7 Day Silent Zen Meditation and Yin Yoga Retreat in Ashvem, Goa, India

Join us at Banyan Tree Yoga, in Ashvem, Goa, India, for a 7-day Sesshin (Zen meditation retreat).

The first five days will be spent in silence and the schedule will include Zazen (seated meditation), Kinhin (walking meditation), Yin Yoga and Dharma talks by Hamid.

Traditionally at the end of a silent retreat, the participants all leave with a little time to discuss the thoughts and feelings that came up for them during the silence.

However, at this retreat, we will have a group meeting on the last day, during which time we can share and open up with regards to whatever we have processed during the meditation sessions.

We can explore further different aspects of the teachings to offer a framework to help you make better sense of your experience, so as to support incorporating it into your daily lives.

This is an opportunity to spend time away from distractions and dedicate yourself wholeheartedly to meditation.

When the ripples of an over-active mind are calmed as you focus your attention on the present, the look you take at your life deepens.

Connecting your mind through Zen meditation will help you see the world and yourself with a greater sense of clarity.

ABOUT THE TEACHER

Hamid has been a student of Zen for over twenty-five years and was ordained as a monk in 2000. He is a disciple of Zen Master Ryotan Tokuda who in 2012 gave him sanction to teach. In his eyes, this sanction is more of a blessing as he does not see himself in any position of authority. Hamid considers himself a dharma friend of those who cross his path. By sentiment, he has a personal inclination towards mutuality when it comes to relationships.

Hamid is a counsellor in practice. He has spent over ten years in India and Indonesia where he has taught meditation, philosophy, and comparative spirituality.

The teachings are inspired by both Eastern and Western spiritual traditions, particularly Zen Buddhism.

ABOUT THE RETREAT CENTRE

( from the website of Banyan Tree Yoga )

Tucked away in the Goan wilderness amongst serene rolling hills close to an ancient Banyan Tree, this land is abundant with spiritual energy. Home-made food prepared with love, complete tranquility, yoga, and raw beauty encourages stillness and joy within you. The Banyan Tree Yoga awaits you.

Here at The Banyan Tree Yoga, we have created the perfect place for relaxation, meditation, and yoga. After gaining many years of experience working in various respectable yoga retreats across Goa, it was time to make our vision of a friendly yoga come to life. During the monsoon season in 2013, we crafted, constructed and built with our own hands and hearts.

This comprises fifteen eco-friendly huts made from local sustainable materials each with an en-suite toilet and shower under the sky. Our shaded yoga shala offers a peaceful place to relax, recharge and feel rejuvenated after a yoga or meditation session. We have a beautiful garden which we tend to each day with many blossoming flowers and vegetable patches where we grow local vegetables to make our cooking even fresher. There is also a bonfire area for relaxation surrounded by the cashew trees. If you require any assistance our reception is open 24/7 and we are happy to help.

All of our meals served are home-made and produced either from our very own vegetable patches or from local farmers. We serve a variety of options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and spices to suit your palate.

We like to welcome our guests as a part of our family and make your stay as peaceful and delightful as possible so please let us know if there is anything we can do to make your stay more pleasant.

COST

880 euros per person in single occupancy in a spacious hut

700 euros per person in double occupancy in a spacious hut

DEPOSIT

In a single hut: deposit of 440 euros payable here to secure your place and a further 440 euros payable in cash on arrival.

In a shared hut : deposit of 350 euros payable to secure your place and a further 350 euros in cash payable on arrival in cash.

NUMBER OF PLACES

Limited to 20 people

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE

. Accommodation

. Food (three homemade, healthy vegetarian meals provided each day.)

. All the practices and activities

. Personal interview with the teacher if desired

.Daily room service is provided and twice weekly linen changes

.