Arsha Vidya Gurukulam/Arsha Vidya Pitham
651 Route 115
Saylorsburg, PA 18353
(Accessible from NYC & NJ by car, or Greyhound bus to Stroudsburg, PA)
This weekend-long retreat will explore the intersections of the Indian philosophical systems of vedanta and tantra, with mental health and self-development from modern psychodynamic theory. We hope to cultivate a space for like-minded individuals looking to learn and connect through spirituality, with a deep interest in psychology and reconnecting with the self. Arsha Vidya is an ashram in the Poconos Mountains, with beautiful grounds where you can take hikes, nature walks, or just sit peacefully and take in the trees and fresh mountain air! See below for the full retreat program.
Registration Fee: $125
Payment information in registration form. If you are coming by bus and will need someone to pick you up from the Stroudsburg Greyhound Station, please indicate that in the “requests and accommodations” portion of the registration form.
Register Here
Accommodations & Meals:
Attendees are asked to find accommodations in Stroudsburg, PA, which is 10-15 min from the ashram. Here are some recommendations (approximate prices based on Google search; you may be able to find lower rates elsewhere):
Days Inn - East Stroudsburg - $80/night (including taxes)
Clarion Inn & Suites - Stroudsburg - $74-94/night
Quality Inn - East Stroudsburg Poconos - $127/night (including taxes)
If you will need transportation to and from your hotel to the ashram, please indicate so on your registration form.
Breakfast, lunch, chai-nashta, and dinner will be provided by the ashram. All meals are vegan & vegetarian, other dietary accommodations available by request upon arrival at the ashram at the main office.
Retreat Program
Items listed in italics are part of the normal ashram activities, and are completely optional to attend as a part of the retreat.
Friday: You may choose to arrive at any time to get settled in and explore the grounds.
6-6:30pm Evening Aarati
6:30-7:30pm Dinner
8:00-9:00pm Welcome Address and Introductions
Saturday
5:45-6:45 am Abhisheka to Lord Dakshinamurti
7:00-7:30 am Ashram hall available for quiet morning meditation
7:30-8:30am Breakfast
9:00-10:00am Class 1: Qualifications of a Seeker
10:00-10:30am Yoga/Gentle Movement with Ipsita Dey (500 HR YTT)
10:30am-12:00pm Class 2: Bodies, Chakras, Minds & Emotion
12:15 -12:30pm Afternoon Aarati
12:45-1:45pm Lunch (Chai-Nashta available outside lunch hall ~3:30pm)
4:00-5:00pm Guided Meditation & Reflection
5:00-5:45pm Class 3: Relating to the Inner Parents, Child & Deity
6:00-6:30 pm Evening Aarati
6:30-7:30 pm Dinner
8:00pm Satsang (Open Q&A)
Sunday
5:45-6:45 am Abhisheka to Lord Dakshinamurti
7:00-7:30 am Ashram hall available for quiet morning meditation
7:30-8:30am Breakfast
9:00-10:00am Class 4: Who Am I? + Reflection Activity
11:00-11:30am Walking Meditation
11:30am-12:00pm Wrap-Up & Farewells
12:15 -12:30 pm Afternoon Aarati
12:45-1:45pm Lunch