What Does a Human Being Need to Be Happy?

Yoga and Zen Retreats in Serifos

Karuna Retreat, 25 - 31 October 2024
Ananda Retreat, 25 - 31 March 2025
Santosha Retreat, 25 - 31 May 2025

Yoga and Zen Retreats in Greece 2024 - 2025

The core teachings of both Yoga and Zen traditions are the same.
Just be, realize that you are already exactly where you need to be,
and practice karuna, compassion, for all living beings, including yourself.

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 frantic city rhythms, one can experience transformation and reconnection with the Self.

Our Yoga & Zen Retreats are hosted in Kaisanji, in the Kalo Ambeli region in Serifos, on the island's south side, which is unspoiled by mass tourism and big hotels.

The vision of the Retreat in Serifos

A community of like-minded people can make a huge difference. We invite you to be a part of our vision, which focuses on expanding the teachings of Meditation, uplifting people and culminating in the feeling 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 meditation. Kaisanji is hosting retreats and workshops from October to May.

Participation in the Yoga and Zen Retreats in Kaisanji Serifos will contribute to realising our vision. Each individual can have a positive and valuable impact on the expansion of Zen Meditation in Greece, the continuation of Zen Center Athens and its affiliate, Kaisanji.

We thank you in advance and welcome you to our Yoga and Zen Retreats in Kaisanji Serifos, Greece.

Joining our Yoga & Zen Retreat

The purpose of the Yoga & Zen Retreat is to support a shift in our way of living and our perspective of things for a certain time. All the teachings agree that to expand awareness, we must experience ourselves outside of the box. The box symbolizes the mechanical way of living and interacting. This change in everyday habits is associated with the alteration of mechanical thinking. An evaluation of real needs and goals in life will occur during and after the Retreat.

What does a human being need to be happy?
What are the foundations of a healthy mind and body?
How can Meditation enhance all aspects of life?

These questions will be spontaneously answered as we learn to relax into silence without expecting or desiring something different from what the moment has to offer.

Gautama Buddha said:

“You can search throughout the entire universe for someone more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere. You, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”

Awaken the
Compassionate Buddha Self

The Buddha taught compassion for all living beings, a fundamental quality in spiritual life. It is the path we need to take and the way to live, and it is based on the realization that all beings live immersed in ignorance and suffer because of it. The main consequence of ignorance is the feeling of separation that creates isolation and the illusion of a small ego that tries to dominate the rest.

Practising compassion awakens intuition and expands the space of the heart. We understand the root of pain and do everything in our power to relieve it. The reality is that we need to start with ourselves first, as only then can we have true compassion and empathy for others.

Immediately after our Retreat, a Sesshin will be held at Kaisanji. If you are interested, please refer to more information here.

Yoga and Zen Retreat Details

What is included:

Six nights accommodation in single and double rooms.
Two Yoga classes and three Zen meditation sittings daily.
Delicious Plant-based meals freshly prepared by our chef.

The journey to the Retreat in Serifos

The closest one is Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos", which receives domestic and international flights all year round. From the airport in Athens, you can easily reach Piraeus port and embark on the ferry to Serifos. It is easily accessible by ferry from Piraeus Port in Athens. The route from Piraeus port to Serifos lasts approximately 2 hours.

Meals

All meals are vegan, prepared by our cook with fresh fruit & and seasonal vegetables. The recipes are simple and based on the principles of a Yogic diet, which emphasizes good nutrients and body detoxification. Please inform us if you have any specific dietary requirements that we have to consider.

Participation fee