From February 12 to 18, 2027, a spiritual program will take place in Ubud, on the island of Bali, under the guidance of Swami Vishnudevananda Giri. The program will focus on the teachings of Advaita and Shaivism, the practice of self-knowledge, and traditional forms of discipleship.
Bali is an Indonesian island with a centuries-old Hindu culture, temple traditions, and a living practice of daily offerings, rituals, and worship of divine forms. Ubud, located in the central part of the island, has historically been associated with Balinese artistic, religious, and ascetic culture. Ubud’s natural environment—tropical forests, rice terraces, and proximity to temple complexes—creates favorable conditions for focused spiritual practice.
The program is intended for those who seek to study the tradition of Advaita and Shaivism in greater depth, receive guidance on meditation and contemplation, and become acquainted with established forms of spiritual discipleship.
February 12 — Open Satsang
“Direct Realization of Advaita. The Teachings of Advaita and Shaivism on the Highest Goal of Life”
The discussion will be based on the teachings of Swami Vishnudevananda Giri, participants’ questions, and explanations of traditional principles in Russian. The satsang is open to everyone, including listeners with no prior experience studying Indian philosophy.
February 13–17 — Five-Day Seminar
“Unveiling Divine Grace. Attaining the Three Awakened Bodies in the Shaivite Tradition”
The five-day seminar is devoted to the systematic study of spiritual practice in the Shaivite tradition. The program covers contemplation, mental discipline, devotion, recognition of consciousness, and inner transformation.
The concept of Divine Grace in Shaivism corresponds to the Sanskrit term anugraha—“grace,” “benevolent revelation,” or “spiritual assistance.” In classical Shaivite teachings, anugraha is understood not as an external reward, but as an action of the highest reality through which consciousness is freed from limitations and recognizes its own nature.
The seminar includes:
theoretical teachings on the foundations of Advaita and Shaivism;
meditative practices;
explanations of traditional methods for working with attention and the mind;
questions and answers;
recommendations for further individual practice.
The theme of the three awakened bodies is considered in the context of traditional ideas about the transformation of the human being through spiritual discipline. The terminology and content of the teaching require careful explanation, since the corresponding classifications may be interpreted differently in various schools of Shaivism and Tantra. At the seminar, these principles are explained in connection with practice, the Guru’s instructions, and the traditional system of discipleship.
February 17 — Entering Discipleship
Sharanagati-samskara
A ceremony of entering discipleship—Sharanagati-samskara—will be held for all those who wish to participate.
Sharanagati derives from the Sanskrit śaraṇa—“refuge,” “protection,” or “shelter”—and means turning to spiritual refuge. Samskara means “a rite of establishment,” “a consecrating ceremony,” or “a formative spiritual act.”
In the tradition of discipleship, sharanagati expresses the conscious acceptance of spiritual guidance, a commitment to study the teachings, and adherence to established principles of practice. It is not merely a formal entry into an organization, but an act of personal decision that implies respect for the Guru, discipline, regular practice, and responsibility for one’s own path.
Before taking part in the ceremony, it is recommended to receive detailed explanations of its meaning, traditional procedure, and the obligations of a disciple.
February 18 — Ashta-avarana Diksha
Initiation into the Eight Protections of Shiva and Receiving a Spiritual Name
Diksha is a Sanskrit term denoting initiation and the transmission of spiritual power, knowledge, or authorization to practice. In traditional dictionaries, it is associated with the act of initiating a disciple and establishing their connection with a lineage of transmission.
Ashta-avarana means “eight coverings,” “eight protections,” or “eight forms of protection.” In this context, it refers to initiation into the eight protections of Shiva, transmitted from Guru to disciple in accordance with the established order of the tradition.
The ceremony includes:
transmission of the initiation;
establishing a connection with the spiritual lineage;
instruction on the principles of discipleship;
receiving a spiritual name;
explanation of further practice.
Traditional initiation should be distinguished from a general introduction to the philosophy of Shaivism. Diksha involves personal participation in the lineage of succession and the acceptance of certain commitments.
Practical Information
Location: Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
Dates: February 12–18, 2027
The open satsang on February 12 is available to everyone.
Participation in the seminar, Sharanagati-samskara, and Ashta-avarana-diksha requires advance registration and familiarization with the program terms.
Organizational information about the venue, schedule, accommodation, and registration procedure is provided to participants upon registration.
Registration Contacts:
Telegram Shrinandini
Europe: +39 3271 95 3127
WhatsApp +7 916 0077 917
Shrinandini108@gmail.com
