10-day Vedanta retreat at Thonse Health Centre
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 studying 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:
The Nature of Reality: Distinguish unchanging Awareness from the transient world.
The Three Bodies and Five Sheaths: Examine the layers veiling our true nature.
The Mechanics of Ignorance: Understand superimposition and its removal through knowledge.
The Logic of Non-duality: Explore prakriyas revealing reality's non-dual nature.
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.
Go to Andre's website for related information: www.yesvedanta.com/event/atma-bodha-spiritual-retreat-jan-8-18-2025/
About Andre
Andre lives in Australia and says the following about himself: "Shortly after I, in my mid-twenties, achieved financial freedom, I began to feel restless about the impermanence of financial security, friendship, the world around me and self-help. "How can more of this make a difference and for whom?" became the spontaneous protest of the mind. The nature of the questions eventually shifted to the subject of "me" - who or what am I really?
An inner urge took me to Arunachala in India to pay homage to Ramana Maharshi. Nearby was a 25-day seminar in which the essence of the Bhagavad Gita was explained by James Swartz. After completing that program, I spent the next year in self-examination in light of Vedanta teachings. I had no evidence that Vedanta was better than alternative methods. But the understanding of the glorious intelligent web that connects you and me, that guides us even now, the essence of all that is, grew firm and clear. This vision was further refined by brilliant courses at the Chinmaya International Foundation (Kerala, India) for the next 2 years. At the same time, I met Neema Majmudar (disciple of Swami Dayananda Saraswati, Arsha Vidya) in Rishikesh. Her style clarified even more the direct meaning of Advaita Vedanta. In addition to teaching Vedic wisdom and Sanskrit, which I studied for 2 years at the Australian National University, I research areas of biological sciences and cosmology in my spare time."
Website: www.yesvedanta.com
Youtube kanaal: youtube.com/c/YesVedanta
Videos of the previous Vedanta Retreat in Thonse, January 2024, can be found here.
Practical
The 10-day retreat with Andre is from Jan. 8 to Jan. 18, 2025.
There is room for up to 35 participants. The registration fee is €75. This is intended to cover Andre's accommodation costs, part of his travel expenses, as well as organizational costs.
A free donation is requested for the teaching by Andre.
In the Vedanta tradition, it is customary to show our gratitude for the teaching in this way. The donation can be made during or at the end of the retreat.
Accommodation costs at Thonse Health Centre are approximately €150 per week for a private room with toilet, vegetarian meals, herbal teas, vegetable and fruit juices, etc. Also included is medical supervision by an Ayurvedic and naturopathic doctor. See: www.thonsehealth.in/rooms
Don't forget to apply for a visa to India. This can be done online: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
Registration
Complete the form and pay the registration fee (€75). Preferably do this by transferring the amount to bank account NL80 ASNB 8831 707 132 in the name of O. Munters (IBAN). The bank's BIC code is ASNB NL21.
You can also pay the registration fee with Paypal or a credit card (with a surcharge of the fees charged by Paypal).
Once the registration fee is paid and the application form is sent, we will reserve a room for you at Thonse Health Centre. After that, you can book your flight.
If you cancel, you pay only the registration fee.
