The 3-day Satsang Retreats offered by Swami Atmananda Udasin are a great opportunity to deepen the practice of awareness and Self-Enquiry and to reach clarity of understanding. The teachings during these retreats are based on the Direct Path in the tradition of Advaita (Non-Duality).
About Satsang Retreats
Satsang is a celebration of Presence and Beingness. It is an invitation to recognize the profound Nature of what we already are through silent Self-Enquiry and by simply being aware. As we seek to understand the delusions of personal identity, we experience a deep stillness and endless joy. Through constant abidance where no abiding remains, there is Recognition of the ever-present Pure Consciousness which is the true and eternal Self.
Return within,
To the place where there is nothing.
And take care that nothing comes in.
Penetrate to the depth of yourself,
To the place where thought no longer exists
And take care that no thought raises its head!
There where nothing exists… is Fullness!
There where nothing is seen… is the Vision of Being!
There where nothing appears any longer
Is the sudden appearing of the Self!
Dhyana, it is this.
— Sri Gnanananda Giri
Schedule
| 6:00 – 6:45 | Conscious and Silent Walk along the Ganges (optional) |
| 7:00 – 7:50 | Meditation |
| 10:00 – 10:30 | Silent Tea (Garden) |
| 10:30 – 12:30 | Satsang |
| 12:45 | Community Vegetarian Lunch (on Day 3) |
| 16:00 – 18:00 | Open satsang |
| 19:00 – 19:50 | Meditation |
| 19:50 – 20:30 | Universal Prayers, Arati & Chanting |
The Satsang Retreat begins at 19:00 on the evening preceding the first day, with an Introduction to the 3-day programme, and ends on the third day after the last meditation session.
During the retreat, there is a conscious walk and a silent meditation in the early hours, in the presence of Swami Ji. Later in the morning, there is a silent tea in the garden, followed by a satsang. In the afternoon, the satsang is open as usual to all seekers.
Each day closes with the evening silent meditation, exclusively for retreat participants.
Participants should always arrive 15 minutes earlier for the meditation sessions and the satsangs, so that they can enter in silence and sit quietly.
On the third day, a community vegetarian lunch will be organized in the garden of the ashram.
Group Pictures and Testimonials
Practical Information
Code of Conduct
All who attend the Satsang Retreat must conscientiously observe the Ashram Rules & Code of Conduct for the duration of the programme.
The spirit behind these guidelines is to ensure that the spiritual purpose of the ashram is maintained, enabling all participants to benefit from the satsangs and the meditation practice, and more generally, from the serene atmosphere of the precinct.
Please carefully read the Code of Conduct, prior to attending a Satsang Retreat.
Accommodation and food
Due to the limited number of rooms at the ashram, which are occupied by full-time residents, Satsang Retreats are non-residential programmes. During the retreat, participants can enjoy the peaceful and positively energized atmosphere of Ajatananda Ashram, surrounded by monks and spiritual seekers. There are a wide range of affordable guesthouses and hotels available in Laxman Jhula and Tapovan. Please note that we cannot recommend or book accommodation on behalf of participants.
Participation Fee and Conscious Donation
The daily satsang at 16:00 remains free and open to all. A nominal participation fee is required for attending the full retreat, in order to cover basic operating expenses. However, no one is ever turned away for the inability to pay.
Although satsangs and teachings are free, voluntary conscious donations are welcome to further promote the availability of these teachings. These donations can be deposited in the donation box in the entrance hall, and are most gratefully received.
Registration
In order to participate in the Satsang Retreats, it is necessary to register in advance. You can fill out the registration form(s) here:
More Information & Registration form here.
Registration forms will also be available at the Ashram during the introductory meeting at 18:00 on the evening before the first day of the Retreat.
Please note that “drop in” participants are not allowed. Those who have completed a previous 3-day Satsang Retreat can also attend one or more additional retreats.