• Embark on the ultimate yoga retreat in West Virginia with our high-vibe tribe
• Immerse yourself in a comfortable authentic ashram lifestyle
• Dive deep into the ancient philosophy of yoga
• Study and discuss profound spiritual wisdom
• Enhance your understanding of Bhakti yoga, also known as yoga of the heart
• Enjoy storytelling and kirtan music
• Experience the transformative effects of sattvic nutrition
• Engage in deeply healing yoga practices rarely shared in the West
• Cultivate or deepen your daily meditation practice
• Establish a daily spiritual practice to maintain the profound impact of the retreat in your life back home

Plus so much more...

Sadhana: spiritual practices

Sangha: high-vibe community

Svadhyaya: self-inquiry

Satsang: community sharing circles

Japa: mantra meditation

Kirtan: devotional chanting and music

Lila: yogic teachings through stories

Prasad: sanctified food made with love

Arati: prayers + worship

Puja: fire ceremony + offering

Harinam sankirtan parikrama: congregational chanting

Seva: selfless service (optional opportunities)

Bhakti: yoga of the heart

This weekend will transform your heart and soul through daily spiritual practice and community.

NOTE: since this is a retreat (not a teacher training), all sessions are optional. Therefore, students can sleep in for a session and are not required to be present at the daily 5:00 am program.

Typical Daily Schedule:

05:00 | mangala arati, narasimha prayers, tulasi plant puja

06:00 | yoga asana (HJY Hero's Journey)

07:30 | guru puja

08:00 | Srimad Bhagavatam class & lecture from sacred text

09:00 | breakfast prasadam

10:00 | Govardhana parikrama

10:30 | self-care and leisure time

11:30 | HJY session

13:30 | lunch prasadam

14:30 | self-care and leisure time

16:00 | HJY session

18:00 | dinner

19:00 | HJY session

21:00 | noble silence 

_________________________

**Note: the schedule is subject to change slightly each day according to activities and special events.

 Sample HJY Content:

• Deep dive into the timeless wisdom of one of the most important yogic texts—The Bhagavad Gita
• Apply the philosophical, ethical, and spiritual dimensions of yoga to your daily life and teaching
• Discover yogic principles that move you towards a deeper understanding of self, divinity, and your purpose in life
• Bridge the gap between your yoga practice and daily living
• Engage deep self-inquiry according to Vedic wisdom:
  • Who am I?
  • Does God Exist?
  • Search for Happiness
  • What's the purpose of my life?
  • Why do bad things happen to good people?
• Bonus sessions with Hanna: 
  • Restorative Yoga
  • Yin Yoga
  • Yoga & Therapy

ALL activities are included in the retreat price. 

New Vrindaban Activities:

• The Heart of Devotion: A Transformative Visit to Prabhupada's Palace of Gold
• Ahimsa in Action: A Sacred Goshala (cow sanctuary) Experience
• The Call of the Heart: Mantra Meditation (Kirtan) in the Great Outdoors
• Flames of Gratitude: A Bonfire Ceremony of Reflection and Renewal

_________________________

Free Time Activities:

• Massage treatments (for an additional fee)
• Soothe your soul at the Lotus Pond
• Enliven your senses at the Rose Garden
• Pamper and cuddle a cow
• Explore the peacock sanctuary
• Rest and self-care
• Stroll around the lake
• Venture into the forest trails
• Pick up souvenirs and spiritual handicrafts at the Gift Shop
• Associate with resident yogis and the high-vibe HJY community

Plus so much more...

• Jack Boken | Harvard Divinity School MDiv Candidate, B.Eng, MBA, E-RYT 500, (Lead Facilitator)
• Hanna von Hafenbrädl, Grief Support Practitioner, Integrated Yoga Psychotherapist in Training, E-RYT 500 (Co-Facilitator)
• Team of resident yogis with expertise in yoga philosophy, traditional kirtan music, and spiritual life

Click here for full bios of Happy Jack & Hanna. 

New Vrindaban was founded in 1968 in pursuance of Srila Prabhupada’s mission to give Westerners an alternative to the materialistic way of life and to teach a lifestyle based on the principle of “simple living and high thinking.” The project is named after the holy land of Vrindavan, India, the place of Krishna’s birth, where life is centered around the service and glorification of Lord Krishna. Srila Prabhupada’s vision was to re-create the same spiritual atmosphere in order to uplift and inspire Westerners to embrace Krishna consciousness.

_________________________

Please Note: For this retreat, we maintain traditional ashram and pilgrimage standards while also remaining respectful of the culture. Therefore, for the duration of the retreat, we ask students to abstain from meat, fish, eggs, intoxicants, smoking, and sexual promiscuity.

June 6th:

• Arrive at New Vrindaban
• Check-in begins at 2 pm, though you're welcome to arrive early and spend the day on-site
• Retreat begins at 4 pm

June 9th:

• Retreat concludes at 10 am
• Room check-out at 10 am, though you're welcome to spend the day on-site

Travel Options:

If arriving by car, follow these directions. 

If arriving by air, fly to Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) which is approximately 70 miles (1.5 hour drive) from New Vrindaban. Car rental and shuttle services are readily available. 

Shuttle service can be arranged by New Vrindaban. See FAQ section for details.

Room, board, and activities (see What’s Included section)

• Shared Room (three roommates): $395 USD per person for the 3 nights 
• Shared Room (one roommate): $495 USD per person for the 3 nights
• Private Room: $695 USD per person for the 3-nights

If you are new to attending a Bhakti Yoga retreat, it is customary to support the teachers by making a donation. Suggested donations are typically between $250 and $500 per student. Please read on.

In yoga’s spiritual culture, a teacher shares the wisdom of yoga as an act of devotion rather than for profit. This is especially important in the Bhakti tradition. It also keeps this retreat affordable.

We honor these important principles of education and culture by not charging a set price for this retreat. So, how do the teachers survive? The answer is that pure teachers give generously of their time and wisdom, and good students honor that by sharing a donation from the heart and according to their means.  

We provide a suggested donation range. We humbly ask that you show your support for our teachers by giving generously according to your means, although we are grateful to accept whatever one can offer. For this retreat, we suggest a donation between $250 and $500.

Total Pricing examples

• For a shared room (three roommates) plus a $250 donation: Total Cost - $645 per person.
• For a private room plus a $500 donation: Total Cost - $1195 per person.

_________________________

Deposit:

$250 deposit is required to hold your spot.

Balance Due (includes teacher donation): March 6, 2025 (three months prior to the retreat)

Click here to make a $250 deposit and reserve your spot. 

Payment plans are available upon request.

There are a limited number of spaces available due to the size of our yoga shala. If you'd love to join us, be sure to save your spot with a deposit, or email us with questions to [email protected].

• 3 nights A/C room at New Vrindaban
• 3 nourishing meals per day (vegan & gluten-free options) cooked with love by yogis with high consciousness
  
• All retreat activities and excursions
• Copy of His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda's book, "The Bhagavad Gita: As It Is"
• Free WiFi

• Travel to New Vrindaban Retreat Center
• Spa treatments
• Additional snacks/drinks at Govinda's Restaurant

In the event you choose to cancel your participation in our 2025 West Virginia Summer Retreat or are unable to join for personal reasons, we will credit the cost of your retreat package to ANY future Happy Jack Yoga program when you notify us on or before May 1, 2025. 

Credit may be used towards our annual retreats in the USA, Italy, and India or HJY membership or courses online at Happy Jack Yoga University.

Q: Do I need any prior experience in yoga or Bhakti?

A: No, this retreat is accessible to ALL levels. If you have a sincere yearning to travel to an authentic ashram and connect to yoga's deeper purpose, you're a perfect fit for this retreat. Expect to spend a weekend with a high-vibe community of spiritual seekers who are hungry for truth and meaningful conversations.

Q: Is everything included in the price?

A: Yes, once you arrive at New Vrindaban, everything is included. Your investment includes accommodations, meals, workshop sessions, and activities/excursions. You will not need to spend any additional money while on retreat unless you choose to enjoy additional spa treatments, gifts at the gift shop, or snacks/drinks outside the regular meal times. 

Q: Do the facilitators have experience leading retreats?

A: Happy Jack and Hanna have been hosting retreats and teacher training for more than a decade. Plus, you'll be engaging with and learning from a team of yogis who have dedicated their entire lives to the practice of Bhakti yoga.

Q: How is the weather at this time of year?

A: This is the perfect time to visit West Virginia as the temperatures are nice and warm, but not too hot. You can expect daily highs of 82F (28C) and lows of around 59F (15C).

Q: Is the retreat center wheelchair accessible?

A: Yes, the accommodations and most of the property is wheelchair accessible. Also, it's a short distance between your room, Govinda's restaurant, and our yoga shala.

Q: Do the ashram accommodations have attached bathrooms?

A: The rooms are simple ashram style. The 4-person rooms have an attached bathroom, yet the 2-person and 1-person rooms have detached bathrooms. There are multiple private facilities with shower, toilet, and sink immediately outside each room. 

Q: Can I attend if I have physical limitations or an injury?

A: Yes, this retreat is accessible to ALL levels. Although there will be a Hero's Journey vinyasa yoga practice each morning, participation in the retreat program is possible with physical limitations. Also, during the yoga asana classes, variations and modifications are offered to accommodate ALL levels of practice.

Q: What is the vibe of the yogis who attend HJY retreats?

A: Expect a high-vibe community that will love, care for, and support one another. Get ready to make friendships for life.

Q: What style of yoga will be taught?

A: The yoga asana class we'll practice each morning is a vinyasa flow sequence called The Hero's Journey, designed by Happy Jack Yoga. Also, since this is a Bhakti Yoga Immersion, you will certainly be exposed to the heart-centered practices of Bhakti. Additionally, you can expect some nourishing evening practices of Restorative Yoga and Yin Yoga with Hanna. 

Q: Where will we practice yoga?

A: Our meditation, yoga asana, and Satsang (community sharing circles) will be hosted in our dedicated yoga shala, as well as in nature.

Q: Will we earn Continuing Education (CE) hours from the retreat workshops?

A: Yes, upon completion of this retreat, you'll be eligible for a total of 25 CE hours according to the various practice and theory sessions you'll engage in. Most commonly for yoga teachers, these hours can be requested through the International Yoga Alliance YACEP program. 

Q: Is there internet access at the retreat center?

A: Yes, you'll enjoy complimentary WiFi in your room and around the property.

Q: Do I need to bring my own yoga mat?

A: The retreat center has mats, bolsters, and blocks available for our use. However, if you prefer your own yoga equipment, be sure to bring it along with you. 

Q: If I choose the 'shared room' package, will you assign me a roommate?

A: Yes, we will match you with another beautiful soul (of the same gender) that we believe will be a great match. Often roommates at HJY retreats end up becoming friends for life. 

Q: Can you connect us with other participants to arrange carpooling or traveling on the same flights?

A: Yes, this is very common for participants to travel together. You'll be connected with the group well in advance to arrange this according to your comfort level.

Q: Is ground transportation available between Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) and New Vrindaban Retreat Center?

A: Yes. A contact will be provided to arrange airport shuttles each way. The price is $95 per car which holds 4 people, or $200 per van which holds 10 people. 

Q: What is the maximum number of students that can attend this retreat?

A: Our yoga shala is limited to 40 mats, thus limiting our capacity to 40 students. This retreat will fill up very quickly. 

Q: What is the noble silence each evening?

A: Noble silence is a practice often observed at HJY retreats. After 9 pm, we encourage yogis to remain in silence to integrate and absorb the teachings of the day. The purpose is to enhance the overall experience and benefits of the retreat. Here are some benefits of the noble silence: deepen inner reflection, enhance mindfulness, reduce mental clutter, create a tranquil environment, and promote detachment from daily habits. Overall, noble silence is intended to enhance the spiritual, mental, and emotional benefits of the retreat, helping you to achieve a deeper state of awareness and inner peace.

Q: Are children or families welcome?

A: It is common to bring a spouse along, even if they have limited or no experience with yoga. It is also possible to bring children if you feel comfortable with them spending some time on their own (or having one parent accommodating them). Children will love the campus, enjoy many of the activities and excursions, and may even get to meet and play with other local children who are visiting the ashram. Teenagers are welcome to join yoga classes; however, our Satsang (community sharing circles) are only for adults as this is a safe space for yogis to open up and share their hearts. Although the group will be predominantly adults (ages ranging from the twenties to the seventies), depending on the maturity level of children and the level of supervision required, it may be possible to bring them along. Note that the additional teacher's donation would not be expected for children. 

Q: What happens after I sign up?

A: Your retreat adventure begins the moment you reserve your spot with a $250 deposit. In preparation for this retreat, you'll be provided with some recommended inspirational reading (optional, not required). Also, the group of yogis will be meeting a couple of times over Zoom to get to know one another in advance. You'll also receive more details on what to pack, and of course, we'll continue to be available to answer your questions. Most importantly, please know that you are ready now. Although we'll share many resources to support your retreat experience, truthfully all you need to do is show up with an open heart for this life-changing experience.

_________________________

Further questions? Email [email protected]