Dhyana Praveshika

It is a combination of various practices that helps unleash the immense potential of every person. In this workshop we discover the expanded states of consciousness and learn the eternal practice of Meditation. It is an inner journey, a journey towards absolute oneness with eternal bliss.

Dhyana Praveshika, unleashes the immense potential of every person, grows the intuitive faculty. The mind becomes expanded, cultured and transformed. Thus, we gain mastery of the mind by reducing its relentless chatter and teaching it to focus in a concentrated manner. Silencing the mind, disengaging ourselves from our everyday thoughts and feelings, we go up the mysterious ladder of meditation reaching from ignorance to knowledge, from mortality to immortality.

In the Retreat of Dhyana Praveshika one will experience the timeless practice of meditation through Omkara Gunjan, Swara Sodhanam, Sushumna Breathing, Bindu Darshan and Bindu Dharana.

Dhayana Praveshika Level 2 :

This 5 day retreat begin at 8 am on the day 1 and end at 2 pm on day 5. The days in between begin with a wakeup bell at 6 am and the last session of the day ends around 9 pm. With teachings and meditation sessions throught the day, there are breaks for 3 meals with Yogasana and Pranayama sessions and one hour discussion.

Dhayana Praveshika Level 3 :

This 10 day retreat begin at 5 am on the day 1 and end at 2 pm on day 10. The days in between begin with a wakeup bell at 4 am and the last session of the day ends around 9 pm. With teachings and meditation sessions throught the day, there are breaks for 3 meals with Yogasana and Pranayama sessions and one hour discussion.

The body of the course is composed of philosophy classes supported by meditation sessions, all within a silent retreat environment. 10-day courses end with two days of intensive meditation to give you the chance to familiarize yourself with and gain insight into the topics that were covered in the teachings.

All teachings and meditation instructions are given in English.

Adjusting to the Retreat :

A retreat of meditation takes energy, commitment, and discipline. It’s a space in which to shut out the distractions of everyday life and come face-to-face with yourself. That isn’t always easy, especially for beginners.

Body and mind are not used to these very different circumstances and may react with discomfort, restlessness, boredom, doubt, criticism, fatigue or sudden, unfounded concerns. Preparing yourself by anticipating these reactions, and committing to stick to the discipline of the retreat even if they arise can be transformatory.

Therefore, we have to adjust ourselves to the retreat settings :

• Silence is kept throughout the retreat, however during teaching sessions questions are welcomed and there will be a one hour discussion group on most days.

• We may experience a lot of ups and downs during the retreat. Therefore, please be gentle in your behavior and sensitive to fellow retreat participants and staff.

• We have to keep an open mind. Many of the ideas presented may be new and different from one’s own beliefs, and we should be prepared to analyse and contemplate not only the teachings, but also our own beliefs.

• We have to adjust to the schedule: all participants must attend all sessions of the retreat, come to sessions on time and not leave during the retreat.

Preparing for the Retreat :

In order to keep the atmosphere conducive to inner reflection and spiritual pursuit and to minimise distractions during the retreat, students on our residential retreats and retreats are asked to abide by our basic code of discipline listed below.

Complete all your outside communication and arrangements before your arrive.

In order to successfully participate in the retreat, you must be really free from all outside commitments for the entire period of the retreat. All phone calls, e-mails, letters, tickets, flight confirmations, money changing etc must be arranged and organised before the retreat begins. There is no way to do this during the retreat, so be sure to tell your family and friends that you won’t be in touch until after check-out on the last day of your retreat (after 1pm). Your phone has to be deposited with us for safe keeping during the retreat. Our Retreat Environment page explains why this discipline is important.

What to Bring :

• A photocopy of your passport and current Indian visa for check-in (non-Indian citizens only).

• Personal toiletries, towel, torch/flashlight, watch/clock (you cannot use your mobile phone for this, or as an alarm), refillable water bottle.

We’d like to stress that meditation involves observing the mind with greater focus than in everyday life, and our Introduction to Buddhism retreats present psychological ideas which people may find challenging. Our retreats provide tools to help students to process these challenges themselves, but we are not psychologists/counselors, and we have large retreats so cannot provide individual counseling. This retreat / practicing meditation is not a substitute for professional counseling.

Guidelines for Behavior :

• Do not point your feet towards the teachers, the altar or any holy object.

• Do not put prayer books, texts, or notebooks with on the floor, or sit or step over them.

• No idle chit-chat in the lecture hall. (ie. You can ask the teacher questions during class, but do not talk with other students).

• Respect all life: do not intentionally kill any living being, even small insects.

• Respect others’ property: do not steal or take anything not freely given.

• Be honest and straightforward: do not lie or intentionally deceive others. This is easy when observing silence!

• Be celibate: no sexual activity. This also includes no holding hands, hugging, massages and other physical displays of affection.

• Be alert and mindful: avoid intoxicants such as alcohol, drugs and cigarettes (we encourage you to stop smoking while here).

• Be considerate of others’ silence: keep silence in the appropriate areas and at all times during residential retreats, especially in the lecture hall and the residential complex. No singing or playing music and in general, maintain a quiet demeanor while on the property.

• Dress respectfully (please no shorts above the knee, tank-top shirts or tight and revealing clothing)

What to Bring :

A photocopy of your passport and current Indian visa for check-in (non-Indian citizens only).

Personal toiletries, towel, torch/flashlight, watch/clock (you cannot use your mobile phone for this, or as an alarm), refillable water bottle.

Registration :

This Retreat is not something “just for fun” or to tick off on a travel itinerary. It is a serious retreat. However, if done properly it can be a challenging, but fulfilling and highly enjoyable and elevating experience. Many people are not sure what to expect and that is all right. However, please only register and attend this retreat if you intend to participate fully in a serious and committed manner. We understand that following all these rules, and especially keeping the silence, can be difficult, but it is an essential part of the retreat experience and the staff are here to help and support you in keeping to the rules, in order to aid and maintain the retreat environment.