On the Path of Devotion with Krishna Das

4 day long-weekend winter retreat, February 8-11, 2018

Come in from the cold this February for a weekend away in the quiet country of New York. The chanting, yoga, and devotional heart-opening practices shared with like-minded and dedicated seekers will surely warm you up from the inside out!

Krishna Das, our favorite kirtan artist, known all over the world for his soulful voice that touches the deepest chord in even the most casual listener, is looking forward to gathering us all together for this long weekend retreat on “The Path of Devotion”. Whether you are seeking to start or have an established practice, this is a wonderful opportunity for all to go deep within ourselves with chanting, teachings, and discussions.

Our days and evenings will be spent in the beautiful meditative space of the sanctuary at Garrison Institute. We will be coming together for nightly kirtans or call-and-response chanting. This year there will also be extended chanting programs so we can immerse ourselves in this practice.  If chanting is new to you, here is a quick explanation:

Kirtans events are approximately 2-3 hours of call-and-response chanting with musical accompaniment. Call and response is a style of singing in which a melody sung by one singer (usually the leader) is responded to or echoed by the audience.

We promise no prior experience is required!

Throughout the retreat there will be meditations and discussion. Workshops are scheduled during the day. These are approximately 3 hours of talks about the spiritual path, and there will be a forum for questions and answers. You can ask a question, share an experience or simply just listen in.

As a special treat, Lama Surya Das, KD’s old buddy and guru-brother will come by and share his experiences not only as a Buddhist teacher, but also having had Maharaj-ji Neem Karoli Baba’s darshan.

Don’t worry it’s not all serious dharma talks. There’s sure to be a good laugh or two as Krishna Das shares stories of his life on the Path.

Special chanting sessions by Nina Rao and friends, includes chanting of Hanuman Chalisas. This an opportunity for beginners and experienced chanters to join in the chanting of this 40-verse prayer in praise of Hanuman, together as a group. The prayer is from the Indian tradition with Hanuman invoked as the very breath of the Divine – our own Divine nature. Many believe that chanting this prayer gives us the strength to get through difficult times with compassion and grace. Word sheets will be provided. Once again…no experience necessary.

Let’s not forget practice for your body. Morning yoga sessions will be led by Lynn Taylor who’s been teaching and studying the various limbs of yoga for over 20 years and share her devotional heart and knowledge in the asana classes each morning. Flow style of deep poses are Lynn’s signature style and accessible for all levels.

Fuel for your soul is accompanied by fuel for your body with simple, nutritious and tasty meals (treats included!) prepared just for you. We’ll eat together, buffet style in the dining hall.

We’ll rest; rejuvenate; nourish ourselves.

This year you have 2 options to attend. There are 2 and 3 day packages for this retreat. Friday to Sunday is partial retreat and full retreat is from Thursday to Sunday.

So come join us, it will be lovely to see you at The Path of Devotion Retreat, February 8-11, 2018. Krishna Das will also be at the Jacob Burns Film Center on February 7 as part of the Meditative Life Film Series, speaking in conversation with Jane Kolleeny about the film Ram Dass: Going Home. Details and tickets available here.

Click for details about the teachers and chant leaders, video of a past event, and retreat schedule. You will get a glimpse of what is in store for you and then sign up soon as space is filling up quickly!

“When the sun comes out it ripens the fruit.
It is a natural process. It uncovers that place within us.
Our essence.
That’s what all practices do.” 

–Krishna Das