I Am: The Divine Name

I Am: The Divine Name is a spiritual retreat led by Rupert Spira at Mandali Retreat Center in Quarna Sopra, in the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola province of Italy. It is a week-long gathering for people drawn to non-duality and to the teaching of direct inquiry into the nature of self and experience.

The retreat is one of the guest-led programmes in Mandali's calendar. These retreats are described as a deep dive into a specific theme or teaching, guided by an experienced teacher. Mandali describes its retreats as spaces curated for deep insight, with the aim of bringing meaningful shifts into everyday life. This one takes its name from the phrase "I Am", and Rupert Spira is the teacher named for it.

What to Expect

The retreat runs for about a week, from the end of August into early September. A teacher-led programme of this kind is built around the teaching itself, and the title points to its subject: the sense of "I Am" and what it reveals about who we are. The days are held within Mandali's setting, which is designed for stepping away from ordinary routine and giving full attention to a single theme.

No daily timetable or session times are given for this retreat, so it is best to expect a programme that unfolds around the teachings rather than a packed schedule of activities.

About Rupert Spira

Rupert Spira is the teacher leading this retreat. He is also named as the teacher of other non-duality retreats at Mandali, which suggests his work is closely tied to the tradition the centre explores through its themed programmes. This retreat is a good fit for those who want to spend an extended period with his teaching in a dedicated retreat setting.

The Setting

Mandali Retreat Center sits in Quarna Sopra, in the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola area of northern Italy. Mandali hosts retreats of many kinds, from restorative stays built around movement and meditative practice to themed retreats led by visiting teachers, and its calendar runs through the year. Retreats here are meant to offer a quiet, held space for connecting with oneself.

Before You Go

This retreat is aimed at anyone interested in non-duality and self-inquiry, and the material lists no prerequisites. The programme is offered in English. For questions about rooms, meals, travel to Quarna Sopra and what is included, Mandali's travel advice and room information are the places to look before you plan your stay.