Silence Sanga

We hope this guide will help you prepare for the Silence Retreat and answer any immediate questions you may have. Vivekji will provide specific guidance and clarify any questions during the orientation session as well.

I have submitted the registration form for the retreat but haven’t received any communication. Should I email Vivekji to find out if my spot is confirmed? When will more guidance be shared about preparation, schedule and the experience itself?

Vivekji personally evaluates every single application to make sure this is the appropriate sadhana / experience for you. Be patient and you will hear from Vivekji or the team regarding the status of your application and further guidance in the coming weeks. Please do not email Vivekji and add to an already overloaded inbox!

I tried to submit the form but received the message that the retreat is full. Should I email Vivekji to accommodate my registration request?

Please do not email Vivekji directly with your registration requests. You can email the team at hello@chinmayaniagara.com and we will share your request with Vivekji for the current / future retreats.

How can I prepare for the Silence Retreat?

• Work on getting mentally and physically healthier so you can sit in Silence for long periods.
• Get an electric / battery operated old school alarm clock. You cannot use your phone as an alarm clock!
• Arrange childcare (if possible) in advance, and notify your family about this time you’re carving out for self-development. This will allow you the freedom to be fully present in the retreat.
• Identify a dedicated space to contemplate so there are no distractions.

Can I do my daily pooja / japa / kriya during the retreat? Can I read (for inspiration) and write my reflections during the retreat?

No pooja / prayers / japa / chanting / reading / writing or any kind of rituals are to be practiced during the course of the retreat. You will be immersed in contemplation / reflection for the entire period but without the external aids.

Is there specific guidance on meals during the retreat?

There will be specific nutrition times in the retreat schedule. Within this schedule –

• Morning: eat ONLY fruits.
• Daytime: eat ONLY vegetables. Cooked or raw vegetables (salads) are fine. There are no specific restrictions on certain fruits and vegetables either.
• Evening: eat LIGHTLY .
• Tea / coffee – Ok during the nutrition period.
• It is important to eat SLOWLY for the entire duration of Nutrition. Keep the diet light & simple so contemplation is easier.

Would it be ok for me to walk during the reflection period – in the house (on the treadmill and / or just in the basement) and outside?

Ideally, during reflection periods, be outside as much as possible WITHOUT lying down / sleeping. Using a treadmill or any form of vigorous exercise is not advised. Walking outside, obviously by yourself, is excellent. Pick a trail / route that is not very crowded to avoid distractions / input.

Can I sit on the couch or chair if I cannot sit on the floor for a long time?

The best position for contemplation is on the floor, cross-legged with your head, shoulder & spine aligned. Consider getting a comfortable cushion / foam for your meditation seat. Those with back problems can sit on a chair, if required.

Do I need to come prepared with thoughts of what to contemplate on? What is the difference between Contemplation and Reflection sessions?

Vivekji will be guiding us through the Contemplation sessions. During Reflection, we take that guidance and reflect / contemplate on it with open eyes combined with non-strenuous movement. Reflection will be on your own and offline. The entire retreat is essentially contemplation in different forms.

How should I participate in the retreat if screens / gadgets are not allowed?

You will be connected through zoom for orientation, commencement, all contemplation sessions and completion. Access to the electronic devices is limited to connecting through zoom for specific sessions. Reflection and nutrition will be offline (no gadgets required). Do maintain the discipline to not use technology for any purpose other than joining the contemplation sessions. It can be tempting to check your email quickly or get distracted while trying to access zoom. Take the sankalpa to limit input and sign out of any programs that may send automatic notifications of messages etc.

Can I eat in my kitchen or do I have to isolate myself in one room / area for the entire retreat?

It is ideal to have a designated area just for yourself, if possible. If you have a space in the designated area where you can bring your food and eat without disturbing the sanctity of contemplation space that will be perfect. If not, just choose a spot for nutrition in your home where you have least distractions / input. Do the best you can based on the central idea that you are creating minimum input.

Can I talk to individuals in my household during the retreat?

There should be no overt / covert communication unless there is an emergency of course. If you have people in your home that you need to care for (younger kids / parents etc) just keep the communication limited as much as you can. If you have family members who are old enough to read and write, consider having a sheet of paper where they can write non-emergency questions and you can respond during your nutrition periods. Be sure to let them know that you are available in case of any emergencies.

Ideally participants should not even look at others / make any eye contact as much as possible to avoid distractions / input.

Can I email someone during the retreat if I have questions?

Vivekji will share a google form providing opportunity to ask contemplation related questions during the retreat. Please note: Sevikas will not be checking email during the retreat so if you need help, please email the team (instead of personal email) at hello@chinmayaniagara.com and someone will help you.