SANTOSHA YOGA & ZEN RETREAT 25- 31 MAY 2023

YOGA RETREATS IN GREECE 2023

SANTOSHA YOGA & ZEN RETREAT

25 – 31 May 2023

Kaisanji
Serifos Greece

  • What does a human being need to be happy?
  • What are the foundations of a healthy mind and body?
  • How can Meditation enhance all the aspects of life?

These are spontaneous questions that can be spontaneously answered when we learn how to relax into silence without expecting or desiring something different from what the moment has to offer.

The purpose of this Yoga & Zen Retreat is to support a shift in our way of living and our perspective of things for a certain period of time. All the teachings agree that to expand our awareness, we need to experience ourselves out of the box, the box symbolizing the mechanistic way of living and interacting. This change of habitual living is deeply connected with the change in habitual thinking. A re-evaluation of the true needs and goals in life will most likely take place during and after the Retreat.

THE LAND AND VISION

One of the greatest needs of a human being is to be in contact with nature. In the presence of a natural environment and the absence of frantic city rhythms, one can experience profound transformation and reconnection with the Self.

Santosha Yoga & Zen retreat is hosted in KAISANJI, in the Kalo Ambeli region, on the southern side of the island of Serifos, which remains unspoiled by mass tourism and big hotels.

The environment speaks for itself.  The area overlooks the Aegean Sea and the land is gently cultivated, where olive groves co-exist with vineyards and herbs. You can walk down the sea in just a few minutes, using the path. There, you will enjoy the golden sand and the clear waters of Kalo Ambeli beach.

The name Kaisanji is the union of three Japanese words. KAI means sea, SAN means mountain and JI monastery. So, Kaisanji is “the monastery of the mountain and sea”. The new building is currently under construction, according to the traditional principles of Zen Monasteries. The architecture reflects the lines and colours of the land without disturbing them in any way.

A community of likeminded people can make a huge difference. We invite you to be a part of our vision, which focuses on expanding the teachings of Meditation, on the uplifting of people and culminates to a sense of oneness with all living beings. As it will be the first Zen Monastery in Greece, it will make it possible for more people to join the spiritual path. Its central role is to support and inspire people as they walk the way of contemplation.

KAISANJI is hosting retreats and workshops throughout the year. During the Practice period (October to May) the programs are intense, focusing more on discipline and service. Each and every individual can have a positive and constructive impact on the expansion of Zen Meditation in Greece, the continuation of Zen Center Athens and its affiliate, Kaisanji.

For more images of Kaisanji and Kalo Ambeli area please press here.

In this retreat you will have the time and space to focus on emptying the mind while energizing your body and spirit. During the day you will participate in morning and afternoon yoga classes and zen meditation practice.

By the end of the day you will have the opportunity to join the all-encompassing experience of Kirtan! Kirtan is mantra chanting with musical accompaniment and is a unique, powerful  way to  express and transcend your emotions as they sublimate to the higher emotion of Love!

Living in the here and now is the true meaning of life and the core teaching of all spiritual practices and traditions. It is directly connected to the feeling of wholeness and fulfillment, which  is nothing else than practicing Santosha!

Santosha is a Sanskrit word. It means “contentment” and it’s one of the five Niyamas (qualities & personal code) of Patanjali’s Ashtanga Yoga.

  1. Saucha (cleanliness)
  2. Santosha (contentment)
  3. Tapas (austerity)
  4. Swadhyaya (study of the self)
  5. Ishvara pranidhana (complete self-surrender to the Divine)

Santosha means to be satisfied with your actions, with what you have and with what you are. It also means being satisfied with where you are, whether it is time or space. It does not help to dream of the future or to mentally remain in the past. This way you can never be happy or feel true satisfaction. Considering all the above and having done the best you can, focus your mind on the feeling of contentment.

PARTICIPATION RULES AND COST

The suggested contribution for all active members of Zen Center Athens is 540 euros and 720 euros for non-members.

This contribution includes:

  • All yoga and zazen sessions
  • Accommodation in single or double rooms (6 nights)
  • All daily meals

For your participation in the Santosha Yoga & Zen Retreat it is necessary to provide us with a negative Covid-19 Rapid test that took place 48 hours prior to your arrival. In the case of a positive test result your contribution will be applicable to another seminar or retreat of your choice or fully reimbursed to you.

DAILY RETREAT PROGRAMME

25  – 31 MAY 2023

  • 6:00 – 9:00: Yoga and Zazen
  • 9:30– 10:30: Brunch
  • 10:30 – 12:00: Free time
  • 12:00 – 14:00: Karma Yoga or group gathering
  • 14:00– 16:00: Free time
  • 16:00– 19:30: Chanting, Yoga & Zazen
  • 19:30 – 20:30: Dinner

The program begins on the 25th at 16:00 with the introductory class and ends on the 31st after breakfast.

We are more than happy to give you more information and details.  Send us your inquiry at [email protected]

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