10-day Vedanta retreat at Thonse Health Centre
from 8 to 18 january 2026
This retreat is for those who are ready for profound self-examination. Guidance is provided by texts from the Vivekachudamani, the crown jewel of discernment.
The Vivekachudamani is meant for serious seekers who are ready to take the final leap in self-inquiry. The text not only points to the truth, but also systematically dismantles every subtle identification that keeps us bound to the feeling of limitation. Where other texts lay the foundation, Vivekachudamani offers the precise tools for complete liberation.
Through razor-sharp analysis, we’ll examine the mechanics of identification with body-mind, the nature of the witness consciousness, and the method to recognizing “I” as the limitless reality.
For those who sense they’re close to a breakthrough but need that final push, Vivekachudamani is for you.
Read more about this on the website of Andre Vas.
In the previous retreat (January 2025) video recordings were made.
In combination with the accompanying text on Andre website, these make excellent study material. The videos are accurately subtitled and can be displayed in any language you want. This makes the videos easy to follow for everyone.
January 2025 Main Text: Atma Bodha - Knowledge of the Self
(with link to videos )
(with link to videos )
Videos: www.yesvedanta.com/atma-bodha
Atma Bodha (68 verses) by Adi Shankara, is a profound text that illuminates the path to self-knowledge. This ancient text offers a clear and systematic exploration of the nature of the Self, and leads us to look beyond the surface of our experiences and perceptions. Through a series of practical and contemplative insights, we will delve into the relationship between our true nature and the world around us.
Together, we explore the possibility of recognizing our true essence as boundless consciousness and discover the freedom and peace that comes with it. Topics covered:
The Nature of Reality: Distinguish unchanging Consciousness from the transitory world.
The three bodies and five sheaths: exploring the layers that conceal our true nature.
The mechanism of ignorance: understand superimposition and its removal by knowledge.
The Logic of Non-duality: Explore prakriyas that reveal the non-dual nature of reality.
Liberation while you live: understand jivanmukti and the enlightened perspective on existence.
Evening text: Bhagavad Gita, CH12
(with link to videos )
(with link to videos )
Videos: www.yesvedanta.com/Bhagavad Gita, chapter 12
Chapter 12 is non-dual bhakti. It explores the different ways in which an individual can connect with Ishvara, the intelligent cause of the universe. Krishna leads Arjuna through a progression of understanding, from recognizing Ishvara as the all-pervading intelligence and power to fully integrating this knowledge into one’s life. The final verses describe the qualities and attitudes of someone who has assimilated this understanding and provide a roadmap for personal growth and maturity in accordance with the deeper realities of life.
About Andre
Andre lives in Australia and says the following about himself: “Shortly after I reached financial freedom in my mid-twenties, I felt uneasy about the impermanence of financial security, friendship, the world around me and self-help. ” How can more of all this make a difference and for whom?” became the spontaneous protest of the spirit. The nature of the questions eventually shifted to the topic of “I”, who or what am I really?
An inner urge brought me to Arunachala in India to pay homage to Ramana Maharshi. Nearby was a 25-day seminar in which the essence of the Bhagavad Gita was explained by James Swartz. Upon completion of that program, I spent the next year self-examining in the light of Vedanta teachings. I had no proof that Vedanta was better than alternative methods. But the understanding of the glorious intelligence that connects you and me, that guides us even now, the essence of all that is, grew firmly and clearly. This vision was further refined by brilliant courses at the Chinmaya International Foundation (Kerala, India) for the next 2 years. At the same time, I met Neema Majmudar (student of Swami Dayananda Saraswati, Arsha Vidya) in Rishikesh. Her style further clarified the direct meaning of Advaita Vedanta. In addition to teaching Vedic wisdom and Sanskrit, which I studied for 2 years at the Australian National University, I research areas of biological sciences and cosmology in my spare time.”
Website: www.yesvedanta.com
Youtube channel: youtube.com/c/YesVedanta
Practical
The 10-day retreat with Andre is from January 8 to January 18, 2026.
There is room for a maximum of 25 participants. The registration fee is €75. This is intended to cover Andre accommodation costs, part of his travel costs, as well as the organisational costs.
A free donation is requested for the education by Andre.
In the tradition of Vedanta it is customary to show our gratitude for the teaching in this way. The donation can be made during or at the end of the retreat.
The accommodation costs at Thonse Health Centre are about €150 per week for a private room with toilet, vegetarian meals, herbal teas, vegetable and fruit juices, etc. Also included is medical supervision by an Ayurvedic and a naturopathic doctor. See: www.thonsehealth.in/rooms
Don’t forget to apply for a visa for India. You can do that online: https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
Book
Fill in the form and pay the registration fee (€75). Preferably do this by transferring the amount to bank account NL80 ASNB 8831 707 132 in the name of O. Munters (IBAN). The bank’s BIC code is ASNB NL21.
You can also pay the registration fee with PayPal or a credit card (with a surcharge of the costs charged by PayPal).
Once the registration fee has been paid and the registration form has been sent, we will reserve a room for you at Thonse Health Centre. After that, you can book your flight.
In case of cancellation, you only pay the registration fee.
