Author: 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 March 23 ~ 28, 2025, The Red Latifa: Unleashing Strength and Courage

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.

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.