Retreats

Shreyas Varma is a dedicated teacher of Yoga and Vedanta, currently serving at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Ashrams and Centres, India.

After completing both the Teachers’ Training Course (TTC) and Advanced Teachers’ Training Course (ATTC) within the Sivananda tradition, Shreyas deepened his spiritual studies through traditional training in Vedanta and the Bhagavad Gita at Arsha Vidya Peetham, Rishikesh, under the guidance of respected scholars.

Today, he serves at Sivananda Kutir, Uttarkashi, offering his time as a karma yogi, teacher, and sadhaka. With a strong foundation in classical texts and a life dedicated to practice, Shreyas brings clarity, depth, and devotion to his teachings, inspiring students to connect with the eternal wisdom of Vedanta.

Bhaja Govindam is an introductory text attributed to Adi Sankaracharya, the foremost commentator on advaita vedanta.

This text highlights inherent dissatisfaction and transience of worldly pursuits and illustrates how attachment to fleeting pleasures leads to suffering and the cycle of birth and death (samsara) and therefore, the futility of solely relying on material acquisitions, social status, and intellectual pursuits for lasting fulfillment.

It emphasizes the importance of devotion to the Divine (Govinda) as a path towards understanding the ultimate reality and introduces the core Advaitic concepts of Atman (individual soul) and Brahman (ultimate reality) and their non-difference. Perhaps this is why the original name of the text is Moha Mudgara.

Moha Mudgara literally translates to “The Hammer that Destroys Delusion” or “The Remover of Illusion”. This name aptly captures the core message of the text, which is to strike down the illusions and attachments that bind us to the material world and prevent us from realizing the eternal truth.

Please note: the retreat fee is Rs. 5000 for the 11 days and can be paid upon arrival to the ashram. The Yoga Vacation fee covers accommodation, vegetarian meals, and daily yoga classes. 

Tattva Bodha is a highly recommended starting point for anyone interested in exploring the profound wisdom of Advaita Vedanta. Tattva Bodha literally translates to “The Knowledge of Truth” or “Understanding the Principles”.

This short but profound text by Adi Shankaracharya serves as an elementary introduction to the fundamental concepts of Advaita Vedanta for beginners. Think of it as a concise map outlining the essential terrain of Vedantic philosophy before embarking on a more detailed exploration.

Please note: the retreat fee is Rs. 5000 for the 11 days and can be paid upon arrival to the ashram. The Yoga Vacation fee covers accommodation, vegetarian meals, and daily yoga classes.