Be Still & Know - Silent Retreat

Be Still & Know - Practices in Silence and Discernemnt

Silent Retreat with Swami Sankarananda

September 11th - 13th, 2026

Welcome

This silent retreat is open to all sincere seekers of truth. To support your inner journey, we provide and maintain a dedicated sacred space. We ask all participants to fully honor the silence during scheduled times and to remain within the embrace of the retreat center for the duration of the retreat, allowing the immersion to do its work.

Retreat Intention
While we often define silence simply as the absence of sound, this retreat invites you to discover a deeper truth. Beyond the mere extraction of sound lies the "Silence in the Cave of the Heart," a positive, living presence of absolute Peace, Fullness, and Joy at your center. Our purpose this weekend is to guide you past the desire to simply get away, and instead help you explore this profound Silence, cultivate a deep relationship with it that you can trust, and carry it forward into your daily life. This Silence is your Home; our intention is to help you to remain Home no matter what happens in your busy life.

Retreat Overview
Deepen your connection to the Divine through silence, meditation, chanting, Yoga Asana, and the timeless teachings of the great Yogis. Swami Sankarananda will serve as your primary guide, sharing wisdom that illuminates the path from fear into a life of abiding peace, love, and joy.

This experience is designed to be profound yet accessible. Whether you are new to silent retreats or seeking a supportive environment for deeper reflection, you will leave with a stronger relationship to Silence and practical tools to dive within.

Click here to learn more about Swami Sankarananda
Watch a short video overview of the Retreat Goals & Practices

Main Gathering Places
Most of the scheduled events will take place within the studio. There are restrooms in the studio, however no shower facilities are available for this retreat.

We will have a peace walk on Sunday, weather accommodating. During personal time participants are encouraged to be outdoors, but please remain close to the studio.

Meals
We provide simple, nourishing vegetarian food with vegan options. Brunch and dinner are the scheduled gathering times for meals, with light snacks and tea available throughout the day.

Sleeping Arrangements
The studio will also serve as our evening shared sleeping space. Although shared, there is a lot of space to spread out. Participants are suggested to bring blow up mattresses (twin size) and/or sleeping bags for sleeping. Changing areas as well as storage space for the mattresses/sleeping bags will be available.

Seva (Selfless Service)
As part of deepening our yogic awareness, we will share in Seva (selfless service) throughout the weekend. On Friday night, we will discuss the various opportunities to help—such as meal prep or tidying. Sharing these simple tasks is an essential, grounding aspect of our community experience.

Spiritual Counseling
Individual counseling sessions with Swami are available for those interested in personal guidance. We encourage you to make use of this opportunity; scheduling sheets will be provided on-site.

Guidelines
Silence is to be maintained during most portions of the retreat, except for chanting and discussion with the teacher. If anyone does not feel well or needs to discuss anything, they should let Swami know.

All communication devices (phones, computers, etc) are to be turned off at the beginning of the retreat, and it is best that you leave them off during the entire retreat. Please contact friends and family prior to the retreat. In case of emergency they may contact Swami, he will keep his phone on. His number is (234) 262-1086.

What to Bring

Toiletries (toothbrush, soap, etc.) washcloth and towel
Any medications you are taking
Pillow, blanket, sleeping bag if possible
Your own personal water bottle, bowl, plate, cup, fork & spoon. In reverence to our Mother Earth, no disposable dishware/utensils will be used. We wish this minimalist concept to invite you deeper into simple, yogic lifestyle.
Clothing - Loose, breathable clothing for yoga classes are recommended; as well as walking shoes for Sunday Peace Walk

Sunscreen, bug spray, any necessities for outdoor time
Yoga mats are provided but you can bring your own if you would like

Retreat Schedule

Attendance at all sessions is encouraged to maintain the collective energy.

Friday, Sept. 11

3:00-6:00 PM: Arrival & Check-In
6:00 PM: Dinner and Cleanup
7:00 PM: Opening Prayer, Introductions, Retreat Overview
7:30 PM: Satsang (silence begins) - Silent Meditation, Chanting, Dharma Talk
10:00 PM: Lights Out

Saturday, Sept. 12

5:30 AM: Wake up bell
6:00 AM: Satsang - Silent Meditation, Chanting, Dharma Talk
8:00 AM: Yoga Asana / Pranayama Class
10:00 AM: Brunch
11:00 AM: Discernment Workshop
12:30 PM: Individual Sadhana
- Spiritual Counseling with Swamiji, Seva, Self-guided practice (rest, meditate, journal, etc.)
4:30-6:00 PM: Gentle Yoga Class (Yoga Nidra on Sunday)
6:00 PM: Dinner
7:00 PM: Peace Chanting
7:30 PM: Satsang - Silent Meditation, Chanting, Dharma Talk
10:00 PM: Lights Out

Sunday, Sept. 13

5:30 AM: Wake up bell
6:00 AM: Satsang - Silent Meditation, Chanting, Dharma Talk
8:00 AM: Yoga Asana / Pranayama Class
10:00 AM: Brunch
11:00 AM: Discernment Workshop
12:00 Noon: Peace Walk
1:00 PM: Closing Discussions, Prayers and Arati
- Practice of Silence Ends. Share your insights & experiences of the weekend!
2:00 PM: Program Ends

Connecting people through peaceful activities.

The Yoga Place & Yoga Central

Retreat Overview
Deepen your connection to the Divine through silence, meditation, chanting, Yoga Asana, and the timeless teachings of the great Yogis. Swami Sankarananda will serve as your primary guide, sharing wisdom that illuminates the path from fear into a life of abiding peace, love, and joy.

Main Gathering Places
Most of the scheduled events will take place within the studio. There are restrooms in the studio, however no shower facilities are available for this retreat.

We will have a peace walk on Sunday, weather accommodating. During personal time participants are encouraged to be outdoors, but please remain close to the studio.

Meals
We provide simple, nourishing vegetarian food with vegan options. Brunch and dinner are the scheduled gathering times for meals, with light snacks and tea available throughout the day.

Spiritual Counseling
Individual counseling sessions with Swami are available for those interested in personal guidance. We encourage you to make use of this opportunity; scheduling sheets will be provided on-site.

Guidelines
Silence is to be maintained during most portions of the retreat, except for chanting and discussion with the teacher. If anyone does not feel well or needs to discuss anything, they should let Swami know.

What to Bring

​

Main Gathering Places Most of the scheduled events will take place within the studio. There are restrooms in the studio, however no shower facilities are available for this retreat.

We will have a peace walk on Sunday, weather accommodating. During personal time participants are encouraged to be outdoors, but please remain close to the studio.

​

Meals We provide simple, nourishing vegetarian food with vegan options. Brunch and dinner are the scheduled gathering times for meals, with light snacks and tea available throughout the day.

​

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​

Spiritual Counseling Individual counseling sessions with Swami are available for those interested in personal guidance. We encourage you to make use of this opportunity; scheduling sheets will be provided on-site.

​

Guidelines Silence is to be maintained during most portions of the retreat, except for chanting and discussion with the teacher. If anyone does not feel well or needs to discuss anything, they should let Swami know.

What to Bring

Main Gathering Places
Most of the scheduled events will take place within the studio. There are restrooms in the studio, however no shower facilities are available for this retreat.

Meals
We provide simple, nourishing vegetarian food with vegan options. Brunch and dinner are the scheduled gathering times for meals, with light snacks and tea available throughout the day.

Spiritual Counseling
Individual counseling sessions with Swami are available for those interested in personal guidance. We encourage you to make use of this opportunity; scheduling sheets will be provided on-site.

Guidelines
Silence is to be maintained during most portions of the retreat, except for chanting and discussion with the teacher. If anyone does not feel well or needs to discuss anything, they should let Swami know.