LOTUS 40th Anniversary Celebration
September 4 - 6, 2026
Join us at Satchidananda Ashram—Yogaville to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Light of Truth Universal Shrine (LOTUS).
This weekend is a time to come together and renew our commitment to the universal message of LOTUS dedicated to the Light of all faiths and to world peace. Interfaith programming fills the blessed weekend. Over the past four decades, LOTUS has welcomed thousands of spiritual seekers from around the world, to partake of the deep Peace that emanates from the shrine.
Just like a lotus flower, the Light of Truth Universal Shrine reaches to the sun and encourages us to reach out to each other with respect and love, as we progress on our spiritual paths. May LOTUS continue to serve as an all-encompassing beacon of unity and peace recognizing the divine truth behind all forms of faith: religious, cultural, secular and personal spirituality. May the motto, “Truth is One, Paths are Many,” be embraced by more and more spiritual seekers world-wide.
Victory to the Light!
We’ll experience:
- Awe-like wonder while learning how the LOTUS was built
- Appreciation of all faiths during the Light of Truth Universal Service
- Heart-felt sharings of inner and outer peace from world faith and nature-based faith traditions
- Inspiration from the evening musical and dance offerings
- Inner peace while meditating within the LOTUS upper sanctuary
Testimonials
“One of the world’s greatest meditation sites. Embodies the spiritual oneness at the core of all world faiths while celebrating each path’s unique greatness. Palpably peaceful, uplifting, and exquisitely beautiful. Surrounded by serene countryside replete with wooded acreage full of wildlife and natural flora on the banks of the James River with lovely views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.”
–Rev. Paraman Barsel
“Beautiful, unique temple that is worth a visit for anyone, regardless of religious conviction.” –Surya
“The setting is beautiful and serene, we were privileged to have joined the meditation session, it was sublime to say the least. The LOTUS shrine is a must visit.”
–Shantanu Acharya
“This place was so peaceful and I like the light in the middle.” –Shuban Bala
“I love that all religions are honored and respected here. What a beautiful property.” –Bee Tomley
“The LOTUS is spiritually enlightening, educational and inspiring.” –Sue
“There’s a sweet presence of unity peace and love.” -Dinora
Schedule
FRIDAY
- 3–5 pm Registration
- 5-6:30 Mixed Level Hatha
- 5-5:45 Yoga Nidra
- 6-6:30 Meditation
- 6:30–7:15 Dinner
- 7:30–8:15 Building of LOTUS documentary
- 8:30-9:30 LOTUS open with lights and fountains
SATURDAY
- 6-7 am Meditation
- 7:10-8:40 Hatha
- 8-8:30 Puja (Worship Service) at Chidambaram
- 8–9:30 Breakfast
- 10–11:45 Interfaith Service and Program
- 12–12:30 pm Meditation
- 12:45–1:30 Luncheon
- 2–3:30 World Faiths Panel: Inner Peace/Outer Peace
- 4-4:30 Program TBA
- 5:30–6:15 Dinner
- 7:30-9:30 LOTUS 40th Anniversary Evening Program
SUNDAY
- 6-7 am Integral Yoga Meditation
- 7:10–8:40 Integral Yoga Hatha
- 8:00 Puja (Worship Service) at Chidambaram
- 8–9:30 Breakfast
- 10–11:30 World Peace Ceremony
- 12-12:30 pm Meditation
- 12:45–1:30 Luncheon
- 2–3:30 Nature-based Faiths Panel: Inner Peace/Outer Peace
- 4-4:30 Program TBA
- 6:30–7:15 Dinner
- 7:30-9 LOTUS 40th Anniversary Closing Program