A spiritually uplifting retreat was held at our Almora Centre from 7th to 11th May 2025, drawing 85 delegates from across India and abroad, including the USA, UK, Bangladesh, and Canada.
The retreat featured an enriching lineup of sessions by esteemed monastics:
- Swami Raghavendrananda, Adhyaksha, Ramakrishna Math, Nagpur – conducted guided meditation sessions every morning, along with Dharma Prasanga based on the lives and teachings of Sri Ramakrishna, Holy Mother Sri Sarada Devi, and Swami Vivekananda.
- Swami Atmashraddhananda, Secretary, Ramakrishna Mission Ashrama, Kanpur – delivered inspiring talks on the life and teachings of Swami Turiyananda, particularly focusing on his letters written from Almora.
- Swami Sukhananda, Adhyaksha, Ramakrishna Math, Bhuj – offered a profound recital and discourse on the Ramacharitmanas.
- Swami Shuddhidananda, Adhyaksha, Advaita Ashrama, Mayavati – gave an insightful discourse on Chapter 15 (Purushottama Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
A special session on the Ramacharitmanas by Swami Sukhananda was also organized at Kakrighat, attended by about 50 people, including local villagers and schoolchildren.
In addition to the speakers, several other revered monks and brahmacharins graced the retreat with their presence:
- Swami Shaktinathananda – Ramakrishna Mission, Chittagong
- Swami Sevamayananda – Haziganj Centre
- Swami Shankareshananda – Rajkot Centre
- Swami Hariramananda – Porbandar Centre
…and others.
As part of the retreat experience, participants were taken on spiritually significant excursions to Turiyananda Taposthali, Karbala, Vivekananda Dwar, Patal Devi, and Kasar Devi temples, with transportation arrangements provided.
The retreat concluded on the evening of 11th May with a heartfelt sharing session where selected delegates recounted their transformative experiences. The entire retreat radiated the uplifting spirit of devotion, reflection, and inner awakening.
