Boathouse at Song of the Morning

 

John Oliver Black, known to thousands of Self-Realization Fellowship followers as "Yogacharya Oliver." Yogacharya means yoga teacher. This title was given to him by his Guru, Paramahansa Yogananda, founder of Self-Realization Fellowship and author of the spiritual literary classic, Autobiography of a Yogi.

Yogacharya Oliver was an industrialist, building a multi-million dollar company; and an avid inventor, holding several patents. He decided to give up the business world to dedicate his life to instructing others in Yogananda's teachings. He succeeded in enhancing the lives of thousands by sharing the knowledge and understanding he himself had received.

Yogacharya founded Golden Lotus Yoga Teachers Association. The Association is made up of qualified Hatha Yoga teachers who have undergone a specialized yoga training program under the guidelines set down by Yogacharya himself. Yogacharya's purpose for creating the Association was to provide a corps of qualified and dedicated teachers to introduce to Westerners the ancient scientific methods of Eastern exercises.

He taught that although Yoga has a spiritual aspect, bringing its students a deeper awareness of life, Yoga is not a religion but a way of life, a practical science refined over thousands of years that anyone and everyone can enjoy. In 1970 he transformed 800 acres nestled in the northern woodlands of Michigan into a spiritual retreat that reflected his interest in blending Eastern and Western cultures. This Yoga Retreat of Excellence he named Song of the Morning Ranch. The Ranch demonstrates the practical applications of Yoga culture in everyday life, offering accommodations year round in its ultramodern facilities.

Sunday services are based on the philosophy of Self-Realization Fellowship.

The Ranch also offers Hatha Yoga classes, evening group meditations, vegetarian meals, swimming and boating on a private lake, hiking, and cross-country skiing. The Ranch's pristine beauty offers a perfect setting with tranquil pine woods, fresh air, and a sparkling river to relax and commune with nature.

Home ~ Gifts ~ Info ~ Tarot ~ Books ~ Jewelry ~ Threads

SONG OF THE MORNING