1-Day Bhakti Retreat with Jai and Karuna

This 1 day pilgrimage is for anyone looking to deepen their spiritual practices by having a direct experience of Bhakti in a supportive community atmosphere.  Come join Jai and Karuna as they share the 5 Essentials in Bhakti Practice in a way that is both accessible and transformative.  

These 5 essential practices are listed below along with the manner in which we will experience them together:

Sanga : Like minded souls getting together to discuss high topics! We will start with  the origin and need of Bhakti, discussions on the intentions in Bhakti and Q&A about approaches to Bhakti.

Japa :  Japa is the practice of using mantra as a means to experience deepened states of meditation.  As the adage goes, “you are what you eat” - and that extends to the subtle aspects of what you hear.   We will discuss the process of japa and participate in a guided group session of the practice.

Wisdom texts : When we cultivate our character alongside steady spiritual study,  information can turn into realization.  The basis of our philosophical discussions will be how to read and receive from Wisdom Texts, along with understanding the concept of  Dharma in the Gita.

Offerings to Divinity : We will visit the Bhakti Center’s sacred temple space where we will discuss and experience the concept of making personal offerings to Divinity through ritual and meditative prayers.

Pilgrimage : We will take a journey through the sacred place of Vrindavan, known also as the living land of Bhakti, with interactive storytelling and a beautiful visual tour.

Schedule:

10:30am-11:00am: Welcome, orientation & introductions 

11:00am-11:20am: Group discussion - What is Bhakti? 

11:20am-11:30am : Paired discussion

11:30am-11:45am : Q&A

11:45am-12:00pm : Walk around the block to Matchless Gifts

12:00pm-12:30pm : Guided Japa meditation 

12:30pm-12:45pm : Japa theory 

12:45pm-1:30pm : Reading & receiving from Bhagavad Gita 

1:30-2:30pm: Lunch

2:30pm-2:45pm: Asana Refresh 

2:45pm-3:30pm: A journey into Vrindavan & stories 

3:30pm-4pm: Kirtan & special gifts 

4pm-4:30pm: Reflections & closing circle 

Host or Publisher Bhakti Center