About Us
Our founder Govinda, has personally experienced the transformative power of monastic life. Having spent time as a novice monk at the Vedanta Society of Southern California, he discovered the profound impact that such a lifestyle can have on one's personal and spiritual growth. Inspired by his journey, he established Vedanta Retreat in Santa Cruz, Bolivia, to share this life-changing experience with other spiritual seekers in a more approachable and simplified manner.
About Our Philosophy
At Vedanta Retreat, we are dedicated to guiding individuals on a path toward spiritual realization through the teachings of Vedanta Philosophy, specifically Advaita Vedanta. Advaita Vedanta, a non-dualistic school of thought, asserts that our true Self is identical to the ultimate reality (Brahman), emphasizing the oneness and unity of all creation and the divinity and eternity of our true Self.
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We do not only follow the teachings of the Path of Knowledge, of Jnana Yoga, but we also practice Bhakti Yoga, the Devotional Path, so, as spiritual aspirants, we can aspire to realize both the formless aspect of God, Nirguna Brahman, and also enjoy the divine sweetness of God with form. We also practice Raja or Dhyana Yoga, the path of meditation, since nothing can be accomplished without the concentration and eventual control of the mind, and lastly, once a week, we dedicate some time to Karma Yoga, to selfless work to help people in need. Thus, the 4 Yogas, the 4 spiritual paths, are practiced at Vedanta Retreat.
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Our philosophical foundation is built upon the profound teachings of four revered spiritual luminaries:
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Sri Ramakrishna: His life and teachings epitomize the harmonious integration of various spiritual paths, reinforcing the principle that all paths lead to the same ultimate truth.​ He emphasized that the goal of human life is God realization and the huge importance of devotion y renunciation in spiritual life.
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Sri Sarada Devi: Sri Sarada Devi's teachings emphasized love, selflessness, and inner strength. She inspired countless people with her quiet yet profound presence, becoming a symbol of the Divine Mother and an exemplar of spiritual motherhood, she is the embodiment of purity, compassion and wisdom.
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Swami Vivekananda: Swami Vivekananda brought Vedanta to the global stage, emphasizing practical spirituality and the potential divinity within every individual.
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Adi Shankaracharya: Shankara was the one who consolidated the doctrine of Advaita Vedanta, teaching the illusoriness of the world and the non-duality of the individual soul with Brahman (the ultimate reality).
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Our goal at Vedanta Retreat is to help our clients achieve a deeper connection and understanding of their spiritual essence and realize the unity and divinity inherent in all life. Through immersive teachings and practices, we strive to foster an environment where individuals can explore and embrace their true nature, ultimately moving towards the realization of oneness, and also enjoy divine communion with God.
