10-Day Residential Vedanta Spiritual Retreat 

This spiritual retreat is designed for those who are ready to engage in rigorous self-inquiry. Through a combination of visual metaphors, guided contemplation, and open discussion, we will work to remove the veils of ignorance and recognize our true nature as limitless awareness. 

The program consists of study of the following texts:

Main Text: Atma Bodha — Knowledge of Self

Atma Bodha (68 verses) by Adi Shankara, is a profound text that illuminates the path to self-knowledge. This ancient text offers a clear and systematic exploration of the nature of the Self, guiding us to look beyond the surface level of our experiences and perceptions. Through a series of practical and contemplative insights, we'll delve into the relationship between our true nature and the world around us.

Together, we'll explore the possibility of recognizing our true essence as limitless awareness, and discover the freedom and peace that comes with it. Topics covered:

1. 1. The Nature of Reality: Distinguish unchanging Awareness from the transient world.
   2. The Three Bodies and Five Sheaths: Examine the layers veiling our true nature.
   3. The Mechanics of Ignorance: Understand superimposition and its removal through knowledge.
   4. The Logic of Non-duality: Explore prakriyas revealing reality's non-dual nature.
   5. Liberation While Living: Grasp jivanmukti and the enlightened perspective on existence.

Gentler Evening Text: Bhagavad Gita, CH12

Chapter 12 is non-dual bhakti. It explores the various ways an individual can connect with Isvara, the intelligent cause of the universe. Krishna guides Arjuna through a progression of understanding, from recognizing Ishvara as the all-pervading intelligence and power to fully integrating this knowledge into one's life. The final verses describe the qualities and attitudes of one who has assimilated this understanding, providing a roadmap for personal growth and maturity in alignment with life's deeper realities.

Who is teaching?

Residential retreat will be held at Thonse Health Centre in Karnataka, India – led by Vedic and Sanskrit teacher Andre Vas.  You will be systematically guided through the  verses so your vision is aligned with the vision of the book.

Teachings are based on Neema Majmudar (student of Swami Dayananda), Swami Chinmaya, Swami Paramarthananda. You can get the book on Amazon.

We will have 4 sessions per day (2x morning, 1x afternoon, 1x in evening for Bhagavad Gita).

What is covered?

Material Used In Class:

• Atma Bodha by Adi Shankara – PDF
• Bhagavad Gita, CH12 – PDF

Where is it?

• Address: Thonse Health Centre in Karnataka, India.
• Description: It's held at a Ayurvedic center by the beach in Thonse, which is a small and quiet village in Karnataka. There are a few Indian stores, ATM, restaurants and long beach walks. Ideal for contemplation, play and relaxation.

Dates:

• Arrival: The retreat is from Jan 8-18, 2025. Please arrive at least a day before 8th, as we'll be starting early.
  • • NOTE: Foreigner body takes around 5 days to acclimatize. Suggested to come earlier. If unable to — bring cough/flu/cold medicine and extra vitamins to keep your immunity mega strong.
• Departure: We should finish by 3pm on 18 Jan.

Cost:

• Registration Fee: The registration fee for the 10-day retreat is AUD125. It's intended to cover the rental cost for the seminar room (where teaching takes place), and organizational costs.
• Accommodation Fee: The cost for 10 days is about AUD345/USD230/€210. The fee includes private room (AC and/or with ceiling fan) with bathroom, 3 vegetarian meals per day, herbal teas, juices. 
• No charge for the Vedanta teaching itself as it's the standard in tradition.
• SUMMARY: Total Cost = Registration Fee + Accommodation Fee + Your travel expenses.

How To Register:

• STEP 1: Apply for eVisa if outside India. On their site, click on bottom button, “Apply here for e-visa”. Approval within 5 days. The 30 day eVisa is USD25.
• STEP 2: Fill out details at organizer's website. Organizer's name is Otto Munters: https://vedanta.nl/registration-india/
  1. Tick “I want to participate 8 to 18 January 2025”.
  2. Choose room type. Submit.
  3. Otto will ask you to pay the registration fee (AUD125) via PayPal, or you can also pay at our Donations page. The accommodation fee is payed on arrival to Thonse Health Center.
• STEP 3: After payment, Otto will secure a room for you.

Getting There:

• Closest airport is: Mangalore International Airport [IXE]. From there, get a taxi/Uber to: Thonse Health Centre  (about 1:30h drive).  NOTE: For foreigners, it's cheaper to land in New Delhi, or Chennai, or Bengaluru (closest to Mangalore). Then to Mangalore International Airport.