Waves of Gratitude

5-day retreat
Dates
: December 25 – 29, 2024
Location: Amritapuri, India

Immerse yourself in the serene embrace of Amma’s ashram in Amritapuri, Kerala, for a transformative journey to cultivate gratitude. Grounded in the timeless wisdom of Sanatana Dharma (the eternal way of life), this retreat is a unique opportunity to deepen your Amrita Yoga practice while exploring gratitude as a spiritual path.

 

Gratitude, or kritajñata, is celebrated in Vedic wisdom as the foundation of harmonious existence, fostering humility, compassion, and a deep connection with the divine. You will learn to embody this principle through mindful movement, meditation, and reflection.

Why Gratitude

In Sanatana Dharma, gratitude is not merely a fleeting emotion but a profound spiritual practice. The Vedic principle of yajna (sacrifice or offering) emphasizes the interconnectedness of all beings, teaching us to honor the gifts of Nature, the wisdom of the elders, and divine presence in all things. This retreat explores how practicing gratitude can:

  • Dissolve ego and foster humility.
  • Cultivate inner peace and contentment.
  • Align us with the universal rhythm of giving and receiving.

The Setting

Amritapuri, the birthplace of Amma’s mission of love and compassion, provides a deeply spiritual environment. From the resonant sounds of Vedic chants to the soothing presence of Amma’s teachings, the ashram serves as the perfect sanctuary to immerse yourself in the practice of gratitude.

     

    Retreat Highlights

    • Morning Yoga Practice: Begin each day with yogasana sessions focusing on heart-opening postures and flowing sequences that evoke feelings of gratitude.
    • Meditation on Gratitude: Daily guided meditation will draw inspiration from Amma’s teachings and Vedic mantras, helping you cultivate awareness of the blessings in your life.
    • Wisdom Talks: Explore the significance of gratitude in Sanatana Dharma through teachings from scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads. Learn how gratitude strengthens your relationship with yourself, others, and the universe.
    • Devotional Practices: Participate in bhajans (devotional singing), archana (chanting of sacred names), and seva (selfless service) to experience the joy of surrender and gratitude in action.
    • Sacred Connection with Nature: Walks on the nearby beach will deepen your sense of interconnectedness with Nature, which is a cornerstone of gratitude in Vedic culture.
    • Journaling and Reflection: Guided journaling sessions to articulate your gratitude journey, supported by Sanskrit affirmations and Amma’s teachings on love and compassion.
    • Traditional Ashram Experience: Engage in ashram life, interact with Amma’s global community, and savor opportunities to receive Amma’s darshan (blessing).
    amrita yoga meditation pose

    Closing Ceremony

    The retreat concludes with a gratitude ritual on the beach, offering flowers and prayers to the ocean, which symbolizes the infinite flow of blessings in our lives. We begin with a fresh New Year’s sankalpa (resolve), followed by a session of mantra chanting and heartfelt sharing of individual experiences.

    Start 2025 with a heart full of joy, a renewed sense of purpose, and a deep spiritual connection to the eternal wisdom of Sanatana Dharma.

    Would you like to be part of this transformative journey?

    Embrace the call of gratitude and join us at Amma’s ashram!