Yoga Practitioner, have you….

• dreamed of traveling to India to experience Yoga at its source, but felt scared or overwhelmed to go alone?

• longed to experience yogic philosophy first-hand, outside of just reading about it in books?

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

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

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

• wanted to discover 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.

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. It was also during this class that I first encountered a study abroad opportunity where I could deepen this newly acquired information through firsthand experience. Robert Lindsey would be leading a group to learn from a renowned scholar in 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 Robert Lindsay. There, yoga philosophy went from something confusing to something I got to embody and experience daily. I began applying what I was learning in the classroom and textbooks to how I was living day to day. The trip made a lasting impact on my perspective and on my life.

While there, I brushed cows at the onsite cow sanctuary, toured ancient temples, experienced Kirtan, and ate Ayurvedic vegetarian meals every day. Much 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. In retrospect, I’m grateful to my younger self for taking the risk and opening space to step into a new, expanded version of myself.

A highlight from the trip was making a solid connection with Robert Lindsey, who is now a trusted friend and resource. His love for Vrindavan was contagious for our entire group – his patience and care made everyone feel at home. His knowledge of the town, temples, sacred sites, and logistics made the trip smooth and easy. I am so excited we have the opportunity to work together and take a new group of eager students to Vrindavan, now 10 years later.

 Our Seva: 

It is my incredible honor to return to Jiva Ashram with you for a 12-day Yoga Immersion in India, co-hosted with Robert Lindsey. We are teaming up together to focus on a shared goal in helping the Jiva Farm maintain rightful ownership of their land that is currently under illegal seizure. The Jiva Farm rests on 17 green acres, a short distance walk to the holy Yamuna River. This land provides food for the ashram, a safe haven for cows, and green space for the community, which is dwindling in this heavily populated area. The Jiva Farm needs financial support to fight ongoing legal battles to uphold their sovereignty.

Seva – is known as selfless service, in Sanskrit. It is a term we learn about in yoga. Selfless Service is a way to give back to communities and the world at large so the sanctity of nature and our sacred traditions can stay alive. 100% of the 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: 

We invite you to join this experience of thoughtful, immersive, collective travel. We will sojourn to India from March 5 to 16, 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.

𑁍 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.

𑁍 Radha Raman Temple

One of the oldest and most revered temples in Vrindavan.  Locals and visitors come together for Vrindavan nightlife at its best.  

𑁍 Kusum Sarovar

Perhaps the most iconic temple in the Vrindavan region. Immerse in
its historic architectural beauty and colorful paintings depicting the legends of Krishna adventures.

𑁍 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.

𑁍 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: 

• 50-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 

The Cost:

Regular Registration double room with AC: $2,500 USD

EARLY BIRD double room with AC: $2,100 USD

This registration is for one person in a shared double room. There are two beds and one bathroom en suite. A non-refundable deposit of $300 is required at the time of registration. The remaining balance is due September 2nd.

Single Room with AC: 2,900 USD

EARLY BIRD single room with AC: $2,500 USD

This registration is for one person in a private room. The room has one bed + bathroom en suite. A non-refundable deposit of $300 is required at the time of registration. The remaining balance is due September 2nd.

Single Room with NO AC: $2,500 USD

EARLY BIRD single room with NO AC: 2,100 USD

This registration is for one person in a private room with NO AC. The room has one bed + bathroom en suite. A non-refundable deposit of $300 is required at the time of registration. The remaining balance is due September 2nd.

Payment Plans

Payment plans depend on when you register and put the deposit down.

If you register in June, you’ll pay a $300 deposit to secure your spot.

After that, we can set up a 6-month payment plan:

• For the single room with AC, 6 payments of $367

• For the double room with AC, 6 payments of $300
  

The first payment would be due in July, with the final payment in January 2026.

How it works:
First, register by paying the $300 deposit (this is a one-time payment). Then email me at Julianalarochelle22@gmail.com to let me know you’ve paid the deposit, which room you’d like, and that you want to set up a payment plan. I’ll then send you a separate link to set up the monthly payments. The first payment will be due in July.

What’s Included:

• Everything on the schedule

• Daily meditation and yoga practices

• Bhagavad Gita classes

• Cultural excursions

• Three nourishing vegetarian meals per day

• Round-trip transportation to and from the airport

What’s Not Included:

• Airfare

• Personal travel insurance

• Any souvenirs or personal purchases

Meet Your Guides

FAQs 

Where will we be staying? 

We will be staying at the Jiva Institute guest house, a comfortable ashram setting with both single and shared room options. Each room includes a private bathroom equipped with a European-style handheld shower, air conditioning, and wifi. Please note: while the guest rooms have AC, the spaces where we’ll gather for yoga and lecture do not. Keep in mind that this is an ashram, not a five-star resort. Power outages may occur from time to time, which is a normal part of life here.

The address: 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. 

We will provide info on suggested itineraries.

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. You will need to fly into the New Delhi airport.

Is there a flight you recommend? How does the group transportation to and from the airport work?

Everyone will be flying in from different locations, so we’ve planned the schedule around United Flight UA 82 from Newark, NJ to Delhi, India. If you’re flying from the United States, we recommend booking this flight — many states have convenient connections to it.

We will also add a second group bus time once we know where everyone is coming from and what flights they’re on.

We’ll accommodate everyone’s flight times by providing two group bus options. If your flight doesn’t line up with either of those, we’ll arrange a private car for you instead (with a trusted transportation partner Rob has been working with for 15 years).

We will also have two group bus options for the return flight. One aligns with the United Flight, and we scheduled the 2nd one after we know where everyone is flying from. 

We’ll be tracking everyone’s flights, so if there are any delays, we’ll make sure you’re taken care of.

What will a typical day at this retreat look like? 

Wake up for morning meditation practice led by Robert and then yoga asana practice led by Juliana, followed by breakfast. We’ll study the Bhagavad Gita, practice Kirtan, and have question and answer classes with Babaji at the Jiva Ashram. We’ll have an Ayurvedic Lunch and take daily cultural excursions. A tentative schedule can be found here, and it is subject to change.

Is it safe?

Yes, millions of people travel to India each year, and we take every precaution to ensure a safe and supportive experience. Like anywhere, it's important to travel with awareness and preparation. To clarify: Jiva Ashram, where we’ll be staying, is not on the same property as Jiva Farm. There is no threat of Jiva Ashram land trying to be illegally seized. Jiva Ashram is in a gated community with 24-hour security.

What is the cost?

This retreat is an investment of $2100-2900 with early bird and payment plan options available. All of the proceeds will go to the efforts to save Jiva Farm.  *Juliana and Robert are not taking any proceeds from this trip: all money is going towards SAVING JIVA FARM.

Are payment plans available?

Yes, payment plans depend on when you register and put the deposit down.

If you register in June, you’ll pay a $300 deposit to secure your spot.

After that, we can set up a 6-month payment plan:
• For the single room, 6 payments of $367
• For the double room, 6 payments of $300

The first payment would be due in July, with the final payment in January 2026.

How it works:
First, register by paying the $300 deposit (this is a one-time payment). Then email me at Julianalarochelle22@gmail.com to let me know you’ve paid the deposit, which room you’d like, and that you want to set up a payment plan. I’ll then send you a separate link to set up the monthly payments. The first payment will be due in July.

Have more questions?
You can book a 30-minute call with Rob (my co-host) and he’ll be happy to answer them! Book your call here.

Are refunds available? 

No.