Description
The energy that comprises this material world is very complex and difficut to imagine. Modern science has classified 118 elements to date and continues to discover more. Ancient Vedic philosophy offers a different classification. Matter is considered part of God’s energy, known as prakriti. Prakriti is divided into eight forms:
“Earth, water, fire, air, ether, mind, intellect, and ego; make up the eight parts of My material nature.” Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 7 Verse 4
Albert Einstein and later Niels Bohr were the first to propose that nature is made up of wave energy, suggesting a unifying element that binds everything together. This is what Lord Krishna explained to Arjuna 5000 years ago in the Bhagavad Gita. Just one material energy extends itself into meridians, shapes, forms, names, and entities from this world and universe.
We are part of nature. The human organism is primarily made up of the five elements. When there is an imbalance in any of these elements, one doesn’t reach their full potential as a human being. Most illnesses arise from such imbalances. When these elements are in harmony and balance, it leads to abundance, beauty, grace, and wellbeing for oneself and others.
In this retreat, we will venture into nature each day to connect with one specific element. We will learn mudras (hand gestures) and mantras (chanting of sacred syllables) that – with dedicated practice – can help bring each element in our body, mind and emotions back into balance.
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.
Gurudev, Paramahamsa Vishwananda, has been personally teaching the “Five Elements Retreat” for over ten years, mostly in Lanzarote Island, and has now given a select group the opportunity to spread this profound knowledge.
Details
Event dates: September 22 to September 29, 2024
Applications close: July 22, 2024 12:00 am
Notifications will be sent: July 27, 2024
Full payment is due: August 22, 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, beverages and water
- Transportation to the different seminar locations
- One extra day trip
- 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 22 Aug 2024
- Registration closes on 22 July 2024
- Directly after 22 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 27 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 22 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
- Optional Atma Kriya Yoga, meditation and Surya Namaskar practice every morning
- “Five Elements Seminar” – excursions to different nature locations, lecture with Swami Kurunandha and exercise of the Element Meditations and Mudras
- Lunch picknick
- Afternoon free time, taking nature walks, swimming at the nearby beach, OM-Chanting in the olive garden or other sangha activities
- Evening quality time in community – experience sharing, singing, chanting, games, movies and more
Participants
This retreat aims to help each participant connect with nature within the charming beauty of Zakynthos Island, fostering a sense of connection and balance with the various elements of nature within ourselves.
Our teachings are delivered with warmth, accessibility, and inclusivity, welcoming participants from diverse backgrounds and levels of experience. The goal is for you to integrate these teachings into your spiritual practice at home. Swami Kurunandha will provide practical examples and recommendations for application during each day of the retreat, including guidance on practice frequency and techniques.
Whether you’re a seasoned practitioner or taking your first steps on the spiritual path, you’ll find support and encouragement in our nurturing retreat community.
As you immerse yourself in the breathtaking views of the natural environment in Zakynthos, you will have the opportunity to connect with others as well as have a peaceful time for yourself, share experiences, and build relationships.
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
