Reflections from the Gita

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Reflections from the Gita

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Check out our various upcoming programs—we're sure there's something to inspire you

Program Calendar
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Reflections from the Gita

August 30—September 2, 2019

Registration for this event has closed

Check out our various upcoming programs—we're sure there's something to inspire you

Program Calendar

“No one, even for the twinkling of an eye, ever exists without performing action.”
—Winthrop Sargeant, The Bhagavad Gita (3:5)

The message of the Bhagavad Gita is really four messages combined, each charting a pathway from relentless activity to peace of mind. Perhaps there is no other scripture that portrays the journey to enlightenment with such variety and human richness. Clear, practical, and framed with universal appeal, the dialogue exchanged in the Gita opens the way to spiritual self-discovery.

Join Dr. Sovik for this inspiring 3-night retreat and enjoy meditations in the inspiring stillness of the newly consecrated Sri Vidya Shrine, an exploration of the practical lessons in the Gita, and evening satsang in community with your peers.

In this program, you will:
  • Use the deep silence of the shrine to enhance your meditation experience
  • Choose key verses of the Gita to explore the essential roles of karma, bhakti, jnana, and raja yoga in daily life
  • Examine the therapeutic qualities of the Gita’s message
  • Grasp the “wheel of karma” as an experience shared by every human
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Rolf Sovik, PsyD

Senior Teacher of the Himalayan Institute, Rolf Sovik, PsyD, began his study of yoga and meditation in 1972. He is a student of H.H. Swami Rama and Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, and under their guidance has explored the teachings of the Himalayan tradition. He holds degrees in philosophy, music, Eastern Studies, and Clinical Psy...
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Himalayan Institute Retreat Center

For more than fifty years, the Himalayan Institute’s Retreat Center has been a gathering place for people seeking inspiration and aspiring to restore inner balance. Home to a vibrant community of yogis, it’s a place for seekers wishing to study the ancient tradition of yoga and to deepen the connection between themselves and the world around them. Whether you visit for a weekend retreat, a personal getaway, or one of our longer-term programs, your visit to the Himalayan Institute will accelerate your personal journey of rejuvenation and transformation.
Free Wifi
400-Acre Campus
On-Site Cafe
Meditation Shrine
Wooded Hiking Trails
Pond with Kayaks
On-Site Wellness Center
Bonfires and Stargazing
Bookstore and Giftshop

Retreat Center Highlights

Sacred Space
The Sri Vidya Shrine is the spiritual heart of the Himalayan Institute. This sanctuary offers an ideal setting for silent meditation and group spiritual practice, a cornerstone of the Himalayan Tradition for thousands of years. Open to seekers of all backgrounds and traditions, the Shrine provides a serene, sacred space for meditation, quiet reflection, prayer, and contemplation.
Nourishing Meals
Our nutritionally balanced vegetarian meals are thoughtfully prepared to nourish body, mind, and spirit. Each of our three daily meals is designed to be easily digestible and to support a meditative lifestyle. Sharing meals here naturally fosters connection, offering both deep nourishment and a sense of community.
Loving Community
The Himalayan Institute welcomes people from all walks of life. With a blend of short-term guests, long-term visitors, and a vibrant residential community, the atmosphere here is warm, inviting, and rooted in kindness, generosity, and service. It’s a place where friendships form naturally, often becoming the kind of connections that feel like family, and last a lifetime.
Rest in Nature
Nestled in the rolling hills of the Poconos, the Himalayan Institute’s 400-acre campus offers breathtaking views, scenic hiking trails, and quiet spaces for reflection and contemplation. Walking is a favorite activity, whether along our groomed trails or meandering paved roads, inviting both movement and mindful presence in nature.
Conscious Simplicity
At the Himalayan Institute, we embrace simplicity in all aspects of life, from our surroundings to our approach to yoga. By minimizing distractions, we create space to strengthen the inner self and quiet the mind. Guided by authenticity and grounded in philosophy rather than frills, we support a path of meaningful personal growth.
Treat Yourself
Our Himalayan Café serves the Institute’s signature chai, coffee, and homemade cookies and treats on Saturday and Sunday mornings. The 24/7 Tea Lounge offers a variety of herbal teas for anytime enjoyment. On campus, the MOKA Origins Factory is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering handcrafted, ethically sourced chocolate and coffee, with free tours and tastings on Saturdays.
Date
August 30—September 2, 2019
Duration
4 days, 3 nights

$199 per person + accommodations

Registration

Dates
Friday, August 30, 2019 @ 7:30 pmMonday, September 2, 2019 @ 12:30 pm
Tuition
$199 per person + accommodations
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