Nassau, Bahamas: Yoga of Chant Retreat

Imagine a weekend where the evenings open with the sound of a harmonium and a room full of voices finds its way, call by call, into the heart. The Yoga of Chant Retreat in Nassau brings Krishna Das to a tropical island sanctuary for three days devoted to chant, music, and the yoga of devotion. It is a yoga and meditation retreat built around one simple, demanding practice: singing the names of the Divine until something softens.

Held at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat on Paradise Island, this program invites you to nourish the heart, inspire the mind, and uplift the spirit. Krishna Das is one of the foremost devotional singers in the world, and he shares the heart of his practice through evening kirtan concerts and afternoon workshops. Whether you have chanted for decades or have only just begun to wonder what it might offer, the format is open to you.

The retreat is an annual gathering at the ashram, and it is known to sell out, so those who feel the pull to attend are encouraged to register early.

What to Expect

The program unfolds as three evening satsangs and two afternoon workshops, with the schedule subject to change:

- Friday evening: an opening satsang concert, beginning the retreat at 8pm
- Saturday: a midday workshop from 12:00 to 2:00pm, followed by an evening satsang concert
- Sunday: a midday workshop from 12:00 to 2:00pm, followed by a closing evening satsang concert

The evening concerts are kirtan in the call-and-response tradition, musical prayer meant to be sung rather than watched. The afternoon workshops offer teachings on Bhakti Yoga, the yoga of devotion, and use the power and joy of chanting to lead you toward your inner heart space. Because you are staying at a working ashram, the days around these sessions follow the rhythm of the Yoga Vacation Program, with yoga classes and meals on the ashram schedule.

This program is preceded by a three-day event, The Power of Chant with Nina Rao, and guests are invited to stay for both.

About Krishna Das

Krishna Das, born Jeffrey Kagel in 1947, is a prominent figure in devotional music and kirtan, known for his deep, soulful voice and his ability to connect with audiences through chant. His path began in New York City in the 1970s, where he was drawn to the teachings of Neem Karoli Baba, a revered Indian guru. After a transformative trip to India, where he immersed himself in the practice of bhakti yoga, he returned to the United States with a renewed sense of purpose. He began sharing his experiences and his guru's teachings through music, leading kirtans that blend traditional Indian melodies with Western musical influences.

Venue & Logistics

The retreat takes place at the Sivananda Ashram Yoga Retreat on Paradise Island, Nassau, Bahamas. Stays require a minimum of three nights, and day guests are welcome to attend. Day-guest rates are $65 for Friday, $100 for Saturday, and $100 for Sunday. The organizers suggest arriving at least one day before the program begins for the most settled experience. For details on the Yoga Vacation Program, the ashram's class and meal schedule, or registration, you can reach the ashram at 866-559-5167.