Awakening the Soul

Awakening the Soul is a two-night, three-day meditation retreat at Siddhayatan Tirth & Spiritual Retreat Center in Windom, Texas. It is for people who want to begin or deepen a spiritual practice and who are looking for clarity about their purpose. No previous experience is needed. The program was developed by Acharya Shree Yogeesh and is the center's most popular retreat, combining teaching, mantra and meditation, breathwork and time for quiet reflection.

What to Expect

The retreat has a steady daily rhythm. Guests arrive on the first afternoon, settle in, and gather that evening for the first mantra and meditation session, followed by dinner and lights out at 10:00 pm.

Most of the teaching happens on the second day. Awakening the Soul is taught in three classes, two on day two and a third on the morning of day three. Each focuses on practical techniques for self-discovery and for finding direction in life. The themes include:

- Breathwork: ancient breathing techniques and Purnam Yoga®, offered to help expel built-up toxins and negativity.
- Concentration: methods that support meditation and help you stay focused on your path and purpose.
- Affirmations and inner work: a system of positive affirmations and a structured approach to working on personal, professional and spiritual goals.

A second mantra and meditation session takes place on the evening of day two. Between sessions there is personal time for reflection. A Hatha Yoga class at 7:00 am on the second and third mornings is available as an optional add-on.

From March through early November, the first mantra and meditation session is at 6:30 pm on arrival day, classes are at 9:00 am and 2:00 pm on day two, the final class is at 9:00 am on day three, and check-out is at noon. Breakfast on day two is silent. From early November through early March, the evening sessions begin at 6:00 pm, dinner is served earlier, and brunch with chai tea replaces breakfast and lunch. Schedules can change, so check them before you go.

The Setting

Siddhayatan Tirth is a spiritual retreat center in the Northeast Texas countryside, guided by monks. It is meant to be a quiet place free from distractions, where simple living and reflection come first. Past guests describe the property as peaceful and clean, and the monks, staff and volunteers as kind and welcoming.

Lodging is simple and comfortable. Choices include individual private rooms, double rooms, and group or family rooms that sleep up to eight guests. Vegetarian meals are included with your accommodations. Guests who want more time on the grounds can add days before or after the retreat.

Before You Go

The retreat suits beginners as well as people with an established practice, and no background in spiritual teachings is required. The fee covers the three classes, two mantra and meditation sessions, and vegetarian meals with your lodging. Hatha Yoga is an optional extra. In the March to early November schedule, lunch on the final day after check-out is not included but can be added. Each guest also receives a book, a handbook for the truth seeker, to support meditation and spiritual practice after the retreat.