General Information Through our talks, seminars and retreats, we are committed to unfold the teaching of Vedanta in a way that it is directly relevant for every individual living in the modern society, without in any manner compromising on the authenticity and depth of the teaching. Our sessions encourage active participation of all, engage everybody in lively interaction and constructive dialogue.
The participation in our programs does not require one to belong to any religious tradition in particular. The emphasis is here on the universal relevance of the wisdom of Vedanta to life in the twenty first century. We are confident that anybody Indian or Western who is spiritually or philosophically inclined, interested in personal growth, well educated and thinking or simply attracted to Indian culture and wisdom would find our programs extremely enriching.
Our programs are usually conducted in four formats :
Individual Talks last 1 to 1½ hours and include time for questions and answers.
Series of talks on a given subject matter generally take place over a few months. The talks are held several times a week, in the morning and/or the evening. Each session lasts 1½ hours and includes both a talk and an in-depth dialogue.
One day or weekend seminars consist of a full program of talks and dialogues as well as guided meditations, covering in an intensive manner a given subject. Weekend seminars can be held in a residential format.
Intensive long retreats last from 10 days to one month. They are purely residential and are held in India or elsewhere. They include talks, sessions of dialogues and discussions, guided meditations, and sometimes yoga classes.
What people say about our seminars and retreats :
‘I attended their introductory Vedanta course in Anaikatti... It was a ten day capsule in the true Gurukulam style where the guru and the student are together from morning to night. The sessions were interspersed with yoga, meditation, walks and Q&A. The way the teachings of the Vedas were unfolded to us was brilliant. It was systematic, logical and came from a deep knowledge of the texts. Besides knowing the texts backwards, Surya and Neema are living examples of the Vedantic way of life.’
Neeru Nanda, Mumbai, Intensive retreat participant in South India, 2008
‘I grew up as a child who rebelled against all the traditions that were taught to me.
I set out searching and sometimes found answers but not as clearly as Neema explained it...
Thank you Neema and Surya for these very enlightening sessions and for making me realize that all I required in life was one simple prayer "Give me clarity of thought".....how true - as this short and simple prayer applies to every aspect of our life. Thank you for touching all of us so deeply.’
I set out searching and sometimes found answers but not as clearly as Neema explained it...
Thank you Neema and Surya for these very enlightening sessions and for making me realize that all I required in life was one simple prayer "Give me clarity of thought".....how true - as this short and simple prayer applies to every aspect of our life. Thank you for touching all of us so deeply.’
Marisa Narula, Bangkok, ‘Talks on the vision of Vedanta’ participant, 2008
‘The ashram of Swami Dayananda is a very conducive place for exchanges and inquiry. People were very warm (and the cook outstanding), I keep excellent memories of the overall atmosphere of the place. The diversity of the backgrounds of participants gave rise to a great sharing of experiences. I thank you both infinitely for the teaching you gave me. I consider myself as blessed to have been able to meet you this year. My infinite thanks for your contribution to the world and you ability to keep alive the most ancient spiritual tradition with so much joy, passion and commitment.’
Dino Bendiab, Paris, French Intensive retreat participant in South India, 2008
‘Well, listening to Neema meant, as she put it, a paradigm shift... Obviously, we need to make a choice between continuing in our old ways or try to grasp and navigate our lives through the new thoughts and ideas that have occurred...
I appreciated Neema's approach, which was more of sharing than laying down precepts. It was very refreshing to see this attitude from a person who had studied the Upanishads and had learnt sanskrit. There was humility and joy as she spoke to us about the teaching of Upanishads.’
I appreciated Neema's approach, which was more of sharing than laying down precepts. It was very refreshing to see this attitude from a person who had studied the Upanishads and had learnt sanskrit. There was humility and joy as she spoke to us about the teaching of Upanishads.’
Sri Nidhi, Bangkok, ‘Talks on the vision of Vedanta’ participant, 2008
‘Before my trip to India for this intensive retreat, people were asking me ‘what are you going there for?’ My reply, coming from the depth of my heart was: ‘I want to know what all this is about, what is the mystery behind this universe’. The answer came to me, clearly, thanks to Surya, who has an evident mastery over the subject matter of Vedanta. He has been able to keep us captivated during all these 10 days...These were truly great and unforgettable moments...’
Claudette Vabois, Reunion Island, French Intensive retreat participant in South India, 2008
‘...About teaching and methodology: we inquired into the question of the real nature of ourselves, without dogma or belief...Step by step, through the study of ancient texts, we examined the problems one by one. « Here and now», with objectivity and critical analysis... It was a unique experience, and I learned a lot.
What will stay with me is the patience with which you welcomed all questions. It was truly indispensable and from this standpoint, outstanding in comparison to all seminars and various trainings I had attended to. Each and every student has been listened to, no question was avoided, you always made sure that everybody had a clear understanding of the teaching.’
What will stay with me is the patience with which you welcomed all questions. It was truly indispensable and from this standpoint, outstanding in comparison to all seminars and various trainings I had attended to. Each and every student has been listened to, no question was avoided, you always made sure that everybody had a clear understanding of the teaching.’
Dino Bendiab, Paris, English Intensive retreat participant in South India, 2008
