RETREAT with Brother John Martin Sahajananda | Carpathian Mountains, May 8-10

Text în romanește aici

O Meaningful Life –
A dialogue between the Christian tradition and Eastern wisdom on freedom, responsibility, and our role in today’s world

In a world marked by uncertainty and rapid change, where can we find stability and meaning?

This retreat is an invitation to slow down, to enter into stillness, and to return to what is truly essential.

Together with Brother John Martin Sahajananda, we open this question.

Drawing from the meeting between the Christian tradition and Eastern wisdom, we will gently explore the connection between our inner life and the way we live in the world. This is an encounter about inner freedom, the meaning of life, and how each of us can become a more conscious and luminous presence.

Please note that Brother John will offer an introductory conference in Bucharest on the same theme, on May 6 at 6:30 PM. Tickets are available here.
If you are interested in the retreat but not totally sure, participating to the conference may be a simple way to figure it out!

What the Retreat offers

This retreat is an invitation into a space of authentic encounter: with the teachings of Brother John, through talks and open dialogues, and with ourselves, through moments of silence, daily meditation, and guided mindfulness practice.

Throughout these days, you will be gently supported to:
– listen and reflect through inspiring talks and shared inquiry
– bring forward your own questions in a space of openness
– deepen your meditation and mindfulness practice
– rest in silence, reconnecting with yourself at your own rhythm

All of this unfolds in a truly special setting – a traditional house nestled in nature, with expansive views over the Piatra Craiului and Bucegi mountains – a place that naturally invites slowing down, inner clarity, and reconnection.

About Brother John Martin Sahajananda

Brother John Martin Sahajananda is a Camaldolese Benedictine monk from India, living in a small hermitage near the Christian ashram of Shantivanam in South India – a place founded by Henri Le Saux, Jules Monchanin, and later continued by Bede Griffiths.

Rooted in this tradition of dialogue and openness, he has dedicated his life to the meeting between cultures and religions, particularly between Christianity and Hinduism. Through his experience and formation, he offers a unique reading of the message of Jesus – one that does not separate, but brings people together beyond religious boundaries.

His message is simple and universal: love of God and love of one’s neighbor. Brother John describes himself more as a seeker than a “believer” in the conventional sense. This perspective allows him to share a luminous, hopeful, and empowering vision – an invitation for each of us to take responsibility for our inner life and discover the “Divine within.”

He is the author of several books and articles and gives talks internationally. Through both his words and his presence, he invites us to explore the human and divine depths within us – without fear, without labels, and without exclusion.

Retreat Program

Friday, May 8
10:30–11:00 Opening circle
11:00–12:30 Talk with Brother John Martin
12:30–15:30 Lunch break
15:30–16:30 Talk with Brother John Martin
16:30–17:00 Conscious break
17:00–18:00 Q&A with Brother John Martin
18:00–18:30 Meditation with Brother John Martin
18:30–19:30 (Optional) Devotional chants with Valérie

Saturday, May 9
10:00–11:00 Mindfulness practice with Valérie (limited places)
11:00–12:30 Talk with Brother John Martin
12:30–15:30 Lunch break
15:30–16:30 Talk with Brother John Martin
16:30–17:00 Conscious break
17:00–18:00 Q&A with Brother John Martin
18:00–18:30 Meditation with Brother John Martin
18:30–19:30 (Optional) Devotional chants with Valérie

Sunday, May 10
10:00–11:00 Mindfulness practice with Valérie (limited places)
11:00–12:30 Talk and Q&A with Brother John
12:30–13:00 Closing circle

The retreat will be held in English, with consecutive translation into Romanian available upon request.

Investment

Participation in the retreat (including talks, Q&A sessions, and guided practice) is 1350 RON (about 270 Euros).
✔ 20% discount available for couples, groups, and retirees.

Accommodation & Practical Information

📍 The retreat takes place at Casa Artiștilor, in Măgura village (Brașov, Romania).

Accommodation and meals are not included and can be arranged individually, according to your preferences.

👉 Recommended option:
Pensiunea Lavinius (7 rooms), a 10-minute walk away
– 250 RON / double room / night (about 50 Euros)
– 150 RON / person / day (3 meals + tea & coffee included)

👉 Other options:
There are several guesthouses in Măgura, including higher-standard accommodations or self-catering options, some located very close to the retreat venue.

📩 After registration, you will receive all the details needed to organize your stay with ease.

About Valérie

Valérie Cioloș-Villemin is a certified Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR®) teacher, trained at the University of Massachusetts and certified through Brown University. She has been practicing mindfulness for over 25 years and offers programs, workshops, and retreats supporting calm, clarity, and resilience.

She met Brother John Martin Sahajananda in India, in an encounter that deeply marked her inner path and continues to inspire her work.

In this retreat, she holds the space with care and attention, guiding moments of mindfulness practice and, at times, offering her voice through simple songs that invite presence, connection, and a shared sense of humanity.