1-Day Sadhana Retreat · On-Demand

This retreat is part of the AVA Membership!

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Introduction

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

  • About "Obeying the Guru" Retreat

    The concept of obedience often evokes resistance, a reflex that stems from a desire for autonomy and self-direction. However, in the sanctuary of spiritual practice with a Satguru like Amma, obedience is redefined—not as a surrender of will but as an enlightened submission that opens doors to wisdom and personal transformation. Amma eloquently reminds us, "Children, obedience is not weakness. Obedience with humility leads to discipline. The guru's blessings flow automatically to any obedient disciple." By embracing obedience, we become receptive to the divine guidance that propels us toward our higher selves.

    This one-day retreat is a deep dive into the spiritual discipline of obedience, exploring its power to navigate life's demands with grace and surrender. In our first session, Vivek will reveal the profound impact of obedience on our spiritual journey, drawing from Amma's wisdom and his personal encounters with Her. His experiences, narrated is his typical humorous style, will show us how obedience has been a cornerstone of his evolution. Accompanying this discourse, we will engage in a guided meditation and practical exercises to assimilate the essence of Amma's guidance on obedience. In our subsequent session, Vivek will delve into the significance of obedience in sadhana and our everyday lives, helping us to recognize and embrace the strength it offers.

  • 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 and start streaming this self-paced online retreat.


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


    
This retreat is part of the AVA Membership.

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.

  • Securely Check-out

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

  • Check Your Email

    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.

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