The Art of Spending Quality Time with God

The Art of Spending Quality Time with God
20-22 April, 2018
with Brahmachari/Acharya Jemal, Acharya Dharana, Hezequiel

“…The yogi, retiring alone to a quiet place, should try to unite his little self with the Supreme Self.

… It would be a great aid to [most aspiring yogis] in their sadhana (spiritual practice) if they could spend some time—a week  or two, or even longer—every year, and at least one day a week, in seclusion.” — from The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita, Explained by Paramhansa Yogananda, as Remembered by Swami Kriyananda

Most of the scriptures of the world recommend seclusion in one way or another, and the practice of seclusion is very common in places where people try to live their lives focussed on God, including Ananda. Paramhansa Yogananda and Swami Kriyananda secluded regularly and often counselled others to do the same. Yogananda went so far as to say that “Seclusion is the price of greatness.”

During this weekend retreat you’ll learn much more about this sacred practise: why it’s so valuable, what it is, and hear extensively about how to do it. Those who wish to can go on to participate in the immediately-following retreat: The Practice of Spending Quality Time with God, applying the lessons learned during this weekend into immediate practice. If you’d like to get a head start on the topics covered during this retreat, please feel free to read through our many articles on seclusion.

“Seclusion is intensely enjoyable! I went for 2 weeks to a little village in the Himalayan foothills and I just spent my whole time talking to God and taking long walks. I found there was so much enjoyment that it took a lot of will power to have to leave it. I could have been there the rest of my life and never cared to go anywhere. It was so blissful”.
—Swami Kriyananda, Ask Me about Truth #40

This weekend retreat will include:

• What is seclusion, & what are some different ways to approach it?
• The healing power of silence
• The value of introspection, and an introspection workbook from the writings of Yogananda
• The practice of the presence of God
• Walking meditations – learning to see God in Everything
• Kirtan – the joyful practice of singing to God
• Practical Tips for Deeper Meditations
• A profound technique of meditation taught by Paramhansa Yogananda (for those who don’t yet know it)
• Guided Ananda Yoga sessions, to help veteran meditators go deeper
• Guided meditations
• Relaxed time in a quiet, natural environment

Accommodations & Rates (all retreat weekend rates on sharing basis):

For more information on Accommodation and reservations contact:
retreat@anandaindia.org or call 9011069792, or 7066028051

For online booking click here.
(Please contact us to confirm availability before making payment.)

About the Acharyas

Bhramachari Jemal has been a part of Ananda India since 2005, leading the Ananda monks here in India for most of that time. He’s also given lectures and classes throughout India. Currently he’s in charge of Ananda’s Kriya Home Study program, where he works with students throughout India, assisting them to prepare for receiving Kriya yoga. Within Ananda he’s well-known for having spent over a year in nearly-continuous personal seclusion, and he still tries to seclude for at least two weeks every year.

Acharya Dharana served in Ananda Palo Alto (USA), Ananda Assisi (Italy) and Ananda India, before becoming the sole resident Acharya at Ananda Kriya Yogashram in 2015. He first began teaching in Italy, where Swami Kriyananda made him a minister, and has offered numerous classes in Italy and India. Dharana views and presents the eternal truths of yoga from a scientific perspective, due to his education and successful career as a silicon valley engineer. Dharana has had several very enjoyable and memorable one week seclusions, and many of a shorter length.

Hezequiel has been practicing the teachings of Yogananda for 15 years, and after meeting Swami Kriyananda he moved to Ananda India in 2010. Recently married, he and his wife Surya serve as web-developers, taking care of many of Ananda India’s websites from Ananda Pune. He’s taken several seclusions of up to 10 days and has enjoyed periods of silence of up to 3 weeks. He’s also well-known and appreciated for his musical skills during kirtans.