July 7 @ 2:00 pm - July 13 @ 5:00 pm
7-Day Residential Vedanta Spiritual Retreat
This welcoming retreat invites you to explore life's deepest questions in a supportive environment. Together, we'll use guided contemplations, relatable examples, diagrams, and lively discussions to peel away layers of misunderstanding regarding your existence, the basic understanding of self — and skillfully handling life's ups and downs. No previous experience required – just bring your curiosity and openness!
You'll be guided through two texts:
Main Text: Mundaka Upanishad
The Mundakopanishad is often celebrated for its brilliant and comprehensive exploration of spiritual teachings. It opens with a deeply meaningful dialogue between a curious student, Shaunaka, and a wise teacher, Angiras. Here, Shaunaka poses a profound question: “Is there something, knowing which, everything else becomes known?”
To this, Angiras responds with a resounding yes. He explains that there is indeed one fundamental reality, the very cause of this universe, that once understood, reveals the essence of everything.
The text draws an important distinction between two kinds of knowledge. There’s apara vidya – the lower knowledge that pertains to the material and empirical world. Then there’s para vidya – the higher knowledge that unveils the ultimate truth of existence.
Additionally, one of the most evocative metaphors in the text is that of two birds perched on the same tree. One bird tastes the fruits of the tree, savoring both the sweetness and the bitterness that life offers. The other bird, however, simply observes – calm, objective, and unaffected. Through this imagery, the Mundakopanishad gently reminds us of our dual nature: the self that is entangled in worldly experiences, and the self that is the pure, unchanging witness.
Gentler Evening Text: Bhagavad Gita, CH16 (Wise Qualities)
Chapter 16 provides a clear map of qualities that either help or hinder spiritual growth. Krishna contrasts divine virtues (daivi-sampat) with demonic tendencies (asuri-sampat) to help us identify what needs tweaking in ourselves. The chapter shows how to refine four key areas: our physical and emotional health, our actions, how we handle life's ups and downs, and our spiritual practice. Through qualities like fearlessness, mental purity, and truthfulness, we create a mind ready for self-knowledge. Krishna warns against traits like vanity, anger, and greed – the “gateways to hell” – while reminding us that consistent thinking upon scriptural wisdom – leads to a successful, meaningful life.
Who is Teaching?
Residential retreat will be held at Vlierhof, Kleve, Germany – 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 Swami Dayananda and Swami Chinmaya. You can get the book on Amazon.
We will have 4 sessions per day (2x morning, 1x afternoon, 1x in evening for Bhagavad Gita).
Some of our previous retreats:
What's Covered?
Material Used In Class:
Where is it?
- Address: Klever Strasse. 115 47533 Kleve, Germany.
- Description: Retreat will be held at the Vlierhof, an eco-community. In the large seminar house next to the farmhouse, is a beautiful group room, a dining room, and a relaxation lounge. All of which can be used freely. There is also a large camping area. Meals are provided by the Vlierhof cooks, using vegetables from their own garden. See Vlierhof website for pictures.
Dates:
- Arrival: Please arrive on 7th July – by 2:00pm.
- Departure: Departure is on 13th July – by 2pm.
Cost:
- Registration Fee: €100. Covers rental cost for the seminar room and organizational costs.
- Accommodation/Food Fee: €440. Includes 7 days of your stay, bedding, sheets, pillows, and 3 meals per day. No other hidden costs.
Only one big room is left on the roof. It's quiet and peaceful there. Toilet is on the same floor, and showers are floor below. It'll have 4 mattresses / beddings (provided), so it's a shared room of 4 people. See below…
- No charge for the Vedanta teaching itself as it's the standard in tradition.
- SUMMARY: Total Cost = Registration Fee (€100) + Accommodation Fee (€440) + Your travel expenses.
How To Register:
- Fill out your details at the organizer's website.
- Tick €100 option, “I want to participate…” + “Large shared room, with a maximum of 4 mattresses”.
- Organizer Otto will ask you to pay to secure a room. (If any issues paying, can do credit card at our donations page)
Getting There:
- Closest international airport is: Dusseldorf Airport [DUS]. From there, get a taxi via “Freenow” app, similar to Uber.