Acceptance and Surrender: A Bhakti Yoga Retreat

Name: Acceptance and Surrender: A Bhakti Yoga Retreat
Start: 2026-09-24
End: 2026-09-27
Location: Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing
Rating: 5

5.0014 reviews

191 Cragsmoor Road, Cragsmoor, New York 12566, USA

September 24 - 27, 2026

Retreat Highlights

Intimate setting with personal access to the teacher
Interactive sessions with question and answer periods
Shamatha and guided meditations
Delicious all-vegetarian meals with locally sourced ingredients
Option to extend stay on Personal Retreat
Extensive library of dharma books
Expansive wooded grounds with beautiful paths, flora and fauna

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Vedaji

Keshavi

Vedaji

Vedaji is a life-long practicing yogi, community builder, and teacher to thousands of souls throughout the world. With a background in the ancient lineages of Vedanta and Bhakti yoga, he was raised in a monastery in eastern India as a monk which he ultimately acted as the head of for many years. Eventually feeling the call to fulfill his dharma, he moved to the United States approximately fifteen years ago to help raise consciousness in the western world. Based in Atlanta, Vedaji travels the world throughout the year to lead programs, retreats, and group tours. As founder of the non-profits Food4Lives and Mindful Seva Institute, his dharma is to raise global consciousness, to assist spiritual seekers through the process of Self-realization, to eliminate the mental health crisis, and to create lasting spiritual communities (sanghas) throughout the world. Through his signature Chitta Cleanse Technique, Vedaji assists those looking to overcome harmful patterns and traumas to ultimately find their unique dharma. Vedaji is excited to travel to New York to share his wisdom, realizations, and heart with the Dharmakaya community. He will lead most sessions at the retreat, including breathwork, kirtan, the fire ceremony, and more. Learn more about Vedaji and his worldwide sangha here: instagram.com/vedathemonk and chittacleanse.com

Keshavi Ma

Keshavi Ma (Jodi Robinson), MPH, RYT 200 is a community and retreat leader, practicing yogi, and the founder of Keshavi Yoga LLC. Keshavi found yoga 15 years ago while living a demanding, corporate lifestyle in Washington, DC. Knowing there was something more to yoga than what is taught in the west, she went on a search for truth which ultimately led to a yoga teacher training in Bali, on yoga yatras and living in northern India, to spending time with one of her most influential teachers, Ram Dass, on Maui. As a Director of Food4Lives in Connecticut, she lives Neem Karoli Baba’s directive to “Love Everyone, Feed Everyone.” Based in Connecticut, Keshavi devotes her time to raising the consciousness of the world as a global leader in Vedaji’s community and through sharing the lifestyle of yoga. She offers weekly online philosophy classes, group and 1x1 Chitta Cleanse Technique sessions, leads kirtans, guides tours in India, and acts as a lead retreat organizer, facilitator, and teacher. Keshavi is elated to co-host a retreat with the incredible Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing.

Details of this retreat

RETREAT BY INVITED PRESENTER
Join us for a four-day, three-night journey into the quiet depths of the heart, a space where striving softens and a deeper truth can gently emerge. Rather than seeking to uncover or achieve, this experience invites you to rest in what already is: the inherent nature of your Soul, present beneath layers of effort and expectation.
Guided by Vedaji, a lifelong yogi raised as a monk, you will explore practices rooted in Bhakti yoga and Vedanta (self-inquiry). Through these traditions, you’ll be encouraged to release the need to control or define your path, and instead cultivate openness and trust, surrendering to the unfolding of your life.
This is a not-for-profit event. 100% of net program fees* from the retreat go directly to Food4Lives, a non-profit founded by Vedaji that offers warm vegetarian meals, basic necessities, and compassionate connection to unhoused and underserved communities around the world.
*Accommodations fees go to the Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing, a 501c3.
“The heartfelt connections, knowledge and love Veda brings is like no other.”
“Transformational! It was magic, coming together in a safe sacred place and allowing the light within to pour forth from our deepest places of LOVE. ”

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
As the season shifts and the world begins to slow, autumn invites us into a natural rhythm of release. Fall reminds us that change can be something beautiful and natural. Just as the trees let go of their leaves without resistance, we are invited to soften our grip of control and trust the unfolding of a greater plan.
During this retreat, we will explore the concepts of acceptance and surrender in line with the teachings of Bhakti Yoga and Vedanta. Life is constantly changing, so how do we bring these philosophical principles of acceptance and surrender into our everyday experience? Together, we’ll explore how these teachings can be lived in real, practical ways, helping us meet each moment with greater ease, resilience, and trust in the natural flow of life.
We'll come together in meaningful practices guided by Vedaji including kirtan (musical mantra experience), meditation, breathwork, gentle yoga asana, journaling, Q&A, and yoga philosophy discussions. You will be supported in cultivating inner stillness and a deeper sense of acceptance. Together, we will explore:

Surrender as a path to getting closer to the divinity in our hearts

How the concepts of karma and dharma affect our reality

Trusting the natural cycles of life and divine timing

Accepting change with grace rather than resistance

Learning how to hear and trust the Divine in the heart

Techniques to accept and surrender to life’s difficulties

This retreat offers a warm, grounding container for introspection and spiritual recharge. Whether you are seeking rest, clarity, or a deeper connection to your devotional path, this is an opportunity to slow down and be held in the support of community (sangha).
Come as you are. Leave rooted in trust, softened by surrender, and open to the quiet wisdom within.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

Time with Vedaji and a loving community of fellow yogis and spiritual seekers, a global spiritual family
An intimate, small group setting
Interactive sessions including ample time for Q&A
Delicious locally sourced vegetarian and vegan meals
Outdoor yoga, meditation, and additional sessions (weather-dependent)
Deep introspection through self-inquiry practices
Meditative & ecstatic kirtans
Easy, relaxing hike and time outdoors (weather-dependent)
Free time to experience the grounds, contemplate, and relax
Option to extend stay on Personal Retreat
100% of net proceeds go to the non-profit organization Food4Lives

OPEN TO ALL
There are no prerequisites for this program; it is appropriate for meditators at all levels and those simply interested in exploring the teachings.

SCHEDULE
(subject to change)

Thursday, September 24

3:00 PM
Check in begins

6:00-7:00 PM
Dinner

7:15-8:15 PM
Opening Ceremony

8:30-9:30 PM
Kirtan

10:00 PM
Lights Out

Friday, September 25 and Saturday, September 26

7:00-8:00 AM
Morning yoga and/or meditation

8:00-9:00 AM
Breakfast

9:15 -11:30 AM
Session

12:00-1:00 PM
Lunch

1:30-2:45 PM
Session

2:45-4:00 PM
Free Time or Hike

4:00-5:45 PM
Breath of Detachment

6:00-7:00 PM
Dinner

7:15-9:00 PM
Kirtan (Friday)

Fire Ceremony and Kirtan (Saturday)

10:00 PM
Lights Out

Sunday, September 27

7:00-8:00 AM
Morning yoga and/or meditation

8:00-9:00 AM
Breakfast

9:15-10:00 AM
Session

10:15-11:30 AM
Closing Circle

12:00-1:00 PM
Lunch

1:00 PM
Checkout and Departure

Schedule

7:30-8:00 AM: Morning Mediation and Salutations
8:00-9:00 AM Breakfast
9:00 AM-12:00 PM: Program or free time
12:00-1:00 PM: Lunch
1:00-6:00 PM: Program or free time
6:00-7:00 PM: Dinner
10:00 PM Lights Out

Note: Schedule is approximate and may change

Getting Here

Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing, 191 Cragsmoor Road, Cragsmoor, New York 12566, USA

Directions

CAR. You will find a link for driving directions on our website. The parking lot is immediately to your left when you enter the Center grounds. You may drive up and drop your luggage at the Welcome Center, but may not leave your car unattended there; someone will be happy to shuttle you back down to the parking lot.

TRAIN. From Newark, La Guardia and Penn Station, you can take the Metro North train into Middletown, New York, approximately a 30-minute drive from the Center. For teachings, retreats and other special events, we will provide van service at set times. Otherwise, please take a taxi from the train station to the Center.

BUS. From New York City, you can take the Shortline Bus into Ellenville, New York, approximately a 15-minute drive from the Center. For teachings, retreats and other special events, we will provide van service at set times. Otherwise, please take a taxi from the train station to the Center.

PLANE. Newark, La Guardia and Stewart Airports all offer convenient services. From Newark or LaGuardia you can complete your trip by train; from Stewart you may rent a car or take a taxi service.

Accommodation

Our two residence halls offer a simple, peaceful environment that supports your retreat experience, with rooms for those on both personal and solitary retreats. Each room has a meditation cushion and zabuton. Rates include breakfast, lunch and dinner with the resident community, as well as towels and housekeeping. All guests are welcome, but not required, to join the daily meditation and other activities (although separate tickets are required for all ticketed events). • Our junior suites have a double bed, private bath, private terrace, a refrigerator and ample room for practice. • Our private rooms have a double bed and room for private meditation, with a shared bath. Rooms may be shared by those in a committed relationship.

Commuter

Our Commuter Fee covers the costs of all meals during your retreat and the use of all our facilities.

Private Room: Single

This comfortable room has a double bed and ample room for meditation. It is outfitted with a desk and small table suitable for a meditation object; it shares a bath with one or two other rooms. All rooms are furnished with linens, pillows, blankets, coverlets, and towels, as well as a meditation cushion and zabuton. The room rate includes three delicious vegetarian meals each day; in addition, there is a tea station on every hall.

Private Room: Couple

This registration fee is for two people. This comfortable room has one double bed, and may be shared by couples in a committed relationship. With ample room for meditation, it features a desk and small table suitable for a meditation object. All rooms are furnished with linens, pillows, blankets, coverlets, and towels, as well as a meditation cushion and zabuton. The room shares a bath with one or two other rooms. Room rates include three delicious vegetarian meals each day (6 total meals for a couple room); there is also a tea station on each hall.

Junior Suite: Single

These large rooms have one double bed, a private bath, private terrace, a refrigerator and ample room for practice. Each room has a small table suitable for a meditation object and a meditation cushion and zabaton, as well as a desk and an armoire. Room rates include three delicious vegetarian meals each day; there is also an in-room tea station.

Junior Suite: Couple

This reservation fee is for two people and includes three delicious vegetarian meals each day (6 total for a couple). This large room has one double bed, which may be shared by couples in a committed relationship. In addition, it has a private bath, private terrace, a refrigerator and ample room for practice. Each room has a small table suitable for a meditation object and a meditation cushion and zabaton, as well as a desk and an armoire.

Venue & Amenities

A/C in Rooms

Free Wifi

Spa

Sauna

Pool

Towels

Free Parking

Kitchen

Tour Assistance

Hot Tub

Coffee/Tea

Cafe

Restaurant

Fitness Center

Yoga Studio

Housekeeping

Bicycles For Rent

Perched atop a wooded hillside in the hamlet of Cragsmoor, the Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing is surrounded by 90 acres of forest. The Center opened in 2017 and was purpose built to support retreats. With only 20 bedrooms, our retreats are small, keeping the retreat experience intimate. People regularly comment both on the cleanliness of the buildings and on the total sense of peace that envelopes you when on campus.

Meals

Menu Types

Vegan

Vegetarian

Pescetarian

Ayurvedic

Includes Meat

Organic

Gluten Free

Dairy Free

Nut Free

Ancient wisdom describes food as a source of prana, or life force. The Dharmakaya Center for Wellbeing was founded on the premise that nourishing food is integral to wellbeing. Our chefs are passionate about creating meals that are both flavorful and healthy. We use the freshest, most nutritious, least processed foods available; when possible our ingredients are organic and locally sourced. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in your accommodation fee. To promote good health, we serve delicious, varied, nutritious vegetarian food, with options at every meal. All our meals are served on a buffet, with ingredients listed next to each dish, enabling guests to avoid dairy, as well as glutens, nuts and other allergens.

What's Included

Comfortable accommodations with queen bed in every room
All linens
Three delicious, farm-fresh vegetarian meals a day
Tea station and fruit bowl always available
Large Meditation Hall and private Meditation Room
Extensive library of dharma books
Cozy chairs and fireplace
90-acre campus with walking trails and outdoor meditation spots
Fire pit
Outdoor practice pavilion

What's Not Included

Travel to the Center

Customer Reviews

5.00 out of 5.0 average rating

Anonymous • Dec 01, 2025

5.0

Verified

Above and beyond

I was amazed how much care and effort the people who work/volunteer there put into what they do. Food was delicious and healthy, accommodations and facilities sparkling clean, the area is so beautiful and you can enjoy it by doing small hikes on the trails. I've learned a few new things about mediation techniques that I look forward to applying to my practice.

Thank you so much for this incredible experience of peace and tranquility.

Catherine • Dec 14, 2024

5.0

Verified

thanhgiving retreat

hello

My retreat was great met alot of interesting people from everywhere as far as Brazil and China most people were from New Jersey. The food was great. I was in the yoga class on a chair and then decided I wanted to sit on the mat i miss and landed on the floor. There was so many people that just jumped out to help me. The place is very peaceful it feels like one big family. Catherine Asaro

Laura • Feb 01, 2023

5.0

Verified

Peace in a comfortable environment

From the moment I arrived I was impressed with how peaceful and immaculate the entire facility is. The rooms had exactly what I needed with a comfortable bed and pillows, meditation table and cushions, and a desk. Towels were provided as well. Vegetarian meals were delicious. I was able to immerse myself in the silent meditation retreat and focus on deepening my practice. This is a perfect place for me and I’m already planning my next retreat.

Anonymous • May 18, 2022

5.0

Verified

Beautiful spot

Dharmakaya Center is a beautiful & peaceful spot. Highly recommend! The center is immaculate and well maintained. Great staff and facilities.

YELENA • Nov 10, 2021

5.0

Verified

Amazing place Amazing experience

If you are looking for a place to unwind and grow spiritually while eating the best food this place is for you. Brand-new beautiful facility, super friendly stuff and relaxing atmosphere - I don’t know the better way to spend a weekend. I enjoyed my stay and I’m coming back!

Acceptance and Surrender: A Bhakti Yoga Retreat

Retreat Highlights

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Vedaji

Keshavi Ma

Details of this retreat

Schedule

Getting Here

Directions