ground.
Over the last two years, our Managers, Chris Caldwell and Jim Trvalian, have overseen a steady progression of Retreat and Family group bookings, making the activities of Seven Circles vibrant and varied. We now have many repeat groups, including three Yoga centers and the local Camp Badger two week program for local youth.
For those around California and beyond who have donated their funds or their time, or both, we want to thank you all from the bottom of our hearts. Please visit our website here: http://www.sevencirclesretreat.org
We do hope you can come for a visit or family gathering someday soon. Below are a couple of examples of recent events at Seven Circles.
With thanks,
Paul Edwards, Chairman of the Board of Seven Circles Retreat Center (formerly with Subud CA at Los Angeles, now in Vancouver, CA)
Examples of Retreats at Seven Circles
The Bodhi Path Meditation and Yoga group comes here every year and we feel they are part of the family. The group includes a very interesting group of Buddhist followers who meditate in a Tibetan Buddhist tradition.
In the Seven Circles main lodge, a Buddha statue sits proudly in a prominent location where meditation mats are neatly lined up. The yurt at Seven Circles is a pivotal part of the group’s chanting, praying and meditation. There are mats on the floor and a faint incense aroma wafts in from the outside. A gong sounds from time to time.
Last visit, Bodhi path group went to the Sequoia National Park with the managers of Seven Circles for a day outing. We all enjoyed the tall trees, the wonders of nature, and had a wonderful picnic in the forest. Before eating, we all gathered around the bank of a river Lodgepole, and sent a loving prayer for peace on earth – the prayer went down the river and into the oceans, spreading across the world.
We are looking forward to another wonderful meditation group visit from them!
2. The Young Jains West Coast Retreat
The Young Jains West Coast group had their annual retreat at Seven Circles this year, and 37 young women and men convened to share ideas and build relationships around the Jains mission.
They were busy most of the time during their stay filled up with meetings in the main lodge, but also had some free time to exercise, play some games and relax. The yurt at Seven Circles served as a place for yoga practice in the mornings.
We were so pleased to host the Young Jains West Coast with their first retreat with us. They were very conscientious with their surroundings and kept the place beautiful and spread their happy and youthful spirit throughout the space.
