Retreat at the ashram, August 28-30 2026
Attributed to Adi Shankaracharya, the Mohamudgar is a garland of verses forged to break the mind’s grip on the ever-changing external phenomena, and turn it toward the permanent, which remains moment to moment, lifetime after lifetime. Its refrain — Bhaja Govindam — has been sung by seekers for well over a thousand years, and it still lands with force on the modern mind, continuously depleted by distraction and endless wanting.
Over six sessions, we won’t simply read these verses; we’ll chant them. Sound carries what translation cannot — the rhythm settles the body, the repetition loosens the intellect’s grip, and the meaning arrives somewhere deeper than thought. Each session opens with the preparatory mantras, then we take up a set of verses, learn them word by word, chant them for rhythm, sit with their meaning, and close in the silence of antar mouna.
No Sanskrit needed — only a willingness to listen, to chant, and to let the “hammer” do its quiet work.
In our seminar, we will go through the verses slowly and thoroughly, with an emphasis on intonation and pronunciation, as well as short reflections on the meaning of the verses. Additionally, we’ll practise pronunciation of the Sanskrit alphabet and learn some mantras that help open the mind to new learning and make the learning process easier.
The program will also include hatha yoga, raja yoga, karma yoga and bhakti yoga practices.
The program conducted by
The program will be conducted by Sannyasi Mahesh, who lived for many years at the Ganga Darshan ashram, the Indian centre of Satyananda Yoga in Munger, and who currently runs Satyananda Yoga courses and seminars in England and across Europe.
Venue
Hungarian Yoga Association, Szólád. Map
Dates
Arrival and registration: Friday 28 August, 8.00–9.30 am
Start of event: Friday 28 August, 10.00 am,
End of event: Sunday 30 August, lunch.
Fee
The participation fee is 58,500 forints if paid by 2 August, or 79,000 forints if paid between 3 and 20 August; this includes the programme fee and three meals a day, but does not include accommodation. Further information on accommodation and meals is provided below.
Registration deadline
20 August 2026. Late applications will not be considered.
Application process and conditions – registration and payment of fees
To take part, you must complete the application form and pay the participation fee at the same time, as specified below.
Registration will not be accepted without payment.
Complete the application form here.
Pay the program fee by 2 August here.
Pay the program fee between 3 and 20 August here.
Cancellation policy
Please note that by registering, you are committing to payment. You can find the cancellation policy here.
Accommodation – book your own accommodation
Participants may camp free of charge on the ashram grounds during the program. Please indicate this requirement on the registration form.
Those requiring accommodation in the village must book their own accommodation, which may be in Szólád or the surrounding area; or in Balatonszárszó, Balatonszemes, Őszöd, Kötcse or Nagycsepely, all of which are just a few minutes’ drive away.
Meals
We provide three meals a day during the program. The diet is vegetarian, consisting mainly of grains, vegetables and fruit, and occasionally milk, dairy products and oilseeds. The consumption of dairy products is optional; the meals are mostly gluten-free and are also suitable for those following a vegan diet.
However, we are unable to cater for other dietary requirements relating to food intolerances, and participants are not permitted to bring their own food into the ashram. We therefore ask that you take the above into consideration before registering for the program. Thank you!
What you may need
Please ensure you have suitable clothing for varying weather conditions.
Comfortable clothing for yoga, covering your legs and shoulders,
Clothing suitable for outdoor activities and gardening,
Yoga mat,
Seating cushion, if required,
A blanket or light cover for relaxation,
Paper and a pen for note-taking,
Sunglasses, a cap or straw hat,
A water bottle,
Toiletries, preferably eco-friendly and biodegradable washing and cleaning products, mosquito repellent, a tick remover,
Toilet paper.
We look forward to seeing you!
Hari Om tat sat.