Seven-Day Retreat at Mandali, 17–24 April 2027: The Ashtavakra Gita, The Essence of Non-Duality

This seven-day kirtan retreat at Mandali Retreat Center in Quarna Sopra, in the Verbano-Cusio-Ossola province of Italy, is a week of guided meditation and dialogue on the Ashtavakra Gita, the classic text of Advaita Vedanta. It is led by Rupert Spira and suits anyone drawn to non-dual teaching, whether you are new to it or have studied it for years.

The retreat takes the Ashtavakra Gita as its subject, a text known for its direct and uncompromising teaching on the nature of the Self. Through guided meditations inspired by it, Rupert Spira invites participants to discover in their own experience the peace and happiness at the heart of non-dual understanding.

What to Expect

Each day brings guided meditation, in which we rest in being, as being, alongside dialogue where the non-dual understanding is discussed. Between sessions there is time for friendship, self-abidance and creativity. In the evenings you might relax with friends, watch a film together, or share poetry and music.

The first day is for arrival: check-in runs from 2:00 to 6:00pm, dinner is from 6:00 to 7:00pm, and the first guided meditation follows from 7:45 to 9:00pm. On the following days 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 morning there is breakfast without meditation from 8:00 to 9:00am, a last meditation and dialogue from 10:00am to 12:00pm, and lunch from 12:00 to 1:00pm. Departure is by 2:00pm. An optional livestream, with live Zoom questions during two dialogue sessions, is also offered.

This is the first of two back-to-back week-long retreats at Mandali, with one day between them for changeover. Guests are welcome to book both.

About Rupert Spira

Rupert Spira is a meditation teacher whose work centers on Advaita Vedanta, the nondual philosophy rooted in Indian classical thought, together with the integration of Sufi devotional practice. Born in London, he encountered the poetry of Rumi at the age of fifteen, which opened the way into the mystical and contemplative traditions he has explored for five decades. He 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 approach brings together the direct-path inquiry of Advaita and the heart-centered practice of Sufism.

The Setting

Mandali sits on a hilltop just over an hour from Milan, with views of Lake Orta and the Swiss Alps beyond. Guests have access to the spa and pool, the surrounding countryside, and one yoga class each day, offered first come, first served.

Rooms on site include lake-view and garden-view singles, twin or double rooms, and shared dormitories for four, allocated by gender. Commuter places are non-residential, so those guests arrange their own lodging nearby. Options within reach include Hotel Monte Mazzoccone, House Yvonne, House Thomas and Casa Belvedere.

All meals are vegetarian and served buffet-style, with vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free dishes available if requested in advance. The kitchen cannot guarantee against cross-contamination, so those with allergies should speak with the organiser beforehand.

The nearest airport is Milan Malpensa, about 80 minutes by car, with a coach service from the airport. Taxis in the area are limited, so transfers are best arranged in advance.

Before You Go

No prior experience of meditation or Advaita Vedanta is needed. The retreat is held in English. Included are three vegetarian meals and refreshments each day, all meditation and dialogue sessions, accommodation according to the chosen room type, and use of the spa and pool. Not included are transport to and from Mandali or the airport, travel insurance, and lodging for commuter places.