7-Day Residential Vedanta Spiritual Retreat 

This welcoming retreat invites you to explore life's deepest questions in a supportive environment. Together, we'll use guided contemplations, relatable examples, diagrams, and lively discussions to peel away layers of misunderstanding regarding your existence, the basic understanding of self — and skillfully handling life's ups and downs. No previous experience required – just bring your curiosity and openness!

You'll be guided through two texts:

Main Text: Mundaka Upanishad

The Mundaka Upanishad is often celebrated for its brilliant and comprehensive exploration of spiritual teachings. It opens with a deeply meaningful dialogue between a curious student, Shaunaka, and a wise teacher, Angiras. Here, Shaunaka poses a profound question: “Is there something, knowing which, everything else becomes known?”

To this, Angiras responds with a resounding yes. He explains that there is indeed one fundamental reality, the very cause of this universe, that once understood, reveals the essence of everything. 

The text draws an important distinction between two kinds of knowledge. There’s apara vidya – the lower knowledge that pertains to the material and empirical world. Then there’s para vidya – the higher knowledge that unveils the ultimate truth of existence. 

Additionally, one of the most evocative metaphors in the text is that of two birds perched on the same tree. One bird tastes the fruits of the tree, savoring both the sweetness and the bitterness that life offers. The other bird, however, simply observes – calm, objective, and unaffected. Through this imagery, the Mundakopanishad gently reminds us of our dual nature: the self that is entangled in worldly experiences, and the self that is the pure, unchanging witness.

Gentler Evening Text: Bhagavad Gita, CH16 (Wise Qualities)

Chapter 16 provides a clear map of qualities that either help or hinder spiritual growth. Krishna contrasts divine virtues (daivi-sampat) with demonic tendencies (asuri-sampat) to help us identify what needs tweaking in ourselves. The chapter shows how to refine four key areas: our physical and emotional health, our actions, how we handle life's ups and downs, and our spiritual practice. Through qualities like fearlessness, mental purity, and truthfulness, we create a mind ready for self-knowledge. Krishna warns against traits like vanity, anger, and greed – the “gateways to hell” – while reminding us that consistent thinking upon scriptural wisdom – leads to a successful, meaningful life.

Who is Teaching?

Residential retreat will be held at Vlierhof, Kleve, Germany – led by Vedic and Sanskrit teacher Andre Vas.  You will be systematically guided through the  verses so your vision is aligned with the vision of the book.

Teachings are based on Swami Dayananda and Swami Chinmaya. You can get the book on Amazon.

We will have 4 sessions per day (2x morning, 1x afternoon, 1x in evening for Bhagavad Gita).

Some of our previous retreats:

What's Covered?

Material Used In Class:

• Mundaka Upanishad – PDF (to be uploaded soon)
• Bhagavad Gita, CH13 – PDF (to be uploaded soon)

Where is it?

• Address: Klever Strasse. 115 47533 Kleve, Germany.
• Description: Retreat will be held at the Vlierhof, an eco-community. In the large seminar house next to the farmhouse, is a beautiful group room, a dining room, and a relaxation lounge. All of which can be used freely. There is also a large camping area. Meals are provided by the Vlierhof cooks, using vegetables from their own garden.  See Vlierhof website for pictures.

Dates:

• Arrival: Please arrive on 7th July – by 2:00pm.
• Departure: Departure is on 13th July – by 12pm. 

Cost:

• Registration Fee: The registration fee for the retreat is €100 (AUD205). It's intended to cover the rental cost for the seminar room (where teaching takes place), and organizational costs.
• Accommodation/Food Fee: For the whole 7 days of our seminar (includes 3 meals per day): 
  • • One person in room: Unavailable
    • Two people in room: €480 (has two separate beds)
    • Bring your own tent/campervan: €400  (or €110 without 3 meals a day).
• No charge for the Vedanta teaching itself as it's the standard in tradition.
• SUMMARY: Total Cost = Registration Fee (€100) + Accommodation Fee (€480) + Your travel expenses.

How To Register:

• STEP 1: Fill out your details at the organizer's website. Organizer's name is Otto Munters: https://vedanta.nl/aanmelden-vlierhof/. Tick the €100 option (I want to participate…) + tick the room type. Otto will ask you to pay. You can also pay directly at our donations page. We'll inform Otto.
• STEP 2: After payment, Otto will reserve a room for you at Vlierhof. 
• STEP 3: Vlierhof will send you a bill couple of days later to pay accommodation/food.

Getting There:

• Closest international airport is: Dusseldorf Airport [DUS]. From there, get a taxi via “Freenow” app, similar to Uber.