2025 Fall Retreat
Date: Sept 8-20 (optional add-on till 22nd) details to come...
Join us in the mystical land of Kashmir, the cradle of the non-dual Trika tradition of Kashmir Shaivism. This once-in-a-lifetime retreat offers an immersive journey into ancient teachings, sacred practices, and breathtaking landscapes.
Why Join the Kashmir Retreat?
Guided by the teachings of Swami Lakshmanjoo (1907–1991), this retreat brings the profound wisdom of Kashmir Shaivism to life. Hosted by John, Denise, and Shanna Hughes, along with George Barselaar and Claudia Dose—dedicated practitioners with decades of experience—you’ll gain insights into the timeless tradition of Abhinavagupta (924–1020 CE) while exploring the culture and spirituality of Kashmir.
Immerse yourself in the teachings of Kashmir Shaivism, experience practices that dissolve limitations, and connect deeply with this transformative tradition.
Details
Date: Sept 8-20
Length: 12 nights/13 days
Location: Kashmir
Group size: Up to 40
Cost: (not including air)
Luxury accommodation (22 rooms available):
Shared Room: $3,000 per person
Private Room: $4,000 per person
Basic comfortable accommodation (16 rooms available):
Shared Room: $2,500 per person (Queen bed, for couples or friends only)
Private Room: $3,200 per person
Registration for the 2025 Four-Day ONLINE Study Retreat (Date: Sept 11-14) will become available closer to the event.
Questions? Contact us here
Retreat Highlights
Annual Mahasamadhi Celebration: Participate in Swami Lakshmanjoo’s day-long fire ceremony at Ishwar Ashram in Nishat, Srinagar.
Four-Day Study Retreat: Deepen your understanding with yoga, meditation, and teachings from the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra. Enjoy scripture studies, group discussions, and authentic Kashmiri vegetarian meals.
Visits to Sacred Sites: Explore Shiva Rock, Abhinavagupta Shrine, Chakeshvari Temple, Kheer Bhawani Shrine, and more. End your day with serene shikara ride and devotional hymns.
Cultural Immersion: Witness the lush Himalayan valley, sunrise prayers (Salat al-Fajr), and local handcrafts and artistry.
Daily itinerary to follow soon
Secure your spot.
We anticipate high interest in this retreat, and spots are limited. Sign up for the waiting list today to reserve your place:
Join the Waiting List Now
Complete this form to be added to the waitlist and be subscribed to our email list. Be sure you click confirm in our follow-up email. If you're already subscribed to our email list, you will receive an email confirming that you are on the waiting list. We will contact you and invite you to a Zoom call with more information. You may unsubscribe from our email list at any time.
Meet your hosts
This retreat is led by John, Denise, Shanna Hughes, and George Barselaar and Claudia Dose. John, Denise and Shanna lived in Kashmir for over a decade and recorded more than 700 hours of Swamiji’s translations of the teachings of Kashmir Shaivism, the great non-dual Trika tradition that dates back to Abhinavagupta, 924 to 1020 CE.
Typical Daily Schedule
Schedule subject to change
Each day begins at 8:00am with yoga, followed by meditation and recitation of Sanskrit verses specially selected for worship (puja) by Swamiji.
Following this, using the sacred revelations given by Swamiji, we will examine a number of important texts central to the philosophy and practice of this great tradition of Kashmir Shaivism.
We usually end by 7:00pm after a group meditation.

Suggested Reading
Texts we may cover during the retreat to be announced.
Practice
Practical Meditations from the Vijnana Bhairava
In the Vijnana Bhairava, Lord Bhairava (God) clears the doubts about the essence of the path toward Self-realization. He explicitly reveals 112 meditation techniques for entering into the state of God consciousness. We will be sharing one of these practices each day.
Yoga Classes
Shanna will teach the yoga classes in the morning. Classes will interweave movement for strengthening and stretching the body, linking the breath with the movement, pranayama (breathing practices), and aligning the heart, body and mind through the sharing of stories and poems.
Recordings
Recordings will be available for those who cannot attend the livestream.
Feedback from past participants
I was very pleased and delighted with all of them, learned immensely from the materials and the downloads especially the audios of Swamiji and subsequent commentaries. It was like a mini retreat. Or, maybe I could say, it was analogous to the concept of Yoga in action in the sense that Swamiji’s birthday retreat and Swamiji’s Mahasamadhi Havan and retreat were like our daily meditations early and late. Then the webinar was like the “Yoga in Action” strengthening the practice in between.
Jai Guru Dev.
—Bruce Catalano
One of the most tangible, practical and accessible teachings that perfectly marries the world of science and spirituality and provides tools that all of us can use to make the world into a better place.
—Jody Weiss
I want to congratulate you all of the Academy for reaching this milestone of conducting a successful webinar. This was a great experience for me after a long time. I enjoyed every minute of it and look forward to the next one.
Thank you all for doing this.
Jai Guru Dev!!
—Manika Kaul
Thank you very much for the just concluded and enlightening Webinar series!
I grew up in Srinagar and had heard about Swamiji, but never had the good fortune to either meet him in person, or to listen to his commentaries while growing up. You, through your assiduous work, have allowed people like myself to go back in time and relive moments, as though in the presence of dear Swamiji. Kudos to you all!
The series was very well conducted and the topic chosen, the Bodhapañcadaśikā, was simple, yet profound. I look forward to more seminars from the Academy. I am sure, having spent a number of years with Swamiji, you folks are in the best position to select the next topic.
—Dr. Jatinder Bhan
