Silence Speaks: A Silent Meditation Retreat
A Northern California Retreat
From the teachings of Baba Hari Dass
In a time when technology, urbanization, and a constant stream of information draw your attention outward, intentional silence offers the opportunity to quiet the mind and turn inward. Rather than withdrawing from life, the practice of silence creates space to observe the mind more clearly and cultivate a deeper understanding of your true nature.
Inspired by master yogi Baba Hari Dass’s own lifelong observance of silence, this silent meditation retreat will offer you an opportunity to experience silence as more than the absence of speech. Silence is one of many yogic methods for quieting the mind. Practicing silence conserves prana (life energy): because speech is carried on the exhalation, the more we speak, the more energy we expend. Energy you conserve becomes available for deeper practice and inner awareness.
At this five-day retreat, you will experience:
- Opening and closing circles to begin and conclude the shared journey
- Morning and evening arati (ritual of light) performed at Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple
- Daily ritual sadhana integrating pranayama with sitting, standing, walking, and reclining meditation
- Afternoon pranayama and meditation with reflection on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
- Twice-daily asana — including all-levels classes that support the body in seated meditation, more vigorous classes that help move energy in the body, and ritualized asana including Surya Namaskar (salute to the sun) with chanting
- Evening chanting, meditation, kirtan (devotional singing), yoga nidra (yogic sleep), and restorative practice
- Two vegetarian meals per day, shared in silence within community
- Personal time for reflection — wandering the redwood forests and meadows, visiting the Sankat Mochan Hanuman Temple, reading, or journaling, with teachers available for questions and guidance
- Outdoor contemplative practices exploring the elements and the natural world, weather permitting
- Optional wellness treatment at Kaya Kalpa Wellness Center (advance reservations recommended)
“SILENCE IS THE SECLUSION OF THE MIND.
SPEECH BRINGS THE MIND IN THE WORLD.
SILENCE IS THE DESIRELESS STATE OF THE MIND.
SPEECH EXPRESSES DESIRES IN THE MIND.
SILENCE TOUCHES THE INNER SELF.
SPEECH EXCITES THE EGO SELF IN THE WORLD.
SILENCE BRINGS DIVINE SONG WITHIN.
SPEECH CREATES SONG FOR OTHERS.
SILENCE IS THE PRIOR STATE OF CREATION.
SOUND IS THE CAUSE OF CREATION.”
Baba Hari Dass
Drawing from the lineage teachings of Baba Hari Dass and guided by longtime Mount Madonna teachers and practitioners, Silence Speaks is a retreat devoted to the practice of silence and inner reflection. The practices of this retreat follow Baba Hari Dass’s integrated approach to sadhana (spiritual practice), weaving together pranayama (breathing practices), meditation, asana (postures), chanting, ritual, and self-study.
While conversation is set aside, chanting mantras (sacred chanting), singing kirtan (devotional singing), and participating in ritual are shared in the company of satsang (community or gathering of spiritual seekers). Writing is welcomed when communication is necessary, and teachers are available throughout the retreat to offer guidance and support. Silence begins after the Opening Circle on Wednesday evening and concludes at brunch on Sunday, allowing time to connect and reflect on your experience with fellow participants.
Whether you have an established meditation practice or are looking to expand your understanding of Yoga, we invite you to join us for five days of shared silence, sincere practice, and nurturing community. Guided by the teachings of Baba Hari Dass and supported by experienced teachers, fellow practitioners, and the natural beauty of Mount Madonna, this retreat offers a rare opportunity to step away from the demands of daily life, settle the mind, open the heart, and discover the gift of profound inner stillness.
Ways to attend:
- In-person at Mount Madonna.
Tuition: $595 + accommodations & meals. Minimum 48-hours advance registration required.
Meditation Retreat Sample Schedule
| Wednesday, November 11 | |
| 3:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Arrival & registration |
| 5:15 - 6:15 p.m. | Dinner |
| 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. | Arati |
| 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. | Opening Circle & introduction to practice (silence begins) |
| Thursday, Friday, & Saturday, November 12 - 14 | |
| 5:30 a.m. | Wake-up & cleansing practices |
| 6:00 a.m. | Warm-ups |
| 6:30 - 8:25 a.m. | Morning sadhana: pranayama & meditation |
| 8:35 - 10:00 a.m. | Morning asana |
| 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. | Brunch |
| 11:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. | Personal reflection time (teachers available) |
| 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. | Afternoon sadhana |
| 3:00 - 3:30 p.m. | Break |
| 3:30 - 5:00 p.m. | Afternoon asana |
| 5:15 - 6:00 p.m. | Dinner |
| 6:00 - 7:15 p.m. | Arati |
| 7:15 - 8:25 p.m. | Evening chanting, meditation, kirtan, yoga nidra, & restorative practice |
| Sunday, November 15 | |
| 5:30 a.m. | Wake-up & cleansing practices |
| 6:00 a.m. | Warm-ups |
| 6:30 - 8:25 a.m. | Morning sadhana: pranayama & meditation |
| 8:35 - 10:00 a.m. | Morning asana |
| 10:00 a.m. | Silence concludes |
| 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. | Brunch |
| 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Ritual Closing Circle |
| 12:30 p.m. | Program concludes |
Rates & What's Included
Details & Useful Information
FALL SILENT MEDITATION RETREAT
RATES INCLUDING ALL NIGHTS
Adults
Tuition $595 + 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: Plan to arrive and check-in between 3:00 – 5:30 p.m. Check out is at 11:00 a.m.; 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.
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. Vehicles must not exceed 24 ft in length. There is no access to electricity. Showers and restrooms are available in campgrounds and Center buildings. To ensure a comfortable stay, please bring all personal items you will need, including towels, as these are not provided. 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. Please note: commuting is not recommended for this retreat. Leaving campus each day disrupts the immersive nature of the program and increases the likelihood of encountering people or environments not observing silence. Participants who stay on campus are better supported in maintaining the inward focus of the retreat.
Presenter
-
About the InstructorsThis program is taught by Mount Madonna Yoga Faculty, many of whom were senior students of Baba Hari Dass, and have studied Classical Ashtanga Yoga (eight-limbed path) for many years.
