Join me on a Kriya Yoga retreat in Vrindavan, March 2026—temples, parikrama, and the unexpected lesson from the Enlightened Samosa Wala

The order:

Histas Baba, our kriya yoga acharya, who initiated me into kriya yoga in November 2024, told me to attend the retreat.

He did not ask if I could. He told. "Come". That was enough.

We share a special connection. I have sent many friends and family members to him for initiation. He has happily given them deeksha.

Looking at him is like looking at a soothing light itself. Peaceful, clear, calm, loving, available.

I usually don't miss retreats. This kind of satsang of souls does not happen too often. The combined aura, energy, blessings, and being with Guruji are a rare combination.

I was looking forward to some amazing learning, company, and experiences, not realising that the most profound teaching came not from any temple, but from a roadside samosa seller! Read on to find out how!

Calender

There were 2 events planned during the same dates. One in Mumbai, the other in Vrindavan, for the retreat.

Adjusting the schedule of the other event, I was able to confirm attendance for Vrindavan.

A special request, and the team handling the retreat's bookings was kind enough to accommodate me.

This is one more example of manifestation, where things happen with "and" not "or"

Day 1:

At the Airport:

Luckily, after learning from our last trip to Kashi, we called everyone and ensured they were at the correct terminal too! A smooth check-in followed. No last-minute rush.

Delayed bus ride:

The bus literally took us for a ride, making us wait at Delhi airport for at least 2 hours. Exploring the airport snack stalls was a time pass then! Delhi airport has some of the worst-tasting chai for sure!

These are moments when either one can complain, enjoy or be in silence. We did all of these!

Volunteers

Our Volunteers deserve all the support and help. It is not a thankless job, as many see it. Not at all. It's a job that only superhumans can do.

I have seen Archana ma and Chanakya baba work around the clock during the Kumbh Mela last year to ensure everyone was comfortable and well cared for. Always with a smile. Always with love. Always with energy.

Almost all requests for an extension of stay, as well as travel to and from the Kumbh area to the airport and railway stations, were taken care of. Kumbh Mela was another experience altogether!

This can only happen with Gurujis' blessings and their hundred per cent commitment. Will I ever be able to do this? I doubt!

This time, the scale seems to be even larger! Maybe double the number of kriyavans!

Volunteers have to take care of hundreds of people coming at different times from different places, which is a logistics nightmare to manage.

It is not possible to give the same level of accommodation to everyone. We all had room-sharing partners. Big and small rooms, with varying levels of room service! This mimics day-to-day life! Nothing is the same. There is no template!

Whatever they do, wherever they make arrangements, we have to accept it as our guru's wish and instructions, as they act on his behalf. No question asked.

These retreats teach humility and acceptance. Here, people of different ages, genders, statuses, and locations come together for one common purpose. Everyone takes away what they can, what is relevant to them, at that stage.

Arrangements at Fogla Ashram:

As the accommodation was limited at the Fogla Ashram, where the retreat was planned, accommodation was arranged in many nearby places, all within walking distance of the Ashram. Rooms were allocated at Fogla and nearby ashrams for all.

I was sharing the room with my acharaya, who initiated me into kriya yoga, Histas Baba. It was a rare honour to be his room partner!

In our room was Y, an electrical contractor by profession.

As usual, our monkey friends were there to greet us. Mobiles and spectacles to be out of their reach, otherwise, you will be buying frooties to get them back!

In fact, Y, my roommate, lost his specs to the same monkey thrice in 3 days! This is too much. I think both of them were enjoying this experience!

I was looking for a reliable electrical associate for a project we are doing. And here he was! We have placed our first order with him recently. It's a great start with a spiritual bond!

I look at 2 primary factors in associates.

1. Spiritually oriented, calm, sharp, down to earth, not into rituals, with empathy, low ego. Ethical.

2. Competent, experienced, qualified, with a reference and strong testimonials.

If 1 is not in place, I don't look at 2.

Day 2:

Nidhivan:

After the morning meditation, breakfast and satsang, we did a Nidhivan dharshan in the afternoon. The VIP entry got us a view from the inside. There are many stories around this place. Some say whoever sees the raas leela after sunset dies or goes blind, etc., but the guides don't always tell you the accurate history. They tell what they have heard, not what they have studied, on their own. This was evident. And everyone loves mysteries, so this one has stayed on.

Brahmarishi Vatika:

There was an amazing Yamuna arti organised in the evening. Guruji performed the arti in the resounding shakhnaad. Leaving lamps floating in the Yamuna River left a lasting impression on all of us.

Radha:

Everyone greets you here with "radhe radhe", auto rickshaw drivers shout radhe radhe to warn people on the road. Thank you is also Radhe Radhe. It's the tone of Radhe Radhe that matters. You need some time to get used to it!

It is interesting to note that Radha does not appear in the Bhagwat Purana.

The name Radha is not explicitly mentioned in the Shrimad Bhagavatam (Bhagwat Puran), but is traditionally understood to be derived from the root āārādhanā (worship) in verse 10.30.28: anayārādhito nūnaṁ bhagavān harirīśvaraḥ. This shloka implies "by Her, the Lord is worshipped," referring to a special gopi who worshipped Krishna most intimately.

Key Details on the Origin:

Context:

The gopis are searching for Krishna during the Rasa-līlā, discovering he has left with one specific, highly favoured gopi.

The Shloka (SB 10.30.28): Anayārādhito nūnaṁ bhagavān harirīśvaraḥ / yan-no vihāya govindaḥ prīto yām anyad rahaḥ.

Etymology: The word anayārādhitaḥ (अनयाराधितः) is broken down by commentators like Jiva Goswami to mean "by Her (anaya) [is] worshipped (ārādhitaḥ)!".

Symbolism:

Commentators suggest that the name Radha is hidden due to its extreme sanctity and the verse's intense devotional context.

Understanding

The beauty of bhakti is that whatever you associate with the divine gets connected to the divine. It can be an idol, a person, an object, a place, etc. It is the "bhava", the emotional aspect of the mind, that is channelised in bhakti. Radha is the medium to reach Krishna! Actually, they are inseparable.

Katyayani mandir:

Prayer at Katyayani Mandir for Krishna prapti followed. We reached at the time of the evening arti.

The loud rhythmic sound of the bell, during the arti. Took the focus instantly to anahata naada within.

The bliss is in the leelas. Krishna's manifestation mantra was chanted, which is explained in a previous blog.

The highest level of bhakti is "Yatha vraj gopikanam". This is the perfect blend of love, separation and devotion. This bhakti of a gopi for Krishna is higher than the bhakti of mother, father, friend, guru, etc.

In our sampradaya, we have Katyayani vrat in December near the banks of a river in the Vidarbha region. Our guru, Prajna Chakshu (eyes of intellect) Gulab Rao Maharaj, started this vrat more than 125 years back, based on his sampradaya, "Madhuradwita". This is based on Madhura (Gopi Krishna) bhakti with Adwaita jnana of Shankaracharya. A great Yogi himself, he dictated 120 books despite being blind from birth before taking samadhi at the age of 32. The books are on yoga, bhakti, gyana and karma. Known as Samanvay Maharashi, he was an avatar who showed how seemingly opposite statements in scriptures are actually pointing to the same Brahman, but in their own contexts.

I see our Guruji Paramhansa Swami "prajna" nanada, same as our guru, "prajna" chakshu Gulab Rao Maharaj. The form is different. The divinity is the same. The similarity in the names is a rare coincidence I just noticed!

In the universe, every form is different, but the Brahman in it is the same.

Some day, I will experience it at all times, instead of me having to remind myself, as I do now! It will happen when it happens!

Every time I come to Vrindavan, I make it a point to take darshan of Katyayani Devi, a Shaktipeetha, where the gopis prayed!

Gopishwar Mahadev:

The story goes that Shiva took the form of a gopi to participate in the raas leela! What it actually means is that a gyani experiences bliss in bhakti. The story is the medium through which this message is conveyed. Before gyana, what is done is upasana, as the saguna roopa is not experienced. When gyana happens, nirguna is known. Saguna is experienced as the other side of nirguna, making the journey complete.

This is also explained in a shloka about Shiva and Vishnu.

Shivasya hridayam vishnum.

Vishnusya hridayam Shivam.

Both saguna and nirguna are two sides of the same coin. One expressed. One unexpressed.

Our puranas have so many stories, each with a core message, not to be taken at face value, but to be contemplated, reflected upon and assimilated!

Day 3:

Vrindavan parikrama:

We started early in the morning. Guruji walks very fast. Soon, there was a large gap between the leading group and us. I used a different strategy. I walked at a pace slow enough to be effortless. This allowed me to cover a long distance without getting tired, as I am not used to long-distance walks. The total walk was around 4 hours and around 12 km. With frequent chai breaks on the way.

Neem Karoli Baba.

Not too long back, I was fascinated by Baba. His stories, his followers, like Steve Jobs, his avatar from Hanuman, Ram Bhakti, etc., all this made him a mystical figure.

On the way to the parikrama, we noticed his Ashram and stopped there. I never knew he had an ashram in Vrindavan! It was on the parikrama route.

Inside the ashram, there was a board with sayings about the subconscious mind. This reinforced the importance of mastering this aspect! Thoughts originate from chitta. Not from emotion, intellect or ego. It is this chitta, the memory, largely made of subconscious memory over lifetimes, that creates the foundation of thoughts.

Baba has rightly said that we should eliminate negative thoughts from the subconscious mind... And fill the subconscious mind with positive thoughts.

I have done an extensive study of the subconscious mind, its tools such as affirmations, forgiveness, vision boards, and advanced topics such as 939 and EFT, as well as goal installation.

Unless the mind is controlled by mastering the subconscious mind, spiritual progress is not steady.

Access to the mind is through the breath and chanting, which are part of kriya yoga, via kriya breathing and ishta devata mantra; however, some specific subconscious mind tools can be used to accelerate the process.

The meditation in the ashram, in the place Baba used to stay, was next level. As time went by, we realised it was getting late only when we looked at the clock!

One can still feel Baba's presence in the premises.

Dharma and ahimsa:

Ahimsa Paramo Dharmah, Dharma Himsa Tathaiva Cha - is the complete shloka. We were taught only the first part! During the walk today, there was a discussion on "Dharma himsa tathaiva cha", part with my friends. In all the talk of ahimsa, I wondered, how does this fit into the "role" model of spirituality, relevant to modern life? Looking into some of the texts like Chanakya Neeti (Sam Daam Dand and Bheda), in which 2 methods are violent, I realised it fits into this properly.

To protect the dharma, or the role, if one has to resort to violence, so be it! Dharma here means doing roles effectively by aligning with what is right. Not just rituals. Arjuna fought the war as a part of dharma!

And the biggest dharma is self-protection. Even the law allows self-defence! It's a fundamental right to survive.

Many people, under the false notion of ahimsa, suffer at the hands of cruel people. It compromises their dharma of leading a life of self-respect. If himsa, retaliation, verbal or otherwise, is not used, what is the use? Being aligned to Dharma makes you brave, not a coward!

Hence, when ahimsa and himsa are used when needed, dharma is followed.

Banno. Brand.

During parikramana, we saw a girl in a ghoonghat! Then she told us she was wearing it for protection against monkeys who could take her spectacles!

This led to the business idea of "banno".

Means ban(dar) no.

Bandar means monkey in the Hindi language. No means no! (its obvious)!

We even created a theme song:

Mein raste pe ja raha tha...

Bandar ko mein dekh raha tha...

Wo mera chashma uda Raha tha...

"Banno" use bacha raha tha

On the tune of a popular hindi movie!

The product:

This consists of 2 parts. A ring and a small net to cover your face. To generate local employment and sustainability, we source the rings made of clay.

We are now looking for investors, pitching our business to Shark Tank, and franchising opportunities are open!

All this was created in 15 mins! Looks like the darshan at Neem Karoli Baba Ashram triggered some creative brain waves!

Parathas for breakfast:

Towards the end of parikrama, Decided to have parathas at a nearby cafe. It was simply great to taste, amazing north indian parathas, with curd and pickles.

Darshan at Banke Bihari Temple:

After the paratha breakfast, we got our energy back and ventured into the most difficult part of the trip. Darshan at Banke Bihari Temple! The rush here is next level!

To be frank, such a kind of darshan is best avoided, as it's not about silence. It is about noise. It is not about stillness; it is about pushing.

Most temples, when they become popular, end up being more crowded places, rather than places where one can have a one-on-one connection with the deity.

Sometimes, I feel it is pointless to go to temples, as all the energy, vibrations, light, and sound are within. It is best to sit in one place, eyes closed, and be connected with the divine immediately.

The urge to visit places, do yatras, and special pujas is slowly decreasing.

Iskon mandir:

Unlike Banke Bihari, there is no pushing around here. The crowd was so much better managed.

Prem mandir:

Looking at the crowd, decided to skip it altogether. Did not want to enter another crowded place.

Dinner at Bikanerwala:

This was a good choice of deluxe thali. We shared the table with another family as there was a long waiting line for tables!

Late-night mediation in the hall:

As i sat deep into the meditation, i realized that i am in a place where gurujis presence is, energy of the all the masters is, and the collective energy of so many people doing kriya is also persent.

During kumbh mela also, i used to sit alone in the meditation hall at late night, sitting still. Not doing the kriya. Not doing anything. Just sitting still. That's all. No chanting.. No purpose. Just someone, ready to receive, whatever gets downloaded at that time... Without any judgment or expectations.

Every trip or interaction may or may not have a profound realisation. It happens when it happens. Sometimes it pours, sometimes it drizzles, sometimes it's sunny! Like nature. There is no expectation of a blessing, miracle, breakthrough, or insight at any time. However, this one was in line with the action plan given by AI!

The meditation was deep, with few thoughts. Almost 25 minutes. Then the alarm on the mobile rang, and it was time to go.

There is an interesting video by Swami Sarva Priya Nanda of the Ramakrishna Mission that says everything is illuminated by the light of consciousness. It is in this light that the observation of the object is done by the observer.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9n6NvDpcwLM

https://youtu.be/9n6NvDpcwLM?si=jSgRN8M2Osj_WSuy

This is a short 200-second video, 3 mins or so, that beautifully explains the principle.

From the observer's position outside, the lamp, the object, and the act of seeing are seen separately.

When an observer positions himself inside the flame of the lamp, he can not observe anything, as there is nothing to observe! So, where is the Sakshi Bhav now?

Most people are not even observing. They are simply wondering! They have merged the object and observer.

There are the 3 stages one has to go through.

1. Caught in the Maya. Here, the light remains. The observer and object have merged. There is no separation between self and roles. There is a collapse. Hence, the feeling, I am happy. I am sad. I have desires. There is no sakshibhava in this case.

2. Observing Maya. In this, the role clarity is there. Here, the light remains. But the separation is between the observer and the object. There is Sakshibhav in this case.

3. And merging Maya with the self. In this case, the observer and the object both merge inside the light. The light is seen everywhere. There is no separation. The Sakshibhav also disappears.

An interesting point here is that you cannot move the light or the object, but you can move the observer! First, the observer and object are merged. Next, it separates, and then the observer moves into the light. As it does so, the object automatically merges with the light!

The observer's journey through these 3 states is the journey of enlightenment! One more interesting interpretation for something that can not be described, only examples can be given!

Being a witness is also an illusion. Sakshi bhava is also an illusion. Who will observe whom now? When it's all one. This is a profound insight. This aligns perfectly with the Ashtavakra Gita.

Satsang talks:

All satsang talks are on the YouTube channel. The channel link is here.

https://youtube.com/@kriyayogainternational?si=Xack_bxTQfSN328R

Gurujis satsang talks in this retreat are captured in these videos.. Here, the metaphorical meaning of Krishna leela is explained in detail. This is a perfect way of learning and applying the kathas in our day-to-day life.

https://www.youtube.com/live/KWpiz2L21IU?si=_SrHey2UjkFB8VXf

https://www.youtube.com/live/-Ru91Irn1Do?si=q1mVUAeB1z7ALjOP

https://www.youtube.com/live/poDLOa_2NLc?si=C4F4mk2eb2Cl9XOK

The realisation:

Spend time with yourself. In the morning and at night, and as much as you can in the day. Being still. Not doing a review of the day or anything like that to engage the mind, not planning for the future. Just sit still. Be in the moment. Observe the breath and the anahata naada. The 5 states of kriya yoga.

Day 4

Bus ride to govardhan parikrama started around 4 am. In this ride,

When the parikarma began, we did not take the tuk-tuk. We thought we would find one on the way. As it kept getting hotter and hotter, we prayed and found this gentle soul who was ready to be with us for the day, until we got to the starting point again.

Mahavakyas:

Had time to think...about the mahavakyas, given in the Vedas during the parikrama. Mahavakyas don't seem to be believable prima facie. Like "aham brahmasmi", it creates an instant doubt: How can a person have the same size and power as a galaxy, for example? The scale is completely different. One is measured in inches and the other in light-years!

What it means is, like, knowing that the same electricity is powering the locomotive and a 10-watt LED bulb. Invisible Electricity is the same; the visible manifestation is different.

The realisation does not make a zero-watt bulb a locomotive! The realisation only brings clarity: the electricity powering both is the same, hence connected, hence universal for electrical appliances, whatever functions they perform. Take a look at all the electrical appliances, such as washing machines, elevators, locomotives, industrial plants, lights, fans, etc. They come in different sizes and serve different functions, but the electricity powering them all is the same. Similarly, in all sizes from mountains to ants, the force behind them is the same. - consciousness!

When the word "god" is mentioned, it can mean, depending on the listener's position...

1. A supreme power without a form, to whom you only have to surrender completely and trust that things will happen as you pray to god. This is the most common interpretation among those who believe in the formless god, the nirguna Rupa. This is like electricity

2. Above with a form. This is for the ones who believe god has a form. Like Krishna, Shiva, etc. Usually, they are fixated on one form. This is the saguna roopa. It is like electrical appliances.

3. Realisation that the word god means universal consciousness, both in form and without, everywhere in the universe, before and beyond it. Manifested as anahata naada, vibration and inner light within and in everything that we see and don't see. This is the understanding one has when both saguna and nirguna are seen as 2 sides of the same coin. This is like knowing that all visible electrical appliances are powered by invisible Electricity.

I have realised that insights come in silence, when you are with yourself. It does not matter if you are meditating, walking, or eating!

Govardhan Puja:

Participated in the puja conducted by Guruji. It was a different experience, where one is performing a puja of a mountain, symbolised by a shila, or a rock at the base.

Afternoon:

Time well spent, and post lunch at a nearby goshala, we went to the site, where the new Ashram is proposed in Vrindavan. It was hot, but the gentle breeze soothed the harsh sun.

It is by the blessings of the gurus and the divine that this land was acquired after much searching. Its proximity to Govardhan Parvat, the land where Krishna played his leelas, is indeed a miracle. But with the guru's blessings, we can't expect anything other than miracles! Anyways!

Announcement:

Guruji announced today that I ("Limaye from Mumbai") were the precise words) will be doing the construction for the Vrindavan aashram in the satsang held at the site.

This was totally unexpected!

I consider myself only as a medium to perform a role. Everything happens by gurujis blessings.

This is a great honour for the whole team, and we are blessed to have his grace.

It's in the design stage now. Actual work will start after the rains.

Just the mention of my name by Guruji is a blessing for me for a lifetime.

There was visible joy on his face. A state when a project starts! When a dream starts taking shape.

Day 5:

Last day of kriya yoga retreat. It's time to pack and leave. Did not know how 4 days passed so fast.

Breakfast:

After the long parikrama at Govardhan the previous day, we started the day with a simple roadside breakfast that turned out to be the highlight of the entire trip.

We used to have tea on the stall next to this one. But today was different. Someone recommended we try this one, as his tea seemed better!

Had breakfast at a roadside stall. The bill was Rs 60. I gave him 100 Rs and told him to keep the change.

He smiled. He had a contented look, eyes that radiated love. Here is the picture.

He instantly told me, I will give you 3 samosas to feed the poor family, on the road, who were sitting next to his stall. He was content with his 60 Rs.

The family, who unexpectedly received food, was very happy too.

Just the joy of giving unexpectedly filled me with peace and fulfillment within. He was giving. I was just a medium.

These are simple moments, in the present. Here and now.

We often miss such golden moments. It's only with awareness that it comes. I think it was the chai, which took awareness to the next level!

This is true detachment. He is living spirituality every moment!

He himself is a living practise of (aparigraha) - Non accumulation of extra samosas and love for the under privileged (ahimsa - when you are not violent, you love, when you love, you give), while practicing non stealing (not taking more than what is needed. When you take more, you steal, actually) (asteya). Such a person has already realized the truth, of the right path of dharma (satya) and is aligned with brahman. (Brahmacharya). Hence, fulfilling all the 5 principles of sanatana! And he is doing it in his small samsara, in the day to day Life of a householder! Which is amazing!

The 5 principles are the foundation. Many paths are built over it. In yoga, these are the yamas. Yoga / Sanatana: exact five yamas

Jainism: exact or near-exact five great vows. Buddhism: four strongly overlap, one differs. Some others have adapted it to their people and times.

Kriya yoga helps you to be aligned to these 5 founding principles. The inner purification of energy channels, body and mind, additionally push you away from external attractions and focus you inwards. It is the inward focus that is the start of the journey to adwaita realisation.

So, next time you have a samosa, you may get a realisation like this! So moral of the story... Keep having samosas!

It is not necessary to visit holy places, gurus, temples, and ashrams to find enlightened souls. They are all around us.

The simple living, the smile of his face, the contentment, the bhava, said it all.

This was the most profound experience of the trip.

Vrandavan, being a place for Krishna leela, this one was the one played for me, for sure! To give an insight which resonates within. Giving is the purpose of life. Giving through my talent, experience, and resources, not just donating. In every role I play, I only have to see how I give. Give value addition to others' lives.

Book:

Got a book written by Gurudev about "The Essence of Kriya Yoga". Another one is "Hamsa Gita", which will be next in line for reading.

Homework:

There is a lot to reflect on—a lot of observation. A lot of time is needed in silence, away from everyone. Doing nothing, being nothing and having nothing!

Contemplation

1. Have you had a similar ''everyday guru, experience?" Share in the comments!

2. What book are you currently reading?

3. Are you in touch with your regular kriya practise? If not, there are practise centres you can come to!

4. Are you in the kriya state, with awareness?

Summary

On this trip, I visited temples, satsangs, ashrams, and sacred places. Yet the deepest teaching came from a roadside samosa seller, content with his ₹60, and eager to turn the extra into an offering. It reminded me that spirituality is not only in places charged with history. It is in the natural fragrance of contentment, simplicity, and giving. Sometimes the enlightened soul is not on a stage, but behind a small food stall.

Blessing:

Blessing you with the grace of your omnipresent gurus, to guide you on your path, actually state, fast!