January 2026 I India Retreat I Meditation & Satsang I John David I Arunachala I Ramana Maharshi

Tiruvannamalai, India
View all pictures

Summary

India Pilgrimage Retreat with John David at Arunachala
Join us at one of the most powerful spiritual places in India at the foot of Mount Arunachala

John David has been offering an intensive three-week retreat at Mount Arunachala, one of India's most powerful spiritual sanctuaries, for 20 years. For thousands of years, the energy of this mountain has attracted many spiritual seekers for self-exploration and self-knowledge. Experience the timeless spiritual wisdom of India in a contemporary setting with a living teacher who can help you connect with the deepest part of yourself.

Free from any spiritual concepts or ideas, you will explore the reality of life. In this transformative field, perception shifts to what has always been there, revealing itself as stillness, joy and love. Have your own deep experience of self-exploration, which will be at the center of the retreat and which you can take into your daily life.
_______

RETREAT ACTIVITIES
Satsang, meditation, self-inquiry
Mantra chanting, yoga, heart dance
Active and silent meditations
Spiritual films

Meetings with Indian masters and Western spiritual teachers
Excursions to temples and other powerful places
____

SELF-EXPLORATION ACCORDING TO SRI RAMANA MAHARSHI

Self-inquiry means tracing thoughts back to their origin and asking the question: "Who am I?". When thoughts arise, meet them with the counter-thought: "To whom did this thought come?". This stops the further development of the thought. - Sri Ramana Maharshi

SATSANG WITH JOHN DAVID

Satsang means coming together to explore the nature of your true self. The word comes from Sanskrit (the ancient Indian language) and refers to a meeting of spiritual seekers with a self-realized master.
Satsang often begins with a short period of silence, followed by a talk or an invitation to ask questions. Everything happens spontaneously. You can participate by simply listening and absorbing the feeling of freedom and peace, or you can choose to actively engage in a dialog with John David.

The retreat at a glance

The most important facts in a nutshell:

Categories
Self-discovery, Consciousness, soul, senses & spirit, Meditation, Mindfulness, Dance, Vocal Music, Yoga Retreats, Vipassana Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Detox Retreats, Creative Retreats
Date
2026-01-10 - 2026-01-30
Language(s)
English, German
Level
Expert, Advanced, Beginner
Group Size
30
Place
Tiruvannamalai, India
Accommodation
Overnight stay included
Catering
Full board
Types of food
Vegetarian
Services

Yoga and meditation in the early morning

Daily satsang and mantra chanting with live music

Temple visits and excursions around Arunachala

Opportunity to meet inspiring spiritual people or Indian masters

Explore the Ramana Ashram and hike to caves and huts

Spiritual films and concerts

21 nights accommodation in the ashram

Vegetarian meals are served daily

Bicycles for hire

Accommodation

Accommodation in an ashram double room included.
Single room possible for an extra charge.

Catering

The group will prepare their meals together with an Indian cooking team, who will provide very tasty authentic Indian food.

In the morning there is a rich buffet of fruit, fresh bread, muesli and warm chai tea.

The following drinks are also always available:
Filtered water, coffee, tea

sequence

Every morning there is silent meditation, yoga, mantra chanting with live music and a meeting with John David. In the afternoon we will visit the ashram of Ramana Maharshi, spend time on Mount Arunachala, in the various caves, visit temples and other powerful places. In the evenings there will be spiritual movies, meditations or meetings with spiritually inspiring people.

Arrival

By plane to India, fly to either Chennai or Bangalore.
From there it is best to take a cab to Tiruvannamalai, where the retreat takes place.

Chennai, Madras - International Airport
147 km - 4h to Tiruvannamalai
Cab costs: approx. 45€

Bangalore Airport
Kempegowda International Airport
182 km - 6h to Tiruvannamalai
Cab cost: ca 60€

Chengam Road 2, 606603 Tiruvannamalai, , India

Cancellation policy

Full refund up to 300 days before arrival.
If you cancel up to 30 days before arrival, you will receive a 50% refund of the booking price.
After this, the booking is non-refundable.

2600€ Standard
2250€ Early bird until Nov. 1
2080€ Reduced
1200€ Young helpers

The costs include the entire program, meals and accommodation in double rooms.

Single rooms are available for an extra charge.

Dates

from $3,025 / 21 Days

You don't have to pay anything yet.

Price guarantee

This retreat is not offered cheaper on any other platform.

from $3,025 / 21 Days

Send Booking Request