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.

Watch Introductory Video

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.

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.

• The Question for Consciousness, D.K Printworld, Delhi. 2023.

• Explaining Consciousness: Indian Classical Theories, Springer  publications (in press)

Retreat registration must be done through the official SIDH website: www.sidhsri.org. Please click on the link "Register Now!". A small registration form will appear; fill in the required details to register for the upcoming retreat.

A payment "QR code" is provided on the page. You can scan this code to make an online payment of Rs. 5,000 as an advance, or, if you prefer, you may pay the full amount of Rs. 10,000. For new participants, registration will be confirmed only after receiving the advance payment of Rs. 5,000.