A Program with the Guru in Nepal
January 18–31
In the Himalayas, where the wind carries the blessings of the Siddhas and the space itself seems alive with guidance, the journey to your true self begins quietly from within. In the presence of an awakened Master, this inner calling becomes clear, gently leading beyond the mind.
Atma Vichara is the practice of exploring and recognizing your Original Self — the Higher Self. Anyone, at any stage of life, can practice it. It is complete on its own and can lead to the highest realization. This practice is at the heart of many yogic teachings; Shankara and Vasistha spoke of it, and Sri Ramana Maharshi taught it as a direct path.

The form of the practice is simple, yet the journey inward can be subtle and winding. Many have practiced it alone for years. A retreat like this is a rare chance to go deeply into the practice under the guidance of a realized Master — to ask questions in the moment and check: “Am I on the right path in my meditation?” For a practice that can last a lifetime, knowing the correct direction, even in small details, is very important.
Atma Vichara is the practice of exploring and recognizing your Original Self — the Higher Self. Anyone, at any stage of life, can practice it. It is complete on its own and can lead to the highest realization. This practice is at the heart of many yogic teachings; Shankara and Vasistha spoke of it, and Sri Ramana Maharshi taught it as a direct path.
The form of the practice is simple, yet the journey inward can be subtle and winding. Many have practiced it alone for years. A retreat like this is a rare chance to go deeply into the practice under the guidance of a realized Master — to ask questions in the moment and check: “Am I on the right path in my meditation?” For a practice that can last a lifetime, knowing the correct direction, even in small details, is very important.
Swami Vishnudevananda Giri Maharaj is a Russian-speaking spiritual teacher (Guru) in the tradition of Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism). He is a missionary, writer, and pilgrim, and the first person from the CIS to be initiated as Mahamandaleshwar in the ancient monastic order “Juna Akhara,” founded by Sri Adi Shankaracharya.
For over 30 years, he has taught the philosophy of Sanatana Dharma, traditional Advaita Vedanta, Shaivism in the Siddha tradition, and the teachings of the Siddha-Avadhuts of the Sahaja lineage.
Outside India, he is known as a Guru to thousands of students — both monks (sannyasis) and lay practitioners. He is a missionary of Sanatana Dharma, author of over fifty books, and founder of the World Community of Sanatana Dharma and the Monastic Order of Advaita Vedanta — an international community with active ashrams and dharma centers in Russia, Ukraine, Europe, India, and Nepal.
Swami Vishnudevananda Giri Maharaj is a Russian-speaking spiritual teacher (Guru) in the tradition of Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism). He is a missionary, writer, and pilgrim, and the first person from the CIS to be initiated as Mahamandaleshwar in the ancient monastic order “Juna Akhara,” founded by Sri Adi Shankaracharya.
For over 30 years, he has taught the philosophy of Sanatana Dharma, traditional Advaita Vedanta, Shaivism in the Siddha tradition, and the teachings of the Siddha-Avadhuts of the Sahaja lineage.
Outside India, he is known as a Guru to thousands of students — both monks (sannyasis) and lay practitioners. He is a missionary of Sanatana Dharma, author of over fifty books, and founder of the World Community of Sanatana Dharma and the Monastic Order of Advaita Vedanta — an international community with active ashrams and dharma centers in Russia, Ukraine, Europe, India, and Nepal.
Program Schedule
January 18.
Arrival in Kathmandu.
The group meets, settles in, and slowly enters the unique atmosphere of Kathmandu. Accommodation is in a 19th-century palace hotel.
January 19-21.
Three-day pilgrimage to the sacred sites of Kathmandu
  • Visit Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Swayambhunath, Budhanilkantha, and other sacred places.
  • The Guru will offer teachings and reflections along the way, making the blessings of these sites more accessible. Direct practice of meditation and contemplation will also be included.
Visiting these sacred sites calms and purifies the mind, preparing it for deeper inner work of discovering the shrine within yourself.
January 22–29.
Seven-day retreat: “Atma Vichara and Contemplation”.
The retreat is guided directly by the Guru, with support from the monks. Jnana Yoga and Kundalini Yoga will be offered as direct paths to Liberation within the Siddha lineage. Practices include self-inquiry and contemplation, supported by subtle energies, within a space of silence (Mauna), mantras, and teachings.

Atma Vichara is so fundamental that it can be practiced anywhere, at any time, even without formal transmission, Diksha, or Refuge — much like the Maha Mantra. Receiving guidance from a realized Master, your Root Guru, however, deepens and strengthens the practice. Seven days immersed in this retreat environment make the practice vivid and memorable, highlighting its value and importance.
Next, we go to Hetauda and learn how to gently bring the Atma-Vichara, we’ve developed into our daily actions and interactions, visiting these sacred places:
January 30–31.
Integration in Hetauda.
The focus shifts to integrating the deepened Atma Vichara with the outer world and daily activity in a gentle way:
  • Visit the “Sadhuloka” Ashram, a serene sacred place, where the Guru will give a Satsang.
  • Pilgrimage to the site where Mahayogi Pilot Babaji attained Enlightenment, and to Trikandi — the Mahasamadhi site of the Northern lineage saints, teachers of Pilot Babaji.
February 1.
Departure from Kathmandu.
After the program, participants continue independent practice of Atma Vichara in all areas of life. Some may return profoundly transformed; others may feel as if they have stepped further onto the path of a true sādhaka or yogi.
This program offers a rare opportunity to deepen your practice of Atma Vichara in the sacred beauty of Nepal.
This program offers a rare opportunity to deepen your practice of Atma Vichara in the sacred beauty of Nepal.
Contacts
for questions and registration:
Europe: +39 3271 95 3127
Russia: +7 9944 25 0090
WhatsApp +7 916 0077 917
Europe: +39 3271 95 3127
Russia: +7 9944 25 0090
WhatsApp +7 916 0077 917
Receive the blessings of this program.
Om Shanti.
Receive the blessings of this program.
Om Shanti.
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