Who it is for
New & old students
Anyone aged 16 or over who is sincerely willing to follow the course conduct for its full length. No previous experience is needed.
Where
Satya Sadhna Kendra, Kheyada
Kheyada Village, Deara, West Bengal 700150
Questions about this course
Call +91 98364 88880 or message the centre on WhatsApp.
- Length
- You arrive in the afternoon of Day 1, the first date of the course. On the morning after the course’s last date, you may leave after the first morning sitting.
- Offered
- Freely, sustained by the gratitude of past sadhaks
What you learn: the practice, step by step
Over the ten days the practice unfolds in four parts, each building on the one before.
Step 1 · Right conduct
Sadachar
सदाचार
The course begins with a commitment to right conduct: the five precepts of truth, non-violence, non-stealing, non-possession and celibacy, kept in silence. Living simply and quietly steadies the mind for the practice ahead.
Step 2 · Observing the breath
Swash Darshan
श्वास दर्शन
Attention rests on the natural breath as it comes in and goes out, at the area above the upper lip, without changing it. Gradually the mind becomes calm, alert and focused.
Step 3 · Seeing the truth within
Satya Darshan
सत्य दर्शन
With a steady mind, the practice turns to observing the sensations all over the body and how they change, while keeping balance and equanimity.
Step 4 · Friendliness towards all
Maitri
मैत्री
The course closes with goodwill towards all living beings, a spirit carried back into family, work and daily life.
A day on the course
The day runs from the morning bell at 4:00 AM to lights out at 8:30 PM: meditation and group meditation in the hall, video discourses morning and evening, teacher counselling in the late morning and time to meet the teacher after lunch, with meals and rest at set hours.
- 4:00 AMMorning bell
- 4:30–6:30 AMMeditation in the hall
- 6:30–7:00 AMBreakfast
- 7:00–8:00 AMRest
- 8:00–9:00 AMGroup meditation in the hall
- 9:00–10:00 AMVideo discourse and meditation
- 10:00 AM–12:00 PMMeditation in the hallTeacher counselling
- 12:00–12:30 PMLunch
- 12:30–2:00 PMRestTime to meet the teacher: 1:30–2:00 PM
- 2:00–2:30 PMTea
- 2:30–3:30 PMGroup meditation in the hall
- 3:30–5:00 PMMeditation and motivational video session
- 5:00–5:30 PMDinner
- 5:30–6:00 PMRest
- 6:00–7:00 PMGroup meditation in the hall
- 7:00–8:30 PMVideo discourse and meditation in the hall
- 8:30 PM onwardsRest in your room; lights out
What silence means
Participants keep complete silence: no talking, gestures or written notes with other participants. You may speak to the teacher about the practice. Phones, laptops, books and writing materials are handed in for safekeeping.
Where you stay and what you eat
Simple shared accommodation, with separate arrangements for men and women, and simple vegetarian meals. Tell the centre about any medical diet when you apply.
What to bring
Loose, modest, comfortable clothes for the whole course; a shawl or light blanket for sitting; toiletries and any medicines you need; a torch; and a water bottle. Leave valuables, books and electronics at home.
What it costs
There is no fee. Every course is offered freely, made possible by the donations of past sadhaks, given in gratitude so that others may sit. Anyone who has completed a course may give, if they wish, to support courses for others.
After you apply
The centre contacts you on WhatsApp, by phone or by email to confirm your place, answer questions and share arrival details. If the course is full, you may be offered a waitlist place or another date.
If your plans change
Please tell the centre as early as you can, so your place can be offered to someone on the waitlist.
Questions
Common questions about the course, silence, health and travel are answered on the questions page.