About Our Unique Retreat

This year, Thursday, March 19, marks Yugādi, the Vedic New Year. The incoming year is named Parābhava—that which signifies defeat or being overcome. As its name intimates, it is a year that may bring challenges, trials, and moments of inner or outer struggle. In the Hindu tradition, whenever one confronts defeat—or even the shadow of it—one seeks refuge in Mahāviṣṇu, the eternal sustainer.

Our śāstras teach that the grace of Mahāviṣṇu is attained through tapas—austerity born of single-pointed focus, where the mind rests on Viṣṇu to the exclusion of all else. To support such tapas, this retreat to Experience Mahāviṣṇu is being organized in the serene, sylvan surroundings of the Hindu University of America campus at Pine Lake Retreat, Orlando, Florida.

Through tapas, it is said, one may truly see Him—for He walks to where the ardent devotee stands: “tad viṣṇoḥ paramaṁ padam” — declares the Yajur Veda.

During the retreat, participants will immerse themselves in sacred practice and contemplative study: performing pūjā and yajña (“yajño vai viṣṇuḥ” — the Yajur Veda proclaims that yajña itself is Viṣṇu), learning Vedic hymns in praise of the Lord, studying the Nārāyaṇa Upaniṣad, chanting stotras, singing and listening to compositions on Viṣṇu and His avatāras, and experiencing His presence through the medium of classical dance.

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The retreat fee includes accommodation, nourishing Sattvic vegetarian meals, and access to expert-led workshops, offering a comprehensive and rejuvenating experience. Note: Airfare to and from Orlando is not included.

Price range: $575.00 through $1,650.00

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Special Sessions:

Viṣṇu Sahasranāma & Viśvarūpa Darśana

The retreat will feature a special evening session of collective chanting of the Viṣṇu Sahasranāma, preceded by an introductory exposition on its meaning, structure, and spiritual significance. This session may be further enriched by a reflective engagement with the Viśvarūpa Darśana Yoga of the Bhagavad Gītā, where Arjuna beholds Mahāviṣṇu as the Viśvarūpa, the Universal Person—an encounter that brings the retreat’s central theme of experiencing Viṣṇu to its philosophical and experiential culmination.

Daśāvatāra – Dance and Music

On Saturday, the sacred narrative of Viṣṇu’s Daśāvatāra will unfold through the expressive medium of classical dance, presented by Smt. Anandi Srinivas along with her students. This visual narration of the Lord’s descents will be complemented by a musical presentation, offering a layered aesthetic and contemplative experience of the avatāric principle.

Saṅgīta – Musical Contemplation of Viṣṇu

Select saṅgīta sessions, drawing upon suitable local resources in the Orlando area, will allow participants to experience Viṣṇu through devotional music—listening, reflection, and where appropriate, gentle participation—deepening the retreat’s contemplative atmosphere.