Welcome to “Nirvana”, our serene meditation retreat located on the breathtaking Cumberland Plateau. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature as you embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery. Our doors are open, and we invite you to join us for a rejuvenating meditation retreat.
While our meditation retreat is in its early stages of development, the essence of our practice flourishes every day under the guidance of our teacher, Nirvana. This is a unique opportunity for you to learn from an awakened teacher who embodies the very spirit of silence and serenity.
During your retreat, you will have the opportunity to engage in various meditation practices that will nourish your mind, body, and spirit. Silent meditation sessions will allow you to dive deep within yourself, cultivating inner stillness and peace. Guided meditations will lead you on a journey of self-exploration, providing opportunities to deepen your awareness.
Conversations with Nirvana will be a cherished aspect of your retreat experience. Nirvana’s wisdom and profound insights will enrich your understanding of meditation and spirituality, fostering a deeper connection with yourself and the world around you.
In addition to the structured program, you will also have the freedom to engage in personal activities that promote self-reflection and relaxation. You can explore our collection of books on spirituality, mindfulness, and personal development. Find solace in the tranquility of our natural surroundings spread over 23 acres, relax by an evening campfire, meditate on the stone patio, or even take a walk inside a beautiful natural cave.
A small cabin is situated adjacent to the stone patio for overnight stays at “Nirvana”, and meals are provided. There is a two-night minimum, but we recommend a longer stay to get the best out of the retreat experience. The cabin sleeps two. If you are coming as a group, we have camping options available: a six-person or a two-person tent. Let us know, and we’ll provide the details.
At “Nirvana”, we believe in the principles of generosity and inclusivity. Therefore, the retreat program is offered on a donation basis. We invite you to contribute whatever amount aligns with your heart, ensuring that this profound experience is accessible to all who seek it. We do have a work exchange program available for those who would like to help out in exchange for all or part of the donation.
Whether you are taking your first steps into the world of meditation or seeking to deepen an existing practice, our retreat provides a nurturing and supportive environment for your journey. Join us and let the transformative power of meditation lead you toward a life of serenity, clarity, and self-discovery.
For more information, please fill out the contact form at the end of this page.
Two-Day Introductory Meditation Retreat
Are you new to meditation? Not sure if you’ve gotten off to a good start with your meditation practice? This retreat might be just the guidance you’re looking for. During this two-day retreat, you’ll receive an introduction to meditation, learning about its essence and potential benefits. Following that, we’ll dive into various methods developed by Nirvana to aid your inward journey.
Ample free time is included in the schedule for you to practice mindfulness while sitting quietly in your room (or tent), on the stone patio, or wherever your spirit leads you. We have a collection of books on spiritual wisdom, philosophy, meditation, and various other topics for your perusal.
The retreat includes meals, tea/coffee breaks, and lodging in the cabin (or tent). The schedule for a two-day introductory meditation retreat (donation basis) is as follows: All times are in central time.
Friday afternoon:
2:00 to 4:00 Arrival
4:00 to 4:30 Orientation to the retreat
4:30 to 5:30 Nirvana’s evening talk
7:00 to 8:00 Light supper
8:00 to 9:00 Introduction to meditation
9:30 to 11:00 Personal time
11:00 to 5:00 Sleep
Saturday:
5:00 to 5:45 Wake up, make your bed, freshen up, coffee/tea, ready for the day
5:45 to 6:45 Morning active meditation (Tandava or Dance of Life Meditation)
7:00 to 8:00. Morning talk with Nirvana
8:00 to 8:30 Breakfast
8:30 to 9:30 Group meditation (exploring different methods)
9:30 to 10:30 Group discussion (question and answer session)
10:30 to 11:30 Guided meditation
11:30 to 1:00 Personal time (in silence)
1:00 to 2:00 Lunch
2:00 to 4:00 Structured activity (yoga, mindfulness walk, hike, etc)
4:00 to 4:30 Tea
4:30 to 5:15 Personal time
5:30 to 6:30 Evening talk with Nirvana
6:30 to 7:00 Personal time
7:00 to 7:30 Light supper
7:30 to 8:30 Evening group meditation
8:30 to 9:30 Individual meditation
9:30 to 11:00 Personal time
11:00 to 5:00 Sleep
Sunday:
5:00 to 5:45 Wake up, make your bed, freshen up, coffee/tea, Ready for the day.
5:45 to 6:45 Morning active meditation (Tandava or Dance of Life Meditation)
7:00 to 8:00 Morning talk with Nirvana
8:00 to 8:30 Breakfast
8:30 to 10:30 Group meditation (exploring different methods)
10:30 to 12:30 Group meditation and questions
1:00 Lunch
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Note: If the weekend isn’t feasible for you, let us know and we can work with you on the schedule.
Two-Day Silent Meditation Retreat
Participants are expected to remain silent except during the group question and answer sessions each day.
This retreat is for those who want to experience something they’ve never experienced before. There’s nothing like an entire day without conversation; it brings out the realization of just how noisy the mind is.
Includes meals, tea/coffee breaks, and lodging in the cabin (or tent). The schedule for a two-day silent meditation retreat is as follows:
Friday afternoon:
2:00 to 4:00 Arrival
4:00 to 4:30 Orientation to the retreat
4:30 to 5:30 Evening talk with Nirvana
7:00 Light supper
8:00 to 9:00 Meditation
9:30 to 11:00 Personal silent time
11:00 Sleep
Saturday:
5:00 to 5:45 Wake up, make your bed, freshen up, coffee/tea, ready for the day.
5:45 to 6:45 Morning active meditation (Tandava or Dance of Life Meditation)
7:00 to 8:00 Morning talk with Nirvana
8:00 to 8:30 Breakfast
8:30 to 9:30 Group meditation (Exploring different methods)
9:30 to 10:30 Group discussion (question and answer session – participants allowed to speak)
10:30 to 12:00 Guided meditation
11:30 to 1:00 Personal Silent Time
1:00 to 2:00 Lunch
2:00 to 3:00 Structured activity (yoga, mindfulness walk, hike, etc)
3:00 to 3:15 Tea
3:15 to 5:15 Practice techniques (individually)
5:30 to 6:30 Evening talk with Nirvana
6:30 to 7:00 Personal Silent Time
7:00 to 7:30 Light supper
7:30 to 8:30 Evening group meditation
8:30 to 9:30 Individual meditation
9:30 to 11:00 Personal Silent Time
11:00 Sleep
Sunday:
5:00 to 5:45 Wake up, make your bed, freshen up, coffee/tea, ready for the day.
5:45 to 6:45 Morning active meditation (Tandava or Dance of Life Meditation)
7:00 to 8:00 Morning talk with Nirvana
8:00 to 8:30 Breakfast
8:30 to 10:30 Group meditation (Exploring different methods)
10:30 to 12:30 Group meditation and questions (participants allowed to speak)
1:00 Lunch
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Week-Long Intense Meditation Retreat – Donation Basis
This retreat is for those who want to get away from their routine for a week and learn how to incorporate meditation and mindfulness into their lives. We will explore many different methods of meditation so you can choose ones that resonate with you and your lifestyle. In addition to lots of meditation, we will take a field trip or two to nearby Black Mountain or Cumberland Mountain State Park for a short hike, or hit one of the nearby trails that are maintained by the state park system.
Includes meals, tea/coffee breaks, and lodging in the cabin (or tent). The schedule for a week-long intense meditation retreat (donation basis) is as follows:
First day (check-in day)
2:00 to 4:00 Arrival
4:30 Orientation to the retreat
5:30 Evening talk with Nirvana
7:00 Light supper
8:00 to 9:00 Meditation
9:30 to 11:00 Personal time
11:00 Sleep
Days 2-6
5:00 to 5:45 Wake up, make your bed, freshen up, coffee/tea, ready for the day.
5:45 to 6:45 Morning active meditation (Tandava or Dance of Life Meditation)
7:00 to 8:00 Morning talk with Nirvana
8:00 to 8:30 Breakfast
8:30 to 9:30 Group meditation (exploring different methods)
9:30 to 10:30 Group discussion (question and answer session)
10:30 to 11:30 Meditation (guided or personal)
11:30 to 1:00 Personal time (in silence)
1:00 to 2:00 Lunch
2:00 to 4:00 Structured Activity (yoga, hike, etc)
4:00 to 4:15 Tea
4:15 to 5:30 Personal time
5:30 to 6:30 Evening talk with Nirvana
6:30 to 7:00 Personal time
7:00 to 7:30 Light supper
7:30 to 8:30 Evening group meditation
8:30 to 9:30 Individual meditation
9:30 to 11:00 Personal time
11:00 to 5:00 Sleep
Day 7 (check-out)
5:00 to 5:45 Wake up, make your bed, freshen up, coffee/tea, ready for the day.
5:45 to 6:45 Morning active meditation (Tandava or Dance of Life Meditation)
7:00 to 8:00 Morning talk with Nirvana
8:00 to 9:00 Breakfast
9:00 to 11:00 Group meditation (exploring different methods)
11:00 to 1:00 Guided Meditation and questions
1:00 Lunch
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Week-Long Intense Meditation Retreat – Work Exchange Basis
If you want to get away from your routine for a week to learn how to meditate or improve your practice, and would also like to help out at the retreat, here’s a schedule that balances work and meditation. Personal time is included for you to practice new methods of meditation, read, sit in nature, or just relax.
Includes meals, tea/coffee breaks, and lodging in the cabin (or tent). The schedule for a week-long intense meditation retreat (work exchange basis) is as follows:
First day (check-in day)
2:00 to 4:00 Arrival
4:00 to 4:30 Orientation to the retreat
5:30 to 6:30 Evening talk with Nirvana
7:00 t0 8:00 Light supper
8:00 to 9:00 Meditation
9:30 to 11:00 Personal time
11:00 Sleep
Days 2-6
5:00 to 5:45 Wake up, make your bed, freshen up, coffee/tea, ready for the day.
5:45 to 6:45 Morning active meditation (Tandava or Dance of Life Meditation)
7:00 to 8:00 Morning talk with Nirvana
8:00 to 8:30 Breakfast
8:30 to 9:30 Group meditation (exploring different methods)
9:30 to 10:30 Group discussion (question and answer session)
10:30 to 11:30 Meditation (guided or personal)
11:30 to 1:00 Personal time (in silence)
1:00 to 2:00 Lunch
2:00 to 4:00 Structured Activity (yoga, hike, etc)
4:00 to 4:15 Tea
4:15 to 5:30 Personal time
5:30 to 6:30 Evening talk with Nirvana
6:30 to 7:00 Personal time
7:00 to 7:30 Light supper
7:30 to 8:30 Evening group meditation
8:30 to 9:30 Individual meditation
9:30 to 11:00 Personal time
11:00 to 5:00 Sleep
Day 7 (check-out)
5:00 to 5:45 Wake up, make your bed, freshen up, coffee/tea, ready for the day.
5:45 to 6:45 Morning active meditation (Tandava or Dance of Life Meditation)
7:00 to 8:00 Morning talk with Nirvana
8:00 to 9:00 Breakfast
9:00 to 11:00 Group meditation (exploring different methods)
11:00 to 1:00 Guided Meditation and questions
1:00 Lunch
Check Out
21-day Intense Meditation Retreat
The 21-day retreat is for those individuals who wish to experience the life of an intense seeker. Daily activities are structured, and mindfulness is encouraged in all activities. To be able to attend the 21-day retreat you must have completed the 7-day retreat prior.
Includes meals, tea/coffee breaks, and lodging in the cabin. The schedule for a 21-day intense meditation retreat is as follows:
First day (check-in day)
2:00 to 4:00 Arrival
4:30 to 5:00 Orientation to the retreat
5:30 to 6:30 Evening talk with Nirvana
7:00 to 8:00 Light supper
8:00 to 9:00 Group meditation
9:30 to 11:00 Personal time
11:00 Sleep
Days 2-20
5:00 to 5:45 Wake up, make your bed, freshen up, coffee/tea, ready for the day.
5:45 to 6:45 Morning meditation (Tandava or Dance of Life Meditation)
7:00 to 8:00 Morning talk with Nirvana
8:00 to 8:30 Breakfast
8:30 to 9:30 Group meditation
9:30 to 12:30 Work (Kriya)
1:00 to 2:00 Lunch
2:00 to 4:00 Work (Kriya)
4:00 to 4:15 Tea
4:15 to 5:15 Work (Kriya)
5:30 to 6:30 Evening talk with Nirvana
6:30 to 7:00 Personal time
7:00 to 7:30 Light supper
7:30 to 8:30 Evening group meditation
8:30 to 9:30 Individual meditation
9:30 to 11:00 Personal time
11:00 Sleep
Day 21 – Check Out Day
5:00 to 5:45 Wake up, make your bed, freshen up, coffee/tea, ready for the day.
5:45 to 6:45 Morning active meditation (Tandava or Dance of Life Meditation)
7:00 to 8:00 Morning talk with Nirvana
8:00 to 9:00 Breakfast
9:00 to 11:00 Group meditation (Exploring different methods)
11:00 to 1:00 Question and answer discussion
1:00 Lunch
Check Out
Projects for work exchange participants
Book Editing: Nirvana’s talks are recorded, transcribed, and edited for publication into books using editing software. The transcriptions undergo thorough grammar and correctness checks to ensure clarity and coherence. Once edited, a book cover is created and everything is formatted for publication on Amazon.
Preparing Videos for Transcription: Videos of Nirvana’s enlightening talks are uploaded to iMovie, where the audio is extracted and separated for transcription purposes. The audio files are then uploaded to the drive for processing. Once transcribed, the text is ready for compilation into books.
Creating YouTube Videos: Selecting compelling segments from Nirvana’s talks, we utilize iMovie to edit and refine the videos for uploading to YouTube. Our schedule involves releasing a new video every other day to share the wisdom and teachings with a wider audience.
Meditation Center Construction: Our meditation center is currently undergoing construction, with ongoing projects including electrical wiring, plumbing, and ceiling installation. While construction knowledge is beneficial, volunteers eager to lend a hand are always welcomed and appreciated.
Outdoor Maintenance: This encompasses a range of tasks around the meditation retreat, such as mowing, planting, trimming, raking, weeding, and other outdoor activities aimed at creating and maintaining the serene ambiance of our surroundings.
Domestic Chores: Essential tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and other routine chores ensure the smooth functioning and upkeep of our retreat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of meditation will be practiced at the retreat?
At our retreat, you will explore a variety of meditation techniques, including (but not limited to) breath observation, mirror meditation, dancing meditation, and nature meditation.
Are there specific programs for beginners or those experienced in meditation?
We offer customized programs to fit your meditation experience, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned practitioner. Our two-day program is ideal for beginners and can be adapted for more advanced learners.
What is the daily schedule like during the retreat?
You can find detailed daily schedules for each retreat type on our ‘Retreat’ page on the website.
What kind of accommodations are provided? Are there options for private rooms?
Our accommodations include a one-room cabin with two twin beds and linens. If the cabin is unavailable, camping options are also available. Guests may bring their tent or use one of ours, which range from two-person to six-person capacities. Linens are provided if you do not have a sleeping bag.
What meals are included, and can the retreat accommodate dietary restrictions?
The retreat provides three daily meals and coffee/tea each morning and afternoon. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions so we can accommodate your needs.
What should I bring with me to the retreat?
Please pack loose-fitting, comfortable clothing, shoes, toiletries, a bath towel, washcloth, sun hat, flashlight, reusable water bottle, yoga mat (optional), and insect repellent. We recommend to include long pants and a long-sleeved shirt for your comfort.
Is there a recommended length of stay for first-time visitors?
We recommend a minimum two-night stay to fully immerse yourself in the retreat experience.
Are there any silent periods or days during the retreat?
Each retreat includes designated periods of silence to deepen your practice. We also offer fully silent retreats, punctuated only by daily sessions for questions and discussions.
What are the qualifications of the meditation instructors?
Our teacher, Nirvana, is an enlightened individual who guides our spiritual practices. He is supported by his experienced students who assist with the physical aspects of meditation.
Can you describe the natural setting and facilities at the retreat?
Nirvana Meditation Retreat is nestled on 23 acres on the Cumberland Plateau, featuring woodlands, a creek, a pond, and a natural cave. Our meditation center is currently under development, with shared restroom and kitchen facilities located in the main house.
Is there Wi-Fi access at the retreat?
We do not provide Wi-Fi to encourage a fully immersive experience. However, you can access Wi-Fi in the main house for emergency use.
What are the check-in and check-out times?
Check-in is flexible, usually between 2-4 pm Central Time, and check-out is after lunch on your last day, around 2 pm.
How do I get to Nirvana Meditation Retreat from the nearest airport?
The closest airport is Knoxville’s McGee Tyson Airport, an hour away. Nashville International Airport is about 1-3/4 hours away. Both are easily accessible via Interstate 40.
Are there any additional activities offered?
Depending on your retreat, we may go on field trips to local natural attractions such as Ozone Falls, nearby Black Mountain, and Cumberland Mountain State Park, in addition to the state-maintained walking trails in the area.
What is the cancellation policy?
You may cancel up to the day before your scheduled retreat.
Is it possible to attend the retreat as a day visitor?
We do not currently offer day visitor programs but plan to introduce them once our center is complete.
Are there any specific practices or rituals that will be part of the retreat?
Our retreat focuses on meditation and does not incorporate specific practices or rituals. Alcohol, drugs, smoking, and vaping are not permitted.
What are the costs involved and what do they cover?
Our retreats are donation-based, allowing you to contribute as you feel led. Your generosity helps us expand our facilities and share our teachings more broadly.
Are there any group discounts or scholarships available?
While we do not offer group discounts, our work exchange program allows you to participate in a 7-day or 21-day retreat in exchange for six hours of work per day.
How do I prepare mentally and physically for the retreat?
The purpose of the retreat is to get you away from your normal routine. To prepare for this, tell your family and friends that you will not be available for the duration of the retreat (except in an emergency), and prepare yourself to avoid your cell phone, social media, television, and the Internet. Meditation is an inward journey to silence, so the more silent you can make your external surroundings, the more profound your journey will be. Unless you are participating in the work exchange program, there is nothing physically demanding at the retreat.
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