| Schedule | |
Govardhan Retreat 2012 is scheduled to take place from December 11 to December 17.
Here is the schedule of the usual day at Govardhan Retreat.
The day at Govardhan Retreat begins when devotees get up in their respective places and chant their japa rounds.
7AM - we all assemble in the Temple room for a short morning program - mangala arati, Srila Prabhupada's Guru-puja and usually a short class on the Holy Dhama.
8.15AM - breakfast. After that devotees go to the place at the feet of Govardhan Hill, where we have daily classes.
10AM -1PM - morning class (with a 15 min. break).
1.30PM - lunch. After that there is a free time to rest till the evening class.
3PM - 5PM - evening class near Govardhan.
6PM - 8PM - readings of Caitanya-bhagavata by Bhurijana Prabhu with sweet kirtans by different devotees or other cultural programs in Dvaraka Dham.
8PM - evening prasadam of milk and a snack. After that all devotees depart to their quarters to rest.
This is a simple but delightful program of full absorption in Krsna consciousness and Krsna-katha, which can work miracles on our hearts.
During the Retreat 2008 the classes were delivered by H.H. Sacinandana Swami, H.G. Bhurijan Prabhu, H.G. Jagattarini Mataji, and H.G. Madhavananda Prabhu. We had a wonderfull parikrama to Ter Kadamba (bhajan kutir of Srila Rupa Goswami at Nandagram).
On the last day after a festive closing session near Govardhan, full of heartfelt realizations, surprises and spontaneous kirtan there was a special feast in Dvaraka Dham. After that devotees boarded buses to return to Vrindavan around 6PM.
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Japa Retreat 2012 is scheduled to take place from December 1 to December 6.
Below is the schedule of Japa Retreat 2006 to give you an idea:
November 10: Arrival day
Welcome and introductory ceremony + speeches by teachers
Evening: Short kirtana
November 11: First retreat day
Morning program + Class by Sacinandana Swami
Morning session: Class by Sacinandana Swami
Afternoon session: Class by Sacinandana Swami
Evening: Kirtan or “light” program
November 12: Second retreat day
Morning program + perhaps a class by Sacinandana Swami
Japa (preferably in Radha Gardens or Ter Kadamba)
Evening: Kirtan or “light” program
November 13: Third retreat day
Morning program + class by Bhurijana Prabhu
Morning session: Class by Bhurijana Prabhu
Afternoon session: Class by Bhurijana Prabhu
Evening: Kirtan or “light” program
November 14: Fourth retreat day
Morning program + perhaps a class by Bhurijana Prabhu
Japa (preferably in Radha Gardens or Ter Kadamba)
Evening: Kirtan or “light” program
November 15: Departure day
Morning program
Speeches by teachers
Concluding ceremony
Note: Some of the classes may be conducted outdoor in Radha Gardens, Ter Kadamba or other nearby locations.