Joining a Yoga & Zen Retreat
The purpose of a Yoga & Zen Retreat is to support a shift in our way of living and our perspective of things for a certain period of time. All the teachings agree that to expand our awareness, we need to experience ourselves out of the box, the box symbolizing the mechanistic way of living and interacting.
This change of habitual living is deeply connected with the change in habitual thinking. A re-evaluation of the true needs and goals in life will most likely take place during and after the Retreat.
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What does a human being need to be happy?
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What are the foundations of a healthy mind and body?
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How can Meditation enhance all aspects of life?
These are spontaneous questions that can be spontaneously answered when we learn how to relax into silence without expecting or desiring something different from what the moment has to offer. The core teachings of both Yoga and Zen traditions are the same. Simply be, realize that you are already fulfilled, interconnected and practice Karuna, compassion for all living beings including yourself.
The vision
A community of likeminded people can make a huge difference. We invite you to be a part of our vision, which focuses on expanding the teachings of Meditation, on the uplifting of people and culminates to a sense of oneness with all living beings.
The name KAISANJI is the union of three Japanese words. KAI means sea, SAN means mountain and JI means monastery. So, KAISANJI is “the monastery of the mountain and sea”.
The new building of KAISANJI is currently under construction, according to the traditional principles of Zen Monasteries.
As it will be the first Zen Monastery in Greece, it will make it possible for more people to join the spiritual path. Its central role is to support and inspire people as they walk the way of contemplation.
KAISANJI is hosting retreats and workshops throughout the year. During the Practice period (October to May) the programs will be intense, focusing more on discipline and service.
In the Summer Period (June – September) the retreats will have a more relaxed character, without compromising the depth of the experience. There will be enough free time for swimming and enjoyment of this gifted place.
The participation in the Summer Retreat as well as the rental of the rooms and spaces will greatly contribute to the fulfilment of our vision.
Each and every individual can have a positive and constructive impact on the expansion of Zen Meditation in Greece, the continuation of ZEN CENTER ATHENS and its affiliate, KAISANJI.
We wish to thank you in advance and we are looking forward to welcoming you!
The land
One of the greatest needs of a human being is to be in contact with Nature. In the presence of a natural environment and the absence of the frantic city rhythms, one can experience deep transformation and reconnection with the real Self. That is why the monasteries and ashrams of all traditions are located away from big cities, avenues and commercial centres.
"Karuna Yoga & Zen retreat" is hosted in KAISANJI, in the Kalo Ambeli region, on the southern side of the island, which remains unspoiled by mass tourism and big hotels. The environment speaks for itself.
The land is gently cultivated, where olive groves co-exist with vineyards and naturally grown wild herbs. The architecture of the buildings reflects the lines and colours of the land without disturbing them in any way.
You can walk down the sea in just a few minutes, using the path. There, you will enjoy the golden sand and the clear waters of Kalo Ambeli beach, where you will most likely see very few people if any, in May and June.
The daily program
7:00 – 9:30: Yoga Class
9:30 – 10:30: Breakfast
10:30 – 13:30: Free time
13:30 – 14:00: Light lunch
14:00 – 17:00: Free time
17:00 - 19:30:
Yoga & Zazen
19:30- 20:30: Dinner
20:30 – 21:30: Kirtan
Please note that the daily program is subject to change and you will be notified if they occur.
The journey
Airport
The closest one is Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos", https://www.aia.gr/which receives both domestic and international flights all year round. From the airport of Athens, you can easily reach Piraeus port and embark on the ferry to Serifos.
Port
Serifos is easily accessible by ferry from Piraeus Port in Athens. The route from Piraeus port to Serifos lasts approximately 2 hours. During the summer, some extra ferry services are carried out from Lavrion port.
Meals
All meals are vegan, prepared by our cook with fresh fruit &seasonal vegetables. The recipes are simple, based on the principles of a Yogic diet, which gives emphasis on good nutrition as well as the detoxification of the body. We use herbs and spices carefully. Please inform us if you have any specific dietary requirements that we have to consider.
Arriving at KAISANJI
As soon as you book your tickets to Athens Airport and the ferry to Serifos, please let us know so we can book you a taxi that will bring you straight to KAISANJI.
Covid - 19 precautions
"For your participation in the Karuna Yoga & Zen Retreat, it is necessary to provide us with a negative Covid-19 PCR test that took place 72 hours prior to your arrival. In the case of a positive test result your contribution will be applicable to another seminar or retreat of your choice or fully reimbursed to you. If the Retreat is cancelled due to special government measures, like a travel ban between provinces, your contribution will be reimbursed to you.