The Vrindavana Institute for Higher Education heartily invites Vaishnavi ladies to take part in the upcoming third International Vaishnavi Retreat, to be held at the foothill of Sri Giriraja Govardhana from March 30 to April 3, 2013.

The Vaishnavi Retreat was started in 2011 with the idea of promoting spiritual association among female sadhakas (religious practitioners). It focuses on hearing and chanting and is enhanced by the participation of many disciples of Srila Prabhupada who generously share the lessons they have learned from him.

Overall, the participants found the past two retreats to be a rewarding experience. In the words: “We found quality, powerful Vaishnavi association. Things were very spontaneous and the participants were very natural. Many of us put much effort into our services and sadhana, but we do not take the time to build relationships. Building relationships requires spending quality time with each other. We learned to do that in these five days. And we got connected to Srila Prabhupada so deeply, like never before.”

This year the retreat is taking place right after Gaura Purnima. As in the previous two retreats the theme of the seminars and activities will be “Celebrating Srila Prabhupada’s Mercy.”

The participants shall be staying in a peaceful guesthouse at Jatipura, nearby the temple of Gopala established by “Jati,” Srila Madhavendra Puri.

With these retreats the organizers wish to boost both the devotees’ enthusiasm and their trust in peer association, which are important keys for spiritual advancement, by creating a forum for Vaishnavis to take shelter in Krishna and in each other for spiritual progress. Among peers devotees can open their hearts and develop deep lasting friendships, which will help them remain engaged lifelong in Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s preaching mission under the shelter of Srila Prabhupada.

The program includes a journey through Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam by Yasoda Mayi Devi, practical workshops, contributions from Srila Prabhupada’s disciples from their many years of experience in Krishna consciousness, japa inspirations, lots of kirtanas, a drama on the life if Srimati Jahnava Mata, dance by proficient ISKCON artists and interactive exchanges.

If you have any questions, would like more information, or wish to register for the retreat, please log on to http://vihe.org/vaisnavi_retreat.html or write to Mitra Devi Dasi at vihe.office@pamho.net.