Meditation Retreats
Relax, unwind and release tension with Shanti Gowans
This silence, this moment, every moment,
if it's genuinely inside you, brings what you need.
Rumi
A compelling meditation program encompassing a series of meditational themes, with immense, health, emotional and spiritual benefits. Effortless, naturally healing and deeply relaxing you will eliminate stress at the very outset. But the results are far more profound: It teaches you how to bring yourself to a completely restful and peaceful state that infuses stability and balance. You are liberated from turbulence, anxiety and fear. Confusion is erased and clarity, focus and confidence are ushered in. Answers come fast and easy. You find new direction, ideas, solutions.
Come, join in, if you are already feeling tense, weary, or just need a break from your living and working environment. Regardless of your age, physical condition or previous experience in meditation or yoga will gain immeasurably in health and happiness, peace and serenity.
What is Meditation?
Meditation is a natural state of the human mind at rest, open and alert. It predates all religious traditions and is used on one way or another by each of them. Undertaken as a steady practice, meditation allows the mind to relax and settle. It encourages inherent qualities of stability, clarity and mental strength to emerge. Great contentment accompanies meditative stability.
One of our most precious treasures is health. We do a lot to stay healthy, avoid diseases or get better when sick. Meditation practice and instruction play a central role in Shanti Yoga. Meditation is now widely recognised as a powerful tool in the field of mind-body health and wellbeing and using your own mind's powers to stay healthy. It is easily integrated into everyday lifestyles and is a powerful practice for personal growth.
The doors of perception have been opened by realised beings and the fortune of enjoying its wealth is within the reach of ordinary practitioners. To make this profound path meaningful and to attain complete liberation, it is of vital importance to practice. Earlier stepping stones, thought earnestly undertaken and immensely beneficial are based on theoretical understanding. Although one can find information and techniques published in various places (and Shantiji herself has written several books on meditation namely: Easy Guide to Meditation; Inner Peace Handbook; and Sitting beyond Thinking), meditation remains essentially an oral tradition and personal instruction with transmission is important. Books, textural expositions and half baked understanding brought about by teachers who pridefully believe they understand the awakened state and non-dual awareness while still limited by inadequate learning, training and experience, must give way to honesty and humility, together with combining a study of the original scriptures with unexcelled oral instruction and practical experience that gives a new meaning to it. When confusion is purified, the wisdom that is our basic wakefulness becomes apparent. As we mature our being through practice, we ripen empowerments, reading, transmissions and liberate instructions.
To slay our demons we provide a series of exploration and study in meditation through the practice and science of nonduality, via the synthesis of experiential practices, which combines, meditation, gentle yoga postures and breathing, and contemplative, non-religious philosophy, suited to both beginning and experienced meditators. Whilst the program uses meditation practices developed as part of a variety of spiritual traditions, the program content, format and exercises are completely secular.
Research into the effects of meditation on the brain is gaining unprecedented public and scientific attention these days. Studies show that the practice of meditation has profound effects on the brain, including changes in both its functioning and anatomy.
The natural and contemplative quality of Nirvana Wellness Retreat provides the perfect setting. Taught in a supportive, meditation environment, by one of the world's leading, living authorities on meditation, you will be sure to be provided with inspiration and contemplation. This will help you to:
- gain awareness into the energy pattern of your emotions
- foster insight and a natural energetic release
- access the power of basis healthiness and wisdom energy, free of ego fixation. The only thing not rooted in desire is nirvana, which is the end of all phenomena.
About Nirvana's Meditation Retreats
- A meditation residential retreat at Nirvana Wellness Retreat is a sustained experience which provides a creative, re-creational and life changing opportunity to connect with the beauty and sacredness of your essence, and the phenomenal world.
- Enlightened leadership and the resources of natural surroundings contribute to each participant’s physical, mental and spiritual growth.
- Meditation retreats present an opportunity to explore both the dualistic nature of our ordinary minds, allowing us to recognise and release the subtle holding patterns that constrict the body, energy and mind, and the nondual nature of our essential awareness.
- The release of these patterns facilitiates and expands nondual awakening. The practice and science of non-duality is embodied nondual awakening, called the realisation process. The fundamental wisdom uncovered in meditation practice, arises from a universal seed of enlightenment that is shared by all. This is not merely conventional wisdom, or intellectual knowledge, but the natural, intuitive wisdom-mind.
- The nondual essence of our being has never been injured. As we uncover it, we become free of depression, anxiety, bitterness and confusion. We also develop compassion for ourselves and others and increase our capacity for pleasure.
- All psychological problems are at root spiritual issues - symptoms of disconnection from our deeper nature. You will enjoy relating with yourself and nature through walking, sitting and mindfulness meditation, deep relaxation, gentle yoga stretching and rest.
- A meditation residential retreat is a sustained experience which provides a creative, re-creational and life changing opportunity to connect with the beauty and sacredness of your essence and the phenomenal world.
What happens in group meditation retreats
During group meditation retreats, you will experience: practice periods of sitting and walking meditation, with opportunities during dharma talks for dialogue and group discussions, deep relaxation (nidra), a spiritual movie, a short work session, the integral relationship of the mind and body through the practice of yoga, reflective contemplations, and creative and expressive art. Noble silence and functional speech are observed. Meals are vegetarian, served buffet style and eaten communally. Shanti Gowans believes that quality programs are essential if the retreat is to have impact upon participants and thus upon society. This standard is directed towards providing the participant with the opportunity to obtain breadth and depth in an activity rather than have merely a number of individual, unrelated activities in many, different areas. Programs are open to anyone and are a very powerful introduction to, and the subsequent deepening of mindfulness-awareness meditation.
Meditation weekend retreats
A meditation weekend retreat starts Friday evening and ends Sunday afternoon. Mindfulness and noble silence is practised from Friday after dinner to Sunday breakfast. Longer retreats are also available. During meditation retreats we
• Live the virtue of simplicity
• Settle into our own Being
• Address bravery and leaving home (…freedom from the known. Krishnamurty).
Weekends provide an opportunity for the participant to begin at, and then progress from their own level of ability. Such progression would ideally challenge the skill and intellect of the participant and be an enriching experience. Guided contemplations, silent sitting, walking meditation, small-group discussions and no easy answers make for a rich and provocative experience. We purify negatives, avert obstacles and establish a connection which will ripen in the future.
Program
Everything that happens at a residential retreat is programmed: the planned, the unplanned, the organised and unorganised, the tangible and intangible, measureable and unmeasurable, informal as well as formal. This is because all aspects of our inner and outer experiences (elements, forms, emotions, thoughts, sciences, arts, colours etc.) are an expression of the interplay and potential of archetypical forces and are different expressions of wisdom.
A compelling meditation program encompassing a series of meditational themes, with immense, health, emotional and spiritual benefits. Effortless, naturally healing and deeply relaxing you will eliminate stress at the very outset. But the results are far more profound: It teaches you how to bring yourself to a completely restful and peaceful state that infuses stability and balance. You are liberated from turbulence, anxiety and fear. Confusion is erased and clarity, focus and confidence are ushered in. Answers come fast and easy. You find new direction, ideas, solutions.
Come, join in, if you are already feeling tense, weary, or just need a break from your living and working environment. Regardless of your age, physical condition or previous experience in meditation or yoga will gain immeasurably in health and happiness, peace and serenity.
What is Meditation?
Meditation is a natural state of the human mind at rest, open and alert. It predates all religious traditions and is used on one way or another by each of them. Undertaken as a steady practice, meditation allows the mind to relax and settle. It encourages inherent qualities of stability, clarity and mental strength to emerge. Great contentment accompanies meditative stability.
One of our most precious treasures is health. We do a lot to stay healthy, avoid diseases or get better when sick. Meditation practice and instruction play a central role in Shanti Yoga. Meditation is now widely recognised as a powerful tool in the field of mind-body health and wellbeing and using your own mind's powers to stay healthy. It is easily integrated into everyday lifestyles and is a powerful practice for personal growth.
The doors of perception have been opened by realised beings and the fortune of enjoying its wealth is within the reach of ordinary practitioners. To make this profound path meaningful and to attain complete liberation, it is of vital importance to practice. Earlier stepping stones, thought earnestly undertaken and immensely beneficial are based on theoretical understanding. Although one can find information and techniques published in various places (and Shantiji herself has written several books on meditation namely: Easy Guide to Meditation; Inner Peace Handbook; and Sitting beyond Thinking), meditation remains essentially an oral tradition and personal instruction with transmission is important. Books, textural expositions and half baked understanding brought about by teachers who pridefully believe they understand the awakened state and non-dual awareness while still limited by inadequate learning, training and experience, must give way to honesty and humility, together with combining a study of the original scriptures with unexcelled oral instruction and practical experience that gives a new meaning to it. When confusion is purified, the wisdom that is our basic wakefulness becomes apparent. As we mature our being through practice, we ripen empowerments, reading, transmissions and liberate instructions.
To slay our demons we provide a series of exploration and study in meditation through the practice and science of nonduality, via the synthesis of experiential practices, which combines, meditation, gentle yoga postures and breathing, and contemplative, non-religious philosophy, suited to both beginning and experienced meditators. Whilst the program uses meditation practices developed as part of a variety of spiritual traditions, the program content, format and exercises are completely secular.
Research into the effects of meditation on the brain is gaining unprecedented public and scientific attention these days. Studies show that the practice of meditation has profound effects on the brain, including changes in both its functioning and anatomy.
The natural and contemplative quality of Nirvana Wellness Retreat provides the perfect setting. Taught in a supportive, meditation environment, by one of the world's leading, living authorities on meditation, you will be sure to be provided with inspiration and contemplation. This will help you to:
- gain awareness into the energy pattern of your emotions
- foster insight and a natural energetic release
- access the power of basis healthiness and wisdom energy, free of ego fixation. The only thing not rooted in desire is nirvana, which is the end of all phenomena.
- A meditation residential retreat at Nirvana Wellness Retreat is a sustained experience which provides a creative, re-creational and life changing opportunity to connect with the beauty and sacredness of your essence, and the phenomenal world.
- Enlightened leadership and the resources of natural surroundings contribute to each participant’s physical, mental and spiritual growth.
- Meditation retreats present an opportunity to explore both the dualistic nature of our ordinary minds, allowing us to recognise and release the subtle holding patterns that constrict the body, energy and mind, and the nondual nature of our essential awareness.
- The release of these patterns facilitiates and expands nondual awakening. The practice and science of non-duality is embodied nondual awakening, called the realisation process. The fundamental wisdom uncovered in meditation practice, arises from a universal seed of enlightenment that is shared by all. This is not merely conventional wisdom, or intellectual knowledge, but the natural, intuitive wisdom-mind.
- The nondual essence of our being has never been injured. As we uncover it, we become free of depression, anxiety, bitterness and confusion. We also develop compassion for ourselves and others and increase our capacity for pleasure.
- All psychological problems are at root spiritual issues - symptoms of disconnection from our deeper nature. You will enjoy relating with yourself and nature through walking, sitting and mindfulness meditation, deep relaxation, gentle yoga stretching and rest.
- A meditation residential retreat is a sustained experience which provides a creative, re-creational and life changing opportunity to connect with the beauty and sacredness of your essence and the phenomenal world.
What happens in group meditation retreats
During group meditation retreats, you will experience: practice periods of sitting and walking meditation, with opportunities during dharma talks for dialogue and group discussions, deep relaxation (nidra), a spiritual movie, a short work session, the integral relationship of the mind and body through the practice of yoga, reflective contemplations, and creative and expressive art. Noble silence and functional speech are observed. Meals are vegetarian, served buffet style and eaten communally. Shanti Gowans believes that quality programs are essential if the retreat is to have impact upon participants and thus upon society. This standard is directed towards providing the participant with the opportunity to obtain breadth and depth in an activity rather than have merely a number of individual, unrelated activities in many, different areas. Programs are open to anyone and are a very powerful introduction to, and the subsequent deepening of mindfulness-awareness meditation.
Meditation weekend retreats
A meditation weekend retreat starts Friday evening and ends Sunday afternoon. Mindfulness and noble silence is practised from Friday after dinner to Sunday breakfast. Longer retreats are also available. During meditation retreats we
• Live the virtue of simplicity
• Settle into our own Being
• Address bravery and leaving home (…freedom from the known. Krishnamurty).
Weekends provide an opportunity for the participant to begin at, and then progress from their own level of ability. Such progression would ideally challenge the skill and intellect of the participant and be an enriching experience. Guided contemplations, silent sitting, walking meditation, small-group discussions and no easy answers make for a rich and provocative experience. We purify negatives, avert obstacles and establish a connection which will ripen in the future.
Program
Everything that happens at a residential retreat is programmed: the planned, the unplanned, the organised and unorganised, the tangible and intangible, measureable and unmeasurable, informal as well as formal. This is because all aspects of our inner and outer experiences (elements, forms, emotions, thoughts, sciences, arts, colours etc.) are an expression of the interplay and potential of archetypical forces and are different expressions of wisdom.
