Vivekachudamani – Crest Jewel of Discrimination – India Retreat January 8-18, 2026

Vivekachudamani (108 selected verses) by Adi Shankara – stands as one of Vedanta's most cherished guides for serious seekers ready to take the final leap in self-inquiry. This text doesn't just point to the truth – it systematically dismantles every subtle identification that keeps us bound to the sense of limitation. Where other texts lay the foundation, Vivekachudamani provides the precision tools for complete liberation.

Through razor-sharp analysis, we'll examine the mechanics of identification with body-mind, the nature of the witness consciousness, and the method to recognizing “I” as the limitless reality.

For those who sense they're close to a breakthrough but need that final push, Vivekachudamani is for you. 

Topics covered:

1. The Anatomy of Seeking: Why all pursuit of happiness “out there” keeps you trapped in an endless cycle of temporary satisfaction and renewed dissatisfaction.
2. The Mechanics of Self-Confusion: How consciousness appears to limit itself through identification with body, mind, and personal history – and why this seeming bondage has no ultimate reality.
3. Your Real Relationship to Existence: How the “you” seeking liberation and the totality you're seeking it from are the same consciousness appearing as two – without getting lost in mystical bypass.
4. The Five-Fold Analysis: Methodically separate Self (Atma) from everything it observes (Anatma) – body, energy, mind, intellect, and even the sense of being a separate person.
5. The Great Statement Analysis: We'll look into tat tvam asi (You are That) through precise reasoning, showing the non-difference between individual awareness and universal awareness.
6. Living the Understanding: Embody the knowledge that you are the very awareness in which all experience appears – free from the psychological burden of being a limited, seeking individual.
7. The “I Am” Fixation Trap: How even the purest sense of being can become a subtle object of awareness, keeping you from recognizing yourself as awareness itself.
8. The Experience Validation Trap: Why seeking confirmation of your understanding through special states or experiences undermines the ordinary obviousness of what you are.

Here's the main Vivekachudamani PDF material we'll be using in class. Or get the book version for extra commentaries.

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 Swami Dayananda, Swami Chinmaya, Swami Paramarthananda texts. 

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

What's Covered?

Material Used In Class:

• Vivekachudamani – 108 Verses – PDF

Daily Timetable:

Where Is It?

• Address: Thonse Health Centre – Karnataka, India.
• Full Address: Thonse Health Centre, Kodi Bengare-Hoode Rd, Thonse West, 576115 | State: Karnataka | District: Udupi | Phone: +91 87621 68774
• There are a nearby Indian stores, ATM, restaurants and long beach walks. Ideal for contemplation, play and relaxation. 

Dates:

• Arrival: Please arrive on 7th Jan, as we're starting morning 8th Jan.
  • • NOTE TO FOREIGNERS: Foreigner body takes around 5 days to acclimatize. Absolutely bring cough/flu/cold medicine and extra vitamins to keep your immunity mega strong. To speed up acclimatization, move less and rest more and drink tea often for first 48 hours.
• Departure: Departure is on 18th Jan – by 12pm. 

Cost:

• Registration Fee: AUD125/€75. Covers rental cost for the seminar room and organizational costs.
• Accommodation Fee: AUD345/€210. That covers 10 days. You'll get a private room (with ceiling fan) with bathroom, 3 vegetarian meals per day, daily herbal teas and juices.  ^{(See room pictures)}
• No charge for the Vedanta teaching.
• SUMMARY: Total Cost = Registration Fee (AUD125) + Accommodation (AUD345) + Your travel expenses.

How To Register:

Getting There:

• Closest airport is: Mangalore International Airport [IXE]. From there, get a taxi/Uber to: Thonse Health Centre  (about 1:30h drive) – or Otto will organize for you.  NOTE: For foreigners, it's cheaper to land in New Delhi, Chennai, Bengaluru, Mumbai. Then fly to IXE.
• SUMMARY: Your country > IXE landing > Uber to Thonse.