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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 to 9, 2025

Wednesday, February 5
3:00 - 5:30 p.m.Registration
5:15 - 6:15 p.m.Dinner
7:00p.m.Program begins
Thursday, Friday, & Saturday, February 6 - 8
5:00a.m.Wake up
5:30a.m. - 7:15pmProgram
8:45p.m.Closing and bedtime
Sunday, February 9
1:00p.m.Program Concludes
Sample Daily Schedule
Important Information - PLEASE REVIEW

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.

Not appropriate for children.
n/a

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

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.

SEE PRICES FOR THIS ACCOMMODATION

DESCRIPTION RATE
Single Cottage 1 $523
Double Cottage 1 $395
Single Cottage 2 $475
Double Cottage 2 $359

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.

SEE PRICES FOR THIS ACCOMMODATION

DESCRIPTION RATE
Single Occupancy, Private Bath $590
Single Occupancy, Shared Bath $475
Double Occupancy, Private Bath $428
Double Occupancy, Shared Bath $359
Triple Occupancy, Shared Bath $289

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.

SEE PRICES FOR THIS ACCOMMODATION

DESCRIPTION RATE
Single Occupancy $410
Double Occupancy $343

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 yurts are available seasonally.

SEE PRICES FOR THIS ACCOMMODATION

DESCRIPTION RATE
Single Occupancy $410
Double Occupancy $343

Camping

Bring your own tent

Developed campsites are available for people who wish to bring their own tent. Sites offer access to showers and flush toilets. Although camping is usually available year-round, please be aware that we can receive significant amounts of rain from November through May.

SEE PRICES FOR THIS ACCOMMODATION

DESCRIPTION RATE
Bring Your Own Tent $181

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.

SEE PRICES FOR THIS ACCOMMODATION

DESCRIPTION RATE
Stay in Your Vehicle $181

Commuting

Drive yourself

Commute from off-campus each day and attend the full program, including all meals and activities.

SEE PRICES FOR THIS ACCOMMODATION

DESCRIPTION RATE
Per Person $153

Date

Wednesday - Sunday, Feb 05 - 09, 2025

Location

In-Person
445 Summit Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076

Presenters

  • Anand Brian Darsie
    Anand Brian Darsie
    BA (Music), RYT 500, E-RYT 200, RCYT

    Uniting 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.

  • Bhavani Siegel
    Bhavani Siegel
    ECE

    Bhavani 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 Yoga

    Bhavani 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.

  • Rebecca (Krishna Gayatri) Schefstrom
    Rebecca (Krishna Gayatri) Schefstrom

    Krishna 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.

  • Tuition & Fees:

    $395 + meals & lodging
    Financial Accessibility: We aim for this retreat to be accessible to all. Financial assistance is available.
    Some work-study opportunities may also be available.
    Please email retreats@mountmadonna.org to inquire about these options.

  • Important Notes:

    Policies

    • Advance reservations are required for all visitors.
    • 48-hour notice is required to make a reservation.
    • Balance is due in advance (Visa, MasterCard, American Express only).
    • Please, no food, drugs, alcohol, pets, incense, candles or other flammables.

    Cancellations

    • Cancellations made at least 2 weeks before your reservation date are fully refundable.
    • Cancellations made 2 weeks to 48 hours prior to arrival date will be charged a $50 processing fee and the remaining payment will be given as a credit toward a future personal retreat or program.
    • No refunds are given for cancellations made less than 48 hours prior to the retreat start date.
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