Hyderabad: A four-day Wisdom Retreat led by Guru Vinayji, founder of the Wisdom Foundation, Sainikpuri, was held from November 6-9, at Kanha Shanti Vanam, the world headquarters of the Heartfulness Institute on Hyderabad’s outskirts.
Guru Vinayji — a thinker, philosopher, author, and management expert — has dedicated over three decades to spreading Sanatana Dharma through public lectures, corporate workshops, and retreats. His teachings have made the essence of ancient scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads, and Bhaja Govindam accessible to people from all walks of life.
For this retreat, Guruji chose Bhaja Govindam, also known as Moha Mudgara (“Delusion Uplifter”), a classic text of 31 verses composed by Adi Shankaracharya, the great Indian philosopher and proponent of Advaita Vedanta.
The retreat attracted 40 participants, both in-person and online, including disciples from Malaysia and Hong Kong, representing diverse age groups and professional backgrounds.
The retreat’s primary objectives were:
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To create a conducive environment for participants to turn inward and connect with their inner selves.
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To offer a blend of spiritual practices, including yoga, meditation, satsang, and communion with nature.
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To impart life lessons for practical living drawn from each verse of Bhaja Govindam.
Participants received a detailed pre-retreat itinerary and guidelines to help them prepare mentally and spiritually. The structured schedule balanced guided sessions, group discussions, interactive lectures, and personal reflection time, fostering both discipline and openness.
Each day began at 4:55 a.m. with an invocatory Atmabodha prayer, followed by self-study during Brahma Muhurtam. Morning yoga, walking, and cycling sessions energized the participants before the main lectures.
From 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., Guru Vinayji delivered in-depth discourses on Bhaja Govindam, leaving a lasting impact on seekers. Every session began with the chant “Om Sahanavavatu” and concluded with “Poornamadah”, enhancing focus and devotion. Before each meal, verses from the Bhagavad Gita were recited, turning dining into a sacred act.
Small-group discussions encouraged participants to express their insights and clarify concepts through dialogue, while Guruji’s larger group sessions provided deeper philosophical clarity. Evenings were devoted to soulful bhajans and meditation, adding to the contemplative atmosphere.
The sattvic food served at the ashram was both nourishing and hygienic, complementing the spirit of simplicity and mindfulness that defined the retreat.
Despite a packed schedule, Guru Vinayji took time for personal interactions, mentoring participants individually — a gesture many described as deeply touching. His warmth, humility, and personal engagement stood out as hallmarks of his leadership.
The concluding feedback session saw participants sharing heartfelt experiences of growth, empathy, and oneness. Many reported improved emotional well-being, greater clarity of purpose, and a renewed spiritual direction.
One participant summed up the collective sentiment, saying:
“What a treasure house of Vedanta is this mighty Bhaja Govindam, learnt under Guru Vinayji’s guidance. The verse ‘The one whose mind is lodged in Brahman is happy’ has the potency to help us face the ups and downs of life with equanimity and acceptance.”
The Wisdom Retreat at Kanha Shanti Vanam proved to be more than a spiritual getaway — it was a transformative journey of self-discovery, blending timeless wisdom with modern reflection, and leaving participants inspired to continue their inner pursuit with renewed strength and serenity.
