An exploration of creativity as expressed through music, and of the nature of reality as expressed through the vibrations of sound. The retreat will include workshops in individual and collaborative songwriting as well as instruction in sound meditation with daily practice.
This retreat is open to everyone!
Overview
Program type: Residential Retreat
Topic: Music & Meditation
Dates: 15-27 May 2023
Language: English
Facilitators: Mark Moore & Surya Nimmagadda (see below)
Key features of the programme:
Back by popular demand, our ‘Nada Brahma’ retreat is an exploration of creativity as expressed through music, and of the nature of reality as expressed through the vibrations of sound. The retreat will include workshops in individual and collaborative songwriting as well as instruction in sound meditation with daily practice.
The retreat will be in two parts. The first week will be structured, with a variety of group and individual activities.
The second week will open up the schedule to allow freedom to use most of the day for continuing your own creative explorations (e.g. composition, songwriting, arrangement, practice, collaborations, etc.), and then we’ll come together in the evening sessions for various activities.
Parts of the retreat will be silent except for music, to support us to deepen our listening and develop our relationship with both sound and the space around it.
We really wish to emphasize that this retreat is open to everyone, whether or not you are an experienced musician/singer/composer/songwriter. If you play a musical instrument, we encourage you to bring it, but ability to play an instrument is not required for this retreat.
Group sessions will include the following:
The practice of deep listening
Sound meditation in the Buddhist tradition (instruction and daily practice)
Composition/songwriting as a profound meditation practice
Explorations of various aspects of sound, music, harmony, vibration, perception, etc.
Sharing sessions, in which each participant is invited to share favorite pieces with the group
Composition/songwriting sessions — both individual and collaborative
Explorations of words (lyrics, poetry) as sound, as vibration, as meditation, and as music
A final performance of works created during the retreat (individual and collaborative)
What to bring:
An open mind, open heart, and open ear
One or more musical instruments (the voice and body also count as instruments!)
Recordings of three cherished songs/compositions that you would like to share with the group: one from your own region, one from a country or culture different from your own, and one other of your choosing. These should be songs/compositions that move you deeply, and you should be prepared to share briefly with the group what it is about those songs that makes you love them so much. (These recordings should be not longer than fifteen minutes in total length, i.e. averaging not more than five minutes each. If you have a favorite piece that is longer, you can choose your favorite section of the piece.)
If you have any recordings of your own music, please choose just one track (six minutes maximum) to share with the group, which you feel represents your musical self. If you do not have any recordings of your own music, then you have two other options: you could perform a song live* for the group, or you could play a recording of another artist that evokes something similar to what you would like to express musically. (*For this activity, recordings are preferred because they take the focus off the performer and allow us to focus on just the sound of the music itself, but if you have no recordings of your own music, you are welcome to perform live and we will close our eyes and listen.)
One favorite poem (of any kind, including a song lyric) to share with the group, which should be one that you love for the sound and power of the words themselves (not necessarily the meaning behind them).
Something to write on (e.g. pencil and paper and/or a tablet or laptop).
If you wish, you are welcome to bring recording devices, small amplifiers, or other musical gadgets or compositional/performance aids, but none of these are necessary.
What kind of experience to expect
Balanced programme: A combination of practice, instruction, group discussions, and quiet time for reflection.
Natural simplicity: Rustic accommodations in natural earthen buildings in a beautiful forest setting.
Mind and body awareness: To support the body during the retreat, there will be times for mindful movement such as stretching and simple movement sequences as well as walking meditation in the beautiful Dharmalaya campus.
Healthy food: Natural and mostly organic, purely vegetarian meals (100% plant-based, vegan).
Digital detox: There will be no use of mobile phones or internet during the retreat.
Yogic lifestyle: Clean and simple ashram-style lifestyle in which everyone comes together for meditation and yoga practice and contributes to the group experience by helping with washing dishes, etc.
Dates & times
Start and end dates and times
The retreat will begin at 10:00am on the first day. All participants should plan to arrive between 9:00 and 9:30am .
As this is a traditional ‘closed’ retreat, all participants will stay on the Dharmalaya campus for the entire duration of the retreat.
The retreat will conclude at 4:00pm on the last day.
Daily schedule: What will the flow of the days be like?
Although the day-to-day schedule may vary a bit, the schedule for a typical day during this program would more or less as follows:
6:30 Wake
7:00 Morning yoga and meditation session
8:00 BREAKFAST
9:00 Morning sessions (various activities)
12:30 LUNCH
2:00 Afternoon sessions (various activities)
5:00 Personal time
6:00 DINNER
7:00 Evening session (various activities)
8:30 Personal time for music, writing, reading and meditation
10:00 Lights out
About your facilitators
Cost
Recognizing that our participants come from diverse backgrounds, we are providing a sliding scale with three tiers, to make it possible for everyone to donate according to their means. Total fees for the retreat (including shared accommodation, three meals daily, and tea) are as follows:
Standard rate: Rs 9000 per week (Rs 18,000 total for the two-week retreat)
Subsidized rate (for those who can’t afford the standard rate): Rs 7500 per week (Rs 15,000 total for the two-week retreat)
Supporter rate (for those who can afford to give more to support others): Rs 12,000 per week (Rs 24,000 total for the two-week retreat)
We do not want cost to be a barrier to anyone’s participation, so if you have exceptional financial hardship and cannot afford even the lowest subsidized rate, you can contact us to let us know your situation and your needs.
A very limited number of private rooms are available at extra cost. Please contact us for details.
Application & payment
Participation in this programme is by application and subject to acceptance.
STEP 1 — APPLY: Click the button below to complete and submit the application form here on our website and then wait for our reply. We may email you to ask follow-up questions if necessary.
STEP 2 — ACCEPTANCE: If you are accepted for the retreat, then at that time we will send you an acceptance letter by email, which will include more detailed information about the programme and how to prepare.
STEP 3 — DEPOSIT: You will then have one week from the date of acceptance to make your nonrefundable payment to hold your place in the programme. Once we have received your payment, your registration for the programme will be complete.
We look forward to connecting with you!