Introduction

“Lead lives imbibing spirituality, only then will it become meaningful, full of joy and beauty.” - Amma

  • About "Be Courageous" Retreat

    The nature of life is such that, whether we like it or not, challenges are an inevitable part of the journey. While we cannot control this reality, we can control our perspective. Amma often reminds us of the importance of courage, “You are not helpless, lost kittens — you are brave, roaring lion cubs.” With courage as our ally, we can confront any challenge and overcome any situation. Together let us discover how we can abandon fear and uncover our hidden power of courage to embrace a more fulfilling life!

    This one-day retreat is an immersion in spiritual teachings that uncover our ability to face life’s challenges with a courageous and equanimous mind. In the first satsang, Vivek will explore the importance and impact of courage through the use of Amma’s teachings and stories. He will also share his own personal tales of how courage transformed his life. This will be followed by a guided meditation and practical exercises that will help you internalize Amma’s teachings. In the second satsang, Vivek will explore the role courage plays in sadhana and daily life.

  • Benefits

    The Walking the Path: Navigating Life’s Journey with a Spiritual Perspective series aims to bring spiritual concepts into our minds and hearts. By gaining a spiritual perspective on the various aspects of life we are able to face the everyday challenges that life presents with a sense of calm and composure, knowing that the divine is with us and guiding our development every step of the way.

    Each retreat in this series will focus on a particular theme aiming to bring in spiritual understanding at a practical level that we can easily employ and integrate into our lives. We can gain more peace and progress on the spiritual path even while living in the world, provided we put our spiritual understanding to use.

  • Enrollment Details

    Enrollment is open!

    Enroll now in the AVA Membership and start streaming this self-paced online retreat!

    Please see the "Suggested Retreat Schedule" below for more details on content and timings.

Suggested Retreat Schedule

* Please watch the Retreat Orientation in advance.
Morning Sessions Time 
Introduction 10:00 - 10:10 AM
Guided Meditation 10:10 - 10:40 AM
Short Break 10:40 - 10:50 AM
Satsang 1 10:50 - 11:35 AM
Break 11:35 - 11:50 PM
Practical Exercise - Journaling 11:50 - 12:30 PM
Lunch Break and Self Reflection
 12:30 - 3:00 PM
Afternoon Sessions Time
Satsang 2
 3:00 - 3:45 PM
Q & A Session 3:45 - 4:25 PM
Feedback 4:25 - 4:40 PM
Metta Mediation 4:40 - 5:00 PM

Get the Most Out of the Retreat

Our instructor, Vivek, recommends the following:

  • A quiet space where you can immerse yourself in the satsangs and practices.

  • An asana (meditation mat): You may wish sit on an asana. You may also sit on a chair.

  • A notebook and pen.

Vivek K.

About the Instructor

Vivek first met Amma in 2000 on a trip to India when he visited Amritapuri Ashram for the first time. Since then, he has traveled extensively with Amma as a volunteer on her international tours across the United States, Europe, and Japan, amongst other countries.

With Amma’s guidance, Vivek became an Amrita Yoga instructor. In 2011, he was trained in the art of performing Pujas and Homas, allowing him to perform these ceremonies during Amma’s tours.

For over 20 years, Vivek has been a coordinator for Amma’s extensive housing projects, where every year, more than a hundred university students from Japan participate in rebuilding impoverished areas devastated by natural disasters throughout India. And due to his seva of serving chai on Amma’s international tours, you may also know Vivek as the “Chai Man” !


Our Enrollment Process

  • Create an Account

    Sign in or create an account with Amrita Virtual Academy. It is free to do so. Afterwards, you can enroll in any of our programs using your Amrita Virtual Academy log-in ID.

  • Secure Check-out

    Enroll using our secure, encrypted payment system. We support most international credit cards through Stripe. Prices are in USD.

  • After Enrollment

    Check your e-mail for a welcome letter and sign in to your Amrita Virtual Academy account.

  • Visit Your Student Dashboard

    All retreat content is hosted on the Amrita Virtual Academy e-learning platform. Simply visit your Student Dashboard. Here you can access meeting links and orientation materials.

  • Follow the Schedule

    If your schedule permits, follow the suggested retreat schedule. Otherwise, you can watch at your convenience. Videos are posted to your Student Dashboard.

  • Enjoy Your Retreat!

    Stream replays anytime from computer, mobile or tablet without limit. The timing is flexible and self-paced.