Arunachala Pilgrimage
India Retreat
with John David • 1 - 20 January 2027
with
John David
1 - 20 January 2027
Arunachala Pilgrimage
India Retreat
with John David • 1 - 20 January 2027
26th Retreat of John David
At Arunachala Mountain
Deep Dive into Spiritual India
With a Loving Group
Exploring Non Duality
>> Click to watch a 5min Film about the Retreat
A three Week Pilgrimage to one of India’s most powerful spiritual sanctuaries at the feet of Arunachala Mountain. A Retreat in Hommage to the great saint Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi and his profound presence and teachings.
Your Guide: John David
John David’s deep connection to Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi led him to travel to Tiruvannamalai for more than 30 years, already offering 25 Retreats at the foot of the holy mountain. John David’s Master was Papaji, with whom he spent 5 years grounding his moment of awakening which occurred in an early meeting with Papaji.
John David has published many important books on Sri Ramana’s Life, Teachings and Disciples:
- Sharanagati – Surrender, Letting go
- Vichara – Self Enquiry, Who am I?
- Aham Sphurana – A Selection of Teachings on Sri Ramana Maharshi’s Life and Teachings
- Nan Yar – Who am I?
- Arunachala Shiva – Commentaries on Sri Ramana Maharshi’s Life and Teachings
- Blueprints for Awakening: Indian Masters and their Teachings in the context of Sri Ramana’s Teachings
- Blueprints for Awakening: European Masters and their Teachings in the context of Sri Ramana’s Teachings
John David spend years interviewing and filming many of India’s greatest living spiritual masters for his famous Blueprints for Awakening project, in the context of Sri Ramana’s Teachings.
He has also produced a film about Sri Ramana “Arunachala Shiva” with commentaries of John David, David Godman and James Swartz
John David has a special gift for taking deep, ancient wisdom and explaining it in a way that feels simple, clear, and easy to use in your daily life.
John David has many years of experience working with people in both an open and very close way through his international communities in Spain and Germany where his closest disciples get the benefit of his guidance in every day life and therefore can truly integrate the teachings of Non-Duality. The result is a vibrant and loving community which unfolds silently and creatively in service to Bhagavan’s teachings and sharing this essence with others.
Because of long-standing friendships, John David has the unique ability to introduce you to local spiritual masters and teachers you might never find on your own.
John David’s Connection
to Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi
“Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi came into my life quietly, imperceptibly, through a photograph twenty years ago, and has become a central inspiration in my life.
Thank you for the exemplary life you led and for the simplicity and clarity with which you guide us. The question “Who am I?” has provided a golden key to all who wish to know their essential nature.”
– John David
Experiences of Transformation
The Retreat
3 Weeks of intensive Spiritual Exploration
1.
The Daily Rythmn
Every morning is designed to bring you back to yourself, creating a stable foundation of inner silence and dialogue with John David.
- Yoga & Meditation – 8am: We start each day with gentle movements and stillness to align the body and mind on the Ashram Rooftop.
- Mantra Singing – 10:30am: After Breakfast we open the heart through the power of Indian devotional Mantras – Live Music with our Band.
- Satsang with John David – 11:30 am: The heart of the day—direct dialogue and shared presence with John David with a focus on Sri Ramana Maharshi’s main Teachings of Self Enquiry and Surrender.
2.
Regular Practices
Beyond the daily routine, we use various tools to help peel back the layers of the ego.
- Self-Enquiry – The core practice of looking inward to discover “Who am I?”. We start the Retreat with a full day of Self Enquiry.
Active Meditation & Heart Dance – Moving meditations that release tension and invite joy.
Awareness Evenings – Sessions with Indira on Authentic Expression, Body Awareness and Sensitivity.
Spiritual Films – including the Blueprints for Awakening series .
- Pooja at the Ashram – The local Poojari ( Priest ) will offer two special Poojas for the group. You can also join his daily morning Pooja
3.
Outside Activities
The landscape of Tiruvannamalai is our temple. We step out of the ashram to meet the spirit of India.
- Arunachala Walk – A silent pilgrimage (Pradakshina) around the holy mountain.
- Bullock Cart Tour – Visiting spiritual hotspots around the mountain
- Ancient Caves – Meditating in the high-energy caves where Ramana Maharshi lived.
- Temple Tours – Exploring the grand Arunachalesvara Temple and its history.
- Ramana Ashram – Spending time in the powerful presence of the Master’s Samadhi.
- Meeting Masters – Rare opportunities to sit with local spiritual teachers and sages.
Are you ready to wake up?
Location
The retreat will take place in the small, tranquil Sri Nannagaru Ashram, which John David was using for his Retreats for 25 years. It is just 15 minutes walking distance from Ramana Ashram and we have a direct view onto Arunachala. Here at the Ashram we will have our own Indian team of cooks who prepare daily fresh and authentic Indian food for us. There is double and single rooms available.
Every time a thought arises, ask yourself, 'To whom has this thought arisen?' and then take the mind back to its origin, which is the primordial state of subjective awareness.
Sri Ramana Maharshi
Booking & Information
Prices
2900€ Standard
2500€ Early Bird
2300€ Concession
1300€ Young Helpers
So the total retreat cost with single room is 3200€.
Contact: Indira
Mobile and Whatsapp: +49 (0)178 289 0814
Email: office@johndavidsatsang.international
Travel
Cheap Plane Tickets can be found here:
www.skyscanner.com
Select your country or city as departure and CHENNAI airport as destination. From some countries BANGALORE is easier to find an airplane to.
From Chennai Airport you can take a taxi to the Ashram in Tiruvannamalai 〜 40-50€. From Bangalore 〜 60€.
India Retreat
with John David
1st – 20th January 2027
Arrival: 31.12.2026
Retreat Start: 01.01.2027
Last Day of Retreat: 20.01.2027
Departure: 21.01.2027
Registration
If you have any questions about the retreat or registration you can contact Indira.
Free Films to Tune In with
Photo Gallery
