Tuscany, Italy

24th – 27th April

24th – 27th April 2025

Retreat on the Bhagavad Gita and Ashtanga Yoga

Experience the serenity of the Florentine hills in a breathtaking setting, immersing yourself in the simplicity and authenticity of ashram life with Gabriele Severini and Lakshmisha Bhat. This is an opportunity to reconnect with your essence, find inspiration for your spiritual path, and deepen your yoga practice. Four days dedicated to the practice and in-depth study of Ashtanga Yoga, in harmony with the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, surrounded by the peace and beauty of a unique place.

This Retreat is co-organized with Mysore Yoga Firenze – Francesca D’Agui.

Villa Vrindavana is located in Tuscany, in the Chianti Hills, just 10 kilometres south of Florence. The villa was built in the 16th century during the Renaissance, and designed by well-known architects of that period. It has been the residence of some important personalities. Niccolò Machiavelli found inspiration for writing during his regular walks in the woods of the estate. Surrounding its original Italian garden with a central fountain and exotic plants, lies a wooded park of about 220 acres with a lake, organically farmed fields, hundreds of olive trees, and an orchard. Acquired in 1979 and restored from wartime damage by the ISCKON community with the help of thousands of friends in the 1980s, Villa Vrindavana now has, as signature features, an organic vegetable garden and the peacocks who freely roam the property.

THIS WORKSHOP IS DESIGNED FOR

This retreat is designed for those who wish to disconnect from daily life and immerse themselves in an experience of yoga and spirituality. To preserve focus and the meditative atmosphere, participants will be asked to limit mobile phone use throughout the retreat.

WHAT WE OFFER

Villa Vrindavana, located in the Florentine hills, is a historic estate transformed into a cultural and spiritual centre dedicated to the Bhakti tradition. The villa offers simple and authentic ashram-style accommodation, with shared rooms fostering a sense of community, and carefully prepared vegan meals. The main building of Villa Vrindavana houses the Museum of Sacred Art. It holds a collection of sculptures and paintings, including a series of impressive paintings by Giampaolo Tomassetti, dedicated to the Mahabharata, the oldest and most extensive epic of human history. The large historical space, about 600 square meters on two floors, accommodates different cultural events.

ACCOMMODATION

After changing hands many times, at the beginning of the 19th Century the historic building became part of the Fenzi family property, important Florentine tycoons restored the building and enhanced the gardens with rare and exotic plants that came from all over the world. During World War II, the villa became the general quartiers for troops who fought in the area as well as a backdrop for battles. In 1979 after a period of abandonment and decay, Villa Fenzi was acquired by ISKCON who wanted to rechristen it with the name of Krishna’s eternal home, and so it became known as Villa Vrindavana. Initially, Villa Vrindavana housed a community that was mainly monastic, but the rapid growth of ISKCON also grew the Villa’s community and public offerings.

Today Villa Vrindavana is a truly spiritual destination, a place of worship and a place to connect for an ever-expanding number of people. Recently many of the spaces have been completely refurbished and now the Villa provides rooms to those coming for cultural events and spiritual retreats.

Participants will stay in ashram-style shared dormitories (5, 6, 10, or 11 beds per room, gender-specific). The accommodations are simple, with shared bathrooms. Sheets and pillows are provided for €7 per person; participants must bring their bath towels.

VEGETARIAN FOOD

In the traditional Tuscan garden of Villa Vrindavana, there is the vegetarian centre Govinda, placed in a historical building with ancient arches and exposed brick walls. In warm weather, visitors can also dine in the outdoor space, surrounded by beautiful flowers and trees and with a breathtaking panoramic view. All food is strictly vegetarian and often also vegan. It is worthwhile to visit Villa Vrindavana simply to enjoy the delicious specialities of Govinda.

PROGRAM

Thursday, April 24th
16:00 | Retreat introduction and presentation.
16:30 | Gabriele Severini Standing poses: Exploring physical and energetic foundations, Prana and Apana.

Friday, April 25th
5:30 | Mysore Style practice:
“One more” – Practiced in shifts (depending on the number of participants).
Morning | Lecture with Lakshmisha Bhat:
The Bhagavad Gita – Introduction and spiritual meaning.
A journey through the initial chapters of the Bhagavad Gita, exploring themes like Dharma and meditation. Afternoon | Gabriele Severini – Transitions and fluidity in practice:
A technical and mindful study of transitions between poses (vinyasa).

Saturday, April 26th
     5:30 | Mysore Style practice:
“One more” – Practiced in shifts.
     Morning | Lecture with Lakshmisha Bhat:
The Bhagavad Gita – Karma Yoga and Bhakti Yoga.
Exploring the chapters on Karma Yoga (Yoga of Action) and Bhakti Yoga (Yoga of Devotion).
      Afternoon | Gabriele Severini – Backbending: Techniques and proper alignment to deepen backbends.

Sunday, April 27th
5:30 | Mysore Style practice:
“One more” – Practiced in shifts.
Morning | Gabriele Severini- Inversions: Exploring inversions with detailed work to improve stability and control.

COST

€420.00 per person. Payment by February 15t – 50% non-refundable deposit
The balance is to be paid one month before the retreat.

Payment from February 16th onward – The full amount is payable at registration.

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICES

Classes and in-depth sessions on philosophy and Ashtanga Yoga.
Full board and ashram-style accommodation (shared rooms) with 3 meals a day (from dinner on April 24th to lunch on April 27th).
Access to all facilities at Villa Vrindavana.