The retreat was an incredibly enriching experience that allowed me to experience peace, deepen my devotion to God and my Guru, and find relief from stress.
— M.R., Jharkhand
In a first-of-its-kind event, a retreat specifically designed for Young Sadhaks was held at the Yogoda Satsanga Sakha Math, Ranchi, from March 5 to 10, 2025. It was visualized to be an immersive and transformative experience for young spiritual seekers — YSS devotees and Kriyabans aged 18–35. The retreat aimed to deepen their connection with Guruji’s teachings, offering a space for a concentrated practice of meditation techniques, inner reflection, devotion, self-discipline, and fellowship with other young devotees.
with Swamis Shankarananda and Shreyananda
The retreat coincided with the mahasamadhi days of Paramahansa Yoganandaji and Swami Sri Yukteswarji on March 7 and March 9, making it an especially blessed occasion. It was thoughtfully structured to balance deep and long meditation, with spiritual discourses, devotional activities, seva, and an uplifting outdoor excursion to Hundru Waterfalls.
A retreatant summarized his experience:
The six-day retreat at YSS Ranchi ashram nurtured spiritual growth through meditation, self-discipline, and Guru Seva, fostering a deeper connection with God and Guru.
— S.N., Jharkhand
Getting oriented and immersed
The retreat started with an orientation for all the retreatants that helped them to get into the right mindset, clarify their goals, and make the most out of the retreat.
It was followed by a pilgrimage tour of the YSS Ranchi ashram grounds by Swamis Shankarananda and Shreyananda, who shared with the retreatants the ashram history and helped them to appreciate the significance of the various beautiful spots hallowed by Guruji.
A Structured Yet Soulful Routine
Each day began with a group meditation, setting a reflective and peaceful tone. This was followed by spiritual study, interactive satsanga sessions with senior monastics, and group activities that strengthened the participants’ understanding of Guruji’s teachings. The retreatants took a pause for a noon meditation in Smriti Mandir, Litchi Vedi, or Guruji’s room. Light recreational activities like badminton, table tennis, cricket, and Japa Walks, enlivened the evenings, ensuring a holistic experience of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Retreatants meditate inside Smriti Mandir and at the Litchi Vedi
Finding Focus in a Distracted World
A key highlight was the satsanga led in the Matri Mandir by Swami Nirmalananda, titled “Staying Focused in a Distracted World.” Through introspective exercises, participants identified common distractions — social media, excessive screen time, and restless thoughts. They were encouraged to consciously limit phone usage during the retreat, allowing for a deeper immersion into meditation and self-awareness. Several young sadhaks shared how the Hong-Sau technique helped them improve focus and discipline in their daily lives.
Guru-Seva: Love in Action
With inspiration from Guruji’s words, “Only love can take my place,” a How-to-Live workshop titled “Love in Action — Blessings of Guru-Seva” was conducted, which included a group discussion on how selfless service strengthens one’s connection with God and Guru. The discussion was followed by a practical session of putting love in action by performing seva at the Shravanalaya hall and in the gardens of the ashram.
Honouring the Gurus: Mahasamadhi Commemorations
The mahasamadhi days of Guruji and Swami Sri Yukteswarji (March 7 and 9) were observed with long meditations, devotional chanting, pushpanjali, sharing stories, and Q&A sessions with monastics on deepening meditation and seva. These sessions provided a space for young sadhaks to seek guidance on meditation techniques, personal challenges, and the guru-disciple relationship. Swami Shreyananda’s message, “Guru-disciple relationship is the highest relationship compared to other relationships in this world because it is based on pure, unconditional, and unselfish love,” resonated with the young sadhaks.
Excursion to Hundru Falls: A Spiritual Retreat in Nature
Guruji sometimes took his disciples on an outing. So, for the young sadhaks a day trip to Hundru Falls was organized. Upon reaching the falls, participants engaged in group meditation, playful activities, and quiet moments of introspection amidst the serene surroundings. After returning to the ashram, the sadhaks gathered for a special screening of a documentary on Guruji’s life.
A Joyous Conclusion
On the final day, a session titled “Take-Home Thoughts” was held, providing practical guidance on integrating the retreat’s learnings into daily life. Participants bid farewell with a renewed sense of clarity, devotion, and inner strength.
Many expressed gratitude for the retreat, and one attendee beautifully summed up the experience:
Through starry nights and sunrise meditations, a constant hum of chants, prayers, and affirmations filled our hearts. Even in silence, we basked in the love radiating from one another. This retreat has given me the tools to navigate life with focus, devotion, and self-discipline.
— K. A., Chandigarh
The Young Sadhak Retreat was a real treat — it was a sacred pause, a chance to reconnect with the self, and a reminder that the path to peace lies within.
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