If you don’t know what is true, then to some degree, life will be confusing, messy and distressing. But a brush with samadhi, fleeting or deep, will give you a glimpse of Truth beyond the constructs of mind which will always thereafter be a touchstone and guide.

The Enlightenment Intensive (EI) retreat was first run in the Californian desert in 1968 by Charles and Ava Berner. Noting that people who knew who they were, beyond mental constructs, made better progress in therapeutic work than those who didn’t, Berner pondered what it would take to give more people the chance to have this fundamental knowing. In a flash of inspiration, he combined the Zen sesshin with the communication dyad work he and Ava had developed and the EI became an instant success.

On this retreat you will work on a koan or question; if it is your first EI, this will be who am I? Other questions are: what am I?, what is life?, what is another?

The format is tried and tested, having been run thousands of times. The day is fully scheduled and includes contemplation and communication dyads, meditative walks, talks and meal breaks. It is a fantastic opportunity to research who you really are in a supportive environment with staff dedicated to helping you.

It is highly recommended for Sei-ki people since knowing the truth of who you are and what another is, is key to unlocking the flow and meaning of this touch art.