“Silence is the container of retreat to which all participants dedicate themselves, for it is in inner silence that deep realization spontaneously blooms.
Retreat is also a time of one-pointed inquiry, a commitment to questioning our most cherished ideas and beliefs. On retreat, I encourage all participants to fearlessly inquire down to the very root of self and the illusion of separation so that the light of awakening can penetrate throughout the whole of one’s being.
The entire structure of these retreats is something I’ve developed over the years to both support the flowering of realization as well as challenge the various ways that we hold on and resist letting go into the Truth. Whether you feel drawn to attend retreat or not, I encourage you to enter into the spirit of retreat, into a wholehearted commitment to eternal Truth here and now.” ~ Mukti
“Retreat is an opportunity to set aside the concerns of the ‘me’ and to tend to that which is wholly unconcerned and yet unconditionally allows, without pushing away even the smallest desire. By being willing to let one’s attention relax out of the concerns of the me and return to the ever-present presence of Awareness, one can disidentify with ego and come to know Awareness to be the sum and substance of existence. You are already and always this Awareness. To fully realize this requires that you cease cherishing thought, cease energizing the thinking mind that distracts you from this very knowing. Cherishing thought comes at a price, which is inner division, separation, and suffering. Seize this opportunity to value the priceless pearl of the one true Self.” ~ Mukti
A powerful retreat container supports a deep and transformational unfolding into Truth. Participants work together to create and nurture this container by maintaining silence and giving themselves to the schedule and structure of the retreat.
Retreatants are asked to come to the retreat prepared to be fully present, with loose ends tied up at work and at home, completing all business before retreat and making arrangements with loved ones to help maintain the silence. This depth of intention allows an undistracted experience of surrender that is not often possible in daily life.
Full Silence: Silence on retreat means no speaking with others, no writing notes to others, no gesturing, no cell or smart phones, no texting, and no computer use. This allows everyone on retreat to fully support and benefit from the container of Silence that we will all maintain.
The structure and schedule of a silent retreat can be challenging both physically and psychologically.
For those who have special physical/medical needs, please visit the Retreat Special Needs Page for information that may be helpful when planning for a retreat.
If you are currently under the care of a mental health professional, we encourage you to review the important information on The Challenges and Opportunities of Retreat Page.
The schedule offered at Mukti’s retreats uniquely reflects her sense and experience of what best supports awakening. The deep silence of meditation coupled with the focused inquiry of the talks and dialogues are the ground and seed from which awakening flowers.
Because the schedule is a vital part of the retreat container, if you cannot arrive on time and plan to stay through the end, Mukti requires that you not attend the retreat. This shared commitment supports the group as a whole to experience the depth of retreat.
Day 1: Check-in is 3:00-5:00 pm. After check-in, there is a dinner break followed by a retreat orientation and a short talk from Mukti.
Daily Activities: Each full day of retreat begins at 8:00 am and ends at 9:30 pm. Each day includes several periods of meditation, 2 sessions (talks and dialogues) with Mukti, and 3 meal breaks.
Qi gong is also offered daily. Mukti begins retreat by offering qi gong with instruction, and gently moves into a silent qi gong routine as the retreat deepens. To get a taste of what is offered on retreat, view Mukti’s Qi Gong Routine with Instruction, and view Mukti’s Qi Gong Routine in Silence.
Last Day: The retreat officially ends just before lunch. (Lunch is provided but attendance is optional.)
Mukti requires that all attendees arrive on time for retreat (3:00-5:00 pm on the first day) and plan to stay at the retreat site through the end of the retreat (just before lunch on the last day).
Please see the section on Full Silence above.