A Journey of Ananda Retreat with Shakti Durga
8-15 March 2026
A Journey of Ananda Retreat with Shakti Durga
8-15 March 2026
8-15 March 2026
“From Bliss all beings are born, by Bliss they live, and into Bliss they enter at their end.”
Taittirīya Upaniṣad 3.6.1 आनन्दादेव खल्विमानि भूतानि जायन्ते ... — तैत्तिरीय उपनिषद् ३.६.१
“From Bliss all beings are born, by Bliss they live, and into Bliss they enter at their end.”
Taittirīya Upaniṣad 3.6.1 आनन्दादेव खल्विमानि भूतानि जायन्ते ... — तैत्तिरीय उपनिषद् ३.६.१
Dear Light‑Bearers,
In the quiet dawn of our being there arises a whisper — soft, luminous, limitless — inviting us to remember our true nature. This is the sacred pulse of Ānanda: the bliss‑essence that is our birthright, our home beyond form and thought.
In the ancient wisdom of the Taittirīya Upaniṣad it is said: “Brahman is Bliss (Ānanda).
The Infinite is bliss. There is no bliss in anything finite. Only the Infinite is bliss.”
When one rests in that timeless chamber, all else falls away. Our retreat will be an immersion in the Divine bliss that is the core of our being, the joy of life and the reason for our existence.
In the quiet dawn of our being there arises a whisper — soft, luminous, limitless — inviting us to remember our true nature. This is the sacred pulse of Ānanda: the bliss‑essence that is our birthright, our home beyond form and thought.
In the ancient wisdom of the Taittirīya Upaniṣad it is said: “Brahman is Bliss (Ānanda).
The Infinite is bliss. There is no bliss in anything finite. Only the Infinite is bliss.”
When one rests in that timeless chamber, all else falls away. Our retreat will be an immersion in the Divine bliss that is the core of our being, the joy of life and the reason for our existence.
An Invitation from Your Soul
As the Upaniṣad teaches: “He who knows that bliss of Brahman, from whom words and mind turn back unable to reach Him, fears nothing from any quarter.” — Taittirīya Upaniṣad, Brahmānanda Vallī, 2.8.1
In that stillness, tensions, anxieties and stress dissolve. You are undone by nothing and held by all. This is your natural state — a state of bliss, connection, and awareness of the innate perfection of Self and life.
In that stillness, tensions, anxieties and stress dissolve. You are undone by nothing and held by all. This is your natural state — a state of bliss, connection, and awareness of the innate perfection of Self and life.
Why Now?
Because the world aches for love, for presence, for awakened beings who remember the dance of the Infinite in the finite. Because you have carried within you the whisper of grace and the longing for home. Because in the safety of this circle we will tend the spark until it blooms into luminous flame.
May this gathering be a temple of the heart, a sanctuary of the luminous, a field of grace. May you step through the threshold of yourself and discover the ocean of bliss beneath the waves.
May this gathering be a temple of the heart, a sanctuary of the luminous, a field of grace. May you step through the threshold of yourself and discover the ocean of bliss beneath the waves.
Retreat Details
Retreat Dates
The retreat commences on Sat 8 March and concludes on Sun 15 March 2026 and will be held at the Mahaavatar Babaji Meditation Centre.
This Ashram is in a serene remote area surrounded by farms and it’s a 10 minute car journey to Palampur, the nearest large town. You don’t go there for café culture, or for massages and ayurveda, you just go there to be with yourself and the powerful energy that has been generated through the presence of Swamiji and the many devotees who have sought him out over time.
The Mahaavatar Babaji Meditation Centre is for deep spiritual seekers and is only accessible by invitation. Shakti Durga Retreats are one of the ways that the hallowed space and Swamiji’s home can be experienced.
Accommodation
On this retreat, participants will stay in the comfortable accommodation block called Darpan. Darpan means ‘mirror’. The concept of this name is that in most cases, we use a mirror to check our physical appearance, but in Darpan, when we wake up and prepare for the day, we use the ‘mirror’ to check that our heart is pure and ready to love.
From Darpan, we walk across a bridge over a beautiful flowing stream, and up the hill to ‘Arpan’ the Yagyashala, or fire temple. Arpan means offering. Here, in this place of dawn and dusk fire ceremonies, we have the opportunity to offer to the divine both the good and the bad, to purify ourselves and prepare for blessings and oneness. After we have offered our love and prayers in Arpan, we move to Samarpan, the silent meditation hall. Samarpan means ‘surrender.’ Here, one easily drifts into deep states of connectedness in a space that is maintained in pristine stillness and silence. Meditation in Samarpan is particularly useful for cultivating clarity, confidence, bliss and inner strength.
Travel Information
We will be flying in and out from Kangra airport, quite close to Dharamsala and McLeod Ganj, a large Tibetan Buddhist settlement. Some people like to spend a couple of days here either before the retreat starts or after it concludes as it has great shopping, many tourist attractions and temples. Ashram transport from the airport will be arranged according to participant arrival and departure details.
Weather
March marks the arrival of spring, and is considered a moderately rainy month, it's also a time when the weather is often clear and pleasant. Due to the cool mornings and the transition from winter to spring, mist is also common. Temperatures may range from a chilly 4°C (39°F) to a comfortable 16°C (61°F). Expect mornings and evenings to be cool, so warm clothing is recommended.
See What to Bring
For Online Information and Registration Click HERE
In Person - Important Information
What to Expect
1. Daily Fire Ceremonies in the Sacred Yagam Hall, invoking the purifying and transformative power of Agni to awaken divine light within and around us.
2. Time in the Silent Babaji Meditation Hall, where an enlivened Murti of the Great Avatar, Lord Babaji, radiates the presence of eternal stillness and grace.
3. Daily Spiritual Transmissions with Blissful Sage Shakti Durga, offering wisdom, love, and energetic initiation to awaken the bliss of the Divine within your own heart.
4. Meet Yogi Rāj Amar Jyoti, who holds the incandescent light of Babaji. His silent presence awakens remembrance, and his joy illumines the hearts of those called into his radiant field.
5. Enter the stillness of your own heart, beyond the mind’s turbulence.
6. Invoke mantras that open the doors of being and invite bliss.
7. Move through practices that dissolve limitation and awaken the body‑temple to joy including strategies to embed the bliss of Ananda in 12 Mansions of your soul
8. Immerse in spiritual community, meeting new and deepening existing connections in a warm‑hearted atmosphere.
9. Time for rest and self‑nourishment, fed by Australian Executive Chef Prasad, who will lovingly cater vegetarian and vegan cuisine to delight body and soul.
10. An unhurried program conducted in the atmosphere and grandeur of the Himalayan mountains, where you can immerse in nature, in silence and in self.
11. Live sacred music helping to anchor your expanded consciousness
12. Emerge not just refreshed, but transformed: abiding in the freedom of your essential Self
2. Time in the Silent Babaji Meditation Hall, where an enlivened Murti of the Great Avatar, Lord Babaji, radiates the presence of eternal stillness and grace.
3. Daily Spiritual Transmissions with Blissful Sage Shakti Durga, offering wisdom, love, and energetic initiation to awaken the bliss of the Divine within your own heart.
4. Meet Yogi Rāj Amar Jyoti, who holds the incandescent light of Babaji. His silent presence awakens remembrance, and his joy illumines the hearts of those called into his radiant field.
5. Enter the stillness of your own heart, beyond the mind’s turbulence.
6. Invoke mantras that open the doors of being and invite bliss.
7. Move through practices that dissolve limitation and awaken the body‑temple to joy including strategies to embed the bliss of Ananda in 12 Mansions of your soul
8. Immerse in spiritual community, meeting new and deepening existing connections in a warm‑hearted atmosphere.
9. Time for rest and self‑nourishment, fed by Australian Executive Chef Prasad, who will lovingly cater vegetarian and vegan cuisine to delight body and soul.
10. An unhurried program conducted in the atmosphere and grandeur of the Himalayan mountains, where you can immerse in nature, in silence and in self.
11. Live sacred music helping to anchor your expanded consciousness
12. Emerge not just refreshed, but transformed: abiding in the freedom of your essential Self
Two Special Opportunities
The retreat commences on Sat 8 March and concludes on 15 March 2026.
Shakti Durga will be arriving at the Ashram on Monday 2 March in order to attend the Holi celebrations prior to commencing the retreat, You are being offered the opportunity to arrive early and attend Holi if you wish. You will be required to pay for your own accommodation which will include three meals per day in their main dining area. For more details see below.
Shakti Durga will be staying at the Ashram after the retreat departing the Ashram on 21 March. You are invited, if you wish, to stay for an extra week to enjoy relaxed time with Shakti Durga and time to integrate the energies of the retreat. There may be some sessions with Shakti Durga during this week, however days will run in Divine flow. The cost to you will be for accommodation and meals. Should you wish to give an extra donation for any teachings with Shakti Durga during this week, this will be up to you. If you wish to stay for this extra week please select the retreat booking option which includes the extra week. All participants will need to leave the ashram no later than 21 March.
Holi
Holi falls on 4 March 2026. The festival on either 4, 5 or 6 of March this year at Babaji’s ashram. The actual date will be confirmed closer to the event. It is a festival of Spring, associated with forgiveness, refreshment of spirit and renewed connection with the Divine.
These days will be filled with cultural programs, including a joyous celebration involving throwing thousands of flower petals in the air. If you attending the retreat and would like to, you are welcome to arrive anytime from 2 March to enjoy this beautiful, joyful cultural experience. This would provide an opportunity for you to experience the ashram in an unstructured way, at your own pace, in readiness for the retreat commencing on 8 March.
Once you register for the retreat you will receive a confirmation email with a link to the retreat dashboard. On the dashboard you will find further information on how to take up this opportunity to attend Holi and further retreat information.
Mahaavatar Babaji Meditation Centre, India
Mahaavatar Babaji Meditation Centre, India
A Journey of Ananda
Sat 8 - Sun 15 March 2026
A Journey of Ananda
Sat 8 - Sun 15 March 2026
Sat 8 - Sun 15 March 2026
As the Upaniṣad teaches: “He who knows that bliss of Brahman, from whom words and mind turn back unable to reach Him, fears nothing from any quarter.” — Taittirīya Upaniṣad, Brahmānanda Vallī, 2.8.1
Travel Itinerary
Travel Itinerary
Pre-Retreat:
Sunday 1 March: Shakti Durga is departing Sydney on Air India AI301 at 8.45pm to arrive Delhi at 4.15am Mon 2 March
Monday 2 March: Indigo flight 6E 7483 departing Delhi at 8.10am; arrive Kangra DHM (Dharamsala) airport at 9.30am.
Tuesday 3 March to Sat 7 March: Holi, fire puja and other time at the Ashram, preparing for the retreat.
Retreat Program:
Sunday 8 March: Retreat begins at 4pm. Session with Shakti Durga and fire puja at dusk. Dinner.
Mon 9- Sat 14 March: Dawn fire puja followed by satsang with Swamiji and/or Shakti Durga, then program with Shakti Durga after breakfast - approx 11am (also online). Breakfast, lunch and dinner provided by Prasad, Session with Shakti Durga and fire puja at dusk.
Sun 15 March: Dawn fire puja followed by satsang with Swamiji and/or Shakti Durga, Retreat concludes with breakfast.
Post-Retreat
Mon 16 March - Fri 20 March: Week in the Ashram
Sat 21 March : Shakti Durga leaving on flight ........
All participants to leave Ashram.
The ashram day starts at dawn with a half hour fire puja followed by time in the silent Babaji meditation space. Then devotees either sit in the grounds for a while communing with nature, or head down to breakfast.
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Being in the presence of Swamiji was an amazing experience that I recommend to everyone. Pure unconditional love in a spectacular setting - snowed capped mountains that took my breath away..
Narayani, Melbourne
In Person Attendance
What's Included:
Not Included:
Upon registration you will receive a confirmation email with a link to a dashboard which will give you lots of information and a WhatsApp group to join for easy communication. On the dashboard you will find a link to an online form to let us know your travel arrangements so we can ensure your journey to the ashram is ease and grace - this is compulsory to complete and should be completed as soon as your have booked your flights.
Occasionally fog in the Himalayas will mean flights do not run and you may need to get cars from Delhi or to Delhi on your return, so you should bring sufficient cash to cover this and other sundry travel expenses, such as into Palampur. Also bring your own snacks and water bottle for filtered water.
When you arrive at the ashram you will need to complete a form with your details which is required by the government. It is helpful to have a photocopy of your passport with you to save time.
Also for your information there are excellent medical facilities available locally.
- All tuition
- Powerful and transformative meditations and teachings
- Spiritual discourses
- Attendance at fire ceremony
- Accommodation 8-15 March and, if selected at registration, 16-21 March, at the ashram in Palampur, the Ashram of Maha Avatar Babaji, which is the home of Yogiraj Amar Jyoti.
- 3 meals per day served in the ashram canteen beginning with lunch the day you arrive and finishing with breakfast on Mon 29 - simple vegetarian Indian food. Please refer to the What to Bring list for more details.
- Transfers to and from Dharamsala Airport
- Donation to Swamiji's ashram
- Live sacred music
- Administration fee
Not Included:
- Meals other than those stated
- International flights to India
- Internal India flights
- Any accommodation other than the Ashram accommodation
- All airfares, meals and accommodation outside the ashram
- Travel insurance. This is compulsory to join the retreat.
Upon registration you will receive a confirmation email with a link to a dashboard which will give you lots of information and a WhatsApp group to join for easy communication. On the dashboard you will find a link to an online form to let us know your travel arrangements so we can ensure your journey to the ashram is ease and grace - this is compulsory to complete and should be completed as soon as your have booked your flights.
Occasionally fog in the Himalayas will mean flights do not run and you may need to get cars from Delhi or to Delhi on your return, so you should bring sufficient cash to cover this and other sundry travel expenses, such as into Palampur. Also bring your own snacks and water bottle for filtered water.
When you arrive at the ashram you will need to complete a form with your details which is required by the government. It is helpful to have a photocopy of your passport with you to save time.
Also for your information there are excellent medical facilities available locally.
In Person Booking Options
In Person Booking Options
Online program
Online program
Devotees have told us how much benefit they have had from attending the online version of our programs. To help spread the blessings we will offer a 6 day online program commencing on Mon 9 March and running to Sun 14 March.
Sessions will be offered at 11am India time.
Sydney: 4.30pm AEDT
London: 5.30am GMT
LA: 10.30pm PDT the evening before eg Sun 8 March
NY: 1.30am EDT
Should our friends in the USA wish to attend we suggest the recorded sessions done in your own time.
As our retreats are run in accordance with Divine flow please also check the Whatsapp group for updates.
When you register you will receive an email with a dashboard where you will find the attendance link, recordings of the sessions as well as a whatsapp group for better communication and sharing between participants. Photos and news can be shared in this group as well as questions and insights as to the pilgrimage material.
Sessions will be offered at 11am India time.
Sydney: 4.30pm AEDT
London: 5.30am GMT
LA: 10.30pm PDT the evening before eg Sun 8 March
NY: 1.30am EDT
Should our friends in the USA wish to attend we suggest the recorded sessions done in your own time.
As our retreats are run in accordance with Divine flow please also check the Whatsapp group for updates.
When you register you will receive an email with a dashboard where you will find the attendance link, recordings of the sessions as well as a whatsapp group for better communication and sharing between participants. Photos and news can be shared in this group as well as questions and insights as to the pilgrimage material.
Online Registration
Online Registration
