"Where Silence Speaks: Discovering Self-Knowledge at Chinmaya Tapovan"

Chinmaya Tapovan, Sidhbari, Dharamshala, Himachal PradeshA Spiritual Retreat on the Amritbindu Upanishad -May 1st – 7th, 2025

I was fortunate to attend two sessions by Swami Swaroopananda as a day visitor.

However - A week-long spiritual camp and discourse was held at Chinmaya Tapovan Ashram, Sidhbari, under the guidance of Swami Swaroopananda, the Global Head of Chinmaya Mission. The focus of this immersive retreat was the profound teachings of the Amritbindu Upanishad, the Ramcharitmanas, and timeless Sanatan Dharma practices, including meditation and spiritual reflection.

The Upanishads form the philosophical bedrock of the Vedas, with the Amritbindu Upanishad comprising 22 deeply insightful verses (Shlokas). These teachings offer contemplations on metaphysical truths and the path to self-realization, drawing from ancient Indian traditions and spiritual wisdom.

Though categorized as a “minor Upanishad” — a term indicating it was not expounded upon by Adi Shankaracharya — the Amritbindu Upanishad remains spiritually profound and widely respected. It is associated with the Atharva Veda and delves into the knowledge of both Jnana (intellectual wisdom) and Para Jnana (transcendental knowledge).

During the retreat, Swami Swaroopananda delivered the discourses in English, offering a serene and lucid explanation of the text. His teachings were warmly received by an audience that included senior participants from across India and overseas — including the USA, Singapore, and Jakarta — primarily from the upper and middle segments of society.

An excellent companion text, The Amritbindu Upanishad by Swami Tejomayananda, provides a simplified English commentary on the 22 Sanskrit verses, making it accessible for contemporary seekers.

The camp was residential, with accommodation at the ashram offered at a very reasonable cost. However, due to limited availability, early booking is essential. Participants may also opt to stay outside the ashram premises.

The Chinmaya Mission has a vast international footprint with ashrams and temples across India and abroad. The global headquarters is located in Powai, Mumbai, with prominent centers in the United States (Boston, Pennsylvania, etc.) and several other countries, serving as spiritual and cultural hubs for seekers worldwide.

The Vedanta Course offered by Chinmaya Mission is a two-year, fully residential program conducted at its Powai campus. It is designed for unmarried graduates (ages 20–35) interested in deepening their understanding of the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Vedantic scriptures, and Sanatan Dharma.

The program is entirely sponsored by the Mission. I had the privilege of meeting several inspiring young Brahmacharis and Brahmacharinis — dedicated students of Vedanta — from India and around the world, including the USA, Trinidad, and Ghana. These students develop a robust foundation in Sanskrit, spiritual practices, and scriptural interpretation. Some return to worldly life after completing the course, while others choose to dedicate their lives to spiritual service as full-time seekers and renunciates.

Several of these students participated in the Sidhbari camp as interns and assistant facilitators, actively conducting poojas and discussion sessions under the guidance of senior Swamis.

The word "Upanishad" signifies self-knowledge. While daily rituals, poojas, and karmic practices (Karma Kanda) can be learned in temples or from knowledgeable elders, the profound truths of the Upanishads require the guidance of realized Gurus who have deeply studied Vedanta.

Such residential camps offer rare and invaluable opportunities for sincere seekers to learn and reflect. Though rooted in ancient wisdom, the teachings of the Upanishads remain timeless and remarkably applicable to our modern lives — offering clarity, purpose, and peace.