APRIL 3-6, 2026
A weekend retreat integrating yoga, meditation, and philosophy—relaxing atmosphere, beautiful location, healthy food and activities for both body and mind.
A RETREAT FOR YOU
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 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.
RETREAT HIGHLIGHTS
Each day is designed to nourish body, calm mind, and awaken your senses to the beauty of the Swedish wilderness.
Clear, structured teachings from the Bhagavad Gita and Vedanta, and a practical understanding of how these teachings apply to modern life.
Exploration of yoga as a supportive practice within a Vedantic framework.
Quiet time for reflection, rest, and integration.
Healthy food and balanced daily rhythm in a calm retreat environment
Meditation and pranayama informed by both traditional sources and a modern understanding of their concrete effects on the body and mind.
Traditional Swedish sauna by the lake. A quiet space to unwind, warm up, and let your body fully relax.
— Previous retreat guest
YOUR DAYS
Please note that schedule is open for minor modifications and adaptions.
14.30 – 17.00
Settle in with fresh fruit and warm tea as you arrive. A soft landing into the space, the circle, and the days ahead.
17.30 – 18.30
An intentional beginning to gather the circle and set the tone. Light, mantra, and shared presence weaving the first threads of the retreat together.
19.00
A nourishing, plant based meal shared in warm company. Slow flavors, soft conversation, and a gentle close to the day.
20:00
An open space for shared wisdom and heartfelt dialogue. Reflection, inquiry, and connection unfolding in collective presence.
6.30 – 8.30
An energizing blend of yoga, pranayama, and meditation to awaken body and breath. A steady, intentional start that sets the rhythm for the day.
8.30 - 9.30
A vibrant, nourishing spread to greet the day. Fresh flavors, warm tea, and quiet conversation as the forest stretches into morning light.
9.30 – 10.30
A morning exploration of timeless teachings and subtle inquiry. Space to reflect, question, and deepen understanding through guided insight.
11.30 – 12.00
A focused pause before lunch to return to breath and presence. Gentle practice to realign, reset, and prepare for the afternoon ahead.
12.00
A vibrant, nourishing meal enjoyed in community. Fresh seasonal dishes to refuel the body and soften into the afternoon.
A vibrant, nourishing meal enjoyed in community. Fresh seasonal dishes to refuel the body and soften into the afternoon.
16.30
A light, refreshing break to gather and recharge. Sweet seasonal fruit and warm tea shared in the soft turn toward evening.
17.00-18.30
An illuminating Vedanta lecture followed by sacred light offering. Insight, devotion, and quiet reverence guiding the day into dusk.
19.00
A wholesome, plant based meal shared in relaxed company. Warm flavors and gentle conversation as the sky deepens into night.
20.15
A wholesome, plant based meal shared in relaxed company. Warm flavors and gentle conversation as the sky deepens into night.
06.30 – 8.30
An energizing blend of yoga, pranayama, and meditation to awaken body and breath. A steady, intentional start that sets the rhythm for the day.
8.30
A vibrant, nourishing spread to greet the day. Fresh flavors, warm tea, and quiet conversation as the forest stretches into morning light.
9.30 – 10.30
A morning exploration of timeless teachings and subtle inquiry. Space to reflect, question, and deepen understanding through guided insight.
12.30pm
A final shared practice followed by heartfelt feedback and integration. Time to honor the journey, gather insights, and complete the circle with clarity.
12.30pm
A final meal shared in warmth and gratitude. One last gathering at the table before parting ways, carrying the retreat within.
ALL-INCLUSIVE
Not Included
YOUR GUIDE
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).
Chinmaya Mission
Satsang for Adults
bala vihar
YOUR GUIDE
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.
Yoga
Pranayama
Meditation
GUEST EXPERIENCES
“Shambala has a special place in my heart. Each time I’m there, I feel so happy to have found it and so nourished by the experience. The connections; the kindness; the honesty; the laughs. I feel like it shapes me into the best version of myself. Then there’s the food, the forest, the sauna, the lake, the time to play and just be… It’s hard to leave, but easier for me this time, as I’ll be coming back again in October. So much gratitude, so much love.”
“Amazing experience!! Beautiful nature around Shambala. Yoga there was outstanding!! Vegan Food incredible tasty!! Great and friendly community of people. If you suffer from any stress, this is ideal place to be!”
“Shambala it’s a magical place with an unique atmosphere , paceful, greatful and full of joy. The retreats are real gifts to rest and meet yourself in the company of people who guide you with dedication and love. The lake, the house, the forest, it’s like a fairy tale. In Shambala It’s time to disconnect from everyday life and connect with the earth nature. I’ll be back soon. Namaste!”
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
The journey from Arlanda to Shambala (Skinnskatteberg Station) takes around 3 hours and is quite straightforward. You can search for and purchase tickets at www.sj.se.
Please note that the full train schedule is usually available only 2–3 weeks before your intended travel date, so there’s no need to book earlier than that. There are several route options.
As there are no direct trains, you’ll need to take a combination of trains and/or buses. Once you arrive at Skinnskatteberg Station, we’ll pick you up — it’s just a 7-minute drive to Shambala.
Comfortable yoga clothing, a warm layer for the evenings, earplugs and an eye mask for the bright summer mornings, sturdy shoes for forest walks, and a journal if you enjoy writing. Yoga mats and props are provided. Swimwear for the sauna is optional. We’ll send a full packing list after booking.
Our kitchen is designed to avoid the most common allergens. That said, please let us know in advance if you have any food allergies or specific dietary needs, and we’ll take them into account when planning the menu.
For guests with multiple allergies, we offer a simple daily meal option of steamed vegetables and boiled rice.
While we aim to keep our kitchen as gluten-free as possible, trace amounts of gluten may still be present. Our meals are generally suitable for those with gluten intolerance, but we cannot guarantee the absence of cross-contamination for guests with celiac disease.
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, triple rooms, and glamping tents.
The guiding ethos is one of community and sustainability, creating a vibe that is understated, modest, welcoming, and easy. If you do feel a strong need for a single room, you can write to us. A single room may be available for an additional fee.
All accommodation options have access to shared showers and bathrooms.
We love children and would truly love to be able to host parents with young kids.
However, we’ve found that having young children on site can make it challenging to maintain the peaceful retreat atmosphere that many of our guests seek and deeply value.
For this reason, unless otherwise agreed, our retreats are intended for adults and youth aged 12 and above.
We love animals, but as some guests have allergies, we’re unable to allow animals inside the buildings. For this reason, we kindly discourage guests from bringing their pets.
Bed linen and towels are included with your booking. You may opt out of both for a 200 SEK discount. To do so, please apply the coupon code ‘NOLINEN’ at checkout.
We understand that life can be unpredictable, and if something unexpected comes up, we truly want to support you as best we can. At the same time, as a small business, we need to honor the sustainability of our work and are therefore unable to offer refunds close to the retreat start date. Thank you so much for your understanding.
Cancel up to 3 months before arrival and receive a full refund.
Cancel up to 14 days before arrival and receive a 70% refund.
Cancel up to 6 days before arrival and receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel 5 days or fewer before arrival, the retreat fee is non-refundable.
We warmly recommend arranging travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances.
The retreat cost does not include travel insurance. Travel insurance is recommended for all participants.
Join us April 3–6 for three days of yoga, meditation, and philosophy in a relaxing atmosphere, beautiful location, healthy food and activities for both body and mind.
Or write to us directly: hello@shambalagatherings.com
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