Going Deeper: A Focused Meditation Retreat
Join us for a very special signature Mount Madonna retreat focused on going inward.
Be a part of an immersive experience to dive deeply into practice, fully supported by longtime Mount Madonna teachers and practitioners.
To support the mind in turning inward, follow a simple diet, observe silence, and practice in a cave-like atmosphere of seclusion. Devote a number of hours each day to sadhana (spiritual practices), including meditation, pranayama (breathing practices), and asana (postures) created specifically for this retreat by Baba Hari Dass. Devotional rituals, chanting, and spiritual stories also form a part of this special experience.
This small group retreat is devoted to a deeper level of meditation and purification for people who already have some knowledge of meditation and yoga. Please read this important informational document before registering for this retreat.
Special health note:
Because Going Deeper is held indoors, with participants in close proximity for the duration of the retreat, Covid-19 protocols will be practiced.
Schedule | February 5 - 9, 2025
| Wednesday, February 5 | |
| 3:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Registration | 5:15 - 6:15 p.m. | Dinner | 7:00 p.m. | Program begins |
| Thursday, Friday, & Saturday, February 6 - 8 | 5:00 a.m. | Wake up | 5:30 a.m. - 7:15pm | Program | 8:45 p.m. | Closing and bedtime |
| Sunday, February 9 | 1:00 p.m. | Program Concludes |
Rates & What's Included
Details & Useful Information
GOING DEEPER RETREAT RATES INCLUDING ALL NIGHTS
Adults
Tuition $395 + accommodations and meals based on room selection. Rates are per person, and include meals and accommodations for all days of the retreat. Rates stated here apply to this retreat only; other retreat and program accommodations pricing may differ.
Rates: Retreat rates depend on your choice of accommodations and include access to the Mount Madonna campus, lodging, and meals.
Arrival & Departure: Please plan to arrive and check-in between 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm. Check out is at noon; however, you may stay for lunch following the program closing.
Reservations: Retreats must be booked a minimum of 48 hours in advance.
Meals: Two vegetarian meals are served during retreats, including brunch and dinner. Breads, spreads, and a tea bar are also available between meals.
Accommodations & Meals
Make the Mountain Home
Seminar House Rooms
Double, Triple, or Quad
SPECIAL NOTE: The Seminar House accommodations are the recommended choice for this retreat because participants will experience a more “full immersion” and likely avoid encounters with others not keeping silence. These comfortable and affordable dormitory style rooms are located in the Seminar House, where there is Wi-Fi, a small kitchen, and a deck with a beautiful view of the grassy hills and redwoods. All beds are singles, and sleep one person only. Double, triple, and quad rooms are hotel-style. Bathrooms and showers are centrally located within this single-story building.
Ram Cottages
Two and Three Rooms
The Ram Cottages have easy access to the Wellness Center and many hiking trails. Ram Cottage #1 sleeps four and offers two bedrooms, a small kitchen, one shared full bathroom, and shared living space with an outdoor deck. Ram Cottage #2 sleeps six in three rooms and offers a kitchenette and one shared full bathroom. All beds are singles. Prices are based on stated occupancy.
Guest Rooms
Single, Double, or Triple
These tasteful hotel style rooms, some with ensuite bathrooms, are located in our Conference Center, where there is wifi, two lovely courtyards with expansive views in which you may read and relax, and a full tea bar available at all times in the conference wing of the building. Rooms that don’t have en-suite bathrooms have access to nearby shared bathrooms and showers (private while in use). All beds are singles. There are no phones or TVs in any of our rooms. Prices are based on stated occupancy.
Rustic Cabins
Single or Double
Our simple rustic cabins are located in the Oaks Campground. They are a short 10-minute walk uphill from the Conference Center, but have a feeling of being more remote. Cabins sleep two people and feature electricity and heat but no wi-fi or indoor plumbing. All beds are singles. A separate shower house is nearby, containing private showers and dressing rooms, and flush toilets. If this sounds a bit rustic, please consider booking a room in the Conference Center. Prices are based on stated occupancy.
Yurts
Single or Double
Located in the Oaks Campground, a 10-minute walk up the hill from the Conference Center, our yurts sleep 2 people and have electricity and heat, but no plumbing and no wi-fi. A yurt is a cozy, circular space provided by a wood structure and canvas walls. Each yurt is situated on a wooden platform, and is outfitted with a comfortable queen- or twin-size beds, linens, towels, warm comforters and blankets. A separate bathhouse with private flush toilets and shower rooms is nearby. The yurts are a short distance from the associated parking area. Note that high levels of rainfall November – April may affect yurt accessibility (walking path is available year-around).
Own Vehicle
Parking Space
Regular size parking spaces are available for your van, camper or other vehicle. There is no access to electricity. Showers and restrooms are available in campgrounds and Center buildings. Prices are based on stated occupancy.
Commuting
Drive yourself
Commute from off-campus each day and attend the full program, including all meals and activities.
Presenters
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Anand Brian DarsieBA (Music), RYT 500, E-RYT 200, RCYTUniting his passions for music, yoga, spirituality, community, and worship, Anand brings a unique perspective to his practice and teaching. He spends time in residency at Mount Madonna, where he is immersed in yoga and community studies. He serves as a primary instructor for YTT 200 and YTT for Educators. Anand seeks to promote body intelligence through asana (postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), and meditation. Enthusiastic, encouraging, creative, and compassionate, Anand inspires students of all ages through ancient methods delivered with contemporary scientific understanding and a playful, dynamic spirit.
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Bhavani SiegelECEBhavani was introduced to yoga in childhood, practicing asana and yogic breathing with her family. She met Baba Hari Dass in 1974; after becoming his disciple, she began formal study and sadhana practice. She then went on to begin teaching yoga in 1975.
A senior Yoga faculty member and a founding member of Mount Madonna, where she lives, Bhavani teaches many aspects of Yoga, including meditation, pranayama and yoga philosophy.
Among these, her specialties are:
– Foundational values in Yoga philosophy: Yama & Niyama
– Mantra Yoga: Sanskrit as Sacred Sound
– Ritual and Symbolism in the Path of YogaBhavani also leads Yogic rituals (Puja & Yajna) at Mount Madonna’s Sankaṭ Mochan Hanuman Temple. She also incorporated yoga for children as a school teacher for 20 years.
Considering the teachings of conscious communication an important aspect of the Yogic principle of non-harming, Bhavani integrated this study as facilitator/coordinator of Mount Madonna’s Yoga, Service and Community residential programs for over 20 years.
In Yoga teacher trainings, Yoga retreats, community programs, and seminars, Bhavani has continued her journey, guided by her revered teacher’s injunction to “teach to learn,” at Mount Madonna and at our sister community, Salt Spring Centre of Yoga.
Bhavani loves chanting and ritual, mystic poetry, and the solace of nature.
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Rebecca (Krishna Gayatri) SchefstromKrishna Gayatri has been an energetic contributor to the wellness industry as a yoga and Pilates teacher and entrepreneur for more than 20 years. She is the founder and CEO of Urban Balance, which delivers holistic wellness solutions to companies nationwide.
An experienced movement teacher with 1000+ hours of training and study across the two disciplines, Krishna Gayatri has led yoga and Pilates classes for industry-leading corporate clients and taught in top-tier health club and hospital settings and leads local and national retreats. She has been a student of Baba Hari Dass since 1997 and has been following his guidance ever since. She is deeply committed to preserving the lineage and mission Babaji and Mount Madonna created and sustained over these many decades.
