Mauni Amavasya Silence Retreats at SRSG

Mauni Amavasya (Silence Day) is an annual observance. The observation of Silence Day is a practice that Swami Veda Bharati invited us to practice.

In 2024, Mauni Amavasya is 9 February.

There will be 7-day silence retreats at Swami Rama Sadhaka Grama, Rishikesh, India from 3 –  February, 2024. Swami Ritavan Bharati and Adhikari Bhoi will be available to guide the silence participants.

Swami Veda has said, “…there is also an annual silence day in the traditions of India. It is called Mauni Amavasya. Mauni means ‘of or for silence’, and amavasya means ‘no-moon day.’

It occurs on the no-moon day of the Maagha month in the Hindu calendar when sun and moon are both supposed to enter the sign of Capricorn (makara rashi).

It is held in the tradition as the day when Manu, the Archetypal Man first appeared on earth; he wedded Shata-roopa (She of a Hundred Beautiful Forms) and generated humankind.”

All silence retreats in the Himalayan Tradition are always guided and each participant is interviewed by a silence guide before the retreat may begin. Everyone is given a silence schedule to follow for the duration of the retreat. These schedules may vary among participants, depending upon the prerequisites or health issues or other individual factors. You will also be given some articles and handouts to read.

Everyone’s silence schedule will include the ashram morning and evening meditations, morning joints and glands class and an afternoon relaxation practice session.  Schedules will also include breathing practices, contemplative walking and japa.

Arrival and Departure Plans:

You are strongly advised to arrive on campus two days before your retreat begins in order to rest, get settled, take care of any pending business, get needed supplies etc. This is important. Only with rested body and a relaxed mind will you be able to enter a silent state of mind from the first day.

You should also plan to have at least one full day at the ashram at the end of your retreat before you leave or travel anywhere.  This is to allow time for making a gentle transition from silence to everyday life.

At the end of your retreat you will have an opportunity to debrief with your silence guide.  The silence guide will also advise you about ways to maintain some silence in everyday life.