The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita

Yoga Alliance RYT’s and E-RYT’s: This course offers up to 35 hours of continuing education credit. Ask your instructor for documentation.

6 days

There are no dates currently scheduled.

Take your spiritual life into an entirely new dimension as you unlock the secrets of this powerful scripture. Swami Kriyananda has called the Gita “the world’s greatest scripture” -- not that its teachings are “better” than other scriptures, but that those teachings are given in a way that is so direct, accessible, and doable. This full-immersion program will take you into those teachings so you will understand them not only intellectually, but intuitively and practically.

Here are a few of the topics you’ll explore:

• Overcoming mental and emotional traps
• How to rise above the law of karma
• Keys to a more-rewarding meditation practice
• How to create an outer life that feeds your inner life
• What really works in the spiritual life, and what doesn’t
• What to do when you bog down, spiritually
• Harmonizing your spiritual quest with your own unique needs and aspirations
• How to deepen your relationship with God

Your program leaders are Gyandev and Diksha McCord, who will share with you their special affinity for the Gita. They combine clear, centered energy and insights with a great sense of inspiration, kindness, and fun. Each day will include a special Gita meditation, in which you dive into its teachings in the unusual, un-Western way that the great Yoga masters have always recommended. You’ll also enjoy Gyandev’s and Diksha’s thrilling storytelling and dance presentation of the Mahabharata, the epic poem of which the Bhagavad Gita is a part.

Joining Gyandev and Diksha as guest teachers for at least one class will be Jyotish and Devi Novak, Ananda’s Spiritual Directors.

One of your course texts is The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita Explained by Paramhansa Yogananda. All participants will receive their own copy upon arrival. If you would like to receive yours in advance, you can order it from The Expanding Light Boutique (800-346-5350). The retail cost of the book ($14) will be deducted from your balance due upon arrival.

This is a one-of-a-kind program that you won’t want to miss.

Note: There will be several extra classes that are only for Ananda’s Level 1 Yoga Teacher Training graduates and those who have completed Part 1 of Bridge to Ananda Yoga.

Prices are all-inclusive and cover accommodations, meals, classes or activities, and course materials.

The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita starts the afternoon of the first date listed. It’s ideal to arrive before 4 pm, if you are able to. That way, you can join in the afternoon session of yoga and meditation, which begins at 4:45 pm. Dinner is at 6:30. The first real gathering of your group is at 7:30 pm. If you need to arrive here after 5 pm, that’s fine, but it helps us if you let us know at 800-346-5350. We can also put aside a dinner for you if you need to arrive after 7 pm. The program ends with lunch on the last date. Please see our Daily Schedule.

See Transportation and Directions whether you are coming by plane, car, bus or train. Our Frequent Questions page answers many of the questions you might have about How to Go on Retreat.