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Weekend Retreat: Mastering the Self
Friday, February 16, 2024 – Sunday, February 18, 2024 PDT
IN PERSON OR ONLINE
Developing Qualifications for Spiritual Mastery according to the Bhagavad Gita
After receiving the main teachings about Self Knowledge, Dharma or duty, and Karma Yoga, desirous of knowing whether Self Realization is actually feasible, Arjuna asked Krishna to explain the characteristics of a spiritual master. He wanted to know how such a person interacts with the world, what is his or her inner condition, and how can we fathom a master’s inner experience. Krishna replies with a detailed account of these qualities, such as complete freedom from the bond of expectation, full contentment with one’s own Self, having a balanced and unperturbed mind, and being undisturbed in all circumstances.
This is the last section of the second chapter of the Gita, widely known as “Sthitaprajna Lakshana”, the indicators of a master who is established in wisdom. Study of these teachings is of utmost importance for spiritual aspirants, since what is natural for the Master is to be tirelessly strived for by the seeker until mastery is achieved. We’ll introduce these qualities, discuss their importance for one’s spiritual growth, and introduce various methods for acquiring them.
The Bhagavad Gita is a unique scripture, which teaches both yoga and Vedanta. It offers guidance for living a balanced life while performing our duties and facing all types of situations. The Gita also helps the aspirant gain a clear understanding of his or her own Self, the limitless consciousness.
Gajananam is a direct disciple of Swami Vishnu-devananda and is the founder/director of the Vishnu-devananda Yoga Vedanta Center in Fremont, CA. He served and studied at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centers in the mid-1980s and 1990s. In the 1990s, he served as the director of the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center in New York and has taught at many Sivananda Yoga Teacher Training Courses and retreats.
To deepen his understanding of the ancient scriptures and mantras, he studied Sanskrit with Sanskrit Scholar Dr. Sarasvati Mohan in the 2000s. Over the past decade, he has spent time each year on personal retreat in Uttarakashi, Himalayas, where he attends Satsang with senior sadhus and monks. Since 2013, he has had the opportunity to the study Vedantic scriptures in a traditional fashion. With three decades of practice, study and teaching experience, he offers yoga and Vedanta courses and retreats in Fremont and at various centers and ashrams.
Daily Schedule
Friday 2/16
6:00–7:30pm Yoga Asana Class
7:30pm Vegetarian dinner
Saturday 2/17
6:00–7:15am Satsang (meditation, chanting and a short talk)
8:00am Light breakfast
10:00–11:30am Yoga Asana Class
12:00pm Lunch and Karma Yoga
2:00–3:30pm Online Afternoon Talk: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, topic 1
3:45–4:15 Afternoon walk
5:00–6:30pm Yoga Asana Class
6:30pm Dinner
Sunday 2/18
6:00–7:15am Satsang
8:00am Light breakfast
10:00–11:30am Yoga Asana Class
12:00pm Lunch and Karma Yoga
2:00–3:30pm Online Afternoon Talk: Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, topic 2
5:30–7:00pm Satsang and Soup (optional)
Arrive Friday by 6:00pm and depart Sunday afternoon.
Online: $125. (includes daily Satsang, 4 yoga classes and 2 comprehensive talks)
