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Responsive Retreat April ‘25


  • Mount Madonna 445 Summit Road Watsonville, CA, 95076 United States (map)

April 1-6, 2025
Mount Madonna, California, USA
In-Person Retreat

Responsive Retreat

Experience a Transformative Retreat at Mount Madonna, California

Embark on a profound journey of self-discovery at our transformative retreat nestled in the stunning landscape of Mount Madonna, California. Surrounded by lush forests, breathtaking vistas, and a serene atmosphere, this retreat invites you to step into a space of deep practice, contemplation and community. 

Our responsive retreats adapt to the energy and needs of the group as the retreat unfolds, ensuring a personalized experience that emphasizes connection with both yourself and the kula. At the core of the retreat are the teachings of non-dual Shaiva Tantra, crafted to deepen your exploration, understanding and realization of awakening. 

While each day in a responsive retreat is unique, throughout the retreat, we will delve into a rich variety of topics from the Tantric philosophies, and engage in energy body practices that cultivate greater awareness and a deeper intimacy with reality. We will also explore the practice of mantra and potentially dive into some textual study, allowing these profound teachings to illuminate and deepen our practice. There will also be embodiment and somatic awareness sessions to help integrate your experiences. 

Additionally, you will have the opportunity to connect with our kula, and foster meaningful relationships allowing you to build a supportive network for your ongoing journey. 

Join us in the serene beauty of Mount Madonna, California, as we embark on this enriching exploration together, nurturing our understanding of the sacred traditions and practices of Classical Tantra. 

Your booking includes retreat tuition, accommodation and three delicious vegetarian meals per day.

Our retreats are phone free but we provide you with an emergency contact number to share with your loved ones.

 
This retreat was like a 5-day Divine Love bath! I feel deeply fulfilled, inspired, relaxed and my practice has moved to a different level. Thank you cannot begin to cover it.
— Anonymous
 

 
 

Retreat Details

  • ✧ 16 Learning & Practice Sessions

    ✧ Dynamic embodiment practices

    ✧ Profound guided meditations with Hareesh

    ✧ Evening practice sessions with ecstatic kirtans

    ✧ A community and life-long connections

  • Arrival Day

    4:00pm Arrival and Check-In
    5:15pm Dinner
    6:30pm Orientation
    7:30pm Pause
    8:00pm Opening Ceremony

    Daily Schedule:

    6:30am Silent Meditation
    7:00am Asana
    8:30am Breakfast
    9:45am Morning Teachings
    12:30pm Lunch
    13:30pm Afternoon Teachings
    14:45pm Personal Time
    17:15pm Afternoon Practice
    18:30pm Dinner
    19:00pm Practice, Poetry, Satsang and Song

    Departure Day:

    6:45am Silent Meditation
    7:15am Asana
    8:30am Breakfast
    9:30am Closing Ceremony
    12:00pm Lunch & Group Photo

  • Q: I have family that I need to communicate with during the retreat. Can I use my phone to reach them?
    A: Yes. If you have family or loved ones that you need to check in with during the retreat, you can do so once a day.

    Q: I need to do some work during the retreat. Is this possible?
    A: No. We do not allow online work during the retreat.

    Q: How do I get there?
    A: You can find directions and travel services to the venue HERE.

    Q: What do I need to bring?
    A: A closed water bottle or thermos as no open containers are allowed in the yoga shala.
    A yoga mat for your asana practice.
    Appropriate clothing for the weather (make sure to check a week before arrival).
    All toiletries.
    A notebook if you wish to take notes.

  • It is feasible that people on retreat may be infected or become infected with Covid. As the virus is no longer a significant threat to the majority of people, we will not isolate Covid positive students in separate accommodation. We will require Covid positive students or those showing symptoms to mask in the yoga shala and keep distance from other students. If you are Covid conscious and have health concerns related to this, please book a private room. 

 
 

Experience a profound shift in your mind, body, and soul with our personalized retreat.

 
Hareesh has a special way to elicit self-discipline in his students, and to nudge them in the right direction when that is necessary. His authority is pervasive, expressed in soft power. He has a natural connection to the group as a whole – clearly, he can “feel it” – but at the same time is attentive to everyone’s needs. He seems to ask little, but sets a lot in motion.
— Daniela Pinna, Italy

 

Our Beautiful Venue

Mount Madonna Center is located in the Santa Cruz Mountains of the Central California Coast, approximately two hours driving time south of San Francisco.  The campus overlooks the Monterey Bay, from Monterey and Pacific Grove to the south and Santa Cruz to the north.

The center is rich in the non-dual spiritual traditions and has hosted many respected spiritual teachers such as Adyanshanti and Thich Nhat Hanh.

With 380 acres of redwoods, rolling meadows, and open vistas with gorgeous views and peaceful spaces, this haven is the perfect place to immerse in awareness and practice.

The closest commercial airport is San José Mineta International Airport with San Francisco International being the second closest. Oakland International Airport and Monterey Regional Airport are also options.

 
 
 
What an amazing experience! All the practices are so much powerful when done in person. Hareesh’s guidance was presice and inspired in so many ways. It was also a pleasure to be a part of an amazing kula and share space with all. Now after the retreat, as the integration continues, I feel a deeper connection to my Heart and self again. Thank you.
— Yiannis G, Greece
 

Meet Your Guide
Christopher Hareesh Wallis.

See full Bio


Dates
April 1 – 6, 2025

Location
Mount Madonna
Watsonville, California

How Much?
Starting from $1,045.00

For further information please contact support@tantrailluminated.org

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January 14

Nityānanda Pilgrimage 2025

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April 6

Immersion Retreat April ‘25