On January 7th, a retreat titled “Self-Discovery While Being with Oneself – Ekaante Vedaanta” was held at the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam in the lush hills of Anaikatti. The retreat was organized by Arsha Seva Kendram (ASK), an organization dedicated to the selfless service of spreading the vision of the Rishis. Through the guidance of dedicated teachers, ASK creates a bridge for seekers to access the timeless wisdom of Vedanta and Sanskrit in a structured and compassionate environment.
The venue itself carries a profound spiritual lineage. Established by the legendary Pujya Sri Swami Dayananda Saraswati, the Arsha Vidya Gurukulam is a traditional place of total learning, nestled in the serene Anaikatti valley—a setting where great Mahatmas have taught.
Each day of the retreat began with the Sri Dakshinamurthy Abhishekam, where participants chanted together in the presence of the Lord, setting an atmosphere of sanctity and focus for the day ahead.
The teaching was led by two masters. Acharya Jayakumar ji guided participants through the verses of Bhartrhari’s Nitisatakam, offering a practical roadmap for living a life of values and navigating worldly life without losing sight of one’s spiritual core. Acharya Srinivasan ji explored Mastery over Raga-Dvesa through the Bhagavad Gita (Verse 3.34), with a notable focus on the phrase Tayorna vashamāgachet—the instruction not to come under the spell of likes and dislikes—using practical examples to show how conflicting thoughts can be managed and neutralized. Participants were also blessed with discourses from Swami Sadatmananda Saraswati and Swami Shankarananda Saraswati, whose presence lent the retreat a deep spiritual grounding. Daily Yoga and Dhyana (Meditation) sessions complemented the teachings, helping seekers relax the body and steady the mind.
The retreat also showcased the wider work of Arsha Seva Kendram. The organization runs Arsha Gokulam, a holistic development centre for 65+ underprivileged High School and College students in Mysuru. Three of these college youth presented the breadth of ASK’s seva activities, sharing the changes they had seen in their own lives. ASK’s school infrastructure improvement projects—such as benches and water filters for rural government schools in Kovilpatti—have positively impacted many children and have been featured in the Tamil newspaper.
A highlight of the event was a Tevaram and Tirumurai performance by Odhuvar Sri Sargurunathan, whose rendition of these sacred Tamil hymns was soul-stirring. In recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the Odhuvar community and the preservation of this tradition, Arsha Seva Kendram honoured him with the award of Arsha Seva Chudamani.
Throughout the retreat, participants were supported by the Ashram’s hospitality, including sumptuous satvik food that complemented the meditative schedule. Mealtimes became an extension of the classroom, as seekers gathered to discuss their learnings and form lasting bonds.
The retreat offered participants a clearer vision of themselves and a sense of inner fullness. More than just an event, it served as a meaningful start to 2026—conveying that being with oneself, Ekaante, is not about loneliness, but about discovering a source of fullness within.
