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Men from across North America recently gathered at New Vrindaban in West Virginia for the annual MAN-tra Retreat. With inspiring, thought-provoking presentations, joyful kirtans, meaningful association, and delicious prasadam, the retreat proved to be just what the doctor ordered for its grateful participants.

Anuttama Dasa, a GBC member and co-founder of the MAN-tra Retreat, hosted the weekend, which he established with Bhaktimarga Swami in 2018.

Friday evening began with a fascinating presenta

Registration remains open for the 2026 MAN-tra Retreat, which will bring devotee men together for a weekend of spiritual reflection, practical discussion, kirtan, and fellowship at ISKCON New Vrindaban in West Virginia. The retreat will begin on Friday, October 2, and conclude on Sunday, October 4.

This year’s program addresses several aspects of men’s spiritual and emotional lives. On Friday, filmmaker Yadubara Dasa will present “The Story Behind the Camera: Pastimes of Srila Prabhupada,” follo

Devotee men from across North America will gather at ISKCON New Vrindaban, West Virginia, for the 9th annual MAN-tra Retreat, from Friday, October 2 to Sunday, October 4, 2026.

Conceived in 2018 by Bhaktimarga Swami and Anuttama Dasa, the retreat aims to empower Krishna-conscious men to live with greater integrity, devotion, and purpose. The weekend promises dynamic seminars by renowned speakers—including Yadubara Das, Ekavira Das, Yadunath Das, and Gopal Hari Das—alongside a stirring drama by B

A life-changing and memorable experience is awaiting you at the Annual MAN-tra Men’s Retreat in New Vrindaban, West Virginia on September 20-22, 2024. The popular annual event promises to be a spiritually uplifting gathering for all devotee men.

The MAN-tra Team shared what you can expect: “Special guest presentations and workshops by Sri Prahlada Das, Prasannatma Das, Yadunatha Das, and Bhuta Bhavana Das will be held, and there will even be an interactive all-women’s panel discussion. All thes

By MAN-Tra Team

Mark your calendar, tell your friends, and prepare for a memorable weekend this September 20-22, 2024, for the Annual MAN-tra Men’s Retreat in New Vrindaban, West Virginia. The popular annual event promises to be a spiritually uplifting gathering for all devotee men. But don’t wait too long, as early bird registration ends on July 31st.

What can you expect at this year’s retreat? Special guest presentations and workshops by Sri Prahlada Das, Prasannatma Das, Yadunatha Das, and B

When I come to this holy place, New Vrindavan, there is never a problem to gather a small group to form a walking team around the pond for some japa meditation. It's a clockwise direction we take, and it is very calming and reassuring, especially when the understood rule of thumb is 'no talking'. Both men and women are involved. It goes for a half hour or so – not too long. I want people to repeat the program and to come back tomorrow.

New Vrindavan has 25 resident peacocks, some of which are a

The 6th annual MAN-tra Men’s Retreat is returning in just a few weeks to New Vrindaban, West Virginia, USA. Space is still available for the gathering which runs from Friday, September 29th thru Sunday, October 1st.

With an aim to empower devotee men to integrate Krishna consciousness into all aspects of their lives, the MAN-tra Retreat was conceived by H.H. Bhaktimarga Swami and H.G. Anuttama Prabhu in 2018. Every year the retreat features a variety of special guest speakers covering topics rel

After two years of separation, MAN-tra is back in New Vrindaban, Sept. 9-11th, 2022.
While technology allowed the annual men’s retreat to go virtual over the past couple of years, and carry on with exciting seminars, performances, and discussions, and to have the association of Vaishnava men from around the world, nothing can replace the value of in-person, face-to-face devotee association.

“The MAN-tra retreat was born of a desire to build up spiritual comradery and to enhance the better quali

By Madhava Smullen 

This year’s MAN-tra Retreat, held from November 12th to 14th, explored “The Hero’s Journey,” a common story template that involves a hero who goes on an adventure, is victorious in a crisis, and comes home transformed. The retreat applied the template to the life of devotees, who often see a similar awakening or call to adventure, followed by trials and transformation.

There were over 100 registrants from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and many other countries for th

By Mangalananda dasa 

ISKCON’s annual “MAN-tra Retreat” is coming to your computer screen in mid-November. The theme of this year’s virtual event is The Hero’s Journey!

Men, 18 years of age and older, are invited to transform their lives by participating in this unique event. You are the hero and your journey is distinct and extraordinary. The Lord Himself encourages us to return home, back to Godhead. From Lord Rama to Srila Prabhupada, the story of life follows a set pattern. Learning about t

The third annual MAN-tra Retreat was held online November 20th to 21st. Due to Covid-pandemic restrictions,  the planned 2020 New Vrindaban in person retreat was cancelled but then, bad became good. With 210 registered participants from Canada, US. England,South Africa, Trinidad, India, Indonesia, Australia, Russia and Bangladesh the audience widened. International participants have requested that the online format continue next year.   

The retreat included panel discussions, powerpoint present

By Madhava Smullen

The third annual MAN-tra men’s retreat, and the first to go virtual, will feature international speakers and sanga live on Zoom, with the theme “Unlocking A Man’s Dharma in a Locked Down World.” The retreat will take a look at challenges and opportunities through different stages of life from a Krishna conscious perspective, covering topics like fatherhood, marriage, brahmachari life, examples of healthy masculinity, and overcoming pornography.

Participants can sign up at http