Soul Retreat:
Love
3-6 September
Towards Unconditional Love: practices to dissolve the ego and embrace the soul.
A transformative journey to discover Love, from the earthly to the divine
In a place immersed in nature and spirituality like Villa Vrindavana, we invite you to join a unique retreat, designed to awaken the heart and connect with authentic love. Four days to slow down, listen, breathe and find yourself again through yoga, meditation, singing and the teachings of Bhakti.
Each day will be a step towards a deeper understanding of love: from its most human and everyday expressions to its purest and most spiritual form. Guided by experienced and profound teachers such as Madhavananda Prabhu, Ramachandra Prabhu, Parabhakti Prabhu and Jahnava Sundari, we will live an experience rich in meaning, joy and beauty.
What awaits you:
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Yoga and pranayama classes to awaken body and spirit
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Guided meditations and moments of transformative writing
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Exploration of the stages of love through the ancient scriptures
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Profound teachings on Bhakti Yoga
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Temple rituals and moments of silence in nature
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Kirtan and sacred music workshops
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Celebrations, chanting and sharing in a community atmosphere
Every moment is designed to help you free your heart from burdens and fears, and rediscover the power of love that unites and transforms. The retreat will culminate in an evening of Maha Kirtan and a final celebration in traditional dress, in an atmosphere of gratitude and deep connection.
An invitation to come home, within yourself.
Let yourself be guided on this journey of the soul.
We are waiting for you with an open heart.
✨ Who is Madhavananda Das?
A deeply devoted soul and a living bridge between the ancient teachings of Bhakti Yoga and our modern spiritual search.
Since 1993 he has lived in the sacred state of Odisha, India, where he leads spiritual retreats and pilgrimages in Jagannath Puri, one of the world capitals of devotion. He is the founder of the magazine Sri Krishna Kathamrita and of its email edition Sri Krishna Kathamrita Bindu, which spread the stories and teachings of Lord Krishna with love and depth.
Madhavananda Das is a direct disciple of Sri Srimad Gour Govinda Swami, a realised master in the line of spiritual succession of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of ISKCON. Through his work as director of GORA (Gaudiya Odiya Research Association) and editor-in-chief of the ISKCON Gopal Jiu publications, he has dedicated his life to researching, writing and sharing the spiritual riches of Gaudiya Vaishnavism.
🌺 Meeting Madhavananda Prabhu means receiving a touch of Krishna's sweetness and a living example of authentic devotion.
His words are not just information, but transformation.
If you feel the call to rediscover the spiritual roots of India, to learn about the culture and the songs of the heart, to be inspired by divine stories that uplift the soul... this is the meeting that can open a new door on your inner journey. 💫
Retreat Programme
Thursday: The Love That Unites
8:00-9:00: We begin with a yoga class with Jahnava to learn to listen to the power of Love.
10:30-13:30: Discover temple life, the rituals and visit the magnificent Villa Vrindavana.
16:00-16.30: Presentation and introduction: The stages of love, from the earthly to the divine
16:30-17.30: The stages of love, from the earthly to the divine with Madhavananda Prabhu
17:30-18.30: Transformation experience: meditation and writing on love with Jahnava Sundari.
20:00-21:00: We conclude the day with a meditative kirtan with ancient stories with Jahnava Sundari
Friday: Mantra and Love
4:30-7:00: Take part in the temple programme and a meditative walk in the woods with Jahnava.
7.15-7.40: spiritual programme in the temple with dancing and chanting
8:00-9:00: Ramachandra will teach us to understand love according to the scriptures.
11:00-13:30: Join the kirtan and instruments workshop with Jahnava.
16:00-17:30: Ancient pastimes to develop authentic love with Madhavananda Prabhu
17:45-18:30: What is Bhakti Yoga with Ramachandra Prabhu
18.30-19: Gaura arati with Ramachandra Prabhu
20:00-21:00: We conclude the evening with a kirtan with Madhavananda Prabhu
Saturday: Yoga, Pranayama and Love
4:30-7:15: Start the day with the temple programme and a meditative yoga class with Jahnava.
7.40-8.40: Srimad Bhagavatam class in the temple with Parabhakti Prabhu
11:00-13:30: Stories and teachings on pure love with Madhavananda Prabhu
16:00-17:00: Release of emotions through pranayama with Jahnava, to connect to pure love.
17:30-18:30: Transformation experience to let go of the obstacles in the heart with Jahnava Sundari.
20:30-22: Maha Kirtan evening in the museum
Sunday: Conclusion and Celebration
4:30-7:15: Take part in the temple programme and a nidra yoga session with Jahnava.
8:00-9:00: Srimad Bhagavatam class with Madhavananda Prabhu
11:00-13.30: How to manifest love in our heart with Madhavananda Prabhu
14:30-17:20: Dressing in traditional Indian clothes and final sharing.
17:30-18:30: Facing the obstacles in the heart to find authentic love with Madhavananda Prabhu
20:30-22:00: We conclude the retreat with a final kirtan with Madhavananda Prabhu
This retreat is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a deep spiritual experience, rediscovering the connection with your inner self through age-old practices and ancient wisdom. Join us on this journey of transformation and healing. Do not miss this opportunity for personal and spiritual growth.
Price and Contribution
The price of the retreat will be by free donation, precisely so that everyone can take part. Those who can give a larger contribution will have the opportunity to do this service, thus helping to support the teachers who travel from afar. Only the food will have to be paid for; everything else will be by free and conscious donation. Suggestion for a conscious donation (100 euros for the 4 days)
We are waiting for you with an open heart and welcoming arms.
Namaste.
🌿✨ Villa Vrindavana – A corner of paradise in the heart of Tuscany ✨🌿
Nestled in the gentle hills around Florence, surrounded by centuries-old olive groves, fragrant woods and breathtaking views, Villa Vrindavana is not just a place… it is an experience of the soul.
An ancient monastery transformed into a temple and spiritual centre, today it is one of the beating hearts of Bhakti Yoga in Europe. Here, nature, spirituality and culture blend in a harmonious dance that nourishes the heart and awakens consciousness.
🕉️ What makes Villa Vrindavana so special?
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The magnificent Temple of Krishna and Radharani, vibrant with devotional songs, fresh flowers and pure love.
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A welcoming community of devotees who live by the principles of non-violence, shared joy and connection with the divine.
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Gardens and paths where you can meditate, walk in silence or contemplate the sunset over the hills.
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Events, retreats and sacred ceremonies that reconnect you with your deepest essence.
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A spiritual museum, spaces for meditation, a boutique and an Ayurvedic vegetarian kitchen that delights body and spirit.
🌺 Villa Vrindavana is a place where time slows down, the mind grows quiet and the heart opens.
It is like walking in a dream made of colours, mantras, smiles and beauty.
Whether you are an experienced practitioner or simply seeking peace and inspiration, here you will find a refuge. A place where the divine can be felt, seen and sung.
🎶 Come and experience a Kirtan under the stars, take part in a fire ceremony at sunset, savour a lunch cooked with devotion…
Let yourself be touched by the fragrance of Bhakti, the presence of the sacred cows, the sound of japa echoing among the olive trees.
Villa Vrindavana is waiting for you.
With its doors open and a heart full of welcome.
📍 A few kilometres from Florence, but one step from your inner centre.
🌿 A journey that begins outside… but ends within.