Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours will I meditate daily?
There are 10 hours of meditation daily separated throughout the day.
How many days last the silent meditation retreat? Do I have to stay for the full length?
The Silent Meditation retreat lasts for 12 days. The day of arrival, the silent meditation retreat is presented in detail and questions are answered. Then, there are 10 full days of silent meditation. Finally, the last day is the end of silence and transition to get back to ordinary life.
To be able to participate in a retreat you must commit to stay for the full length of the retreat.
To be able to participate in a retreat you must commit to stay for the full length of the retreat.
How is a typical day like?
There are two blocks of meditation sessions everyday of 5 hours each. Each meditation session is one hour long, with a 10-minute break in between them, except the first meditation session of the day that lasts 2 hours. After the first block of meditation, breakfast is served and at the end of the second block of meditation, dinner is served and a Satsang video is presented to close the day. See the full daily routine, for more details.
See the full daily routine, for all details.
See the full daily routine, for all details.
Why are retreats in silence?
It is very important to keep a complete silence, that is: absence of communication in any form, no signal, keeping distance from others, avoid looking at others, no mantra chanting. The goal of that is to allow an introspective ambiance that is conducive to go deeper in meditation.
In case of an emergency, is there someone that I can speak to?
Yes, at the beginning of the retreat, a monk will be assigned to you to assist in case of emergency.
How much does the silent meditation retreat cost?
These Silent Meditation Retreats are on Donation. First to maintain its purity, second because they represent a collective net that supports the sincere Seekers of Truth, no matter what their financial circumstances may be. First you take part in the Retreat then you can donate whatever you feel suitable.
Where are the Silent Meditation Retreats offered?
The retreats are offered in Ashram City of Angels, in Soledade de Minas, which is close to Sao Lourenco (a city that has many transportation option from the main cities), in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, at about 5 hours from São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte. In the future, the retreats are going to be offered in India as well.
How to get to the Ashram City of Angels?
As mentioned in the question above, the city where we are is neighboring São Lourenço - MG, for those coming by bus you can take a taxi / uber from the São Lourenço bus station to the Ashram, after your confirmation at the retreat, we will send you the contact of some companies that serve this route. For those coming by car, after confirming your participation in the chosen retreat, you will be sent the location of the Ashram to arrive safely.
I have no experience in meditation. Can I still attend the retreats?
If your heart is calling you to participate in the Silent Meditation Retreat, and you have no experience with meditation, make your inscription as soon as possible, in relation to the date you’re interested, so that we can give you the instructions for you to prepare yourself. In case you have made an inscription and there’s no time to prepare yourself, we will suggest you to enter a preparation period where you will undergo a meditation routine in your home to prepare yourself, and after you are suitably prepared, then you can choose a date to participate.
As you are registering for a retreat, give as much details as possible and we will assist you with your preparation.
As you are registering for a retreat, give as much details as possible and we will assist you with your preparation.
How can I know if I am well prepared to complete a retreat?
After you submit your inscription form it will be evaluated and if it is clear that you are not prepared enough then preparatory instructions will be given to you, after which you will feel prepared, or may realize that you need more time and continue with that preparation until you feel ready.
Who should not participate in the retreat?
Those who don’t have a clear spiritual purpose in mind, that are thinking about physical, emotional and mental health and worldly improvements should not participate in these retreats. The purpose of these retreats is to give support and opportunity for those who seek God-realization, Self-Realization, Liberation.
How to register for a retreat?
On this website, you should first create an account. Then, you can register for a retreat . Please provide as many details as possible to help us evaluate your inscription better.
What kind of food is offered during the retreat?
There are two simple vegetarian (or vegan on demand) meals a day, lunch will be the last meal. We advise to take light meals, so that it does not disturb the practice, and we do not allow for complete fasting during the Retreat.
I'm on a special diet. Can I bring my own food?
It is not allowed to bring your own food, drinks, sweets of any type, and it is not allowed to keep any food in the room, if you bring anything eatable please give it during your check in and it will be given back to you at the end of the Silent Meditation Retreat. The food offered here is suitable for most cases. If it is absolutely necessary for you to have a special diet for health reasons, specify it with as much details as possible during your inscription and we will evaluate if it is possible for us to make special arrangements.
How are the accommodations like?
Our Ashram has male and female accommodation, where there are shared rooms two to three persons according to the size of the room, with shared bathrooms, to be distributed according to our availability. The accommodations are simple, have the basics needed for your stay and are within easy reach of the meditation hall. Their care is the responsibility of each participant.
What should I bring and what not to bring? Are electronic devices allowed?
Here is a page about what to bring and what not to bring. The electronic devices must be given when arriving at the reception and they will be returned at the end of the retreat.
How to choose between the Kriya retreat and the devotional retreat?
First of all, you shouldn’t choose because the dates are more suitable. First you choose with your heart, understanding that in essence they are same, but in the structure they are different. The Kriya Meditation retreat has in the first format: “Awakening the Sacred Fires” a series of videos made By Narayana with teachings that give a deep and broad understanding in a profound way of the Spiritual path and the obstacles and how to overcome them, all in a very simple language which is suitable for beginners as well for the advanced seekers.
The devotional retreats are exclusively about Devotion, and in the first format: “Divine Romance”, Narayana shares a series of videos where he comments on the “Shandilya Bhakti Sutras” a very beautiful and famous treatise on Bhakti that deals at length about the Path of Devotion.
The devotional retreats are exclusively about Devotion, and in the first format: “Divine Romance”, Narayana shares a series of videos where he comments on the “Shandilya Bhakti Sutras” a very beautiful and famous treatise on Bhakti that deals at length about the Path of Devotion.
Can the retreat cure physical or mental diseases?
It is not the good purpose to come for a retreat with the intention of curing a disease. This retreat is for sincere Seekers of Truth, who are looking to start, or to deepen their meditation in a serious manner or for those who want to deepen their spiritual practice with the sole purpose of Liberation or God realization.
In which environment and tradition are the retreats conducted?
The retreats are conducted in an Ashram’s environment, sacred grounds, Swamis (monks) take care of the Silent Meditation Retreats under the Guidance of Narayana. The Sacred Order of Swamis is a tradition from Hinduism.
Do I need to be in a religion to participate to the retreat?
You don’t need to be in any religion to participate in a retreat, but you need to have a serious spiritual quest or calling.
These retreats are not for the skeptics, but for those who seek Liberation, God-Communion, Self-Realization.
These retreats are not for the skeptics, but for those who seek Liberation, God-Communion, Self-Realization.
Who conducts the retreats?
These Retreats are conducted by the Swamis (monks) of the Ashram under the Guidance of Narayana.
In which languages the retreats are available?
The retreats are available in Portuguese, English and French.
Can people with disabilities or in special circumstances participate (physical disabilities medication, pregnancy, etc.)? Are there any special arrangements or instructions for them?
If you are in a special condition, give us as many details as possible during your inscription and we will see if it is possible for us to make special arrangements for you.
What are the rules to follow?
Here is a page with all the rules to follow during the retreat. It is important to read them and agree to follow them before registering to a retreat.
Do you have any clothing restrictions?
Yes, in the case of women, it is not allowed to wear transparent, tight clothes (leggings, pants and blouses that fit close to the body), extravagant clothes, dresses and skirts, even long ones. And in the case of men, it is not allowed to wear transparent, extravagant, tight clothes, or wear shorts and walk without a shirt. Bring discreet, loose clothing (that doesn’t reveal the shape of the body), comfortable.
What if I have to cancel?
If you have to cancel, please do it as early as possible to free your place for another participant. It is possible to cancel an inscription in the inscriptions page of the website.
Any further questions?
For any other unanswered questions, feel free to contact us.
How many hours will I meditate daily?
There are 6 hours of meditation daily separated throughout the day.
How many days last the silent meditation retreat? Do I have to stay for the full length?
The Silent Meditation retreat lasts for 7 days. The day of arrival, the silent meditation retreat is presented in detail and questions are answered. Then, there are 5 full days of silent meditation. Finally, the last day is the end of silence and transition to get back to ordinary life.
To be able to participate in a retreat you must commit to stay for the full length of the retreat.
To be able to participate in a retreat you must commit to stay for the full length of the retreat.
How is a typical day like?
There are two blocks of meditation and video sessions everyday of 5 hours each. Each meditation session is one hour long, with a 10-minute break in between them, except the first meditation session of the day that lasts 2 hours. After the first block of meditation, breakfast is served and at the end of the second block of meditation, dinner is served and a Satsang video is presented to close the day. See the full daily routine, for more details.
See the full daily routine, for all details.
See the full daily routine, for all details.
Why are retreats in silence?
It is very important to keep a complete silence, that is: absence of communication in any form, no signal, keeping distance from others, avoid looking at others, no mantra chanting. The goal of that is to allow an introspective ambiance that is conducive to go deeper in meditation.
In case of an emergency, is there someone that I can speak to?
Yes, at the beginning of the retreat, a monk will be assigned to you to assist in case of emergency.
How much does the silent meditation retreat cost?
Where are the Silent Meditation Retreats offered?
The retreats are offered in Ashram City of Angels, in Soledade de Minas, which is close to Sao Lourenco (a city that has many transportation option from the main cities), in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, at about 5 hours from São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte. In the future, the retreats are going to be offered in India as well.
How to get to the Ashram City of Angels?
As mentioned in the question above, the city where we are is neighboring São Lourenço - MG, for those coming by bus you can take a taxi / uber from the São Lourenço bus station to the Ashram, after your confirmation at the retreat, we will send you the contact of some companies that serve this route. For those coming by car, after confirming your participation in the chosen retreat, you will be sent the location of the Ashram to arrive safely.
I have no experience in meditation. Can I still attend the retreats?
If your heart is calling you to participate in the Silent Meditation Retreat, and you have no experience with meditation, make your inscription as soon as possible, in relation to the date you’re interested, so that we can give you the instructions for you to prepare yourself. In case you have made an inscription and there’s no time to prepare yourself, we will suggest you to enter a preparation period where you will undergo a meditation routine in your home to prepare yourself, and after you are suitably prepared, then you can choose a date to participate.
As you are registering for a retreat, give as much details as possible and we will assist you with your preparation.
As you are registering for a retreat, give as much details as possible and we will assist you with your preparation.
How can I know if I am well prepared to complete a retreat?
After you submit your inscription form it will be evaluated and if it is clear that you are not prepared enough then preparatory instructions will be given to you, after which you will feel prepared, or may realize that you need more time and continue with that preparation until you feel ready.
Who should not participate in the retreat?
Those who don’t have a clear spiritual purpose in mind, that are thinking about physical, emotional and mental health and worldly improvements should not participate in these retreats. The purpose of these retreats is to give support and opportunity for those who seek God-realization, Self-Realization, Liberation.
How to register for a retreat?
On this website, you should first create an account. Then, you can register for a retreat . Please provide as many details as possible to help us evaluate your inscription better.
What kind of food is offered during the retreat?
There are two simple vegetarian (or vegan on demand) meals a day, lunch will be the last meal. We advise to take light meals, so that it does not disturb the practice, and we do not allow for complete fasting during the Retreat.
I'm on a special diet. Can I bring my own food?
It is not allowed to bring your own food, drinks, sweets of any type, and it is not allowed to keep any food in the room, if you bring anything eatable please give it during your check in and it will be given back to you at the end of the Silent Meditation Retreat. The food offered here is suitable for most cases. If it is absolutely necessary for you to have a special diet for health reasons, specify it with as much details as possible during your inscription and we will evaluate if it is possible for us to make special arrangements.
How are the accommodations like?
Our Ashram has male and female accommodation, where there are shared rooms two to three persons according to the size of the room, with shared bathrooms, to be distributed according to our availability. The accommodations are simple, have the basics needed for your stay and are within easy reach of the meditation hall. Their care is the responsibility of each participant.
What should I bring and what not to bring? Are electronic devices allowed?
Here is a page about what to bring and what not to bring. The electronic devices must be given when arriving at the reception and they will be returned at the end of the retreat.
How to choose between the Kriya retreat and the devotional retreat?
First of all, you shouldn’t choose because the dates are more suitable. First you choose with your heart, understanding that in essence they are same, but in the structure they are different. The Kriya Meditation retreat has in the first format: “Awakening the Sacred Fires” a series of videos made By Narayana with teachings that give a deep and broad understanding in a profound way of the Spiritual path and the obstacles and how to overcome them, all in a very simple language which is suitable for beginners as well for the advanced seekers.
The devotional retreats are exclusively about Devotion, and in the first format: “Divine Romance”, Narayana shares a series of videos where he comments on the “Shandilya Bhakti Sutras” a very beautiful and famous treatise on Bhakti that deals at length about the Path of Devotion.
The devotional retreats are exclusively about Devotion, and in the first format: “Divine Romance”, Narayana shares a series of videos where he comments on the “Shandilya Bhakti Sutras” a very beautiful and famous treatise on Bhakti that deals at length about the Path of Devotion.
Can the retreat cure physical or mental diseases?
It is not the good purpose to come for a retreat with the intention of curing a disease. This retreat is for sincere Seekers of Truth, who are looking to start, or to deepen their meditation in a serious manner or for those who want to deepen their spiritual practice with the sole purpose of Liberation or God realization.
In which environment and tradition are the retreats conducted?
The retreats are conducted in an Ashram’s environment, sacred grounds, Swamis (monks) take care of the Silent Meditation Retreats under the Guidance of Narayana. The Sacred Order of Swamis is a tradition from Hinduism.
Do I need to be in a religion to participate to the retreat?
You don’t need to be in any religion to participate in a retreat, but you need to have a serious spiritual quest or calling.
These retreats are not for the skeptics, but for those who seek Liberation, God-Communion, Self-Realization.
These retreats are not for the skeptics, but for those who seek Liberation, God-Communion, Self-Realization.
Who conducts the retreats?
These Retreats are conducted by the Swamis (monks) of the Ashram under the Guidance of Narayana.
In which languages the retreats are available?
The retreats are available in Portuguese, English and French.
Can people with disabilities or in special circumstances participate (physical disabilities medication, pregnancy, etc.)? Are there any special arrangements or instructions for them?
If you are in a special condition, give us as many details as possible during your inscription and we will see if it is possible for us to make special arrangements for you.
What are the rules to follow?
Here is a page with all the rules to follow during the retreat. It is important to read them and agree to follow them before registering to a retreat.
Do you have any clothing restrictions?
Yes, in the case of women, it is not allowed to wear transparent, tight clothes (leggings, pants and blouses that fit close to the body), extravagant clothes, dresses and skirts, even long ones. And in the case of men, it is not allowed to wear transparent, extravagant, tight clothes, or wear shorts and walk without a shirt. Bring discreet, loose clothing (that doesn’t reveal the shape of the body), comfortable.
What if I have to cancel?
If you have to cancel, please do it as early as possible to free your place for another participant. It is possible to cancel an inscription in the inscriptions page of the website.
Any further questions?
For any other unanswered questions, feel free to contact us.
