Recent Retreats

I arrived at the Manjakuddi Vedanta retreat with an open heart and mind, eager to learn from both our teachers, Neema and Surya, and my fellow students. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed as if I were a cherished family member.

As we engaged in study,deep connections began to form, filling my heart with joy. The group comprised of incredibly intelligent and accomplished individuals, all demonstrating an unwavering dedication to integrating Vedanta in a transformative manner. Their devotion and reverence for Isvara, Swami Dayananda, our teachers, staff, local residents, and one another was truly inspiring.

Neema and Surya’s accessibility, generosity, and down-to-earth nature brought Vedanta to life in a remarkable way. I still feel deeply moved by many personal moments shared with Neema. One such moment was when she innocently remarked, “Our whole life has been devoted to knowledge and learning from Swami Dayananda. In that instant, I felt the grace of Isvara and was profoundly honored to be her student.

Neema and Surya are exemplars of Vedanta, embodying its teachings through their knowledge, clarity, and commitment to the Vedic lifestyle. A fellow student expressed tearful gratitude to Surya for his unwavering support of Neema, highlighting his maturity and the depth of their relationship. I, too, bow to his example and hope that many more men will follow his lead.

In conclusion, Neema and Surya are not only remarkable individuals but also outstanding teachers. The retreat exceeded my expectations. I can say that I return to Australia with a wiser mind and a heart overflowing with love and gratitude. What a profound blessing this journey has been.

A poetic name, I thought when I entered into the alley of the building called ‘JNANA PRAVAHA’, which means ‘Flow of knowledge’! A few steps and a dainty Ganesha idol brought expectations of an out of an ordinary experience! At the end of the alley was the welcoming ‘Krishna with flute’. Orange, pink and red ‘bird of paradise’ flowers, lush green pathway with creepers on tall palms, fragrance of ‘parijat’ flowers all around, birds cuckooing – all beckoned for a very special time.
Further down, Swami ji’s Meditation Room, holding his memories was reverently lit up with a 24×7 lamp. The essence of his teachings “All that is here is Ishvara”, embossed on the stone pillar was the first indicator of the promise of knowledge. The enchanting idol of Shri Dakshinamurthy, holding a book, was a pointer to the sanctity of the quaint Study Hall in front of me.

I spent 10 days in this hall learning from Neema and Surya. Each day brought more joy and more clarity in understanding of self, of Ishvara, and Brahman- the final truth. The enormity of the Universe and its complex networks were made simple and joyful by bringing in the understanding of Ishvara. As the magic of the teaching began to work- the world which seemed full of suffering now became a wonder pervaded by Ishvara’s presence, and the isolated individual became part of Ishvara, Brahman himself.

Surya and Neema’s effort to impart the knowledge of ‘Freedom’ from bondage gave a big boost to participants, who were seeking the Ultimate Truth.
Manjakuddi Retreat offered not only a spiritual but a pragmatic and uplifting journey that should not be missed.