From January 3 to 11, 2027, events will be held in Georgia with spiritual teacher Swami Vishnudevananda Giri and monks of the tradition. The centerpiece of the program will be a five-day retreat entitled “Concentration, Meditation, and Samadhi: Advanced Contemplative Practices”. The program also includes lectures, satsangs, meditations, and traditional rites for undertaking spiritual commitments.
Program
January 3 — Arrival of Participants
welcome and registration;
accommodation;
orientation at the venue;
organizational preparation for the retreat.
January 4–8 — Five-Day Retreat
“Concentration, Meditation, and Samadhi: Advanced Contemplative Practices”
The program includes:
practice of a mantra transmitted according to the established order of the tradition;
methods of concentration and meditation;
exploration of the nature of mind;
teachings on self-liberation, self-surrender, and self-recognition;
lectures and satsangs with the spiritual teacher and monks;
group and individual contemplative practices.
January 9 — Sharanagati Samskara
Śaraṇāgati means “surrendering oneself to refuge,” while saṃskāra is a consecratory rite that establishes an enduring spiritual commitment. Sharanagati Samskara is a ceremony of taking Refuge and consciously entering the path of discipleship in accordance with the established order of the tradition.
Participation in the ceremony requires prior familiarization with its content, requirements, and the commitments undertaken.
January 10 — Ashta Avarana Diksha
Dīkṣā is a spiritual initiation performed by an authorized teacher; aṣṭa means “eight,” while āvaraṇa means “covering,” “protection,” or “enclosure.” Ashta Avarana Diksha is an initiation into eight traditional forms of spiritual protection and discipline associated with the worship of Shiva.
During the ceremony, eligible disciples may be given spiritual names. In Sanatana Dharma, such a name signifies an adopted spiritual orientation and affiliation with a particular order of discipleship. It does not replace one’s legal name and does not promise an automatic change in life circumstances: its meaning unfolds through observance of vows, practice, and the guidance of a teacher.
January 11 — Conclusion of the Program
closing meeting;
departure of participants.
Information for Participants
Venue: Georgia; the exact address will be provided to registered participants.
Dates of stay: January 3–11, 2027.
Registration procedures, accommodation conditions, participation fees, preparation requirements, and the list of necessary items should be confirmed with the organizers. Participation in the Sharanagati Samskara and Ashta Avarana Diksha requires separate approval.
Registration contact: Nandayanti
Practitioners, disciples, and seekers who are prepared for consistent discipline, study of the Teaching, and respectful observance of the rules of the tradition are invited to attend.
