LIVING WISDOM OF THE
BHAGAVAD GITA
RETREAT
AUGUST 7 - 9, 2026
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Contemplative Retreat at Mount Madonna
One whose Self is united sees the Self as abiding in all beings and all beings as abiding in the Self.
~ Bhagavad Gita, VI.29
The Bhagavad Gita (The Song of the Divine) has been a living source of wisdom for seekers across millenia, offering guidance not as philosophy alone, but as a direct invitation into clarity, steadiness, and inner freedom. This retreat draws upon Ramana Maharshi’s distillation, the Gīta Sāram, his selection of verses that point unambiguously to the heart of the Gita’s teaching.
Held in the serene setting of Mount Madonna Retreat Center with its redwood-covered hills and sweeping views of Monterey Bay, this retreat offers the ideal setting for profound immersion into the Gita as a lived experience rather than an object of study. The retreat will include guided and silent meditations, wisdom teachings on selected verses, gentle yoga, chanting, a sound bathing session and time in nature. You’ll have space to slow down, listen inwardly and invite the wisdom of the Gita into your own life.
This retreat is suitable for both seasoned practitioners and sincere newcomers to the Gita. No prior study of Advaita or Sanskrit is required. Teachings are offered in a way that is accessible, experiential, and respectful of diverse spiritual backgrounds.
Teaching & Guidance
The retreat will be led by Gayathri Narayanan, the founder of Myndtree and a certified meditation teacher. Gayathri brings warmth and clarity to her teachings, and will offer daily dharma teachings and guided practices rooted in the Advaita Vedanta tradition.
See below for more retreat details.
To view room options and availability, visit the Mount Madonna booking page. When you’re ready, return here to complete Step 1: tuition payment. After payment, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a link to complete Step 2: booking your room at Mount Madonna. Your registration is complete once both steps are finished.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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1. What is included in the Living Wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita retreat? The retreat includes guided and silent meditations, wisdom teachings on selected verses from Ramana Maharshi's Gīta Sāram, gentle yoga, chanting, a sound bathing session, and time in nature. All vegetarian meals are provided, and you'll have access to Mount Madonna's forest trails and quiet spaces. The retreat offers both structured sessions and free time for personal reflection and renewal.
2. What accommodations are available at Mount Madonna and how do I book a room? Mount Madonna Retreat Center is in the Santa Cruz Mountains, 90 minutes from the Bay Area. Accommodations include double-occupancy rooms with shared bathrooms, private rooms with en-suite bathrooms (first-come basis), and camping. After paying your tuition for the retreat (Step 1), you'll receive a link to book your room online (Step 2). For specific questions or ADA requests, contact Mount Madonna at guestservices@mountmadonna.org or +1-408-846-4090.
3. When does the retreat start and end, and what are the travel recommendations? Check-in begins at 2 PM on Friday, August 7th, 2026, and the retreat concludes at 3 PM on Sunday, August 9th. Mount Madonna is accessible from the San Francisco Bay Area, Silicon Valley, and Monterey Peninsula. For air travelers, book departing flights no earlier than 6 PM from San Jose Airport (SJC, 45 minutes away) or 7 PM from San Francisco Airport (SFO, 90 minutes away). Myndtree will help coordinate carpools from the Bay Area for registered participants.
4. How much does the Bhagavad Gita retreat cost and are scholarships available? Retreat tuition is $390. Accommodations range from $456 to $816 for two nights depending on room type, with lower cost camping options available. All fees are inclusive and cover meals and retreat activities. Optional services like massage treatments or Ayurvedic consultations at the Kaya Kalpa Wellness Center are not included. Limited tuition scholarships are available by emailing hello@myndtree.org.
5. What is the cancellation policy for the retreat? Cancellations made at least 30 days before the retreat start date receive a full refund. Cancellations between 7 and 30 days prior incur a 50% cancellation fee. No refunds are given for cancellations made less than 7 days before the retreat begins. We recommend reviewing this policy carefully when making your reservation.
6. Do I need prior knowledge of the Bhagavad Gita or Sanskrit to attend? No prior study of the Bhagavad Gita, Advaita Vedanta, or Sanskrit is required. The retreat is suitable for both seasoned practitioners and sincere newcomers. Gayathri offers teachings in an accessible, experiential way that is respectful of diverse spiritual backgrounds. Whether you're new to contemplative practice or deepening an existing one, you'll find the retreat welcoming and meaningful.
7. Who will be leading the retreat and what is their background? Gayathri Narayanan, founder of Myndtree and certified mindfulness teacher, will lead the retreat. She met her spiritual teacher, Guru Nitya Chaitanya Yati, at age 11 and has studied Advaita Vedanta for 30 years. Since 2014, she has led contemplative study groups on the Bhagavad Gita and other wisdom texts. Her teaching blends deep Vedantic knowledge with accessible, warm guidance that makes ancient wisdom relevant and transformative for contemporary practitioners.
To view room options and availability, visit the Mount Madonna booking page. When you’re ready, return here to complete Step 1: tuition payment. After payment, you’ll receive a confirmation email with a link to complete Step 2: booking your room at Mount Madonna. Your registration is complete once both steps are finished.
We warmly invite you to join us for this weekend of reflection, renewal, and heart-centered practice. If you have any questions not answered above, please email hello@myndtree.org. Living Wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita is not just a retreat - it is an invitation to nurture your deepest intentions, connect with your innate wisdom, and walk the path of loving awareness.
Gayathri has the rare ability to make people feel comfortable, and comforted. Her cheerful, gentle, compassionate presence belies her immense knowledge and experience. It isn't surprising that everyone who meets her, even in her teacher avatar, wishes so much to befriend her for life! It is her intellect that sparkles through in the material put together for the thought generating process- it never feels heavy or oppressive and sets forth a process of contemplation that is healing.
Jaya C.
It was a wonderful retreat and for me (and dare I say, all the participants) a fantastic way to start the new year. With lots of smiling faces and grateful hearts. The thought, work and care you put in showed in your talks, meditations, the material you provided and the assignments you had us do. I came away feeling happy, content and renewed. It was a time to go inwards and go inwards I did, coming out richly rewarded. Thank you!
Meenakshi H.
The day long retreat in Los Altos Hills to set intentions was more valuable than I expected. The setting was beautiful and Gayathri did an excellent job of planning and presenting the various concepts and activities. I came away with valuable insights and a clear sense of my intentions for 2025. I would recommend such a retreat without reservation.
Anne G.
Gayathri's retreat was a wonderful way to start the New Year. It helped me reflect on the past year, and helped me to focus on my vision for the coming year. With her loving heart and wisdom, Gayathri led a beautiful retreat. It was a retreat that I continue to reflect back on and am so grateful to have had this wonderful opportunity to start the year mindfully and with intention.
Joann S.
Join our daily drop-in Community Meditation group to meditate live with a warm, friendly group of fellow practitioners. No experience needed, all are welcome.