The Awakened Journey: 7-Day Meditation Retreat

The Awakened Journey is a seven-day meditation retreat at Sanctuary Retreat Center in Faber, Virginia, devoted to meditation, spiritual exploration, and the experience of living a Holistic Lifestyle. It is open to anyone drawn to a full week away from the pace of everyday life, in a setting made for balance, awareness, and spiritual awakening.

The retreat is hosted by Synchronicity Foundation and blends East and West. The second half of the week welcomes Swami Nityananda and friends from Shanti Mandir Ashram, who lead a traditional Meditation Intensive.

What to Expect

The week combines several threads. There is a Meditation Intensive, High-Tech Meditation®, and a series of inspiring discourses on the ancient and contemporized foundations of The Holistic Lifestyle®. Time is set aside for reflection and renewal in nature, and the program includes a traditional Vedic fire ritual (Yagna) and a special Indian classical music concert.

Guests arrive on a Sunday and depart the following Sunday. In the second half of the retreat, Swami Nityananda leads the Meditation Intensive on Saturday, with mantra meditation, guided meditation, and periods of quiet contemplation.

Meditation Intensives have a long spiritual history. They were the vehicle through which Baba Muktananda shared his teachings, bestowed grace, and sparked a meditation revolution during the 1970s and early 1980s.

About Swami Nityananda

Swami Nityananda continues the Meditation Intensive tradition as Muktananda's successor and is a respected spiritual teacher. His teachings are accessible and offered in fluent English. He comes to Sanctuary with friends from Shanti Mandir Ashram.

The Setting

Sanctuary Retreat Center sits on 120 acres of natural beauty in Faber, Virginia. The grounds are part of the retreat itself, giving guests room to walk, rest, and let the practice settle. The center is run by Synchronicity Foundation and describes itself as a place to visit and replenish your spirit.

Before You Go

All are welcome. Registration is not yet open, and early-registration savings are planned, so it is worth planning the week in advance if you would like to attend. The retreat is one of Sanctuary's most anticipated of the year.