VSE 2026 Summer Retreat In-Person Retreat in Edmonton

Dear Friends and Devotees,

The Vedanta Society of Edmonton cordially invites you and your family to participate in our Summer 2026 Vedanta Retreat. The event is free and open to the public.

Vedanta Society Edmonton's Annual Vedanta Retreat
on The Spiritual Path with Swami Vimohananda, Minister in Charge, Vivekananda Vedanta Society of British Columbia, Canada takes place Saturday, August 29, 2026 9:30 AM - 4 PM to Sunday, August 30, 2026. 9:30 AM - Noon at Council of India Societies of Edmonton (India Centre) 9504 37 Ave NW, Edmonton AB T6E 5K3

Zoom Link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82853615997?pwd=kqtv3OnomLcDqifJWotcK0brr4uaIy.1

Learn about the fundamentals of spiritual life through the following lecture topics:

1. How common experiences lead to a spiritual path
2. Spiritual Discipline and the Spiritual Aspirant
3. The First Steps

PROGRAM

SATURDAY
9:30 AM Registration
Deep Prajvalan and Welcome address
Vedic Chant -- Swami Vimohananda
Vedic Chant ​-- Laxmiprasad/Ritu
Speaker -- -- Pandit Dwivedi
Speaker -- Introduction of Swami Vimohananda -- Desh Mittra
Speaker -- Reminiscences of Thakur -- Ashwini
Hymn on Thakur -- Swami Vimohananda
Discourse I -- Swami Vimohananda
How Common Experiences Lead to a Spiritual Path
This talk explores how ordinary life experiences quietly prepare the mind for a deeper spiritual quest. Joy and sorrow, success and struggle—all
point toward a higher meaning and a subtler inner awakening. It will highlight the shift from external dependence to inner discovery, showing
how daily events themselves become teachers. Seekers are encouraged to recognize these hidden lessons and walk the spiritual path with clarity and confidence.
Q&A
--------------------------------------------------------
NOON Vegetarian Lunch & Free Time
--------------------------------------------------------
1 PM Discourse II -- Swami Vimohananda
Spiritual Discipline and the Spiritual Aspirant
This talk examines the true nature and purpose of sādhanā, the disciplined path of spiritual practice. It explains the inner readiness required before one can genuinely take up
spiritual disciplines, how ignorance arises, and how realized saints guide us beyond it. The session is aimed to offer
a clear and practical understanding of what it means to be a sincere spiritual aspirant committed to inner transformation.
--------------------------------------------------------
SUNDAY
9:30 AM Sunday Welcome -- Sri Preetam Sharma
Reminiscences of Holy Mother -- Ritu
Hymn on Holy Mother -- Swami Vimohananda
10 AM Discourse III -- Swami Vimohananda
Practice of Yoga — The First Steps
This talk introduces the foundational principles of Yoga as taught in Patañjali’s system. It explains how a beginner prepares the mind through discipline, clarity, and inner refinement. The session highlights the psychological insights behind yogic practice and the gradual unfolding of concentration. Its aim is to provide a clear, accessible roadmap for anyone wishing to take
their first authentic steps on the yogic path.
Q&A
Devotional Songs & Poetry
Arati
Closing Remarks

The Vedanta Retreat is free and open to attend by the public and conducted in English.

Vegetarian lunch included on Saturday. Sunday drop-ins welcome.