Silent Retreat in Ananda Gaorii
Dear Friends of Ananda Marga and Ananda Gaorii,
Invitation to “Silent Weekend” – a weekend silent meditation retreat at Ananda Gaorii Ashram from June 12th to 14th.
This retreat is for those seeking to refresh and renew themselves through silence and meditation. For those of you in Denmark and other Nordic countries it’s a chance to catch a moment of peace before the rush of summer. The program integrates meditation practice, gentle yoga classes and Kiirtan, a form of chanting which opens the heart and helps let go of anxiety and stress. Obviously chanting is not silence, but, as it is a form of meditation, and the mind is directed inwards, not outwards, it is included in the retreat.
Practicing silence has a long list of benefits: reducing stress, improving concentration, boosting creativity, deepening self-awareness, reducing anxiety, improving sleep and strengthening the immune system.
The retreat includes private time for self-reflection, walks in nature, reading and journaling. It also includes an element of challenge with a fairly early start and 30 to 45 minute meditation sessions at regular intervals throughout the day. The different elements of the program are woven together in a way that creates both variety and flow, so that the body and mind can get maximum benefit in a rhythmic and natural way. Meditation guidance will be given at key intervals by Dada Krsnasevananda, a life-time monk and teacher of mantra meditation, with 40 years of teaching experience.
VENUE:
Nestled on 13 hectares of farmland just an hour away from Copenhagen, you’ll find Ananda Gaorii Ashram – a peaceful oasis for those seeking a rejuvenating escape. Our serene retreat boasts a range of amenities, including a small orchard, vegetable garden, organic bakery, sauna, meditation hall, dining hall, and more.
ACCOMMODATION:
At Ananda Gaorii Ashram, we offer separate dormitories for both men and women. These spacious rooms can comfortably accommodate up to 10 people. Alternatively, if you prefer to be closer to nature, you’re also welcome to camp on our beautiful grounds.
FOOD:
Our menu is prepared according to the yogic vegetarian diet, also known as the “Sattvic Diet”. The Sattvic Diet is based on foods that are not only beneficial for the body but also calming for the mind. Tea and light snacks are available at different times during the day. The Sattvic diet excludes seafood/fish, eggs, onion, garlic, and mushrooms, as these foods are believed to be disturbing to the mind during meditation.
PROGRAM:
Friday, June 12
3:00 PM: Arrive, register (hand in phone and other devices), settle in and have a look around
5:30 PM: Yoga Class – relaxing and calming postures
6:30 PM: Dinner
7:30 PM: Welcoming and Introduction
8:00 PM: Silence Begins/Introduction to Meditation Practices
9:00 PM: Sleep
Saturday, Jun. 13
5:30 AM: Rise, morning shower
6:00 AM: Yoga Class – relax, energise, focus
7:00 AM: Kiirtan – Devotional Mantra Chanting
7:15 AM: Guided Meditation
8:00 AM: Inspirational Reading and guidance for better meditation from Dada
8:15 AM: Breakfast
8:45 AM: Karma Yoga (Breakfast cleanup)
9:15 AM: Free Time for Journaling, Reading, Silent Walk
10:45 AM: Kiirtan – Devotional Mantra Chanting
11:15 AM: Meditation
12:00 PM: Inspirational Reading and guidance from Dada
12:15 PM: Break
12:30 PM: Lunch
1:00 PM: Free Time for Journaling, Reading, Silent Walk
3:00 PM: Kiirtan – Devotional Mantra Chanting
3:20 PM: Meditation
4:00 PM: Kiirtan
4:20 PM: Meditation
5:00 PM: Inspirational Reading and guidance from Dada
5:15 PM: Break
5:30 PM: Yoga Asana Class
6:30 PM: Break
6:45 PM: Dinner
7:30 PM: Karma Yoga (Dinner cleanup)
8:00 PM: Meditation Insight Class
8:30 PM: Guided Meditation
9:00 PM: Sleep
Sunday, Jun. 14
5:30 AM: Rise, morning shower
6:00 AM: Yoga Asana Class
7:00 AM: Kiirtan
7:15 AM: Guided Meditation
8:00 AM: Inspirational Reading and Guidance
8:15 AM: Breakfast
8:45 AM: Karma Yoga (Breakfast cleanup)
9:15 AM: Free Time for Journaling, Reading, Silent Walk
10:45 AM: Kiirtan
11:15 AM: Meditation
12:00 PM: Closing Circle (Silence Ends)
12:30 PM: Lunch
1:30 PM: Cleanup and Pack
2:30 PM: Depart
PAYMENT
1350 Danish Krone or Euro 180
Payment Methods:
- MobilePay: 71881273 (Colin Whitelaw i.e. Dada Krsnasevananda)
- PayPal: krsnasevananda@gmail.com
- Credit Card: (Pay in Danish Krone or Euros)
Name: Colin Whitelaw
Bank Name: Wise
IBAN: BE66 9673 0052 3443
Swift/BIC: TRWIBEB1XXX
Bank Address: Wise, Rue du Trône 100, 3rd floor, Brussels, 1050, Belgium
REGISTRATION
After you have made your payment, please register here
ELECTRONIC DEVICES:
Participants will be asked to surrender all electronic devices including computers, phones and tablets at the start of the program. These will be returned after the closing circle on Sunday.
WHAT TO BRING:
Digital alarm clock, water bottle, personal toiletries, indoor slippers, cap, walking shoes, jacket, small day pack, towel, bedsheet, duvet cover, pillow case, journal and pen (optional). *A pillow and duvet (comforter) will be provided. A set of sheets and a towel can be provided for the cost of 50DKK.
HOW TO GET TO THE RETREAT:
Purchase a ticket to Sneglerupvej (Nykøbingvej). Take the train to Holbæk. At Holbæk either change to the local train or bus. If you take the train take the train to Nykøbing Sjælland and get off at Vig. From Vig catch bus 566 to Asnæs and get off at Sneglerupvej (Nykøbingvej). If you take the bus from Holbæk (the bus is quicker) take bus 560 to Nykøbing Sjælland and change at Herrestrup Terminal to bus 566 also to Nykøbing Sjælland. Get off after two stops at Sneglerupvej (Nykøbingvej).
You can see train and bus times and purchase tickets on the “Rejseplanen” app downloadable from Google Play or the Apple App store. You can also fine train and bus times on Google Maps.
Once you arrive at the Sneglerupvej bus stop continue on down the hill in the same direction as the bus if you are coming from Holbæk or in the opposite direction from the bus if you are coming from Vig. About 300 metres down the hill you will see a large orange sign for Ananda Gaorii. Turn left there and follow the road till the end.
CANCELLATION REFUND POLICY:
- 100% refund if cancelled two weeks prior to the retreat.
- 80% refund if cancelled more than one week prior to the retreat.
- 50% refund if cancelled less than one week prior to the retreat.
FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Write to: gaoriiconnections@gmail.com
Call Dada Krsnasevananda on +45 71881273 or Dada Ambareshvarananda on +45 26453521
Message www.anandagaorii.dk
We are looking forward to sharing this peaceful and introspective weekend with you. See you at Ananda Gaorii!
With love and warm regards,
The Ananda Gaorii Team