PRE-ARRIVAL

Pre-Arrival Packet for Silent Retreats

We are very excited at the Samadhi Retreat & Meditation Center that you have chosen to spend a weekend here for SILENCE and meditation. We have made every effort to ensure your stay here is as beautiful and transformational as possible. If you have any questions before your arrival please feel free to CONTACT US or text us: 903-948-9461.

To honor the space and the people that will be attending and take full advantage of your silent retreat please review the following:

ARRIVAL: Dinner is at 6:00 pm on Friday. Early arrival between 4:00-6:00 is encouraged, please let us know your expected arrival time in advance so we can make plans. Please plan to arrive well before 6:00 pm during the dark months because the Samadhi Retreat is hard to find in the dark the first time here. If you are "directionally challenged" please make sure we have your phone number in advance.
FOOD: Please CONTACT US if you have any food sensitivities or allergies before your arrival.
DO NOT BRING: Since our focus is on obtaining the deepest state of meditation we request that you do not bring mood/mind altering substances to the retreat, these include recreational drugs, alcohol, coffee, and caffeine drinks.
No cell phones, computers, tablets, watches, music, books, cameras, journaling, or pets once we have begun SILENCE.
SILENCE: In this context, we will practice QUIETING THE MIND by not speaking to each other, nor reading, nor writing, nor listening to popular music. We will be chanting, toning, and listening to foreign mantras and listening to discourses with the goal of QUIETING THE MIND from the constant chattering. Communication is suspended for the weekend. --When the mind becomes still, illusion vanishes.
EMERGENCY CONTACT: Please let your loved ones know that you are attending a Silent Retreat and you will not have access to your phone until Sunday afternoon. You can provide the following number for your loved ones to leave a message for you in case of an Emergency: David Browning cell phone 903-948-9461.
SHOWERS: Because we are on limited resources for bathrooms during the retreat please shampoo and condition hair beforehand, as we will only be allowed 5-10 minute showers during the weekend.
DIRECTIONS: You can use this link for driving directions. We are 17 miles north of Palestine, do not expect to find us in Palestine! See photo for street view of our road on CR 404, continue 1/2 mile down the dirt road and stay left after the gate. DO NOT TURN DOWN ANY DIRT ROADS UNTIL YOU SEE THE SAMADHI SIGN. If you need additional help finding the retreat please call 903-948-9461.
Once you reach Athens or Palestine, please only use GOOGLE MAPS link provided, if you type the address into another app, it will take you to the wrong place.
CLOTHES: Bring loose comfortable clothing for yoga and meditation sessions.
TEA: Bring a box or two of any kind of herbal tea to share (if you are a tea drinker).
BRING: Bring a personal pillow and blanket and all the cushions you want for your comfort and warmth; you may also consider bringing your personal yoga mat, stadium chair, bug spray, hiking shoes, and sunscreen.
SHEETS: If you have a private or semi-private room reserved, you DO NOT need to bring sheets. If you are sleeping in the Yoga Studio "Indoor Camping", please bring either sheets or a sleeping bag. We will provide air mattresses for "Indoor Camping".
PREVIEW: Please read our FAQ page, for more information.
CO-REGISTRANTS: Because of the nature of a Silent Retreat, you will want an opportunity to allow the mind to settle completely including no talking, gesturing, or physical contact with friends or significant others. If your co-registrant is your significant other or a close friend, it is highly advised that you do not share a private room, this will be explained in further detail during the introduction on your arrival. Whereas this is not a mandatory policy, you may want to take it into consideration, if purchasing private accommodations. CONTACT US below for your options where this is concerned.
EXPECTATIONS: This is a unique opportunity to discover Your Own God-Awareness in a fun-filled loving atmosphere. Be prepared to set your expectations and pre-conceived ideas aside. Your ideas of reality may be challenged and your buttons may get pushed in the process. Consider this an opportunity for expanded spiritual growth.
SCHEDULE: The 3-day schedule is posted below.
STUDY AHEAD: We highly suggest reading Section One of the PDF book The Mystic's Guide To Enlightenment that you will receive when you register.

The difference between SILENCE and QUIETNESS:

QUIETNESS refers to an environmental state of no sound. Quietness does not necessarily lead to mental tranquility. The chattering mind is relentless and perseveres even in a cave-like atmosphere; even quietness does not stop the mind.

SILENCE in the Samadhi context refers to the absolute stillness of the mind; this is a mental state of silence characterized by no thoughts. Thinking does not occur during SILENCE, and quietness is not mandatory for SILENCE. This absolute SILENCE is the goal of a Samadhi Silent Retreat.

We are looking so forward to seeing you here for this incredible event, and want your stay with us to be as comfortable as possible, please let us know if you have any questions or if you just want to talk about what you can expect.

Sincerely;

Lalla Dawn Breeze
and David Browning
Samadhi Retreat & Meditation Center