Join Shantala Sriramaiah, an expert teacher in Vedic Chanting and founder of Veda Studies, to celebrate Gurupūrnimā. Learn the Śiva Saṅkalpa Sūktam, where the mind is encouraged to become self-mastered, akin to Śiva. This potent 32-verse hymn, acts as both a Mantra and Vow (vrata), inviting calmness, aligning with righteousness, and fortifying resolve. It nurtures the mind towards our life's purpose and soothes during times of confusion or despair. The hymn's refrain, "tan me manaḥ śiva sankalpaṃ astu," emphasizes its transformative power in creating a strong connection between practitioner and mind, vital for karmic healing and transformation. Participation is open to those who finished the Veda Studies Foundation Course.

Shantala will teach the Śiva Sańkalpa Sūktam traditionally recited as part of the Mahānyāsam. One remarkable aspect of this prayer is that our mind is the deity, inseparable from Śiva, enabling us to harness its potential for karmic transformation.

yene̱daṃ bhū̱taṃ bhuva̍naṃ bhavi̱ṣyatpari̍gṛhītama̱mṛte̍na̱ sarvam̎ |

yena̍ ya̱jñastrā̍yate sa̱ptaho̍tā̱ tanme̱ mana̍ḥ śi̱vasa̍ṅka̱lpama̍stu ||1||

Key points of this retreat:

► Experience the traditional adhyayanam method with Shantala. Adhyayanam is the listening and repeating after the teacher to learn to chant a text.

► Learn about the significance of Gurupūrṇimā in relation to Śiva.

► Explore the related practices - śivopāsana mantra-s, śiva dhyānam, 108 names of Śiva & Dakṣiṇāmūrti mūla mantra japa on Gurupūrṇimā.

► Practice the Rudram (and possibly other hymns) live in community. If you have not yet learned these hymns with Shantala, you are assured a powerful listening experience.

► Immerse yourself in the meditative experience of chanting this text, which has a refrain and therefore easy to learn and enjoy in community. 

For more information and bookings pls click here.

This retreat will be held in English. 

Agenda

Tentative Program

Sunday 6 July
- From mid-afternoon: arrival participants at Mandali
- Late afternoon: meeting with Shantala & orientation
- Evening: welcome dinner, evening meditation

Monday 7 July
- Morning: yoga, chanting session 1, break, chanting session 2
- Afternoon: lunch at Mandali, session 3
- Evening: dinner at Mandali, evening meditation

Tuesday 8 July
- Morning: yoga, chanting session 1, break, chanting session 2
- Afternoon: lunch at Mandali, session 3
- Evening: dinner at Mandali, evening meditation

Wednesday  9 July
- Morning: yoga, chanting session 1, break, chanting session 2
- Afternoon: lunch at Mandali, session 3
- Evening: dinner at Mandali, evening meditation

Thursday 10 July - Gurupurnima
- Morning: yoga, chanting session 1, break, chanting session 2
- Afternoon: lunch at Mandali, session 3
- Evening: dinner at Mandali, evening meditation

Friday 11 July
- Morning: yoga, chanting session 1, break, chanting session 2
- Afternoon: lunch at Mandali, session 3
- Evening: dinner at Mandali, evening meditation

Saturday 12 July
- Morning: yoga, chanting session 1, break, chanting session 2
- Afternoon: lunch at Mandali, departure

Email for booking