Self Realization Sevalight Centre — Halfmoon Bay, Canada
A not-for-profit silent retreat centre on BC's Sunshine Coast, in Halfmoon Bay
The Self Realization Sevalight Centre for Pure Meditation, Healing & Counselling sits in Halfmoon Bay on British Columbia's Sunshine Coast, a 40-minute ferry ride from West Vancouver. It is a not-for-profit society, open to people of all walks of life and beliefs, within walking distance of the ocean, a lake, forest trails and the village. The land is the unceded traditional territory of the shíshálh people, which the Centre acknowledges.
The practice at its centre is Pure Meditation, which the Centre describes as an in-depth, scientific meditation incorporating Raja-Kriya Yoga of ancient origin, brought into its present form by the Centre's founder, Mata Yogananda Mahasaya Dharma. She is named as Founder, Spiritual Head and Patron of the Self Realization Sevalight Centres, which also operate in Australia, New Zealand and the USA. Group meditation is held every morning and evening, and everyone is welcome.
The retreat calendar is built around silence. Silent Meditation Retreats, such as a weekend of two full days with meals, accommodation and group meditation, run throughout the year. Guided retreats have more structure, with group classes and spiritual discussion, and include a Step into the Silence retreat for newcomers and a New Year Gathering. Personal Retreats are planned around the guest's own schedule and include accommodation, meals, the Main House, the Dharma Meditation Room and the gardens. The Centre likens its observed quiet hours to an ashram.
Around the retreats sits a teaching program. The Pure Meditative Peace class is a two-hour first step toward Pure Meditation, taught in small groups, one to one, or by Zoom. A children's version, Pure Meditative Peace & Mindfulness for Kids (ages 5 to 12), is taught one to one, in classrooms on the Sunshine Coast, or in small groups at the Centre, while parents can read, take tea or stroll the gardens. Other offerings include an Animal Healing Course, Pure Spiritual Healing, Intuitive Counselling, and a monthly Sunday gathering with a soup lunch, talk and meditation, by donation.
Traditions: Pure Meditation, Raja-Kriya Yoga, Pure Spiritual Healing, Sevalight Hatha Yoga, Intuitive Counselling, Silent Retreat
Programs: Silent Meditation Retreats, Guided Retreats, Personal Retreats, Pure Meditation Course, Pure Meditative Peace Class, Pure Meditative Peace & Mindfulness for Kids, Animal Healing Course, Sunday Spiritual Gatherings