Aaranyaka Retreat

Decode the mysteries of life and the Reality

Residential Upanishad Retreat

16, 17 & 18 May 2026, Victoria Day Long Weekend

The Sanskrit word ‘Aaranyaka’ means ‘Forest Treatise’, referring to the eternal and universal wisdom of the Upanishad. The Upanishads are the revelations of Self- Realised sages of yore. The form the philosophical essence of the Vedas. Upanishads expounds a system of knowledge that enables one to reach the ultimate experience of Spiritual Enlightenment.

‘Aaranyaka’ is offered as an annual residential Upanishad study retreat, open to individuals, couples and families. The retreat provides you the rare opportunity to dedicate a long weekend to delve deeper into your inner personality, away from the endless entanglements of family, work, society etc.

Each retreat covers a Upanishad text that requires a calm mind and penetrating intellect to fathom its depth and sublime revelations. The holistic schedule provides a conducive environment and uplifting company of fellow seekers to study, reflect and explore. A lifetime experience to soak yourself in the transcendental wisdom of the Vedas.

Retreat Highlights

  • People practicing yoga in a classroom, each on a mat, performing a lunge pose.

    Guided Yogasana

    Flex your body as your intellect is recharged

    Retreat offers guided yogasana and pranayama sessions. Walk, jog, sports and out door lake side activities also available.

  • A classroom setting with a speaker at the front, using a podium with a red tablecloth. Several seated attendees are watching a presentation projected on a screen. The room has fluorescent lighting and a whiteboard. Large windows on the side show a view of trees outside.

    Upanishad Lecture

    Decode the mysteries of life and the Reality

    Isa, Kena, Kaivalya and Mundaka Upanishads are covered. Select chapters of the Gita and ‘The Eternities - Vedanta Treatise’ are also covered.

  • A group of older adults sitting at tables in a classroom setting, engaged in discussion. A man and a woman are looking at a book together. A microphone is placed on the table, and people are visible in the background, some interacting with each other.

    Group Discussion

    Interact, discuss and clarify your doubts

    Philosophical movies, group discussion and interactive Q and A sessions with scope for reflection and consolidation of the knowledge.

  • Satvic Food

    Room, board, stationeries and supplies

    Satvic food with vegetarian and vegan options; snacks, tea and coffee during breaks. Stationeries and supplies included.

Meet the speaker

Rangarajan

Rangarajan, disciple of Swami Parthasarathy conducts the Upanishad lectures at the Aaranyaka retreat. The lectures include chanting of the Upanishad mantras, translation of the mantras, etymological derivation of key terminologies; interpretation and explanation on each mantra. The retreat schedule delivers material, guidance and a conducive ambience to study, reflect and unravel the sublime declarations on the Supreme Reality, Brahman.

Bayview Resort

  • Sign for Bayview Wildwood Resort with icons of a leaf, chair, sailboat, and snowflake.

    Venue

    1500 Port Stanton Pkwy, Severn Bridge, ON P0E 1N0

  • Date & Time

    Victoria day long weekend, May 2026

    Check in starts Friday 15 May 4pm
    Retreat starts Saturday 16 May 9.30am, concludes with lunch on Monday 18 May.

  • Rooms

    Standard hotel type rooms

    Each room has 2 queen beds to host upto 4 adults in your family conveniently.

  • Teens & Youth

    Family friendly

    Activities to keep children & youngsters engaged through the retreat.

A person in traditional attire is sitting on a raised platform with a laptop, addressing a seated audience in a seminar room. Attendees are at tables with laptops and notebooks, showing attentive engagement in the presentation.
A conference room filled with people seated, watching a presentation by a speaker at the front. A screen displays a presentation slide. Laptops and notebooks are on tables. The room has rows of chairs and large windows on one side, with ample lighting from ceiling fixtures.

Register

The residential retreat is on 16, 17 & 18 May 2026, Victoria Day Long Weekend. As rooms are limited, your room booking is based on first come first allotted.