Guru Purnima in 2025 is on the 10th of July, ThursdayJeffrey Armstrong (Kavindra Rishi) will be initiating qualified students. Please contact the office indicating your interest and we'll advise you of the requirements.

DINNER celebration starts at 6:30 pm - $50 donation suggested. No charge for Retreat attendees

The first full moon after the summer solstice in the month of Ashadha (July-August), is known as Guru Purnima. This sacred day marks the first transmission of the yogic sciences from Shiva – the Adiyogi or first yogi – to his first disciples, the Saptarishis, the seven celebrated sages. Thus, the Adiyogi became the Adi Guru or first Guru on this day. The Saptarishis carried this knowing throughout the world and even today, every spiritual process on the planet draws from the spine of knowing created by Adiyogi.

The word “Guru” in Sanskrit is translated as “remover of darkness.” A Guru dispels the seeker’s ignorance, allowing him to experience the source of creation within. The day of Guru Purnima is traditionally the time when seekers offer the Guru their gratitude and receive his blessings. Guru Purnima is also considered an especially beneficial day to practice yogic sadhana and meditation.

VASA students can celebrate Guru Puja by writing a brief letter of appreciation to Kavindraji and celebrate that day privately at your own altar. Jeffrey will receive a limited number of student calls with notice. vasa@jeffreyarmstrong.com

To best serve our teacher, we are asking students to contribute to according to their means or to offer a commitment of seva for the coming year.

Manuscript editing, online marketing, website upgrades, video & audio editing & production are consistent sewa opportunities. If you have skills in these areas, please let us know how you would like to contribute. Funds are also required to facilitate the expansion of our VASA Publishing through our marketing & outreach efforts.

Thank you in advance for your kind donations and personal help.

https://jeffreyarmstrong.com/collections/donate/products/donate-to-vasa-projects

3 Suggestions on How Everyone Can Contribute

When you gift a Gita – it truly is the “knowledge” gift that keeps on giving.

Recently, Jeffrey released a refined and decolonized translation of the Bhagavad Gita. We trust that you already have the hard and/or soft-bound versions of the Bhagavad Gita Comes Alive: A Radical Translation. Now it is time to find creative and non-intrusive ways to help the Decolonized Gita Comes Alive circulate throughout the world. Gift a Gita

#1 EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF GENEROSITY

‘Gift a Gita’ to a friend. Keep a case in your car, as car-ma yoga! You never know how the Gita may change a random person’s life. Each case is 16 books. When you purchase a case at wholesale you receive 30% off. Even if you cannot buy 16 books all at once, think of times when you need to show up with a gift… bring a Gita and a flower!

#2 BECOME A VASA AMBASSADOR

Become a Vedic Sanatan Dharma ambassador by spreading Vedic Vidya into our extended communities. If you see a sewa opportunity in your community, where Bhagavad Gita knowledge would be appreciated such as giveaways at: weddings, student camps, school events, yoga retreats, corporate galas, even at a Celebration of Life or any other large event - we can connect you with a book sponsor who will donate BGCAs for the event. The customized message will appreciate you for being a partner and VASA Ambassador. Contact VASA Media & Communications at: vasa@JeffreyArmstrong.com

#3 BECOME AN INSTITUTIONAL SPONSOR

We gift BGCAs in large numbers to Hindu youth conferences, institutions, dignitaries, and special events, made possible by the generosity of the funders and donors who support our work. By being an institutional sponsor, you enable us to grow our outreach and spread Vedic vidya to reach more people across Canada and worldwide. The BGCAs are customized to thank our sponsors on the front page.

Contact VASA Media & Communications at: Sandi@vasapublishing.ca

July 10, 2025 Guru Purnima - Initiation, Celebration & Volunteer SEWA Opportunities noted in description