Meditative self-reflection in nature

Two of our four rooms face southeast and have balconies, while the other two face northwest. We have two single rooms, one room with a double cabin, and one room with three cabins (similar to Japanese-style dormitories), with each participant having a room to themselves.

In general, we prepare vegetarian meals using mostly fresh, organic ingredients. Fresh herbs from the garden enhance the flavor of our dishes and also serve as a garnish (depending on the season). If you have any special requests or dietary restrictions, we’re happy to accommodate them. So you’re in good hands with us even if you have gluten and/or lactose intolerances or other allergies.

The retreat begins on the very first evening, after dinner. Following a detailed introductory session with all participants—during which you’ll have ample opportunity to ask questions—the retreat will be officially opened with a gong, and you’ll begin your practice. After the first or second “mensetsu” (a brief conversation or interview), your first evening gong will signal the start of the night’s rest.
The next morning, the same gong will gently wake you—now is the time to wake up calmly, get up, and continue with your practice. After the first conversation, breakfast will be served. In the course of the morning, the gong will call you to a roughly 15-minute walking meditation.
Following this, you will practice meditative walking: you get dressed, line up, and are slowly guided through quiet forests. During this time, you practice introspection at your own pace. Depending on the weather, lunch will be eaten along the way or served in your room. Over the course of the day, you will have around 9 mensetsus.
By the end of the week, you will have completed approximately 90 hours of practice and received about 65 sessions. In our context, “practice” means that you will be practicing Naikan (=introspection). This is a form of self-exploration in which you work with three questions, each applied to the most significant people in your life. You will learn the details during the introductory session.

Our nearest train station is Spiegelau. Participants find the ride on the Waldbahn to be very relaxing and pleasant. We’d be happy to pick you up from the nearest train station in Spiegelau for a voluntary donation, or—for an additional fee of €150—from the nearest airport in Munich. And of course, we’ll take you back there on the day of your departure...