Four-days Parisamvaad : The Bhagavad Gita and the Indian Psyche: Roots, Reflections, and Realisations
By Prof. Nataraju Adarasupally
Venue : Bodhigram (Seekers Home), Thano, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Date : 25 to 30 October, 2025
Organized by SIDH
We warmly invite you to be part of this reflective gathering - a space for dialogue, contemplation, and shared inquiry into the spiritual and cultural foundations that continue to shape the Original Indian Mind.
India’s most ancient tradition, Sanatan Dharma, has shaped our civilization’s worldview for millennia. At its heart lies the universal practice of Sanatan Dharma—the essential human dharma— complemented by the specific dharma guiding each
sphere of life. These timeless principles find eloquent expression in our ancient scriptures, among which the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads hold a place of profound importance. It would not be an overstatement to say that the teachings enshrined in these texts have long formed the bedrock of the Indian psyche.
In the upcoming October retreat organized by SIDH, we invite you to join us in an in-depth exploration of these enduring insights. Together, we will reflect on the wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita and the Chāndogya Upaniśad, seeking to relate them to our own inner experiences and contemporary life.
The Bhagavad Gita— the Philosophy of Spiritual Life.
This celestial song was a dialogue in the midst of a battle field. Not in a forest. There by showing its relevance for our everyday battle that we engage with in this samsāra. Bhakti, Jñāna and Karma yogas have been elaborately discussed paving the way for spiritual transformation.
Our spiritual journey is a result of our own karmas and we are wholly responsible for our actions. We are accountable for what we do. We would enquire in this retreat how best we can perform an action that will not tie us down to the cycle of birth and death.
We would also discuss and practice some of the meditation techniques as discussed in the Chāndogya Upaniśad. In the picturesque surroundings of Thano (Dehradun) Forest, it’s a God sent opportunity to reflect on the meanings of some of the select shlokas of the Gīta.
To guide and enrich our dialogue, we are honored to have with us Prof. Nataraju, Head of the Department of Philosophy at Jawaharlal Nehru University. Prof. Nataraju’s areas of expertise include Consciousness Studies—Vedānta and Phenomenology, the Philosophy of J. Krishnamurti and M.K. Gandhi, and Richard Rorty, Philosophy and Literature, as well as Pūrva and Uttara Mīmāṁsā Philosophy. His deep scholarship promises to illuminate our discussions and help us engage with these texts in both an intellectual and experiential way.
At SIDH, we are fortunate to have a group of bright young seekers deeply interested in exploring questions around Bhartiyata — our cultural roots, philosophical traditions, and civilizational wisdom. However, some of them are unable to afford the cost of attending the upcoming retreat.
In the past, SIDH has supported many such deserving participants within our limited means. This time, we sincerely appeal to our senior friends, well-wishers, and those who share our concern for nurturing thoughtful inquiry: could you kindly consider sponsoring at least one participant — or more, if possible?
Your support will not only help these young minds participate in the retreat but will also strengthen the broader effort to keep these important dialogue (परिसंवाद) alive.
Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. Together, let’s help create a space where questions can be asked freely, and where our younger generation can engage deeply with the spirit of Bhartiyata.
With gratitude,
Team SIDH
Prof. Nataraju Adarasupally
Prof. Nataraju is serving at Jawaharlal Nehru University ( JNU) , Delhi as Professor of Philosophy. 25years of P.G. and U.G. teaching experience and Research Guidance. These are the few books published by Prof. Nataraju:-
- Blooms Bury, London (New Delhi),has published an edited volume on “ The Limits of Thought and Beyond”, July 2013.
- Munshiram Manoharlal, (In Press)-- “Philosophy of J Krishnamurti”, this book is under the “Builders of Modern Indian Philosophy Series” which was conceptualised by Prof.R. Balasubramanian.
- Blooms Bury, New Delhi , has published an Edited volume on “On the Nature of Consciousness’ , released in July, 2018.
