Kenopanishad Retreat Newsletter (Oct 7–12, 2025)

Kenopanishad Retreat Newsletter (Oct 7–12, 2025)
“That which enables the ear to hear, the mind to think—know That alone as Brahman.”

From October 7th to 12th, 2025, we were blessed with a deeply enriching virtual retreat on the Kenopanishad, guided by the luminous presence of Swami Shivaprakashananda ji. With 86 dedicated registrants joining from across the globe, the online format offered a rare comfort—allowing each participant to immerse in the teachings from the sanctity of their own home.

Each day unfolded in three transformative sessions, where Swamiji led us through the subtle layers of this profound Upanishad. The Kenopanishad, known for its piercing inquiry into the nature of consciousness, invited us to contemplate:

– 🔹 Who impels the mind to think? Who directs the breath and speech?
– 🔹 Can the Self be known by thought—or only by that which transcends thought?
– 🔹 What does it mean to know Brahman—not as an object, but as the very source of knowing itself?

Swamiji’s exposition illuminated the Upanishadic paradox: that Brahman is not grasped by those who claim to know, and yet is known by those who realize they cannot grasp It. Through poetic metaphors, Vedantic precision, and gentle humor, he guided us toward the heart of instrumentality—recognizing that all action, perception, and knowledge arise from That alone.

The retreat culminated in a beautiful reflections session on the final day, where senior disciples—Sushma ji, Sandhya Jain ji, Ram ji, and Ramana Murthy ji—shared their heartfelt experiences and insights. Their words echoed the spirit of the Upanishad: humility, wonder, and the quiet joy of surrendering to the unknowable.

We carry forward not just teachings, but a living mantra:
“Not I, but Brahman is the doer. Let every breath be an offering.”

With gratitude and reverence,
—The Retreat Organizing Team