2026 Spring Retreat in Damascus, Oregon
Date: May 9-13, 2026
In-person retreat in our new meditation hall
Join us for a four-day spring retreat devoted to the living tradition of Kashmir Shaivism as revealed by Swami Lakshmanjoo. Held in the days following May 9th, the birthday of our beloved Gurudev, this gathering takes place on a quiet hilltop outside of Portland, overlooking the valley below in our brand new meditation hall. As the light shifts through the day and sunsets mark the evenings, we come together in a setting that naturally supports contemplation, study, and shared practice.
This retreat marks our first time coming together at our home as a group since 2020. In recent years we have met online or gathered at destination retreats, making this return to a shared physical space especially meaningful. We will spend our days studying, practicing, listening to Swamiji’s teachings, and being in community, held by a simple daily rhythm and a quiet setting that supports going inward together.
This retreat is open to all sincere seekers. No prior knowledge of Kashmir Shaivism is required.
Details
Date: May 9-13
Length: 5 days
Location: Damascus, Oregon
Group size: Up to 25
Accommodation: Air BNB or Hotel nearby
Tuition: $1250
Paid in two installments:
1. Pay $500 non-refundable deposit to reserve your space.
2. March 19th - $750 paid via Zelle (310-837-0402) or Check OR $780 paid via Credit Card or Paypal.
Register NOW! Space is limited and will be reserved in the order registrations are received.
Secure your spot for the retreat by registering here! Once signed up, you'll receive an email with instructions to complete your down payment, sign the release waiver, and provide your background information. We can't wait to have you join us!
Why Join the Retreat?
Before leaving this world, Swami Lakshmanjoo expressed a heartfelt wish that a small group of sincere spiritual aspirants continue to gather regularly to study his teachings. For more than three decades, this living stream of oral transmission has been carried forward—first through in-person study, and later through online gatherings reaching students worldwide.
This four-day spring retreat continues that tradition in person.
Drawing from the oral tradition of Kashmir Shaivism as revealed by Swami Lakshmanjoo, we will study several important texts central to the philosophy and lived practice of this great tradition. Teachings will be accompanied by in-depth discussion and generous time for questions, allowing the teachings to move beyond intellectual understanding and into daily life.
Course Leaders:
Discussions and teachings will be led by:
- John Hughes
- Denise Hughes
- George Barselaar
All are long-term devotees who studied directly with Swami Lakshmanjoo and have carried forward this tradition of study for many years.
Shanna Hughes will lead the gentle yoga classes and meditations.
Claudia Dose supports the retreat behind the scenes.
Your Retreat Experience Includes:
- Daily Meditation & Yoga – Awaken with breath, movement, and presence
- Teachings & Text Study – Explore Kashmir Shaivism’s non-dual wisdom as revealed by Swami Lakshmanjoo
- Devotional Practice – Participate in Puja, Vijnana Bhairava meditation & group reflections
- Time for Silence & Reflection – Deepen your connection within
- Celebration of Swamiji’s Solar Birthday – A sacred gathering in his honor
- Exquisite Vegetarian Cuisine – Two wholesome meals, tea, and snacks daily
take out!!! Accommodations & Pricing
Hotel and other information
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Retreat Price: $1250
(Details about lodging, meals, and additional logistics will be shared upon registration.)
📅 Includes: The full retreat experience, all teachings, and offerings, plus Tea, Snacks, Lunch and a light dinner.
A Glimpse of Your Daily Rhythm
Each day begins at 8:00 am and includes:
- Morning Meditation & Light Breakfast
- Gentle yoga
- Group Meditation & Puja (Recitation of Sanskrit verses specially selected for worship (puja) by Swamiji)
- Tea Break
- Text Study & Discussion (Kashmir Shaivism as revealed by Swami Lakshmanjoo)
- Silent Lunch & Rest
- Stories of Swamiji’s Life
- Afternoon Text Study & Meditation Practices
- Evening Meditation
- Light Dinner
Teaching sessions, discussion, and inquiry unfold throughout the day in a quiet, contemplative rhythm that supports sustained attention and reflection.
This retreat is an opportunity to reconnect with yourself, deepen your spiritual understanding, and celebrate the teachings of Kashmir Shaivism in a setting of calm and natural beauty.
Space is limited—reserve your spot today!
Register NOW! Space is limited and will be reserved in the order registrations are received.
Secure your spot for the retreat by registering here! Once signed up, you'll receive an email with instructions to complete your down payment, sign the release waiver, and provide your background information. We can't wait to have you join us!
Feedback from past participants
The absolute joy of having this sangha in my life. Being with everyone was inspiring. I know without a shred of doubt that I have landed on the right path: Swami Lakshmanjoo, Kashmir Shaivism ~Nan Goldstein
Being there in person is always special; all the learning, small conversations with others, getting to know new participants, as well as reconnecting with our old friends. The learning from the sacred text is always a treat, even though much of it isn't fully absorbed. But I love hearing it, and it's one of my favorites of all the retreats. Hearing from John, Denise, and George, as well as Shanna and Claudia, along with others' questions or comments, is such an enjoyable part of it all. Just a great event, and so glad we have this opportunity. ~ Bruce Catalano
Feeling your devotion to Kashmir Shaivism and experiencing first-hand teachings by Swami Lakshmanjoo ~Willem van Poelje
