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Catskills, New York
2 nights
Think Calm
·
Detachment

Vedanta's Gita Retreat

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About the experience

What will I experience?

At the Bhagavad Gita Retreat, you will immerse yourself in the transformative wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita through a series of enlightening lectures by Gautam ji (a profound Vedanta scholar and Inspirational mentor), deepening your understanding of peace, purpose, and fulfillment. You'll engage in thought-provoking group discussions and personal reflections, enhancing your philosophical outlook. Experience the devotional upliftment of bhajans and bhakti yoga, and connect with nature through early morning chants and trekking. This retreat offers a unique blend of self-study and spiritual enrichment, all in a serene and supportive environment.

Benefits of this experience

Participating in the retreat will deepen your understanding of detachment as taught in the Bhagavad Gita, highlighting how disengaging from the fruits of your actions can lead to a profound inner peace. Through lectures, discussions, and reflective practices, you'll learn to cultivate a mindset that views success and failure with equanimity, thereby enhancing your overall peacefulness and ability to remain composed in the face of life's fluctuations.

Incorporating in daily life

Focus on practicing mindful awareness during your day-to-day activities. Start by setting aside a few minutes each day to reflect on the principles of the Gita, particularly detachment and duty, and apply them to everyday decisions and interactions.

About the destination

Vedanta USA, the serene destination hosting the Bhagavad Gita retreat, is nestled in the tranquil environment of the Catskills Mountains, offering you a perfect setting for deep spiritual and personal growth. This venue is specifically designed to enhance wellbeing, featuring natural landscapes that encourage meditation and reflection. You'll find spaces dedicated to yoga and spiritual discourse, surrounded by forests that invite peaceful walks and mindfulness practices. At Vedanta USA, every element is aligned to foster a sense of harmony and balance, helping you to reconnect with your inner self and explore the depths of Vedantic teachings.

About the Coordinator

Gautam Jain, affectionately known as Gautamji, is a distinguished scholar and practitioner of Vedanta with over three decades of dedicated study and teaching. A former standout academic and athlete in the United States, he turned down prestigious corporate opportunities to pursue a deeper calling at India's Vedanta Academy under the tutelage of the esteemed philosopher A. Parthasarathy. Today, as he leads the Vedanta Cultural Foundation in the U.S., Gautamji specializes in applying ancient wisdom to modern self-management, delivering transformative seminars to global leaders and institutions. His expertise and charismatic teaching style make him a revered figure in the field of holistic wellbeing.

Context

Place of experience

The Catskills Mountains in New York provide an ideal backdrop for the Bhagavad Gita retreat, offering lush, serene landscapes that naturally enhance wellbeing. Known for their panoramic views and tranquil forests, the Catskills promote a deep connection with nature, facilitating mindfulness and relaxation. This setting not only supports quiet contemplation and spiritual growth but also invigorates the body through clean air and the calming sounds of nature, making it a perfect sanctuary for rejuvenation.

Most suitable time to visit

The most suitable time to visit the retreat in the Catskills Mountains would be during the late spring through early fall months, from May to October. This period offers pleasant weather, making it ideal for outdoor activities like trekking and yoga in nature, and enhances the overall retreat experience with the beauty of the lush, blooming surroundings.

Ancient & modern provenance

Ancient texts and treatises:

Ancient text name: Bhagavad Gita (~2nd century BCE)

  • Context: A 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the Indian epic Mahabharata.
  • Mention of Detachment: The Gita emphasizes detachment from the fruits of actions as essential for achieving peace and spiritual wisdom, promoting inner calm and resilience against life's ups and downs.

Ancient text name: Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (~400 CE)

  • Context: A foundational text of Yoga philosophy that outlines the path to spiritual liberation through yoga.
  • Mention of Detachment: Patanjali lists non-attachment (vairagya) as one of the necessary qualities for developing mental stability and clarity, leading to ultimate wellbeing and peace.

Ancient text name: Upanishads (~800-200 BCE)

  • Context: Philosophical texts that form the theoretical basis for the Hindu religion, exploring the nature of reality and self.
  • Mention of Detachment: Various Upanishads discuss detachment as essential for achieving moksha (liberation), which is associated with everlasting peace and a profound sense of wellbeing.

Modern scientific researches:

Title: Construct description of Samatva from the Bhagavad Gita: Implications for Holistic Wellbeing

  • Main Author: Parisha Jijina
  • Date of Publishing: 2020
  • Abstract: This study examines the indigenous construct of "Samatva" (equanimity) as described in the Bhagavad Gita. The analysis of the text identifies core verses that refer to Samatva, emphasizing its role as a state of even-mindedness and its implications for holistic wellbeing, leadership, and management. The study suggests that cultivating Samatva can help manage the increasing rates of anxiety and depression and contribute to overall wellbeing.
  • Link to the paper

Title: Personal maturity indicators: An assessment tool based on selected concepts from the bhagavad-gītā

  • Main Author: L. Satish
  • Date of Publishing: 2017
  • Abstract: This paper outlines the development of a personal maturity index based on principles from the Bhagavad Gita. It focuses on mental maturity, emotional health, cognitive skills, and value orientation, which are essential for achieving holistic wellbeing. The study emphasizes the relevance of the Gita's teachings for enhancing inner peace and harmonious relationships, contributing to overall happiness and mental clarity.
  • Link to the paper

Full plan of experience

The following schedule provides a general outline of the duration and activities aimed at facilitating the integration of the retreat's teachings into your daily life.

At the place
Catskills, New York
Duration
2 nights
Price
$1,170 per person

Experience Schedule

Friday Afternoon

  • Arrival and Check-in
  • Opening Session with Mantra Chanting
  • First Lecture: Introduction to the Core Essence of the Bhagavad Gita
  • Group Discussion on Philosophical Questions Pertaining to LifeQ&A Session with Gautam Ji
  • Bhajans and Bhakti Yoga SessionDinner

Saturday

  • Morning Prayer and Chanting
  • Yoga Session
  • Breakfast
  • Self-Study and Reflection Time
  • Trekking and Nature Walk
  • Second Lecture: Deepening Understanding of Gita’s Teachings
  • Lunch Break
  • Group Discussion and Q&A
  • Free Time/Personal Reflection
  • Third Lecture: Integrating Gita’s Teachings into Daily Life
  • Dinner
  • Evening Meditation and Reflective Session

Sunday

  • Morning Bhajans and Meditative Chanting
  • Breakfast
  • Fourth Concluding Lecture: Summarizing the Retreat’s Insights
  • Final Group Discussion and Sharing Experiences
  • Closing Ceremony and Feedback Session
  • Lunch and Departure

This itinerary is crafted to offer a comprehensive exploration of the Bhagavad Gita, enabling a deep connection with its teachings through lectures, discussions, and personal reflections, all within a serene retreat setting.

Inclusions

Exclusions

CONDUCTED BY

Gautam Jain

A profound Vedanta scholar and Inspirational mentor

Price
2 nights
$1,170 per person
Upcoming next:
1st week of May 2025
Interested? Get in touch
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