Cultivated Attitudes
An inner awareness of all sensory perceptions and emotions which will gradually become, through sublimation, an awareness of the Spiritual Heart
The calming of the mind
The polarization between the individual soul and the divine self that is experienced as a state of very strong and profound aspiration and longing for God
The evocation of the death of the physical body as a way of transcending desires and egotistical tendencies
The act of powerfully evoking and experiencing the mystery of God's presence inside our Heart
Methods, Techniques, and Teachings
This retreat includes advice for guided meditation, lectures, and practical methods
Ramana Maharshi's method of introspection (Self-Enquiry, using the question "Who am I?")
Techniques for stilling the mind using breath awareness
The study of the symbolism of the Spiritual Heart
Methods to pass from individual consciousness to cosmic consciousness
Daily special meditations on themes connected with Self-revelation
Yogic methods to approach the Spiritual Heart
Mystical poetry
Hatha Yoga sessions
What Are the Purposes of this Retreat?
During the retreat, our aim is to inform you of methods for meditation encompassing, but not limited to, the unity of consciousness and Advaita Vedanta (non-duality). This leads to the Self-discovery of the Spiritual Heart. The system of meditation will focus on the Self-Enquiry method developed by Ramana Maharshi, as well as other complementary meditations and prayers.
We aim to inform you about the practical and theoretical aspects of this methodology, allowing ample opportunities to directly put it into practice. In doing so, we hope that you will understand the underlying principles and value the purpose of meditation. Thus, reaping immediate benefits and coming to love meditation as an essential part of your life.
Morning Session Schedule
- 07:00-09:00 Meditation. Meditations will begin in shorter segments, building to one continuous, deep meditation session.
- 09:00-09:45 Breakfast
- 09:45-11:00 Relevant lecture teaching
- 11:00-12:30 Hridaya Hatha Yoga
- 12:30-13:00 Meditation
- 13:00-15:30 Lunch and rest
Afternoon/Evening Session Schedule
- 15:30 -18:00 Meditation
- 18:30 - 18:30 Individual practice
- 18:30 - 19:15 Dinner
- 19:15 - 22:00 Lecture plus Q&A
- 20:00 - 21:00 Meditation (may go later depending on the number of questions)
Orientation Session
An Orientation Session is held at 2:00 pm on the day prior to the retreat. During this session, the retreat rules and special guidelines will be explained and a forum will be provided for any questions. In addition to administrative details, the Orientation Session will feature a lecture that explores some of the definitions and esoteric aspects of the retreat methods and will end with a meditation. Attending the Orientation Session is mandatory for all participants. The meeting may last up to 3 hours, so please plan accordingly.
Retreat Guidelines
The retreat aims to support all participants in going deeper inside themselves. To achieve this inner-orientation, participants agree to follow the retreat guidelines. These include:
Noble silence (no speaking throughout the entire retreat)
No use of electronics, mobile phones, internet, etc.
No reading (except for the provided retreat booklet)
Sexual abstinence
Modest dress
Gender segregation
No smoking or use of drugs or alcohol
Attendance at all retreat sessions
