Description
“Abandoning all dharmas, surrender to Me alone. I will take care of all your sins; I will liberate you. Have no fear.” Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 18 Verse 66
The Bhagavad Gita is a deeply inspiring and surprising dialogue between Sri Krishna and his friend and disciple Arjuna that addresses all aspects of the human condition. It is one of the main scriptures in the spiritual culture of India, and it is said that the events leading to this dialogue happened more than 5,000 years ago. One of the main reasons the Bhagavad Gita is still studied and taught today is it’s timeless message that can help people from all walks of life, across all cultures, find answers to life’s challenges. Along with this, it offers practical steps for transformation.
We invite you to take a step back from your life and immerse yourself in the deep wisdom of this ancient scripture. Find a higher perspective that helps you see yourself and the world around you in a new way, discovering deeper meaning and purpose.
The third part of the Bhagavad Gita offers a concluding summary of all the wisdom that has been revealed in the previous chapters. The emphasis is on the realization of your true self, the atma, the soul, how to embrace dharma, your personal duty and to realize bhakti, devotion to God. These three together form a pathway to achieve spiritual perfection.
The retreat will focus on an in-depth study of chapters 13-18 of the Bhagavad Gita, along with the commentary given by Paramahamsa Vishwananda.
Each day in the first half of the day, we will delve into one chapter through satsang with Swami Kurunandha, sangha discussions, and other engaging and fun learning activities, such as group quizzes and more. There will be enough free time to go for a swim at the nearby beach, enjoy the beauty of our very special retreat location, and take time to digest the teachings. You might also take a nap in the shade of old olive trees or simply let your senses rest by gazing over the sea towards Marathonisi Island, the main hatching ground for sea turtles in the Mediterranean.
The teachings will be complemented with excursions that explore the natural beauty and spiritual history of Zakynthos Island.
“You have to dive into it, because each line of the Bhagavad Gita, each phrase which Krishna has uttered, has a deeper meaning in your life. It’s not outside of your life. He didn’t say something alien to you. Actually, what He has spoken 5000 years ago is still relevant to now. If you see what Arjuna went through, everybody goes through the same thing…” – Paramahamsa Vishwananda
Details
Event dates: September 15 to September 22, 2024
Applications close: July 15, 2024 12:00 am
Notifications will be sent: July 20, 2024
Full payment is due: August 15, 2024
Teacher
Swami Kurunandha
“Reestablishing the Love Relationship with the Lord is the greatest goal (and secret) of Life.” – Swami Kurunandha
Through his unique style of teaching, Swami Kurunandha inspires individuals to live their lives with greater purpose, meaning, and fulfilment. He helps people connect with their inner selves and cultivate greater self-awareness, leading to deeper levels of personal growth and transformation.
Swami Kurunandha met his spiritual master, Paramahamsa Vishwananda, in Switzerland in 1998 at the age of 31. In 2008, he was initiated as a Swami into the spiritual lineage.
Since then, he has devoted his life to sharing spiritual teachings with others and has helped countless individuals around the world discover their own spiritual paths.
Before becoming a monk, Swami Kurunandha was active as an entrepreneur, building a series of companies in the fields of technology and communications starting at a young age of 20.
Included in the price
- 7 nights stay (double/triple occupancy)
- Seminar facilitation by Swami Kurunandha
- Daily vegan meals and beverages
- Transportation for excursions
- A full range of sangha activities
Not included in the price
- Transportation to and from Zakynthos, Greece
- Transportation to and from the port of entry to the seminar location
- Tips
- Insurances (see below for details)
Registration procedure
- Before booking, please confirm that you are able to travel to Greece
- Please only register for this event if you are able to pay the full fee of € 795 by 15 Aug 2024
- Registration closes on 15 July 2024
- Directly after 15 July 2024, your Terms & Conditions application will be reviewed for final selection of participants. (See below for further details)
- You will be notified of the status of your application via email until latest 20 July
- If you are accepted into the retreat, you will receive an e-mail with payment instructions
- Your space can only be confirmed after we receive the full payment of € 795
- Full payment is due no later than 15 Aug 2024
Health & Safety
All travellers are responsible for their own health and safety during this retreat.
- You must be in good physical and mental health.
- This retreat is not appropriate for physically impaired, disabled, or pregnant travellers.
- Travel health care and accident insurance​
- Travel cancellation insurance (highly recommended due to Covid)
Program
- Atma Kriya Yoga and meditation practice every morning
- “Selfrealization, Dharma (Duty) and Bhakti (Devotion to God) – a path to spiritual perfection” – exploring chapters 13-18 of the Bhagavad Gita through satsang with Swami Kurunandha, sangha discussion and interactive group activities
- Spending quality time in community: taking nature walks, swimming at the nearby beach, OM-Chanting in the olive garden, singing, cooking together and watching movies
- Excursions exploring the natural beauty and spiritual history of Zakynthos
Participants
The teaching will be presented in a way that is accessible and applicable to participants of all backgrounds and experience levels, creating an inclusive and supportive environment for personal growth and transformation.
Each part of the Bhagavad Gita is relevant to our lives, and it is not necessary to have attended any previous retreats.
Join like-minded individuals who are committed to deepening their spiritual practice and creating a supportive and welcoming environment for all.
You will have the opportunity to connect with others, share experiences, and build relationships that will continue long after the retreat is over.
Location & Accommodation
The island of Zakynthos is known for its stunning natural beauty, picturesque beaches, ancient olive groves, pristine forests, and majestic cliffs.
Our accommodation is nestled in the hillside of Marathia in the south of the island of Zakynthos, surrounded by nature with a breathtaking view of the sea. We have a serene and peaceful retreat location exclusively for our retreat, consisting of two houses with a pool surrounded by an olive garden, with an outdoor and indoor dining area and community spaces, as well as a yoga platform.
The retreat location is hidden away from more touristic places. From the retreat property, you can reach a small beach with beautiful crystal clear water on foot in around 10 minutes . Alternatively, going in the other direction through old olive groves, you will find wonderful walking paths winding higher into the hills, leading to peaceful pine forests with a stunning view over the sea towards Marathonisi Island. This island is the main hatching ground for sea turtles in the Mediterranean.
For questions please write an e-mail to: krishnaviroopadasi@innerjourney.ch
