Advaya: Non-dual Truth in Asian Philosophies
Exploring Buddhist, Vedāntic, Jaina and Linguistic Perspectives
Dates: 24–31 August 2026
Venue: Chhahari Retreats, Budhanilakantha, Kathmandu
Led by: Prof. Diwakar Acharya (University of Oxford), Dr. Netra Acharya (Kathmandu), and Dr. Pongsit Pangsrivongse (University of Vienna)
About the Retreat
We are pleased to announce an intensive 8-day Summer Retreat on Advaya (Indivisible Non-dual Truth), exploring one of the most profound and enduring philosophical ideas in the Indian intellectual tradition.
Rather than approaching non-duality from a single school, the retreat examines how diverse traditions articulate the nature of ultimate reality, language, consciousness, ethics, and liberation. Each day is devoted to a major philosopher whose work represents a distinctive yet complementary approach to non-duality.
The retreat combines rigorous textual scholarship, philosophical dialogue, contemplative practice, and cultural immersion.
Day 1 — Monday 24 August
Theme Lecture
Śāntideva: Wisdom and Compassion
The inseparability of prajñā and karuṇā in the Bodhisattva path.
Day 2 — Tuesday 25 August
Theme Lecture
Vasubandhu: Mind and Appearance
Yogācāra perspectives on consciousness, perception, and non-duality.
Day 3 — Wednesday 26 August
Theme Lecture
Nāgārjuna: Emptiness and the Middle Way
Advaya in Madhyamaka: dependent origination, emptiness, and the two truths.
Day 4 — Thursday 27 August
Theme Lecture
Gauḍapāda: The Non-duality of Ātman and Brahman
The Māṇḍūkya Kārikā and Advaita Vedānta.
Day 5 — Friday 28 August
All-day Excursion
Cultural & Philosophical Excursion: A full-day trip to important heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley, integrating textual learning with living traditions.
Day 6 — Saturday 29 August
Theme Lecture
Bhartṛhari: Language and Ultimate Reality
Śabda, consciousness, and the philosophy of language.
Day 7 — Sunday 30 August
Theme Lecture
Samantabhadra: Non-one-sidedness and Plural Perspectives
Jaina anekāntavāda, syādvāda, and the logic of coexistence.
Day 8 — Monday 31 August
Half-day Session
Advaya in Dialogue: Round-table discussions, comparative synthesis, participant presentations, and concluding reflections.
Programme Includes
- Morning yoga and meditation
- Close reading of Sanskrit texts
- Comparative Indian philosophy
- Lectures and seminars
- Guided discussions & reflection sessions
- Heritage excursion
- Research networking opportunities
Course Requirements
Prerequisite: Graduate or advanced undergraduate level of Sanskrit knowledge is required for enrollment.
Accommodation & Setting
Accommodation and classes have been arranged at Chhahari Retreat, nestled in the scenic, forested lap of the Shivapuri Hills. The location benefits from being a short drive from Kathmandu city centre while providing a peaceful, nature-filled setting ideal for contemplation.
The retreat is also within walking distance of Budhanilakantha, a local site of considerable artistic and archaeological importance.
Application Procedure
Please send a CV and a short statement of motivation by July 31, 2026. There are only 20 places available.
If the number of suitable applicants exceeds the available spaces, they will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. If the number of applicants requesting single rooms exceeds availability at Chhahari, accommodation nearby will be arranged with daily transport service provided.
Applications and queries:
netra.acharya@gmail.com & sanskrittextsociety@gmail.com