Swamiji Says Blog
Universal Shaiva Fellowship

2025 Spring Retreat in Kauai, Hawaii

Date: May 8-14

John and Denise Hughes with George Barselaar

Register NOW! Space is limited and will be reserved in the order registrations are received.

Secure your spot for the Kauai retreat by registering here! Once signed up, you'll receive an email with instructions to complete your down payment, sign the release waiver, and provide your background information. We can't wait to have you join us!

Join us for an unforgettable Spring Retreat in Kauai, Hawaii from May 8–14, 2025, where we will immerse ourselves in the profound wisdom of Kashmir Shaivism while celebrating Swamiji’s solar birthday in one of the world’s most breathtaking sanctuaries.
Nestled within Kauai’s lush landscapes, Hamsa Bhuvan offers a serene retreat space with fan-cooled accommodations, allowing you to unwind in nature’s embrace. Each day, we will practice together—moving through meditation, yoga, and pranayama—while diving deep into sacred texts under Swamiji’s timeless guidance. Moments of silence and stillness will be woven into our days, along with vibrant discussions, devotional practices, and nourishing meals prepared to support your journey.


Details

Date: May 8-14
Length: 6 nights/7 days
Location: Kauai, Hawaii
Group size: Up to 20
Accommodation: Shared Room
Cost: $2600 
Includes accommodation, three meals a day, and study/practice retreat.

Paid in three installments:
1. Pay $500 non-refundable deposit to reserve your space.
2. March 7th - 50% - $1050 paid via Zelle (310-837-0402) or Check OR $1092 paid via Credit Card or Paypal.
3. April 7th - 50% - $1050 paid via Zelle (310-837-0402) or Check OR $1092 paid via Credit Card or Paypal.

Registration for the 2025 Four-Day ONLINE Study Retreat (Date: May 10-14) is available here

 Questions? Contact us here


Why Join the Kauai Retreat?

Set amidst the natural splendor of Hawaii’s Garden Isle, this retreat offers a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the transformative teachings of Kashmir Shaivism in an environment of deep stillness and beauty. Under the guidance of John, Denise, Shanna Hughes, George Barselaar, and Claudia Dose, each with decades of experience, you will explore the non-dual wisdom of Swami Lakshmanjoo and the timeless tradition of Abhinavagupta.
This retreat is an invitation to step away from the distractions of daily life and dive into practices that dissolve limitations, expand awareness, and awaken a deeper connection to the Self—all within the serene embrace of Kauai’s pristine landscapes.

Watch previews of the place we will stay at below...

 
 

Your Retreat Experience Includes:

  • Daily Meditation & Yoga – Awaken with breath, movement, and presence
  • Teachings & Text Study – Explore Kashmir Shaivism’s non-dual wisdom
  • Devotional Practice – Participate in Puja, Vijnana Bhairava meditation & group reflections
  • Time for Silence & Reflection – Deepen your connection within
  • Celebration of Swamiji’s Solar Birthday – A sacred gathering in his honor
  • Exquisite Vegetarian Cuisine – Three wholesome meals, tea, and snacks daily

About the retreat

Location
Kashmir, India; exact location and recommended travel will be shared upon registration or upon request.

What to expect
This twelve-day journey to Kashmir includes:

• Admission to the Swami Lakshmanjoo Annual Mahasamadhi celebration at the Ishwar Ashram in Nishat, Srinagar where Swamiji lived for over 30 years. This day-long Mahasamadhi (fire celebration), is conducted in the traditional style by a pandit/priest who was personally selected by Swamiji to perform this intimate ceremony.

• A four-day study retreat at the ashram on the foundation of Kashmir Shaivism

• Gentle yoga

• Meditation as taught by Swami Lakshmanjoo

• Practices from the Vijnana Bhairava Tantra

• Studies of scriptures on grace and practice

• Discussions

• Delicious Kashmiri vegetarian food

• Comfortable accommodations

We will visit many of the sites/shrines which Swamiji considered important in the history of Kashmir Shaivism. These include:

• Shiva Rock (where the Shiva Sutras were found/revealed)

• Abhinavagupta Shrine at Gopi Tirtha

• Shiva Temple at Rainawari

• Kheer Bhawani Shrine

• famous Nishat and Shalimar Gardens, which overlook Dal Lake.

We will also experience the cultural wonder of Srinagar including the beauty of the lush and mystical Himalayas that surround the Srinagar Valley, the Muslim prayers called “Salat al-fajr prayers”, that rise up across the mountain range at sunrise and throughout the day; also, the handcrafts and artistry of the region. 


Accommodations & Pricing

Hamsa Bhuvan has only 10 rooms, so we will be offering shared accommodations for those joining. This ensures an intimate retreat experience in the heart of Kauai’s natural beauty.


Retreat Price: $2600


📅 Includes: The full retreat experience, all teachings, and offerings, plus breakfast, lunch, and dinner for six nights and seven days.

Typical Daily Schedule

A Glimpse of Your Daily Rhythm

  • Morning Meditation & Light Breakfast
  • Yoga & Pranayama
  • Group Meditation & Puja
  • Tea Break
  • Text Study & Discussion (Kashmir Shaivism)
  • Silent Lunch & Rest
  • Stories of Swamiji’s Life
  • Afternoon Text Study & Meditation Practices
  • Evening Meditation & Nourishing Dinner

This retreat is an opportunity to reconnect with yourself, deepen your spiritual understanding, and celebrate the teachings of Kashmir Shaivism in a setting of unparalleled natural beauty.

Space is limited—reserve your spot today!

With love and anticipation,
John, Denise and Shanna Hughes,
George Barselaar and Claudia Dose
(The Lakshmanjoo Academy Team)

Register NOW! Space is limited and will be reserved in the order registrations are received.

Secure your spot for the Kauai retreat by registering here! Once signed up, you'll receive an email with instructions to complete your down payment, sign the release waiver, and provide your background information. We can't wait to have you join us!


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

John and Denise Hughes with George Barselaar

Not joining us in Kauai? Join our four-day online retreat!

Learn More
 
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