THIS RETREAT OFFERS
▹ Clear, structured teachings from the Bhagavad Gita and Vedanta
▹ Daily yoga, pranayama, meditation and philosophy sessions
▹ Healthy food and balanced daily rhythm in a calm retreat environment
▹ Exploration of yoga as a supportive practice within a Vedantic framework
▹ Practical understanding of how these teachings apply to modern life
▹ Quiet time for reflection, rest, and integration
Please note that this retreat will be held in English and welcomes participants of all levels.
THE TEACHINGS AND APPROACH
This retreat offers a grounded and accessible deep dive into five profound teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and Vedanta, supported by yoga, meditation, and pranayama. The emphasis is on clarity, understanding and application to daily life rather than belief.
Yoga is approached as a practical discipline for preparing the body and mind cultivating steadiness, sensitivity, and resilience. Vedanta is presented as a method of inquiry, offering a clear framework for understanding oneself and one’s experience. Together, they form a balanced and meaningful whole.
Teachings are shared in a simple, structured way, without assuming prior philosophical background. At the same time, the retreat remains rooted in traditional sources, especially the Bhagavad Gita, while also addressing how these teachings relate to modern life, health, stress, and everyday challenges.
The daily schedule balances study and practice with rest and reflection. Participants are encouraged to engage at their own pace, whether new to these traditions or already familiar with them. The overall atmosphere is calm, focused, and informal supporting both learning and integration.
This retreat is suitable for anyone interested in yoga beyond physical exercise, and for those curious about Vedanta as a practical way of understanding life, rather than as abstract philosophy.
CHINMAYA MISSION
Chinmaya Mission is a worldwide spiritual and educational organization dedicated to inner transformation through the timeless wisdom of Advaita Vedanta, with a particular focus on the Bhagavad Gita and the Upanishads. Founded in 1953 by Swami Chinmayananda, the Mission has grown into a global family of centers and communities committed to making profound spiritual knowledge accessible, practical, and relevant to modern life.
Chinmaya Mission Sweden is part of this international Chinmaya Mission family and carries the same vision and teachings into a Swedish context. As a Swedish non-profit cultural and spiritual organization, Chinmaya Mission Sweden offers programs, study opportunities, retreats, and gatherings that support clarity, balance, and purposeful living, while remaining sensitive to local culture and society.
The Mission’s work is grounded in self-inquiry, reflection, and lived understanding rather than belief or conversion. Its aim is to empower individuals to discover inner freedom, resilience, and compassion, and to integrate spiritual wisdom into everyday life. Through both global initiatives—such as Gita Panchamrit—and local activities in Sweden, Chinmaya Mission seeks to nurture conscious individuals and harmonious communities, rooted in universal values and timeless insight.
PRICING AND DAKSHINA
The payment made through this event page covers food and accommodation only.
The teachings and facilitation fee are offered through Guru Dakshina, a traditional voluntary offering made to the teacher(s) as an expression of respect and gratitude.
Information on how to offer guru dakshina will be shared during the retreat, with both cash and other payment options available.
THE PLACE
Shambala Gatherings is a beautiful retreat center and yoga community in the middle of the Swedish forest. Located just two hours away from Stockholm, the area is easily accessible and makes a great option for a short break wildlife destination.
The dense forests of Bergslagen around Skinnskatteberg, are a fantastic place to encounter the very best of Sweden’s wildlife. Other than enjoying its abundant flora and lush beds of moss, the magnificent ”king of the Swedish forest”, moose – otherwise known as elk – can be seen here in its natural habitat, and the many lakes and watercourses are home to the beaver. The area has also proven to be one of the best regions in Sweden to see other wildlife such as wolves, bears, lynx and owls.
ACOMMODATION
At Shambala, beyond being a retreat space, we cultivate a way of living deeply rooted in the yogic values of simplicity, presence, non-attachment, contentment, and communion with nature. Rather than luxury, what we offer is intimacy and a sense of belonging. Therefore, our accommodations are simple and mostly shared, with a variety of twin rooms and triple rooms.
The guiding ethos is one of community and sustainability, creating a vibe that is understated, modest, welcoming, and easy.
Twin Bedroom Shared
Triple Bedroom Shared
Your Own Tent
DAILY SCHEDULE
(Subject to change)
Arrival Time: Earliest 2:30 PM
Departure Time: 3:00 PM
Please note that we are usually unable to accommodate early arrivals or late departures. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to your stay!
Friday
3rd of April – Arrival day
14.30 – 17.00 Arrival, welcome tea/fruit
17.30 – 18.30 Retreat introduction + opening ceremony / Arati
19.00 Dinner
20:00 Satsang
Saturday and Sunday
4th and 5th of April – Main activity days
6.30 – 8.30 Morning Sadhana (yoga, pranayama, meditation etc.)
8.30 Breakfast
9.30 – 10.30 Morning Vedanta Lecture
11.30 – 12.00 Lunch Sadhana
12.00 Lunch
Afternoon Free time/Optional classes and activities
16.30 Fruit/Tea
17.00-18.30 Evening Vedanta Lecture + Arati
19.00 Dinner
20.15 Satsang, Q and A, kirtan and music / dance performances.
Monday
6th of April – departure day
06.30 – 8.30 Morning Sadhana (yoga, pranayama, meditation etc.)
8.30 Breakfast
9.30 – 10.30 Morning Vedanta Lecture
11.30 – 12.30 Lunch Sadhana + closing session and feedback
12.30pm Lunch + goodbye
Please note that schedule is open for minor modifications and adaptions.
meet the team
TEACHER’S BIO
Somesh Chaitanya
Head VEDANTA teacher
Brahmachari Somesh Chaitanya is a monk representing Chinmaya Mission as its resident teacher in Sweden.
He was born in India but raised in Sweden where he worked in the field of education before seeking his roots in his country of birth India.
He then spent 14 years in rural India founding and managing social projects as a part of his sadhana, he also went through formal monastic training at Sandeepany sadhanalaya in Mumbai and received his initiation before being sent back to Sweden to serve as a teacher in 2022.
He conducts public lectures, weekly satsang for adults, bala vihar, youth groups and more in the ashram in Helenelund (Stockholm).
Victor Mattsson
Supportive teacher – yoga, pranayama
Victor is a committed student of Vedānta with a solid grounding in the classical tradition, combined with a completed Yoga Alliance teacher training. His classes will include yoga, pranayama, meditation and more. The focus of the classes will explore how yogic practices can be meaningfully integrated within a Vedāntic framework and into our everyday life, informed by both traditional sources and a modern understanding of their concrete effects on the body and mind.
NEED ASSISTANCE?
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MORE at Shambala
How to get here
Shambala Gatherings
Borntorpet 1
Skinnskatteberg
Sweden
Located just two hours away from Stockholm in Skinnskatteberg, Sweden, the area is easily accessible by air, train and car, making a great option for a short break wildlife destination.
- Coming by air: The nearest airport to Shambala is Stockholm Vasteras. The second nearest airport is Arlanda airport, the main airport in Sweden. You can easily take a train all the way to Skinnskatteberg from both of them.
- Coming by train / bus: We are fortunate to have a train / bus station at Skinnskatteberg only 5 minutes ride from the center. We offer free pick up services from this station in summer.
- Coming by car: Simply open this Google map on your navigator and follow directions to Borntorpet 1 in Skinnskatteberg, Sweden.
Click here for more details on location
Important: Please note that we don’t assist with or organize travels for guests. You may search for itineraries and tickets here: sj.se


