The Highest Tantra: Kashmiri Shaivism Workshop and Retreat

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kashmiri shaivism

A Rare and Transformative Spiritual Immersion

We invite you to a truly unique retreat—an extraordinary opportunity to explore the Highest Tantra: Kashmiri Shaivism in its full depth. This retreat seamlessly integrates both the Kashmiri Shaivism Workshop and Silent Retreat in a back-to-back sequence, allowing for a profound and immersive experience.

The first half of this journey is dedicated to the Workshop, where Somananda and Dharmananda unveil the esoteric wisdom of Kashmiri Shaivism. Through extensive theoretical teachings and initiations, you will receive the core knowledge that serves as the very foundation of Tantra and our school’s lineage.

The second half transitions into a Silent Retreat, where knowledge transforms into direct experience. Here, you will internalize and embody the teachings through deep meditative practice, using sacred methodologies to enter the mystical states of Oneness, as described in Kashmiri Shaivism.

Duration:

2-week residential retreat

Total hours:

120 retreat hours

Suitability:

For the true seekers of the most transcendent Tantra

Kashmiri Shaivism – The Pinnacle of Tantra

Kashmiri Shaivism is among the rarest and most profound spiritual sciences, surpassing all other teachings in depth and scope. Masters of this ancient path developed an unparalleled metaphysical system—one that deciphers the mysteries of existence and unlocks the highest dimensions of consciousness.

As a secret yogic tradition, its very first steps already touch advanced levels of spiritual evolution. Yet, it remains accessible to both seasoned practitioners and sincere seekers alike, offering a gateway to extraordinary transformation.

Beyond deepening your understanding, Kashmiri Shaivism serves as a powerful catalyst for awakening. It elevates your yogic practice into new realms of realization and aligns you with Sahasrara, the Crown chakra—the seat of lucidity, detachment, and ultimate union with the divine essence of the I AM.

The Essence of the Journey

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More About This Unique Experience

Real Experiences from the Highest Tantra

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Course Details

Venue

Levinthos and Filoxenia Retreat Center

Lentas, Crete Island, Greece

This retreat takes place in Levinthos and Filoxenia retreat centres located close to Lentas coastal village on the south coast of Crete island, 75 km from Heraklion. This is a very picturesque spot with panoramic views of the Mediterranean sea and is perfect for our teachings and spiritual practices.

The two guesthouses feature a selection of rooms with stunning views from many. You will be placed in shared accommodation with two to four people per room. Each room has its own en suite bathroom. Accommodation will be allocated in the order of your sign-up date with higher quality rooms given to earlier registrants.

There is a beautiful private beach as part of the property and delicious Cretan vegetarian meals are served three times daily. A true paradise!

Teachers

Somananda

Founder and Head Teacher

Spiritual yogi, lecturer, teacher and author, Somananda is the founder and head teacher of Somananda Tantra School. Read more

Dharmananda

Senior Teacher

Born in Israel in 1977, Dharmananda could be described as a modern-day “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” of Yoga. He is a meditation master. Read more

Liisa Maimon

Founder and Senior Teacher

An inspiring tantric yogini, Liisa is a strong driving force of the school – both as a senior teacher and general manager. Read more

Siegbert Büschel

Teacher

Siegbert’s initial Christian upbringing prompted him to explore the purpose of life, which ironically led him to Yoga. Read more

Teachers shown on this page may change due to unforeseen circumstances, and each may teach in various capacities. We appreciate your understanding and flexibility regarding the teaching team dynamics.

Retreat Rules of Conduct

The retreat is held in complete silence or mauna.

Exceptions include, of course, the days of arrival and departure. Silence also here encompasses interpersonal communications such as gestures, silently mouthing words, writing notes, etc. Notes will be allowed only for daily Q&A and administrative emergencies. The retreat leader will announce the beginning and end of mauna.

Nonresidential retreats may not require full mauna. Please see the details for each particular retreat.

No electronic devices of any kind may be used during residential retreats.

This includes tablets, phones, laptops, mp3 players, etc. Exceptions may be made upon personal request and such exceptions need to be requested personally from the retreat leader before the beginning of mauna.

Although there may be a temptation to keep your phone with you for emergencies, we will provide a contact number which may be called by your family or business associates in such cases, thereby allowing you to relax fully into the retreat experience knowing that retreat administration will alert you if necessary to any issue needing your urgent attention.

We ask you to keep full celibacy during the retreat.

All participants, either singles or couples, are asked to not engage intimately with anyone during the silent residential retreat (no physical interaction of any kind). The focus of the retreat has to be on deepening your meditation practice and interiorisation of all the spiritual experiences.

Please do not resort to any distractions for the mind during the retreat.

In addition to the use of electronic devices, this includes books, magazines, and the like. To support your retreat experience, we will offer to collect any of these belongings and hold them in a bag for you during the retreat. However, it would be best to leave them at home if possible. Let this be an opportunity to completely unplug yourself and turn your focus inward.

Please hide any device that tells the time, including watches.

In a residential retreat you will be awakened by a gong and every new session of the day will be signaled by the gong. The gong will be struck repeatedly to make sure everyone has heard it.

Complete ban on toxic substances of any kind.

No smoking of any kind, consumption of any alcohol, or use of recreational drugs is allowed during the retreat.

FAQ

I am new to Tantra or to spirituality. Will I be able to follow and benefit from this offering?

Yes, absolutely. This offering is thoughtfully designed to be accessible to both beginners and more experienced seekers. You don’t need any prior knowledge of Tantra or spirituality to benefit deeply. The teachings are shared in a clear and structured way, starting with foundational principles and gradually guiding you into deeper practices.

How can this retreat support my spiritual growth?

Kashmiri Shaivism is one of the world’s rare and precious spiritual treasures. Veiled in secrecy for centuries, it has preserved its purity and remains one of the most powerful paths for spiritual evolution today.

Receiving these authentic teachings in modern times is a rare privilege—one that can serve as a profound catalyst for inner transformation. You will leave inspired, elevated, and enriched with practical tools to deepen your spiritual journey.

I am new to meditation. Is this retreat suitable for me?

Absolutely. This retreat focuses primarily on your personal practice and inner experience, making it accessible and enriching for all levels. Whether you’re just beginning or already experienced, the teachings and practices are designed to support everyone equally, allowing both beginners and advanced students to benefit and grow  side by side.

I’ve never attended a silent retreat. Will it be challenging?

It may feel unfamiliar at first, especially during the first couple of days, but most participants quickly come to appreciate—and even cherish—the deep peace that silence brings. We warmly encourage you to join with an open heart, as the experience can be truly transformative. Should any inner tension arise, the retreat staff will be available to support you. Breaking the silence (mauna) is only permitted in cases of genuine emergency.

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