Enter the Peace of Inner Stillness
SILENT MEDITATION RETREAT
with Yogacharya O'Brian & CSE Teachers

April 23-25, 2026
(Thursday Morning - Saturday Afternoon)

Fee: $80 IN-PERSON ONLY
To register, click calendar icon at the bottom of this page.
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Silence is an opening to divine presence, creative energy, peace, and bliss. Like the flower’s scent attracts the bee, the resonant vibration of silence attracts our awareness into the experience of superconscious meditation.

Enter the Quiet of the Heart and Mind

In the midst of busy lives, the heart and mind naturally long for moments of deep stillness. In silence we rediscover the peace and clarity that arise from the soul.

This silent meditation retreat invites us to step away from daily activity and enter a space of deep listening and spiritual renewal. Through meditation, contemplation, and quiet reflection, the mind and heart gradually settle into calm awareness.

Gentle guidance will be offered throughout the retreat so that both experienced meditators and those newer to silent retreat practice may feel comfortable entering the spiritual practice of silence.

Meditation on OM and the Nature of Consciousness

“The syllable Om is the Self. One who knows this enters the Self through this syllable.”
—Mandukya Upanishad, Verse 12

During the retreat, Yogacharya O’Brian will share teachings from the Mandukya Upanishad, a Vedic text that illuminates the meaning of OM and the nature of consciousness. The Upanishad describes OM as the symbol of the Self and explains the states of waking, dreaming, deep sleep, and the transcendental awareness beyond them.

Meditation on OM and contemplative reflection on these teachings support deeper awareness and insight. The quiet atmosphere of retreat encourages a direct experience of the peace and clarity described by the sages.

Retreat Practices

During the retreat we will share:

• Guided silent meditations throughout each day
  
• Daily teachings and practice sessions with Yogacharya O’Brian
  
• Meditation on OM and teachings on states of consciousness
  
• Walking Tai Chi instruction and practice
  
• Silent contemplation in the meditation garden or temples

A Gentle Rhythm for the Day

Our days together follow a quiet and spacious rhythm that supports meditation and reflection. Periods of meditation are balanced with teachings, walking meditation, and time for contemplation.

Silence is observed throughout the retreat to support meditation and inner awareness. Guidance and teachings will be offered during the scheduled sessions.

An Invitation to Practice in Silence

This retreat welcomes both experienced meditators and those who are newer to silent retreat practice. Periods of silence are balanced with guidance and teachings that support a natural and easeful experience.

Whether attending your first silent retreat or returning to deepen meditation, these days of shared practice offer an opportunity for renewal and spiritual insight that will light your way forward.

Abide in the Peace of Silence

In silence the mind becomes calm and the heart opens to deeper awareness. In this quiet atmosphere meditation deepens and the presence of the Self becomes more apparent. The sacred sound OM points us toward the unity of life and the peace that is always present within.

You are warmly invited to join us for this time of shared silence, meditation, and contemplation, and to renew your awareness of the stillness that supports a life of clarity, wisdom, and inner freedom.                   

**This retreat is for those who have a meditation practice. It is a local retreat and will not be available online. For those traveling to San Jose, you may apply for the overnight option at CSE. Accommodations are also available in the surrounding area. The main sessions of the retreat are in-person from mid-morning through the afternoon. For ease of accommodations and travel to the Center for commuters, morning and evening meditations are online from home.** 

PARTICIPATION OPTIONS
This retreat is offered in-person only, with overnight or hybrid options. You can apply to stay overnight onsite and attend every session in-person. We also offer a hybrid option to attend a portion of the retreat in person (including opening, morning, lunch, and afternoon sessions). All morning meditation and evening sessions will be online only for those who are commuting.

Overnight Lodging: Apply to stay at CSE overnight and attend all sessions in person. Limited space available. (APPLY HERE)

Note: Retreat registration is required prior to applying for overnight lodging.

RETREAT PROGRAM DONATION
Your registration fee covers basic administrative costs. You will have an opportunity to offer a donation during the registration process or during the retreat.

SAMPLE RETREAT SCHEDULE  (U.S. Pacific Time)
Attendance at all sessions is required to participate. Schedule subject to change.