Author: Silvia Eriksson

A Purposeful Heart ~ Interview with Ajahn Mahāpañño

Posted on by Silvia Eriksson

Can you tell us a little about your lineage? Is it part of the Thai Forest Tradition?

Yes, our lineage is the Ajahn Chah and Sumedho lineage, and we are part of the Thai Forest Tradition. We belong to a network of monasteries spread around the world. Most of them are in Thailand, but there are also four in England, one in Switzerland and others in Portugal, Germany, the USA and Australia.  

I am from Santacittarama Monastery in Italy, but this tradition originated in Thailand, but over time, Western monks trained there returned to their home countries and established monasteries, like Santacittarama.  

Was there a specific moment in your life that made you decide to become a monk? 

I decided to try being a monk when I was 29, and I was later accepted into the community. The decision came from two emotions. One was a sense of suffering and dissatisfaction, a feeling of “Is this all there is?”  And the other was trust—trust in the teachings of the Buddha and in the possibility of doing something meaningful, something good.  

Before becoming a monk, I spent about ten years meditating, exploring different traditions and approaches. When I encountered the Thai Forest Tradition, I felt at home. I understood it, and I could sustain the practice.  

I was lucky to meet Ajahn Sumedho, who inspired me deeply—not just to be a Buddhist but to try to become a monk. His way of living and teaching impressed me, especially since he trained in Thailand for ten years before returning to the UK in 1976. He is still alive, very powerful.  What inspired me was his freedom, his independence—it gave me the sense that I could give my life meaning and perhaps help others too.  

What is the most common struggle your students come to you with? 

Confusion. People don’t know what to do with their lives. It’s quite surprising. Many people don’t know what to do – even when they’re older—60, 70 years old. They’re searching for meaning and direction. 

I would tell people to first to simply take responsibility for their life, and start to learn how to make the right choices. Not to make decisions to promote ourselves, but to promote the Dhamma, the freedom of the heart, the awakening of their mind. To prepare this possibility, to prepare the proper conditions for the mind to realise this. That’s what I would like to pass on. 

We can learn how to prepare for the path of awakening, it’s not just hoping for something to happen, but how to learn how to develop this. I’m quite optimistic in humanity – that all can do this, can do a good job with this – just that we have to create the proper opportunity for this to unfold.

Do you believe silence and Vipassana retreats play a significant role in addressing these struggles? 

Yes, retreats like these are very supportive. But they are just the beginning. People need continuity in their practice—one retreat is not enough.  

In these few days, people can figure out what is really important to them. The challenge is arranging their lives afterward to reflect those priorities. Often, people’s hearts are spread everywhere—a little here, a little there, but they rarely focus their hearts on one purpose. They see it like a financial investment, but it doesn’t work like this. True freedom comes from dedicating ourselves to one meaningful purpose.  

This doesn’t mean being sectarian or obsessed. It means offering our lives to something we believe is truly worthy—not just for ourselves, but for others too.  

Do you think people living “normal” lives, with jobs and families, can live this kind of purposeful life?

Yes, definitely. Our daily life can be our temple. It’s not about what we do, but how we do it. Even something as simple as washing dishes, and that can be a perfect cleaning of the mind. The problem is that we don’t perceive this action as a step towards enlightenment. 

Of course there is some action and speech that should be avoided, some things that do not support our morality, but in the end our monastic life is quite ordinary. We also deal with ordinary tasks—working, interacting with people, and managing daily responsibilities. I take care of the accounts, and my friend here takes care of other tasks. The difference is in how we approach these actions, seeing them as part of the path toward awakening.  

How are you finding your time at Mandali?

It’s an amazing place—beautiful in every way. I was surprised at the details –  the attention to detail here is remarkable. I can feel the care and heart that went into creating it. 

I’ve been a guest monk for 19 years and hosted in many places, but I’ve never experienced such a reception. Rafal even came to meet me at the gate! I feel very cared for here, also the participants.

Is there a story or teaching from the Theravada tradition that inspires you which you’d like to share?  

One of my favorite teachings is from Ajahn Chah, who established our lineage:  

“If you let go a little, you will have a little happiness.

If you let go a lot, you will have a lot of happiness. 

If you let go of everything,  you will realise happiness.”  

This really touched me, and if you go this way, this way of letting go, there is a real possibility of finding the freedom of the heart.

To know more about the Santacitarrama Monastery where the Venerable Ajahn resides, you can go here. The autumn Vipassana retreat at Mandali was organised in collaboration with the “Progetto Pienessere”, an association dedicated to transpersonal mindfulness, inspired by teachings from the Karuna Institute and wisdom from various spiritual traditions. It focuses on nurturing the transcendent aspects of consciousness to foster relationships based on kindness and mutual respect, creating opportunities for elevated connection and spiritual growth.

Teachings from an Elephant

Posted on by Silvia Eriksson

I arrived at Mandali on a Sunday afternoon. After the opening ceremony, the day was coming to an end, when I joined my first yoga practice in temple. As I was closing my eyes, breathing consciously, letting in clear energy and releasing what no longer served me, the forehead of a big white elephant emerged in front of my third eye. I sat there, letting the image grow, following the message. She was greeting us, welcoming us in her home. Her head slowly swaying side to side, making her ears float a little of her head. Soft energies and gentle nods made me feel safe and helped me to settle in this magical place.

The following day, I joined the evening meditation. And as I was sinking in, shifting back and forth between mind and center I was becoming more and more in tune with the present. The moment the guide hit the singing bowl to seal of the practice, there she was again. Like a force of nature this time. Made of copper, fiercely pushing her image onto me. I could feel the strength and I deeply wanted to stay with the vision, but people were getting up and the moment had passed. The image stuck with me however, like a guide, leading the way, or a guard, keeping me safe.

Another day went by, and I was in savasana at the end of Yoga Nidra, when she appeared once again. Richly decorated, beads and jewelry on her back and across her face. It was festive in a way, colorful, joyful and yet…I felt I had to keep looking. She was dancing, moving her head side to side, rocking her body. The movement became more reckless and at one point all decorations slid off and fell to the ground. She stood there, looking at me, challenging, relieved, free, pure in all her glory.

Now I had walked around the garden several times. Somehow however, I always passed the pond from the backside, which left me convinced that the statue in the middle, was an image of Budha. Imagine my surprise, or rather joyful discovery, when I saw the sculpture was in fact an elephant. Ah…there you are, that is why. What a strong presence and what an amazing spirit traveled along with it. At meditation that evening, I got treated of an image of a line of elephants, walking in the woods, leading each other back to nature, connecting with Gaya. It is what I came for. To become more rooted and connected to this beautiful planet and let it help me, feed me, take a load of me and guide me home.

On closing day, during the final meditation, she appeared one last time. Up close, like she was resting her forehead against mine. A lemniscate drawn along the lines around her eyes, connecting in the middle, pointing out to her inner wisdom. She stands silently, in peace. I can only thank her deeply, for showing up all these days. 

On my way back home, closing my eyes, I keep on getting images of the mountains. Yet the tops of the hills seem to shape into giant elephant heads looking sideways, giving me a deep perspective of the distant future. I’ve been home for a week now, and I can still tap into her presence. Like part of her traveled back with me. Or maybe part of Mandali will forever rest in me, waiting to be reconnected and guide me on my way. Thank you so much for this place. It is enchanting. I will be back, if only, to meet my dear friend again. I can’t wait…

Sorajah

She emerges
from the mist
of sound
surrounding me

Headfirst
ears gently swaying
stroking
the energy

Inviting us
on a journey
beyond the
physical realm

She is our guide
she sets the pace
she carries
peace and calm

Posted in Blog, Content, SoulTagged Guest Reflection, meditation, sadhana

Beyond the Paradigm of Separation: The Foundations for World Peace

Posted on by Silvia Eriksson

Over the millennia, humanity has struggled with deep and pressing problems: suffering in our hearts, conflict in our communities, war among nations and the degradation of our planet. Not a moment passes without a major news outlet drawing attention to our deeply troubling times.

These issues are typically given cursory explanations with little, if any, understanding of their shared root cause. As a result, our leaders look for peace in a negotiation between minds which, at best, produces a fragile alliance. Since it is the nature of the mind to change, that alliance will inevitably come to an end. The only lasting peace – within oneself and within our society – must be founded on something that is prior to, and independent of, the mind.

A deeper analysis reveals that these seemingly separate forms of disharmony are all symptoms of the prevailing worldview, which is founded upon the presumption of separation. This presumption claims that our essential self, or being, is temporary and finite. As such, each of us is an individual self that is separate from other people, animals and nature. Once an individual considers itself a discrete and independently existing entity, all its thoughts, feelings, activities and relationships will unfold in a manner that is consistent with this false belief. In fact, its every idea and activity will be an expression of this primary belief, thereby licensing behaviour that violates the first principle of truth, namely, the unity of being.

All the conflicts between individuals, communities and nations, and the exploitation and degradation of the earth, can be traced back to the violation of a single principle: the fact that we share our being. Therefore, any remedy that does not address this primary cause will have, at best, only a temporary effect. The seeds of separation which gave rise to the crisis in the first place will remain subliminally imprinted in the remedy, and it will only be a matter of time before they sprout again into new crises. It is for this reason that many social movements have as yet failed to bring about the change they seek even after decades of well-intentioned intervention.

* * *

We must return to our primordial knowledge, which has been recognised throughout the course of human history. As early as the seventh century BCE, the words ‘Know Thyself’ were carved above the doorway to the temple of Apollo at Delphi. In the fifth century BCE, the Greek philosopher Parmenides, considered to be the founding father of Western philosophy, suggested that everyone and everything derives its apparently independent existence from a single, uncaused and unchanging reality: infinite, undifferentiated being. At the same time in the East, the same understanding was expressed in the Upanishads as, ‘The individual self and the ultimate reality of the universe are identical’, and echoed a few centuries later in Christianity as, ‘I and the Father are one’.

The underlying unity of being is the single principle upon which all the great religious, philosophical and spiritual traditions are founded, each one tailoring it to the requirements of the time in which it was expressed. Being is experienced as the am-ness of our self and the is-ness of objects and the world. Being whole, indivisible, perfect and complete, it wants nothing, seeks nothing and resists nothing. It does not share the anxiety and sorrow that characterise our hearts and minds; that is, its nature is peace and happiness itself. In other words, peace and happiness are the nature of our being, and we share our being with everyone and everything. As such, this understanding is not only the source of peace and happiness for which all people long, but it is also the requisite basis for a just and peaceful society.

* * *

If this understanding is the source of peace – both within oneself and throughout society – then we must ask ourselves: How do we arrive at this understanding, both at the individual and the collective level?

At the level of the apparent individual, simply ask yourself, ‘Am I aware of being? Am I aware that I am?’ Anyone reading this can say with absolute certainty, ‘Yes, I am’. The statement ‘I am’ refers to our knowledge of being. This simple awareness of being is our most familiar and intimate experience. It is neither exotic nor esoteric; indeed, the taste of tea is more exotic than this simple knowing of being.

Each and every one of us knows our own being before we know anything else. Before we know ‘I am a man’ or ‘I am a woman’, ‘I am Muslim’ or ‘I am Jewish’ or ‘I am poor’ or ‘I am rich’, we know that ‘I am’. Our knowledge of being stands prior to our diverse identities and is, as such, the one experience that unites us. Just as houses in a neighborhood display many different shapes, sizes and colours yet are all permeated by the same physical space, so too do our personalities shine with diversity while remaining imbued with the same singular presence. Just as the space in your bedroom is the same as the space in a room on the other side of the planet, so too is the being in you the same as the being in all other people, animals and things. This recognition of our shared being is the experience that we commonly call ‘love’, and it is why acts of cruelty feel like such a deep violation. We feel hurt when we see harm done unto others because we understand that, ultimately, it is done to our self.

At the level of society, we must live this understanding by bringing our actions, relations and institutions into alignment with the unity of being. Before relating to a man or a woman, a Muslim or a Jew, a poor person or a wealthy one, relate to the essence within them. Remember that you both use the same name to refer to your self. You both call your self, ‘I’. The fact that you share your name is an intimation of the unity of being. You call your self by the same name because you are the same being.

* * *

Every thought and feeling that we have, and every activity or relationship in which we engage, is an expression of our underlying worldview. All that is necessary is to ensure that our underlying attitude is consistent with the understanding that peace and happiness are the nature of our being, and we share our being with everyone and everything. As Saint Augustine said, ‘Love, and do whatever you want’. That is, realise the prior unity you share with everyone and everything, and act in accordance with that knowledge.

The implementation of this understanding is not only the direct path to peace and happiness within ourselves, it is also the foundation for resolving conflicts between nations and restoring our relationship with the earth. In short, it is the prerequisite for world peace.

The next step for the evolution of humanity is to grow beyond the paradigm of separation. The unity of being must be the single principle upon which any relationship or institution is founded, be it a family, community, nation or civilisation. Our society should be founded on the first great principle of truth, namely, the unity of being.

* * *

The Human Experience

Posted on by Silvia Eriksson

Our life can be a wonderful experience, but it can also be mediocre and unfulfilling. At times, we feel free and full of potential, but other times, we find ourselves lost, unsure of what we truly want. We often invest our energy and potential into activities that lack meaning and fall into habits designed primarily to create comfort and safety, which do not support our growth or expansion. We forget to explore the possibilities around us because we are focused on the small details of meaningless obsessions, often passed down from our parents or society. Our value systems are dictated by the media and the status quo, which don’t inspire us to discover our true callings.

Nevertheless, being human is an amazing experience, and it can be deeply fulfilling. We possess incredible qualities—intelligence, creativity, and the ability to transform this planet into a paradise, rather than contribute to its destruction.

Spiritual traditions and teachings have long aimed to help humanity realize and actualize more of its potential. Unfortunately, many of these teachings have been misunderstood or distorted to serve the interests of a few. The dogmas created reduce us to helpless sinners, without hope for salvation, demanding profound changes that seem unattainable for ordinary people.

Focusing on humanity’s shortcomings diminishes our love and appreciation for who we are and what we can become. It prevents us from venturing into the actualization of our potential by instilling a sense of being wrong or deficient.

The idea that we are limited and need to develop can, on one hand, encourage growth, but if viewed negatively, it can become crippling.

If we learn to tolerate the fact that we may not be living up to our full potential, without feeling bad about ourselves, it can actually stimulate our desire to grow. It’s simply how things are—we arrive in life like seeds with the possibility to grow and blossom. Once we understand this, curiosity and love can replace the sense of limitation and feeling lost, transforming it into a recognition of our immense potential, waiting to be actualized—the freedom to truly be ourselves.

The central idea of our approach is that humans have both a Real Self and an Ego, also referred to as Essence and Personality. The Ego and Personality are like an acquired software. This software runs automatically, without any conscious effort. While it helps us function in society, it often prevents our Essence—our True Self—from manifesting and evolving. Our true potential becomes forgotten.

Thus, we can see that we have two aspects: our True Self and our acquired personality or ego.

In our journey toward development and freedom, we start to realize how willful our false personality is. We gravitate towards what is familiar, and when an impulse arises, it seems natural to act upon it; we don’t know how to stop ourselves. We mistakenly believe that these tendencies are a part of who we truly are.

Our True Self, on the other hand, has often been neglected because it wasn’t fully received by our families or society when we were growing up. In fact, when we dared to express it, we were often ignored, rejected, or discouraged. Being real was met with difficulty and danger.

As a result, we become confused, criticizing our True Self—which may still be in an embryonic stage—and reinforcing the personality, which is fully formed and falsely believed to be our true identity. Because we don’t accept or nurture our True Self, it doesn’t have the opportunity to develop. The True Self evolves through engaging with life in a real, authentic way—by being who we are, with all our imperfections and insecurities; through experience, trial and error, participation, and by not hiding or judging it.

During the retreat, we will help you reconnect with your Essence so that it can support your growth and your life. We will also explore and work through the issues that are blocking it.

When we begin to support the journey of our True Self, we start to experience Essence. Essence is the felt manifestation of the qualities of our True Self. Once we realize that we come equipped with these inner allies, we no longer need to question how to live life—we simply know instinctively.

When faced with challenges, we feel equipped rather than deficient, ready to take on life and live fully.

Love,
Emilio

Emilio facilitates the Journey to Essence retreat series at Mandali. Each retreat focuses on a different ‘Latif’, a subtle energy center in the body, associated with specific qualities of being and deeper spiritual states. The next in the series is this December 7-12, 2024, The Black Latifa: Exploring Inner Peace and Personal Power.

Who Am I? : The Life-Changing experience of the Enlightenment Intensive

Posted on by Silvia Eriksson

At Mandali, some retreats, like the Enlightenment Intensive led by Peter Harper and his team, need a bit more explanation to reveal their true potential. Though its promise of self-discovery may seem daunting, it’s an open and welcoming experience for anyone ready to dive deep. In this blog, we’ll share insights into why this retreat can profoundly transform those who attend.

When you join the Enlightenment Intensive, you’re not just signing up for a retreat—you’re embarking on a profound journey with like-minded souls seeking the deepest truth of their being. It’s an opportunity to step away from the noise of everyday life and connect with a deeper, more authentic version of yourself.

Imagine stepping onto the front car of a roller coaster: the anticipation builds, your heart races, and suddenly you’re on a thrilling ride into the unknown. This is the feeling from the moment you register. You receive a preparation guide that sets the stage, and as the start date approaches, the excitement grows. As you prepare for this unique experience, you may feel a mix of emotions—curiosity, excitement, and even a shiver of anxiety; that’s absolutely natural, you are stepping into the unknown! Beneath this variety of emotions, you may notice a quiet, persistent voice that seems to call you home, inviting you to explore the deeper truth of who you really are.

Arriving at Mandali, you feel the buzz of anticipation. Mirrors are covered, phones are stored away, and all distractions are left behind. You immediately sense this is a different kind of retreat—one that invites you to let go of old patterns and expectations. The focus shifts entirely inward as you prepare to explore the most profound question: “Who am I?”

The days are a blend of structured zen self-inquiry, shared moments in one-on-one Dyads, and practices that help you to embody your experience and encourage a sense of freedom and self-expression—whether through movement, breathwork, or silent contemplation. Delicious detox meals nourish you, while serene surroundings and silence support your unfolding.

You start to notice the small moments that bring joy—the laughter of a fellow participant, the warmth of the sun on your skin, the stillness that comes from a quiet mind. As the days pass, a subtle transformation begins. You feel lighter, more connected to yourself and those around you. The simple, yet profound question, “Who am I?” echoes deeply within, revealing layers of insight and clarity. By the end, you emerge with a newfound sense of self, peace, and belonging—a transformation that feels like coming home.

The final days are for rest and integration. Relax by the pool, connect with new friends, or simply reflect in the beauty of Mandali. This space allows your newfound clarity to settle, deepening your understanding of yourself.

Many participants find that the connections made here go beyond friendship; they become part of a community that supports and uplifts each other long after the retreat ends. They often describe the Enlightenment Intensive as a life-changing experience—an invaluable gift to yourself. Actually, you can read their sharing yourself below.

Are you ready to embark on this journey to discover the truth of who you really are? Feel the call, take a leap of faith, and just come… the door is open.

With love,

Peter Harper & Veronika Kremen

The Drunken Monk Conscious Living

Unique Elements of the Enlightenment Intensive at Mandali

  • Deep, Guided Self-Discovery: The retreat uses a unique “Dyad” technique, guided by experienced facilitators, that promotes deep self-inquiry and authentic connection. This safe, one-on-one practice unlocks personal insights and profound breakthroughs that are both meaningful and transformative.
  • Unplugged in a Breathtaking Location: Set on a hill overlooking Lake Orta in Italy, Mandali’s stunning environment helps you disconnect from distractions—no mirrors, phones, or external obligations—so you can focus entirely on your inner journey amidst serene natural beauty.
  • Holistic Activities for Mind, Body, and Soul: The experience goes beyond meditation, incorporating movement, dance, breathwork, and more to release mental conditioning and foster flow. Nourishing vegetarian meals, prepared with organic ingredients, complete this holistic approach.
  • Dedicated Integration: A space for integration at the end of the retreat helps you absorb and apply your newfound clarity, with additional post-retreat support to maintain your growth and insights.
  • Form a Community of Lifelong Connections: Beyond personal transformation, you’ll have an opportunity to connect with a community of like-minded individuals committed to deep spiritual growth, fostering friendships and connections that last long after the retreat.

Testimonials  

“There were so many, many moments of full presence throughout the retreat. Reconnecting, rediscovering the joy of life and sense of natural lightness.” — Miro

“Being in a group of like-minded people and experiencing deep love, safety, openness, and warmth gave me the opportunity to let go of pain, grief, anger, and sadness which was stored in the cells of my body. There has been a shift in my whole system. I am safe, light, love, freedom, power, and peaceful.” — Fiona

“It has been an incredible profound and surprising journey, full of self-discovery, deep deep learning about myself and others, recognising, realising and resonating from the essence within. A feeling of coming home and reconnecting within myself. And that while being surrounded and embedded by so much love, from the outside and inside and feeling truly held, guided and supported by a greater whole. Pure magic it has been and continues to be. I feel humble, so very very grateful to all life is and find myself filled up with life-energy, curiosity, wonder and deep inner confidence to continue on my path from here.” — Judith

“Through silence and contemplation I have become closer to myself and to acceptance of who I am. Peter and Vero’s guidance is committed, loving, down to earth and with a lot of laughs and pleasure. Really recommend!” — Margit

“It’s all about trusting in the process and a few days afterwards I feel light, alive and excited about my life.” — Mia

We look forward to hosting the next Enlightenment Intensive the 12-17 November 2024 at Mandali. For more information about Peter and the Drunken Monk, please go here.

The Magic of Silence

Posted on by Silvia Eriksson

January is the silent month at Mandali. Everybody becomes silent, including the staff. So silent that you hear the wind, the birds, your breath. So silent that you feel yourself again, that you become aware of the very silent being that inhabits you. 

I love it, and most of my retreats are at least partially in silence. It’s a sacred time and a unique time. A time to come to rest and discover your underlying Self. That Self which in itself holds the qualities of love, peace, tranquility, vastness, eternity, the universe.

What is Silence for me?

Silence first came to me in a 10-day Vipassana Retreat with Jack Kornfield in the desert of Nevada, USA. On the first day I wanted to run; on the last day I didn’t want to talk anymore. This was the beginning of a long love affair with silence. 

The reason why I love silence so much is that I feel it allows me and the people that are with me to dive into a place beyond the mind, a place of pure being. And from there the heart opens up and more love starts to spread and flow.

Socializing often used to either bore or exhaust me. For me, a sane society would consist of 50% talking and 50% silence. A lot of people fear not feeling connected anymore to others in silence. But you are. The other senses start to open up and you may feel others much better. And especially the “heart sense” opens up much more and you start to feel that “one love” we all talk about.

“The only language able to express the whole truth is silence”. ~ Ramana Maharshi

Why are people hesitant about Silence/Silent Retreats?

Some people, who inquire about a silent retreat, are afraid of the silence.

And it’s understandable. Because maybe we hold memories of negativity connected to silence. As children we might have been told to sit still or to be quiet, more like a punishment.

And if you go into silence for a while, you don’t know what to expect. You go into the unknown. And we usually don’t like that. We like to know and be in control. When you let go of control and enter the door of silence, anything can come up. It can be repressed emotions, it can be a void, it can be boredom, it may be a confrontation with the so-called ‘monkey mind’, the chattering of the mind/thought process. But it may also be, that you come in contact with deep bliss, peace and stillness.

And there you are, just looking at it all.

What are the benefits of Silence/Silent Retreats?

“The diamond is hidden in the lotus flower”, as they say in the Tibetan Mantra “Om Mani Padme Hum”. Based on this, a silent retreat offers the chance to lift the veil of the mind or Ego and discover the perfume of the Self, the essence of who we truly are. And when we come in touch with this, we get a sense of the love, truth, happiness, vastness, that gives us a taste of the true Self, that we are, behind all the personal layers.

In everyday life we often do everything we can to cover up that Self. We overwork, we keep ourselves overly busy, we spend too much time on social media, we consume chocolate, overeat, drink alcohol or use recreational drugs, just to not face that void behind it, which in fact just stands in front of the everlasting peace, love and universal vastness that we are.

With proper guidance, a silent retreat always contains the opportunity to discover who you truly are. And this is in fact what all spiritual practices aim for, what all religions point to; this signifies the end of the search.

Silence

If I fully immerse myself in her,
In Silence,
Really become her,
Then she easily leads me through the day,
Slightly floating above the ground,
Slightly shifted from consensus reality.
Then it all happens without effort,
Life just happens,
Without having to make many decisions,
IT decides for me.
Leading to countless miraculous coincidences.
It makes so much sense,
If I just give myself up
To life,
It knows what to do
With me.
And when I learn to read these coincidences,
I can surrender even more
And trust,
That life, existence already takes care of me.
It has proved it to me so many times.

Surrender,
Again and again.
This is the learning.

Why do we need Silence?

In the noisy active Western lifestyle we need times of silence to rest and reconnect with ourselves. Silent times are times to listen to our inner voice, the voice of intuition and wisdom. These are times where we create an inner space of presence and peace.

Without silent times we tend to identify too much with the Ego, the mind, the feelings, the body, the sorrows, the stories, the news, etc. The identification with the personal stuff creates suffering. As soon as we take some time off and become quiet – be it a 15-minutes meditation, sitting on a chair and watching the trees or going for a walk – we can sort things out and see more clearly again. 

This clear seeing comes from a certain distance that we take to the thoughts, feelings and body sensations. Through this distance, the observer’s view, we create a space of freedom, agility and possibility to act differently. Therefore we could say, silence adds to creating more peace, since you act more from a place of stillness, then from a driven place of Ego.

Moments of Silence: How can you integrate Silence in everyday life? 

  • Cut the carrots with full awareness! Bringing awareness to all the activities in everyday life. It was the message of the Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hanh, who encouraged us to use all activities to transform them into a meditation by bringing total presence to them.
  • Look out of your window or sit on your balcony and look into nature, motionless. Best is first thing in the morning with a cup of tea. Let yourself be moved by the movements of the leaves and plants; let yourself be enchanted by the singing of the birds.
  • Meditate! Meditation is THE practice to get from the identified Ego to the disidentified Self, to see things from a different perspective, from the observer’s view. In meditation you go in, and that’s needed in order to see clearly. If you feel you have no time for meditation, just take 5 minutes, and sit still and observe what’s going on inside, it can be on a chair, on the floor, on your meditation cushion. If you have more time, I suggest 10 min., 15 min., 20 min., 30 min., 40 min. (40 min. is the classical Zen and Vipassana time frame). See which time-span corresponds to you and go with that!
  • Go outside for a walk, along a river, through fields, into the forest. Nature will help you to ventilate your head and find your center again.
  • Try out a Silent Day! I suggest a Silent Sunday. If you have a partner or live with other people, you may inform them that you won’t speak for that day. Maybe they will even join you. If you have children, that might be more difficult, but you could also try to let them know that Mama or Papa will be a bit more silent that day.

In our Outdoor Retreats we always keep the mornings silent until Brunch, also with children, and we are amazed how well the children cope with Silence. It’s often the adults that think it’s not possible for children, but it is, if you explain it to them in an appealing way (f.e. that animals and plants are also mostly silent, and you can see and hear more animals if you are silent) and you keep it loosely, so they can also ask something by whispering whenever they need to.

Why should you come to a Silent Retreat?

To be in silence in a group is a great gift. The group supports you. You are not alone. And you will see that others also go through the same things as you. It is a courageous thing. And you are all in it together.

The teacher has an important role in a silent retreat. He or she holds the quiet space of presence into which all participants can immerse themselves in. The teacher is guiding the whole group through the silent days and gives pointers to the underlying deeper sense of Self.

The nice thing about the silent retreats at Mandali is that they are not as strict as the 10-day Vipassana Retreats. They are more joyful, more diverse, without losing their depth. At Mandali they consist of meditation, movement meditation, Yoga, Qi Gong, Nature Walks, sometimes Dance, Q&A or Satsangs, where people can bring forth their questions that come up or talk about their struggles and get answers and help. All the practices aim to help the participants to make it easier to come from the mind to the heart and from the heart to the Self.

So really – a silent retreat at Mandali is a piece of cake!

Evelyne Vuilleumier comes from Switzerland and is a licensed Clinical Psychologist, Gestalt Therapist, Yoga Teacher and teaches a further education in Spiritual Psychotherapy. She published the book “Utterings of Truth” in 2020, from which the above poem is quoted. Evelyne will facilitate a Silent Retreat the 12 – 17 January 2025, focusing on Yoga, Meditation & Satsang as well as the Easter Silent Retreat in Mandali.

Wholeness in Healing – Meet the Teachers

Posted on by Silvia Eriksson

What happens when two traditions merge into a one-of-a-kind retreat? At Mandali, we value diversity in lineages, teaching styles, and practices, so, when two of our beloved in-house teachers decided to bring their teachings together, it felt like a cosmic cocktail. This collaboration birthed the Wholeness in Healing retreat, blending QiGong, KumNye (Tibetan Yoga), and Breathwork. 

We sat with Mario and Gijs to get to know more about the core elements that make this retreat so unique and sought after.

What is the intention behind the ‘Wholeness in Healing’ retreat?

Mario: The intention of the retreat is to give people instruments to achieve a better quality of life, energy, and calmness of the heart.

Gijs: To bring about balance and harmony within our entire way of being; integrating all aspects and elements of life into a wholesome flow, and aligning ourselves with our deepest intentions and our natural state of being.

What’s special about the combination of Qigong, KumNye, Breathwork & Inquiry?

Mario: The combination of these techniques offers a complete understanding of the human dimension. Breathing works on the energetic field, inquiry enhances communication and self-expression, and Qigong focuses on the ‘three treasures’ of our human form: body awareness and energy expression.

Gijs: This combination of practices moves our energies on multiple levels, drawing out the core potentiality within the promise of our lives. It spirals our way up to embodying freedom.

What benefits can one expect to experience as part of these practices?

Mario: The benefits are numerous: unblocking energy that may be stuck in the physical body, improving communication skills to be more incisive, and increasing physical and energetic endurance.

Gijs: To find confidence in the full capacity of our authentic humanity.

Kat, a previous retreat participant, shares her experience:

“The KumNye meditation practice that Gijs taught has enabled me to achieve a state of blissful meditative clarity much faster and easier than I’ve ever been able to in 17 years of meditating. Since then, I apply KumNye in my daily life, and it’s led me to a more vital, embodied, and grateful daily existence.

“In one of the breathwork sessions, after a profound KumNye session, I experienced myself as pure energy and light. The result was blissful joy, clarity, and more confidence in my intuition. It unlocked a feeling of lightness throughout the rest of the retreat, and it’s something I can now tap into even in my own self-guided meditations.”

I attribute this depth of meditation to the highly curated variety of techniques that Mario and Gijs interweave throughout the retreat. They constantly ‘read the room’ and build off of each other’s sessions to create a holistic practice that left me floating at the end of every day.

Because of this retreat’s focus on movement and body in everything we did for five consecutive days, I significantly improved my ability to reach a meditative state of clarity and peace through various types of movements. This has vastly broadened my toolbox for finding the right method at the right moment in my day-to-day life.

I often refer to this retreat as a major turning point in my burnout. It’s the only event I can point to and clearly see a big difference before I started it versus after, in terms of my energy, optimism, and mood.”

What makes YOU feel vibrantly alive?

Mario: The connection with myself and my expression, supporting people in their personal development, and seeing them happy and alive.

Gijs: Sharing the light of love in our lives, spending time in nature, and enjoying musical creations with dear muses.

Join Gijs & Mario for their next Wholeness in Healing: Bringing Balance into Being this October 20-25, 2024 at Mandali.

Posted in Blog, Mind, SoulTagged breathwork, kumnye, meditation, qigong

Higher Frequencies

Posted on by Silvia Eriksson

Dr. David Hawkins created the consciousness scale, a framework for understanding human emotions and behaviour based on their energy levels and frequency. Each level on the scale represents a different state of consciousness, accompanied by various emotions, thoughts, and behaviours. The scale ranges from 0 to 1000, with 0 being the lowest level of consciousness and 1000 the highest. The levels are grouped into three main categories: lower, middle, and higher consciousness.

At lower consciousness levels (below 200), people tend to experience negative emotions such as fear,
anger, and shame. They may also exhibit behaviours that are harmful to themselves and others, such as
violence or addiction. At the middle consciousness levels (200-500), people experience more positive
emotions like love, joy, and peace. They are more likely to engage in behaviours that benefit themselves
and others, such as kind acts or creativity. At the highest consciousness levels (above 500), people
experience states of enlightenment, transcendence, and unity. They have access to profound insights and spiritual experiences that go beyond the limitations of the ego and the material world.

While Hawkins’ scale is, in my view, entirely accurate and makes a valuable connection between emotions and frequencies, there is a meaningful invitation, just as with any list that indicates a hierarchy. And that is from which perspective within us we view this and apply this valuable knowledge.

From the mind’s perspective, we look at this scale and frame it within a dimension of time and space where our personality makes a journey from lower to higher, transcending the lower frequencies to reach the higher dimensions. It is the never-ending effort of the seeker within the mind striving for a better version of themselves and the world. But what the mind cannot do, and perhaps does not want to, is that the dual and polarized nature of the mind in its striving for higher and better rejects everything that is lower and worse.

And it is precisely in this rejection that lies the crux of why things are still not truly better and higher, in
humans individually but also in humanity as a collective. The rejection of, judgment over, and surpassing of, in this case, the lower frequencies and emotions on Hawkins’ scale, is exactly the mechanism that causes them to gather more tension, become larger, and dive deeper into the shadow. It is precisely the rejection that causes the negative charge and effects of these frequencies, not the intrinsic properties of, for example, shame or guilt. We do not suffer from these frequencies but from our resistance to them, our judgment over them, and our futile effort to transcend them.

The other perspective available to us is to bring the conflict created by the mind’s polarized nature to the compassionate heart. Because the heart operates in unity and is capable of experiencing and embracing all facets of life with equanimity, the necessity to transcend or banish something from life falls away. The recognition here is that all frequencies and emotions on Hawkins’ scale are made of the same source energy. It simply indicates the diversity of life, the infinite bandwidth of experiences that occur between the lowest and highest frequencies, from the heaviest, darkest emotions to the most ecstatic and positive. Those who live from this place realize that there is nothing to transcend or conquer.

The only truly meaningful thing we have to do is to experience, embrace, and integrate the entire spectrum of what it means to be human. Not just the highest frequencies on Hawkins’ scale but also the very lowest and everything in between. This will truly enrich us as humans and make us more divine than any idea the mind has about what it means to be an enlightened human being. The key lies in the inclusion of everything life allows us to experience as humans, not in the banishment of that which we cannot or do not want to see as divine but truly is…

Learn more about Juno: www.junoburger.com

Interview: From Lucid Dreaming to Lucid Living ~ with Andrew Holecek

Posted on by Silvia Eriksson

Andrew Holecek is a former dental surgeon, concert pianist, competitive freestyle skier, and now author and teacher. He has practiced Beethoven’s sonatas in his lucid dreams, rehearsed lectures, incubated dreams to receive ideas for books, healed himself in dreams, had hyper-lucid dreams more real than waking reality, received precognitive dreams that accurately foretold physical events (and probably prevented serious untoward experiences), received scores of teachings, and purified countless bad habits. Get to know more about these fascinating practices, as we sit down with Andrew to unveil the world of lucid dreaming and why it matters. 

What are the nocturnal meditations, and why should one bother with them?

There are five of these practices. Liminal dreaming, Lucid dreaming, Dream yoga, Sleep yoga (also called luminosity yoga), and Bardo Yoga.

Liminal means threshold and liminality refers to the pre and post-sleep and dream state. So, it’s basically what you experience, the minute your head hits the pillow, before you drop off. And so it’s working with this plasma dimension of mind when you’re not quite here, you’re not quite there, you’re not solid. One of the really cool things about liminality is working with liminal principles, because if you become comfortable hanging out in this groundless state, it helps you understand liminal experiences, liminal places and also liminal beings like LGBTQ+ people, those are liminal beings. Artists are liminal beings, and eccentric spiritual teachers are liminal beings. 

Now, the two main practices are Lucid dreaming and Dream Yoga. So liminality works as what’s called lucid sleep onset practice. It’s a practice on its own, but liminal dreaming greases the skids for lucid dreaming. That’s this marvellous space where you’re dreaming, something clues you into the fact that you’re dreaming, and you attain full consciousness that you’re in the dream state. You’re still dreaming, but you’re aware that you’re dreaming. 

There is so, so much to say about Lucid dreaming, it’s fundamentally for purposes of self-fulfillment. You can also use it for psychological development, there’s a vast, incredible array of things you can do. But to put it in contradistinction to Dream Yoga, which is the next practice; dream yoga is more spiritual than psychological. It’s more about self-transcendence than self-fulfillment. 

The fourth practice, Lucid Sleep (dream yoga) is more graduate school level. So this is, believe it or not, where you can attain full awareness, and consciousness in the deep dreamless state. It’s been in the wisdom traditions for thousands of years. From this state, you can bring the extraordinary insights from that experience into your waking state.

The last practice is Bardo yoga. This is where you use the nocturnal mind, the dimensions of darkness, to help you prepare for the end of life. In the Tibetan tradition, this is the ultimate practice, where you use sleeping and dreaming as a way to prepare for death. There’s a very deep, intimate connection between sleeping, dreaming and dying. 

What brought you to this world of nocturnal meditation? 

What triggered it for me was a massive experience I had, 40+ years ago, where I entered this altered state of consciousness for about two weeks. This changed my life completely. 

I had just finished graduate school and took a year off to figure out what am I going to do with my life. And so I had this amazing experience where, for two weeks, all my dreams were virtually lucid. What was interesting was that my daytime experience became more dreamlike. As my days became less real, my dreams became more real. I got to the point where I could hardly tell the difference between being awake and asleep. At first, I thought, maybe this is what enlightenment means. But then I wondered, maybe this is what insanity means, right? Because I couldn’t tell what was real. That’s what triggered things for me to explore lucid dreaming more officially.

How does someone know they are lucid dreaming?

So when you lie down at night, you’re going to sleep. You’re mostly thinking, thinking, thinking, you know, reflecting on the day. But you may notice if you pay attention to your mind, and this is what liminal dreaming does, that at a certain point, the thinking starts to change to imaging. You’re seeing imagery, there are more pictures involved. And so scientists call this a thought-image amalgamation phase. You’re starting to go offline from the waking state and transition into the dream state. You go from thoughts to thoughts & images, then an image inflates into a very short, lucid dream. So, you can have a short lucid dream that lasts 5-10 seconds, usually too short to do something with but that’s still a fully legitimate lucid dream, where you realise, oh my gosh, I am dreaming. They range from really short, micro lucid dreamlets, all the way to hyper lucid dreams. These are lucid dreams that can last 45 minutes or even longer, that seem more real than the waking state. Now, these are unbelievable, these will change your life because they’re so deep, they’re so profound. You wake up from just one hyper-lucid dream, it is like a near-death experience. It’s so vibrant, it’s so powerful. You can’t have these lucid dreams and not be aware of them.

What I work with, is trying to cultivate this so it doesn’t happen just spontaneously. You can cultivate it as a practice, you can become proficient at it. 

What’s so amazing about lucid dreaming?

You can engage in all these amazing, amazing activities, you can really have fun. You can fulfill all your wildest fantasies, which is great, but that’s not real transformation. That’s just entertainment. So the higher levels of lucid dreaming, and then Dream Yoga in particular, are basically when you start to work with your mind in a really powerful way. 

Think about it, what is a dream made of? Your dream is made of your mind. So when you’re working with your dreams, you’re working with your mind. And so this is where the great transformation takes place. 

Scientists have shown that the brain can’t tell the difference between something that’s dreamt, visualised, or directly experienced. This is where the game changer is. By changing your mind, through neuroplasticity, you’re changing your brain. 

According to Buddhist tradition, the practices that you do in the dream state are 7-9 times more effective and transformative than what you’re doing in the waking state. Ultimately, it’s a way to supercharge your psychological and spiritual development. 

How can nocturnal meditation benefit us in daily life?

It helps us understand the nature of the mind. It helps us see that the world is not as solid as we think, it’s not as heavy. In reality, this changes everything. You have more flexibility, more enjoyment, more levity, and you’re literally more enlightened. Things aren’t so cumbersome, and super serious anymore. Your relationship to your mind, and your world changes dramatically. 

This is why I like the contributions from Dream Yoga. With this deeper end, you start to explore the nature of things. What is the nature of suffering? Why do I suffer? Well, take a good look. One of the reasons you suffer is because you mistake things to be so real. When you realize yes, it’s still there, appearance is still there. But appearance is not in harmony with reality. This is the very definition of a non-lucid dream. Appearance is not in harmony with reality. You think you’re awake when you’re dreaming, but you’re just dreaming. You just don’t know that you’re dreaming. When you attain lucidity, when appearance is in harmony with reality, that’s lucidity. And so then what we do with Lucid dreaming and Dream Yoga is you take those insights and then you extrapolate them back to the waking state. And you realise, well let me ask the same questions. Am I awake right now? Is this world really what I think it appears to be? 

Lucidity is also a code word for awareness, to bring awareness to the waking state. Ultimately, lucid dreaming leads to lucid living.

If you bring in Bardo yoga, lucid dreaming also pings forward and leads to lucid or conscious dying. And so this is where we are really talking about profundity because not only can the state help you with your life, it can help you prepare for the end of your life, therefore, lucid dreaming is uniquely situated to lead to lucid living, and this leads to lucid or conscious dying. There are so many benefits here. That’s why I get so jazzed about teaching!

Andrew will be sharing his passion for the nocturnal meditations 4-10 October, 2024 at Mandali. Learn more about the Lucid Dreaming retreat here.

The Essence of Womanhood

Posted on by Silvia Eriksson

What does it mean to be a woman? It’s a seemingly simple question, yet in our fast-paced modern world, the true depth and significance of womanhood may have been lost.

I firmly believe that each of us is here on Earth with a unique purpose, a vital piece in the tapestry of collective consciousness. Our human experience is a gift, and embracing our full potential as individuals is one of the most profound achievements we can strive for.

Central to this journey of self-discovery is grasping the intricacies of life, reconnecting with our true selves, and embracing all facets of our existence—the cycles, the emotions, the challenges. As women, our human experience is embodied in the female form, a vessel through which we navigate the complexities of life. Mastering this vessel, with all its complexities, is key to unleashing our fullest potential.

Women are inherently extraordinary. There is a uniqueness to us that is unparalleled. We possess the remarkable ability to nurture life, to guide souls into this world. This potential manifests in various ways—through childbirth, child-rearing, or even in nurturing communities and projects that shape human existence. It’s crucial to recognize that even women who can’t, don’t want, or have lost children play a vital role in the fabric of humanity.

Throughout a woman’s life, she undergoes transformative experiences exclusive to her femininity: menstruation, childbirth, menopause. How we perceive these milestones, how we are influenced by societal expectations and personal beliefs, profoundly impacts our journey—mentally, spiritually, and physically. Ancient cultures understood the significance of these transitions. They celebrated
them, imparted wisdom through rituals, and supported women as they navigated these life-altering passages in harmony with Mother Earth.

In modern societies, it seems we have drifted from these sacred teachings. Many women today suppress their innate power, disengage from their natural rhythms, or neglect the profound significance of their biological transitions.

What if empowering women transcends mere equality in society? What if it means recognizing and honoring the intrinsic worth of each woman, aligning our lives with our natural rhythms, soul’s missions, celebrating our unique strengths, and understanding our pivotal roles in society? Thankfully, ancient tribes have safeguarded profound wisdom and customs that delve into the essence and energetics of womanhood. Yet, merely replicating these rituals and traditions may not suffice. We are not identical to our ancestors; we have evolved, inhabit distinct eras, and possess diverse lineages. Nonetheless, while
honoring the ancient traditions, we can allow them to spark inspiration within us, reintegrate them into our contemporary lifestyles, and guide us towards achieving balance in our feminine existence.

Questions for self-contemplation:

  • What values define me as a woman?
  • How do I perceive my menstrual cycle or menopause?
  • Which life transition, past or forthcoming, requires my attention?
  • In what aspects of my life do I neglect to nurture my feminine essence—physically, mentally, spiritually?


Join us for a transformative journey into the core of womanhood with Haydi Moustafa at the Feminine Wisdom Retreat from July 19-24, 2024, at Mandali. This retreat is tailored for women in every stage of life, offering a space to delve deep into the essence of womanhood. Discover more about the retreat here.

Posted in Body, SoulTagged emotions, mindfulness, pregnancy, womanhood