Training

Vanaprastha Sadhana

Sannyasa Peeth will conduct two Vanaprastha Sadhana Satras during the Chaturmas period this year. These sadhana satras are intended for vanaprasthis, the senior citizens in the age group of 50–65, who have entered the phase of life where the focus needs to be to disconnect from material life and its attachments, and instead immerse oneself in sadhana and chintan, regular practice and reflection.

The key features of the satra will be swadhyaya (self-study), satsang (being with the truth), seva (selfless service), sadhana (regular spiritual practice and sanyam (appropriate behaviour of the mind and senses) – the five stages of learning in vanaprastha ashrama. The aim will be to connect with the spiritual tradition and teachings, samskriti and vidya, as it is only by establishing a connection with the expansiveness, vyapakta, inherent in the tradition and the teachings that one can rise above sankirnata, the narrow confines of the individual realm.

By practising these five stages, an effort will be made to imbibe the samskaras that help clear old impressions and re-educate the mind, so that one acquires a better understanding of life, connects with the beauty of life and expresses oneself with wisdom and positivity. The endeavour will also be to deepen the inner faith and develop atmabhava as one leaves the path of pravritti and takes to the road of nivritti.

Please note that all Vanaprastha Sadhana Satra participant MUST be accompanied by a family member for the whole duration of Satra. The family member needs to send a complete application form for [Vanaprastha Sadhana Satra] or [Ashram Life Experience] (if under 50 years of age).