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“Live life as Meditators” – Impressions from the ‘Mantra and Meditation’ International Retreat
Published: 28 June 2025 | Written by Ilaria Sarri
Camaldoli: a place where time seems to flow more slowly, measured by the daily commitments of prayer and work. Its wood is a living monument, a witness to many pilgrimages, and its majestic, ancient and silent trees are essential to the life of this thousand-year-old community that lovingly cares for them. Everywhere one breathes harmony and symbiosis between man and nature.
Everything seems an invitation to slow down, to enjoy slowly, to meditation and silence.
In this place of deep spirituality, like so many pilgrims, we gathered together for the “Mantra and Meditation” International Retreat, at the presence of Swami Ritavan Bharati, Spiritual Guide of the Himalayan Tradition: 115 participants gathered in a sanctuary of nature, enjoying this magical place and appreciating the strength and power of the Sacred Forest.
So many sadhakas who came from different parts of Italy and also from abroad (Hungary, Switzerland, Germany and China), new and experienced practitioners, students of the current Italian Teacher Training Programme, graduated teachers, all united by the same intention: to be gathered together in a Sangha and nourished by the simple, humble, precious presence of Swami Ji, and of the entire Himalayan Tradition to which we belong to, certain of the Guru’s love and strength among us.
Our being together, truly so heartfelt and full of participation, in such a special year – Swami Rama’s birthday centenary and Swami Veda Bharati’s Mahasamadhi tenth anniversary – reminded us of the international events we used to organise at the presence of Swami Veda Bharati, Swami Ritavan Bharati and other senior teachers in equally sacred places, such as La Verna.
Four intense days of sharing teachings, practices, meditations, initiations, chants and music, silence, presence and awareness, fragrances and sounds of the forest, listening, nourishment, emotion and commotion: an uninterrupted stream of knowledge flowing from the Source through the direct Guru-disciple relationship.
Swami Ji, with His sweetness in joy, at times truly moving, led us into “a bubble of magical silence”, that Silence that only Meditation allows one to experience.
And on this true pilgrimage to our Divine Shrine walking along the path of awareness, Swami Ji reminded us of the importance of the personal mantra: “The mantra is your guide. There are no words that your mantra is forming, it is only carrying you and it is merging into the universal prana flow.” “Mantra is that friend, that love one, who will never create loneliness in you, the mantra will never disappoint you, the mantra will help you when you seek solace and comfort, especially during those times in human life when loneliness and doubt exist.”
“Meditation and mantra are the two sides of the same coin.” “In Meditation the goal is to go beyond mind and experience that true Nature, that Atman, that Soul, that you are.”
“Prayer can purify the way of the Soul.” “In prayer open up your heart and speak openly and sincerely to the Lord.”
“Let your mantra be your prayer. Let your prayer be your mantra.”
“Meditation is experiencing the essential Nature as peace, happiness, bliss. The very Nature of the God: Sat, Cit, Ananda, Existence, Intelligence and Bliss.”
“Grow to love your personal mantra because it is the source of love that you will recognize.”
“Let your mantra become a feeling that becomes the wave of that joy within yourself.” “The joy of meditation that brings the feeling, bhava, of joy that too is sweet.”
“Meditation is my reconnection to that state of Consciousness.” “Meditation is beyond all your power.”
“Continue with that attitude I am not the Meditator. Let the breath flow as the prana Life Force. Invite the mantra to deepen into that feeling of that presence. Then you will experience that every cell of your body dances with that Life Force. That is your meditation. To dance with the Divine as One.”
And like a great Master, Swami Ji brings us back to the essence of everything: “Do Less, Be More.” “Live life as Meditators.”
Deep gratitude to Sister Myriam and her sisters, who hosted us in such a loving and careful way, a pure example of selfless service and of unity in diversity.
Immense gratitude to all those who have allowed this to happen.
Infinite Gratitude to Swami Ji and this uninterrupted flow of Knowledge of the Ancient Himalayan Lineage that wrap us in a shawl of Immense Love.
Some participants’ impressions:
“In a long, uninterrupted shared breath, the Himalayan Tradition, and its Lineage, call us back at the feet of our Master. In a flowing breath, the sound of the mantra invites every cell to dance to the life dance. Kindred souls are reunited; the crystalline laughter of children resounds in the practice hall in an explosion of pure joy that pervades all. In the infinite ocean of peace, light lives in us and we live in the light.“
“To meet again in a magic place like Camaldoli, to embrace great Friends, united by this great joy of research, of sharing, of listening to the Himalayan Tradition. Together, it is Love. And the Tradition, as always, has welcomed us and given us incredible gifts.”
“..to find, oneself, teacher and student, disciple, at the feet of the Master is a precious gift.”
“Joy, love, freedom and much more that only the Himalayan Family can infuse. Special occasions of beauty for the soul nourishment.”
Editor’s Note:
For more information, you may contact the Himalayan Yoga Institute of Florence directly at segreteria@himalayanyogainstitute.it or follow them on Facebook and Instagram. You may also visit their website.