Yoga Practitioner….

• Have you always dreamed of traveling to India to experience yoga at its source, but felt scared or overwhelmed to go alone?

• Do you long to experience yogic philosophy first-hand, instead of just reading about it in books?

• Are you called to study the Bhagavad Gita so you can understand yoga on a deeper, more authentic level?

• Do you want to teach yoga philosophy with more confidence in your classes, but aren’t sure how to get there?

• Are you confused by all the conflicting information about yoga philosophy and want guidance you can trust?

• Do you want to learn yoga beyond the asanas, so you can honor and respect its roots?

Hi, I’m Juliana Larochelle, and that was me too. 

After graduating from my 200-hour yoga teacher training I knew how to get into a downward-facing dog just fine, but couldn’t wrap my head around the philosophy that this practice I was growing to love is based on. It felt like every studio I visited, provided a different version of the truth. It all left me feeling confused, and uncertain in my belief system. 

That is—until I signed up for Professor Edward Bryant’s Bhagavad Gita class at Rutgers University, where I was studying. It was one of the hardest but most life-changing classes I encountered, and it shifted something in me. During the class, a teacher named Robert Lindsay talked to our class about going on a study abroad trip to Vrindavan, India. I immediately knew I needed to sign up. 

In December 2015, I traveled to Vrindavan, India, for a Hinduism 101 class led by Satyanarayana Dasa Babaji and Teacher Assistant Robert Lindsay. There, yoga philosophy went from something confusing to something I got to embody and experience daily. No longer were these lofty concepts that I struggled to interpret in books; instead, they were principles for how I chose to live my life. The trip changed my outlook and my life. I woke up every morning and brushed cows at the onsite cow sanctuary, toured ancient temples, experienced Kirtan, and ate ayurvedic vegetarian meals every day. Most of our food was grown at the Ashram, which has 17 acres of farmland called Jiva Farm. It was a far cry from my nights out as a Rutgers student, eating whatever the dining hall had to offer. I couldn’t be more grateful to my young self for taking the risk and allowing myself to step into a new, expanded version of myself.  

One of the best parts was our trusted tour guide, Robert Lindsay. That trip was my first time traveling halfway across the world, and I was nervous, to say the least. Robert made sure every aspect of the trip was taken care of. He knew where to take us, where and how to exchange money so we wouldn’t get ripped off, taught us the proper etiquette at the temples, and made every excursion smooth and safe. 

 Our Seva: 

Now, it is my incredible honor to return to the Ashram with you for Return to the Source: Yoga Immersion in India, co-hosted with Robert Lindsay in Vrindavan, India. And this time, we’re returning with a larger purpose –our seva, or selfless service, as the Bhagavad Gita teaches.

The Jiva Farm is under attack. Land mafia is trying to illegally seize the farmland that fuels this Ashram, both sacred to us personally and, more importantly, the community at large.  100% of he proceeds for this retreat will go directly toward stopping the illegal takeover of this land, so it can be safely preserved for generations to come.  

 The Details: 

This transformational retreat is now open. We will travel to India from March 6 to 18, 2026. This 12-day immersive yoga experience will allow you to explore bhakti yoga and deepen your understanding of yoga philosophy. Spend your days exploring ancient temples, studying the Bhagavad Gita, and experiencing Bhakti Yoga. Eat ayurvedic vegetarian meals and enjoy a daily asana practice. 

Experience.... 

𑁍 Kirtan led by Satyanarayana Dasa Babaji
Join daily devotional chanting guided by Satyanarayana Dasa Babaji, a renowned scholar and spiritual teacher. Experience the heart-opening practice of kirtan in its authentic setting, surrounded by sacred sounds and teachings.

𑁍 ISKCON Kirtan Vrindavan
Feel the vibrant energy of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) temple in Vrindavan. Participate in ecstatic kirtan sessions with hundreds of devotees singing, dancing, and celebrating devotion in this iconic spiritual hub.

𑁍 Loi Bazar
Explore Vrindavan’s bustling market street, famous for its colorful shops selling devotional items, handcrafted goods, traditional clothing, and unique souvenirs. A perfect opportunity to experience the sights, sounds, and flavors of local culture.

𑁍 Yamuna Boat Ride
Sail along the sacred Yamuna River, a deeply spiritual experience connecting you to the stories and legends of Krishna. Enjoy peaceful views of ghats, temples, and devotees offering prayers along the water.

𑁍 Mathura & Krishna Janmabhumi
Visit Mathura, the birthplace of Lord Krishna, and explore the Janmabhumi temple complex. Walk in the footsteps of ancient legends while learning the history and significance of this holy site.

𑁍 Prem Mandir
Witness the breathtaking beauty of Prem Mandir, Vrindavan’s “Temple of Love.” Adorned with intricate marble carvings and illuminated at night, this temple is a stunning tribute to Radha and Krishna’s divine love.

𑁍 Samadhi Parampara Farm

𑁍 Taj Mahal
Conclude your journey with a visit to India’s most iconic monument, the Taj Mahal. Marvel at this wonder of the world, a timeless symbol of love and architectural beauty, as you reflect on the transformation of your inner pilgrimage.

Leave with: 

• [x]-hour Bhagavad Gita & Bhakti Yoga Certificate - continuing education hours approved by the Yoga Alliance  

• A clearer understanding of the Bhagavad Gita, Bhakti Yoga, and how to apply it in your life

• New yoga friends you’ll cherish for life 

• A renewed relationship with yourself and your practice to help you lead your students more confidently beyond the asanas 

Meet Your Guides

 What is Bhakti Yoga?

On this retreat, you’ll experience Bhakti Yoga where it was born: in Vrindavan, India, a sacred town steeped in centuries of devotion to Krishna.

FAQs 

Where will we be staying? 

We will be staying at an Ashram called Jiva Institute. This is an ashram, not a five-star resort. That means, you will quickly learn to adapt to new surroundings. While you will have a private bathroom, expect to find comfort in the discomfort in a new setting. The address for the Ashram is Jiva Institute 380 Sheetal Chaya Raman Reti, Vrindavan UP 281121, India. 

Are flights included? 

No, you will be responsible for finding and booking your travel. 

Will transportation to and from the airport be provided? 

Yes! Once you arrive in India, you can expect to be safely guided between our destinations so you don’t have to worry about your safety, and navigating a new, unfamiliar place. 

What will a typical day at this retreat look like? 

Wake up for a 7:15 a.m. Asana practice led by Juliana, followed by an ayurvedic breakfast at the ashram. Study the Bhagavad Gita for the rest of the morning and enjoy a prepared lunch before heading off on the excursion of the day. A tentative schedule can be found here, and it is subject to change. 

What is the cost?

This retreat is an investment of $XXXX with payment plans available. All of the proceeds will go to the fight to save Jiva Farm. 

Are refunds available? 

No.