A spiritual retreat … especially in a meditation cave, and especially in New Mexico … can be a true "life-affecting departure" from the norms of one's material and physical world. Some people are so ready for this shift, this departure, that there truly is … "No going back!".
Tapasyalaya [Sanskrit] means "place of spiritual retreat for yoga and meditation". In its strict sense, the root "tapasya" refers to deep meditation and various austerities used by yogis for self-purification to achieve enlightenment and liberation. A solitary place, such as a meditation cave, is usually sought out for such an undisturbed, silent meditation retreat.
The Samadhi Hermitage Meditation Retreat Center, with two Meditation Caves located in mountainous foothills of New Mexico, provides opportunity for a spiritual retreat in the style of tapasya … not austere, but as a place of retreat for superb stillness, silence, solitude, yoga, meditation and refreshment of one's life … with undisturbed continuity, just like a monk, sadhu, Himalayan yogi, etc.
Fruit trees, garden beds, and cactus are interspersed with areas for sitting, walking, meditation & yoga … all to provide sanctity, serenity, natural beauty, organic food, and mindfulness (the cactus). A flagstone yoga deck is tucked among the giant cactus outside the Samadhi Cave. Behind is a beautiful secluded canyon for walks, sitting, and another unique meditation retreat!
Faith
Open to All:
Open to All
Mission/Lineage: Our mission is to provide a superb retreat place for silence, self-absorption, meditation, sadhana, yoga etc. Totally under your own direction; altho guidance is definitely available if required. Ordinarily, this is not for beginners -- those without a meditation practice, technique, experience, etc.; but exceptions do occur. The inspiration for all this comes from the Vipassana tradition, plus 40+ years of sadhana and sadhu life in India, by our founder & director, Francis Love.
Average Cost: The Hermitage exists on a donation basis, and there is NO suggested donation price! That's your choice, ability and feelings.
Meals are not provided. The Hermitage kitchen is available to those using the Samadhi Cave; the long-term Hanuman Cave has it's own small kitchen enclosed. Shopping can be done for you in nearby Santa fe, by someone in residence. Expenses for this should be discussed with the person doing so. Also, there is a Country Store in town, that one can walk to if desired.
Work Exchange:
Yes!
One can also do work exchange at times, depending upon timing, Hermitage needs, etc. The place is in quite "good order", so mostly this would be simple garden work, weed-pulling etc. PLEASE ask before pulling anything one "thinks" is a weed.
Environment: Desert, Mountain, Rural
Restrictions: No Alcohol, No Drugs, No Smoking
Language: English
Retreat Type (definitions):
Directed, Individual / Private / Solo, Personal, Silent
Features
Meditation:
Meditation, Meditation (no specific type), Vipassana (Insight)
Spiritual Direction:
Spiritual Direction
Total Number of Rooms:
2
Housing: The meditation caves are for solo use, and also for a single couple. They are built into the hillside, with local stones collected from the hillside. Very clean, secure ... and absorbing!! There are no group facilities, programs etc. Toilet/bathroom facilities are in a separate outdoor structure on the hillside, between the two caves. Both caves have a kitchen sink; Hanuman Cave has attached kitchen. Winter time heater is also installed.
Food: Vegetarian or Vegan Only
Meal Availability: Kitchen - Private, Kitchen - Shared
Location of this Retreat:
7 Peaceful Way
Madrid, NM 87010
United States
Travel Info: Madrid is located between Albuquerque and Santa Fe on Hwy. 14, in New Mexico. Fly into either place; SFe is closer. There are some commuter bus services from SFe to Madrid; also, train (and bus) service from Albuquerque to Santa Fe. If necessary, someone can meet you at the airport or train station.
If driving: Madrid is one half-hour South from Santa Fe; or one hour North from Albuquerque -- both, on Hwy 14.
Peaceful Way is on the south edge of town (Madrid), west side of the highway; we are the 2nd property when coming up the drive.