
Heart Awakening
The Heart Awakening Silent Retreats offer an immersive meditation experience, inspired by the Hridaya Yoga format.
The primary focus of the retreat is the awakening of the heart, seen as a gateway to self-knowledge and the seat of Loving Awareness. Through meditation, the mind quiets, and the Silence of the Heart is revealed.
These days of silence become a journey of self-exploration that begins in the heart and ultimately leads back to the Heart.
With meditation sessions, the introduction of various techniques, and the guidance of an experienced facilitator, participants are supported in turning inward to discover depths of their being that may have been previously unknown.
Free from dogma, the philosophy shared is rooted in non-duality and inspired by the teachings of spiritual masters from all cultures and traditions. The retreat is dedicated to the direct experience of Truth—an experience that only Silence can reveal.
Sacred poetry and readings
A significant source of inspiration for our practice comes from spiritual literature, particularly the works of those who have mastered the path of Love. This includes Sufi poets like Rumi and Hafiz, Christian mystics, non-dual sages like Ramana Maharshi, Nisargadatta Maharaj, Papaji, and contemporary voices of non-dual wisdom such as Jeff Foster, Adyashanti, Thich Nhat Hanh, Jack Kornfield, and Ram Dass, among others.
Non-dual philosophy
At the core of the silent meditation retreats lies the philosophy of non-duality, also known as the Consciousness of Oneness or Advaita Vedanta. This understanding of union with all and the direct experience of existence beyond the personality is the culmination of any spiritual path, accessible through the practice of meditation.
"Silence is not empty. It is full of answers."~ Rumi
Retreat Program
and Guidelines
Mauna
Mauna, or noble silence, is a powerful spiritual practice that enables us to turn inward and deepen our experience during retreats. It creates an environment for gentle yet profound transformation. By pausing daily social interactions and the mental noise they bring, we can direct more of our time and energy toward self-exploration and inner harmony.
Mauna is not merely the absence of speech, but an intentional inner attitude that honors our essential nature—Stillness.
This practice of silence fosters profound rest, self-awareness, and interiorization. It cultivates an atmosphere of sincere dedication, leading to tangible results by deepening both the meditation practice and the states of consciousness within.
Program
All Heart Awakening silent meditation retreats follow the same structure, offering several hours of meditation each day, satsangs on the non-dual philosophy that spans across authentic spiritual and mystical traditions, traditional hatha yoga sessions, and ample time for rest and contemplation.
The retreats are available in 3, 5, or 8 full days of silence, each following a daily schedule. Longer retreats are always recommended, as they provide more time for the body and mind to settle, allowing deeper states of consciousness to unfold.
Patience and an open mind are essential to make the most of your experience in such retreats. It’s normal for the body to feel stiff and for the mind to resist, especially when engaging in meditation practice for the first time. However, participants receive ongoing support throughout the retreat. In the end, the profound transformation that may result is well worth the effort.
This is a unique opportunity for spiritual insight, a chance to come closer to your Original Self.
Click here to read the guidelines of a Heart Awakening Silent Retreat
Retreats Coming Up
See below the upcoming opportunities to Retreat into Silence
- Sat, 05 AprHavelock North
- Thu, 17 AprHautere
- Fri, 30 MayHautere
- Thu, 07 AugTaupō
- Thu, 25 SeptHautere
- Thu, 13 NovHautere
