Retreats

Withdraw from the daily busyness, rejuvenate yourself in the silence and deepen your awareness of the Divine.

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You may be surprised at what seclusion with God will do for your mind, body, and soul….Through the portals of silence the healing sun of wisdom and peace will shine upon you.

— Sri Sri Paramahansa Yogananda

Yogoda Satsanga Society of India’s How-to-Live Retreat programmes are open to anyone seeking spiritual renewal and who desires to leave behind the pressures of everyday life — even if only for a few days — to deepen their awareness of the Divine. These programmes provide, in the words of Paramahansa Yogananda, “a dynamo of silence where [you] may go for the exclusive purpose of being recharged by the Infinite.”

Sincere sadhaks get a wonderful opportunity to withdraw their attention from the ceaseless activity of everyday living and focus it on the inner silence, thereby drinking the nectar of God’s peace and bliss. They can come for the retreat to rest and to find inspiration and spiritual renewal. Or to seek answers to questions or solutions to problems that can be resolved only by deep reflection, understanding, and inner guidance.

One may choose to come for an individual retreat or join a conducted retreat that offers a concentrated programme of daily meditations, and inspirational sessions based on the how-to-live wisdom of Paramahansa Yogananda. These retreats are scheduled at YSS ashrams and various YSS Retreat locations across India throughout the year.

YSS Retreat Locations

Yogoda Satsanga Society of India has several locations spread throughout the country meant exclusively for retreats. These locations situated amidst nature and serene surroundings, far from the hustle and bustle of noisy city life, provide an ideal setup for retreatants to relax and go deep into their sadhana and be closer to their true self.

In addition to these locations, retreats are also organized at various YSS ashrams. Please click here to learn more about the various YSS ashrams across India.

Calendar of Retreats

March – June 2025

We are delighted to announce the upcoming retreats at YSS Ashrams and Retreat Centres for the second quarter of the year. Information regarding retreats for the remaining months of the year will be published soon.


March

April

May

June

YSS Noida Ashram

Mar 21-23*

Igatpuri

Mar 21-23*

Apr 17-24

May 10-11

Jun 14-15

Shimla

Mar 21-23*

Apr 25-27

May 9-11

May 23-25

Jun 6-8

Pune

Mar 29-30

Apr 26-27

May 24-25

Jun 28-29

Coimbatore

Mar 21-23*

Rajahmundry

Mar 21-23*

Please note:

  • * denotes a retreat led by YSS monastics. Rest of the retreats will be led by YSS devotees.
  • For more details about a particular retreat event, please contact the concerned Ashram/Retreat location.

Special Highlights

  • Monastic-led Retreats at Noida Ashram: YSS monastics will be conducting retreats during this period.
  • Live-Streamed Retreats: To make the Noida Ashram Retreat programmes more accessible, they will also be live-streamed to select retreat centres in Coimbatore, Igatpuri, Shimla, Pune, and Rajahmundry, allowing devotees to experience the uplifting guidance of monastics closer to their homes.
  • Devotee-led Retreats: Some retreat programmes at the above centres, as well as Shimla, will also be conducted by experienced devotees, offering additional opportunities for spiritual growth.
Registration

YSS and SRF Lessons students are welcome to participate in one of these scheduled conducted retreats or plan for a personal retreat at a time that is convenient to them. If you wish to participate in any of these retreat programmes, please inform the concerned Ashram/Retreat location at least one month in advance by sharing the below details:

  • Full name
  • Age
  • Address
  • Email ID
  • Contact Phone
  • YSS Lessons Registration number (or SRF Membership Number)
  • Dates of your proposed arrival and departure

Please note:

  • Men and women will be accommodated separately. However, there may be some exceptions in the case of married couples aged 65 years and above. Family members may please plan and pack accordingly.
  • Children below 12 years of age are not permitted.
  • Should you need to know more about the weather, accommodation, or other related information regarding your travel and stay for the retreat, please contact the concerned Ashram/Retreat location directly.

Your Support Is Needed

There are no fixed charges for these retreat programmes. Gurudeva’s Retreats are open to all, regardless of your ability to contribute financially. Since these retreat facilities are sustained by your donations which defray the costs of meals, lodging, maintenance, and upkeep, we are grateful to those who are able to make larger contributions which allow us to meet our expenses and extend Gurudeva’s hospitality to all sincere seekers.

Donations can be made online by choosing ‘Kendra Fund,’ and then selecting the Retreat location’s name from the ‘Kendra Name’ dropdown. One may also donate by sending a cheque to the retreat location.

Retreat Activities

During the retreat, your part is to relax and become receptive to the omnipresent blessings of the Lord. Relax physically by getting out into the fresh air, by exercising, and by resting. Relax mentally by dropping the worries and burdens of daily life. Let go of your outer activities; become receptive to God and let Him be the supreme thought in your mind and the burning desire of your heart. Your growing perception of His presence within you will do the rest. The experience of retreating from unceasing activity to cultivate a deeper awareness of God will allow Him to renew your strength and bring you lasting peace and happiness.

There is also ample free time to relax and enjoy God’s presence in the beautiful retreat settings. Devotees may choose to take a walk in the fresh air and exercise to induce physical relaxation. In addition to the morning and evening group meditations, devotees may also wish to have periods of individual meditation.

Guidelines for a Successful Retreat

The responsibility for a rewarding retreat rests primarily with the individual. Whether you have come to renew your spirit or inwardly seek solutions to troublesome questions and problems, the success of your endeavour rests ultimately on your personal relationship with God — the divine Spirit that is the source of life, wisdom, health, and happiness. In the measure you cultivate awareness of His indwelling presence, you will receive inspiration, assurance, and guidance toward solving every problem in life.

Taking care of the following points will greatly help you to cultivate that awareness:

  • Participate in the full retreat programme (to the extent possible) and not engage in other activities during the time of your stay.
  • Maintain silence during the retreat to build your inner environment and deepen your attunement with God and Gurus.
  • Ensure participation in group activities as they bring you into the company of other like-minded souls thereby reinforcing your good efforts and aspirations.
  • Practice the presence of God. Learn to feel that God is by your side every moment, in every experience.
  • Refrain from reading secular literature such as newspapers and magazines during your retreat should you have brought any with you.
  • Remain within the retreat premises as it would be easier to maintain silence and to think of God during your free time if you keep yourself in the secluded retreat environment.
  • Avoid the use of mobile phones if you have brought them with you. Do not make or receive phone calls except in emergencies.
  • Last but not the least, we urge you to meditate deeply during your retreat. Meditation is the very foundation of your relationship with God.
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New Visitor

If you are new to YSS and the teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda, you may wish to explore the following links:

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