Spiritual Retreat at RIMSE
Aims and Objectives
- To provide a calm and peaceful atmosphere conducive to simple living and high thinking.
- To teach some practical disciplines helpful to achieve control and concentration of mind.
- To acquaint the participants with our cultural and spiritual heritage.
The activities of the Retreat are centered round the Institute’s magnificent Prayer Hall housing beautiful marble image of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda.
The course is entirely residential. Separate classes are held in English and Kannada. The participants can select either medium, but it should be common for all the subjects.
Admission and Fees
The Retreat is open to non-student adults (men) only.
The Retreat schedule and the fees details will be sent to the Ramakrishna Math centers in and around Karnataka where they will be displayed on notice boards. People who are interested are requested to apply to RIMSE with a stamped (Rs 5/-) self-addressed envelope (10cm X 23cm) for prospectus and application form. The fees amount is to be paid by Demand Draft (or by cash in person) only after receiving a selection letter from us. Demand Draft sent earlier will be returned at the applicant’s risk.
Mode of Selection
Other things being equal, preference will be given to first time participants. Among applicants who have participated earlier retreats, selection will be made considering their age, the gap since their last participation and availability of accommodation.
Accommodation and other facilities
Participants will be provided with single seated rooms. There are good bathroom facilities in each block. Solar hot water facility is available for morning bath.
Bedding, pillow and mosquito curtain will be provided by the Institute. Participants should bring with them a bed sheet and a blanket.
Only vegetarian food is provided. Participants are advised to adjust themselves to the food provided in the campus, since it is not possible to make changes to suit individual taste. However, sugarless coffee / tea /milk will be provided to the needy.
Subjects Taught
Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita (Selected verses), the Yogas, Lives and teachings of Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi and Swami Vivekananda, and such topics conducive to spiritual life.
Code of Conduct
Health: Persons suffering from any disabling ailment or with any chronic or infectious diseases are not eligible for the retreat and should not apply. If detected later, they will be sent away. A qualified doctor visits the dispensary at the campus daily to take care of any casual illness and emergencies.
Dress: White dhoti or pyjamas, white jubba and white chaddar (angavastram). White pants, sports (T) shirts are not allowed. First – time participants will specially note this.
Attendance: Participants must take part in all items of the retreat. No exception will be made on any ground whatsoever. Defaulters will be requested to leave the campus and will not be considered for future retreats. Those who do not attend the orientation session will not be entertained for the Retreat.
Silence: Silence, being an essential part of the discipline, should be observed as much as possible. Certain areas are kept strictly silent zones: Prayer Hall and around, classrooms, dining hall, plates washing, library and bathrooms.
Others
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- Smoking, taking snuff, chewing betel or pan, or partaking of any intoxicants is forbidden.
- Visits from relatives and friends are not allowed during the Retreat. Participants must not leave the campus for any reason during the Retreat.
- They can draw their requirement of toilet articles and stationary from the Institute’s Store on cash payment.
- Radios, tape recorders, i-Pods, MP3 Players, newspapers, novels, magazines, etc. are not permitted in the premises. Only literature of a moral and spiritual nature can be read.
- Punctuality is essential for orderly life. Please get adjusted to the routine quickly. Do not waste time or keep others waiting.
- It is strictly forbidden for any participants to have direct contact or communication with any member of the non-academic staff of the Institute. In case of any complaint, please contact the Correspondent.
- Participants are to refrain from using the Retreat to further their business interests.
- Mobile phones are not allowed during the Retreat.
- Please write your name and address on the back of the Demand Draft you send to us.
Daily Routine
| 05.00 to | 06.00 a.m | Getting up, ablutions & bath |
| 06.00 to | 06.30 a.m | Meditation and Prayer |
| 06.45 to | 07.20 a.m | Exercise / Yogasana |
| 07.20 to | 07.30 a.m | Room Cleaning |
| 07.30 to | 08.00 a.m | Breakfast |
| 08.00 to | 08.50 a.m | Library work / Dispensary |
| 09.00 to | 10.00 a.m | Lecture 1 |
| 10.00 to | 10.15 a.m | Coffee Break |
| 10.20 to | 11.20 a.m | Lecture 2 |
| 11.30 to | 12.00 noon | Ashtottara Parayana |
| 12.15 to | 02.00 p.m | Lunch, rest and study |
| 02.00 to | 03.00 p.m | Library work |
| 03.00 to | 04.00 p.m | Lecture 3 |
| 04.15 to | 04.45 p.m | Coffee & Snacks |
| 04.45 to | 06.00 p.m | Shramadan |
| 06.30 to | 07.00 p.m | Prayer & Meditation |
| 07.00 to | 08.00 p.m | Music/CD Show/Personality Development/Interaction |
| 08.00 to | 08.45 p.m | Dinner |
| 09.00 to | 10.00 p.m | Interaction with monks |
| 10.00 to | 10.15 p.m | Diary Writing |
| 10.15p.m | Light Off |