Seven-Day Retreat at Mandali, 28 August–4 September 2027: 'I Am: The Divine Name'

This seven-day non-dual meditation retreat takes place at the Mandali Retreat Centre in Quarna Sopra, Piedmont, Italy, and is led by Rupert Spira. It is for people drawn to Advaita Vedanta and the non-dual understanding who want a full week of guided meditation, dialogue and friendship in a quiet setting. It is the first of two consecutive week-long retreats at Mandali, and guests are welcome to attend both.

What to Expect

The week is built around resting in being, as being. Each day includes guided meditation and dialogue, where the non-dual understanding is discussed openly. Between sessions there is time for friendship, creativity and quiet. Evenings may be spent with friends, watching a film together, or sharing poetry and music.

The retreat begins on a Saturday with check-in in the afternoon, dinner, and a first guided meditation in the evening. From Sunday to Friday the rhythm is steady:

- Guided meditation, 7:30 to 8:30am
- Breakfast, 8:30 to 9:30am
- Guided meditation, 11:30am to 12:30pm
- Lunch, 1:00 to 2:00pm
- Meditation and dialogue, 4:30 to 6:30pm
- Dinner, 6:30 to 7:30pm

On the final Saturday there is breakfast without meditation, a last session of meditation and dialogue from 10:00am to 12:00pm, and lunch, with departure by 2:00pm. A livestream option is available, with two dialogue sessions open to questions from remote participants. One yoga class is offered each day, on a first come, first served basis.

About Rupert Spira

Rupert Spira is a meditation teacher whose work centres on Advaita Vedanta, the nondual philosophy rooted in Indian classical thought, together with the heart-centred devotional practice of Sufism. Born in London, he encountered the poetry of Rumi at fifteen, which opened the way into the contemplative traditions he has explored for five decades. He soon learned the Mevlevi Turning at Colet House in London, a practice combining movement, prayer and meditation, and went on to meet Dr. Francis Roles, a student of Shantananda Saraswati, the Shankaracharya of the North of India. His teaching draws on both the direct-path inquiry of Advaita and the embodied practice of the Mevlevi tradition.

The Setting

Mandali sits on a hilltop just over an hour from Milan, with views over Lake Orta toward the Swiss Alps. Guests can use the spa and pool and walk in the surrounding countryside.

Residential rooms include lake view and garden view singles, twin or double rooms, and shared four-person dormitories with bunk beds and a few single beds on a mezzanine. Twin beds cannot always be guaranteed, and single rooms have a waitlist when sold out. Commuter places are non-residential, so those guests arrange their own lodging. Nearby options include Hotel Monte Mazzoccone, a family-run guesthouse within walking distance, and Casa Belvedere, a two-bedroom apartment owned by Mandali about 90 metres from the centre. Houses with shared living spaces and panoramic lake views are also available for retreat participants.

All meals are vegetarian and served buffet-style, with vegan and gluten-free dishes at most sittings and lactose-free options on request. Mandali cannot guarantee the absence of cross-contamination, so anyone with allergies should speak with the organiser beforehand.

The nearest airport is Milan Malpensa, about 80 minutes by car, and a coach service runs from there. Taxis in the area are limited and should be arranged in advance. Mandali discourages flying into Linate or Bergamo because of the longer drive and harder public transport connections.

Before You Go

No prior experience or prerequisite is stated, and the retreat is open to anyone drawn to the non-dual understanding. The language is English.

Residential tickets include guided meditation and dialogue with Rupert Spira, three vegetarian meals and refreshments each day, accommodation in the chosen room type, spa and pool access, and the daily yoga class. Commuter tickets include meals, refreshments and spa access. Transport to and from Mandali is not included. Anyone with dietary needs beyond the vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free options should contact the organiser, Neil O'Sullivan, before booking.