Bhajans of Sankalpa, Sādhana & Surrender
An Exploration of the Teachings of Kabir
Weekend Retreat
October 23-25, 2026
Gyuto Foundation Center, Richmond, California
Offered In-Person and Online/On-Demand
Prior to this retreat Nathaji be teaching a series of free classes in Richmond, CA. Check back later for details.
Swami Khecaranatha (Nathaji)
With a mastery etched from over five decades of disciplined inner practice and selfless service, Khecaranatha is an authentic adept in the Śakti Transmission Lineage of Bhagavan Nityananda and Swami Rudrananda.
Nathaji teaches from his personal experience and revelations. His study of the richness and wisdom of ancient tantric scripture provides a means to articulate the teachings of his lineage within the larger context of these powerful nondual traditions — while emphasizing the essence of his teaching, which is to empower students to discover their own innate divinity.
To read Nathaji's bio, click here.
The role of bhajans in spiritual practice.
A bhajan is a form of devotional song or hymn that expresses intense love, longing, and reverence for the Divine. Derived from the Sanskrit root bhaj, meaning "to worship," "partake," or "belong to," a bhajan is more than music; it is a spiritual offering of the heart and a method of Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion) designed to help connect the individual to the Absolute.
Devotion has two senses: dedication to doing our practices, plus a focus on offering ourselves into the deepest Consciousness with us. As we tune in to God, we are not worshipping anything external but rather committing to finding and immersing ourselves in our own highest nature. As Nityananda tells us: As is your devotion, so is your liberation.
In addition to our daily meditation (both on and off the cushion), we can also strengthen our devotion through chanting or song. In this retreat Nathaji will explore the bhajans of Kabir, which have been passed down over generations because of their powerful resonance.
Who Was Kabir?
Kabir was a 15th century mystical poet and saint. Born in Varanasi, Kabir's suggestion was that "truth" is with the person who is on the path of righteousness, who considers everything, living and non living, as Divine. His poetry is a perfect expression of nirgun-bhakti—devotion to God or ultimate reality beyond word and form, which, according to Kabir, resides in all of us.
While drawing on various traditions as he saw fit, Kabir emphatically declared his independence from both the Hindu and Muslim religions of his countrymen, vigorously attacked what he considered the follies of these religions, and tried to kindle the fire of a similar autonomy and courage in those who claimed to be his disciples. However, when he died, several Hindus and the Muslims he had inspired claimed him as part of their traditions.
As a birthday gift for Nathaji, his dear friend Padmashri Prahlad Singh Tipaniya will join us by Zoom to offer devotional bhajans after class on Friday evening after class. (His performance will be available to those online.)
Prahladji is renowned for his singing and interpretation of the songs of Kabir. He has devoted his life to carrying this indigenous wisdom tradition, and has helped keep it alive and unbroken for more than 600 years.
Christopher Wallis, one of the most important scholar/practitioners of our time, and who is deeply connected to and influenced by the Nityananda lineage, stated, "Nathaji is a key figure in the revival of Śaiva Tantra in the 21st century and he teaches from an experiential point of view, which is ultimately more valuable than the intellectual point of view."
Weekend Schedule
(Hours are Pacific Time Zone - please consult a world clock for your area)
Additional programs may be offered for those coming in person.
Friday and Saturday:
9:00 am - Noon
Meditation, Discussion
2:00 -5:00 pm
Meditation, Discussion
6:15-7:30
Open-Eye Śakti Transmission & Talk
Sunday:
9:00 am - Noon
Meditation, Discussion
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Meditation, Discussion
Nathaji is a genuine and generous teacher, guiding from the heart, and available on so many levels. He demonstrates such unconditionality and focus of purpose that he always inspires me to re-dedicate myself to love, time and again.
Each retreat is a space of deep inquiry, subtle transmission, and practical integration. Whether exploring foundational practices or the subtleties of nonduality, Nathaji brings remarkable insight from his own self-realization.
Meeting Nathaji has allowed me to understand spiritual growth and trust my process on a much deeper level. I am amazed that when I bring my questions I am met with simple truth that opens my experience to the Self.