Nestled along Portugal's picturesque Silver Coast, the Ppl Ocean Retreat Centre in São Bernardino we recently hosted an extraordinary event—one that promised not just relaxation and retreat but profound personal transformation. Seven individuals gathered here to participate in the ancient game of Leela, led by the insightful Omkar from Omkara Leela.
The Leela game, often referred to as "The Game of Self-Knowledge," is a spiritual board game rooted in ancient Indian wisdom. It's designed to help players navigate the journey of life, facing their inner challenges and uncovering deep insights. Omkar, with his extensive experience and compassionate facilitation, guided the players through this introspective voyage.
Meet Omkar: Vladimir Skobelev

Vladimir Skobelev, known as Omkar, is a master of the ancient transformational game Leela. With 14 years dedicated to its research and popularization, Omkar has become a leading figure in this field. His expertise is not limited to the game alone; he is also a psychologist, practicing yogi, energy therapist, and avid traveler.
Omkar is the founder of the International School of Leela Game Facilitators and the OMKARA project. He co-authored the book "Leela - Mastery of Life," and is the visionary behind the transformational reality show project LEELA REALITY. Through these initiatives, Omkar has touched the lives of many, guiding them on their paths to self-discovery and personal transformation.
Omkar is the founder of the International School of Leela Game Facilitators and the OMKARA project. He co-authored the book "Leela - Mastery of Life," and is the visionary behind the transformational reality show project LEELA REALITY. Through these initiatives, Omkar has touched the lives of many, guiding them on their paths to self-discovery and personal transformation.
The Setting

The Ppl Ocean Retreat Centre, renowned for its serene ambiance and stunning ocean views, provided the perfect backdrop for this transformative experience. The centre's tranquil environment allowed the participants to fully immerse themselves in the game, free from the distractions of their everyday lives.
The Participants
The seven players came from diverse backgrounds, each bringing their unique life experiences and challenges. They were united by a common goal: to gain clarity and insights into their personal and professional lives.
The Journey Begins
From the moment the game commenced, it was clear this was no ordinary board game. Omkar introduced the participants to the rich symbolism and profound wisdom embedded in the game. Each roll of the dice and movement on the board was a step deeper into their own subconscious, revealing patterns and obstacles they hadn't previously recognized.

Individual Challenges and Group Dynamics
Throughout the game, participants faced individual challenges that mirrored their real-life issues. One player struggled with decision-making, another with self-doubt, while others dealt with relationship conflicts or career uncertainties. The Leela game, with Omkar's facilitation, created a safe space for these issues to surface and be addressed.

Omkar's guidance was pivotal. He encouraged players to reflect on their moves, interpret the significance of their experiences on the board, and draw parallels to their lives. His gentle yet profound questions led participants to uncover truths and insights that had been hidden beneath the surface.
Breakthrough Moments
As the game progressed, each player experienced breakthrough moments. One participant, who had been grappling with fear of failure, realized that their perceived failures were stepping stones to growth and learning. Another discovered the importance of self-love and acceptance, which transformed their perspective on a long-standing personal conflict.
The collective energy of the group also played a significant role. The participants supported and learned from each other, realizing that their journeys, though unique, shared common themes and lessons. This sense of community and shared experience added a layer of richness to the game.
The collective energy of the group also played a significant role. The participants supported and learned from each other, realizing that their journeys, though unique, shared common themes and lessons. This sense of community and shared experience added a layer of richness to the game.

Powerful Insights and New Beginnings
By the end of the game, the participants had not only gained valuable insights but also a renewed sense of purpose and direction. They left the retreat with practical strategies and a deeper understanding of how to tackle their life issues. The transformative power of the Leela game, combined with Omkar's skilled facilitation, had set them on a path of self-discovery and empowerment.
A Lasting Impact

The experience at the Ppl Ocean Retreat Centre was more than a game; it was a journey into the depths of the self. The participants returned to their lives with a new perspective, ready to embrace challenges with courage and clarity. The Leela game, under Omkar's guidance, had truly been a catalyst for profound personal growth.
As the waves of the Atlantic Ocean crashed against the shore, they seemed to echo the inner transformations of the players—constant, powerful, and ever-evolving. The retreat at São Bernardino had indeed been a game-changer, in every sense of the word.
As the waves of the Atlantic Ocean crashed against the shore, they seemed to echo the inner transformations of the players—constant, powerful, and ever-evolving. The retreat at São Bernardino had indeed been a game-changer, in every sense of the word.
