Blue Sky Mind Meditation Retreat
discover an authentic inner calm and bliss
13 - 16 May • 4-7 November • Margaret River
daily meditation & yoga • sacred satsangs • sunset agni hotra • havan vedic fire ceremony • beach and forest walks and meditation • learn yogic meditation techniques & philosophy • evening yoga nidra • stunning venue • amazing food
“The mind can go in a thousand directions, but on this beautiful path, I walk in peace. With each step, the wind blows. With each step, a flower blooms.” Thich Nhat Hanh
4 Day Meditation Retreat to journey through the realms of consciousness, and know the whole self.
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Experience peace, calm and the profound richness of the inner Self during this 4 day meditation retreat in stunning Margaret River 3.5 hours south of Perth.
Delve deep into the higher, quieter and mystical practices of yoga including meditation, pranayama, mindfulness, mantra, philosophy and more to unlock the limitless potential and beauty of the inner self. Includes forest walks; ocean meditations; beautiful, nourishing vegan food; powerful vedic fire rituals, supportive satsangs and opportunities to speak and share, time to relax deeply and reconnect with nature. All of this in a luxury venue in Margaret River, one of WA's most stunning destinations with spectacular Karri forests and beautiful, wild beaches. |
2023 datesclick date to book
* if a retreat is fully booked you will have the option of being added to a waitlist. |
every now and then we need to pause. On retreat we distance ourselves from the busyness and noise of our lives to rediscover the beauty, potential and power of the inner self.
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highlights
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Surrender to the pace of your body. Sometimes choices are better made by the body than by the mind. When we listen to the body it is telling us to slow down, relax, to live the life you really want to live.
silence, satsang, meditation
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You are invited to join Mandy and Robert in our beautiful retreat space nestled amongst the Karri trees of Margaret River. The Blue Sky Mind Silent Retreat is an immersive program with a focus on yogic meditation, mantra, mindfulness and pranayama. You'll experience guided practices which we build on over the course of the retreat leading to a day of silence where the focus is on turning the attention inwards without distraction to deeply experience the wonder and mystery of the inner radiant self.
While maintaining silence may be a challenge for some, it is profoundly affirming and empowering to look within to really see, know and bring in to the light buried and dormant aspects of self. There is the opportunity to define yourself, your emotions, beliefs, priorities from within, rather than according to the definitions which come about through relationship with others and the world. Along the way you will discover much about your own mind, the truth about your limitations, how to develop and harness an inner reservoir of energy and wisdom which you can utilise for self-knowledge, healing or in your creative personal and professional endeavours. Also included are nourishing activities which cultivate lightness and wellbeing in the body and mind including hatha yoga, ocean and forest walks and meditations, agni hotra, havan vedic fire ceremony and plentiful, delicious vegan food to nourish the whole self. This is a holistic, revitalising, restorative and truly transformative weekend. Daily facilitated satsangs and sharing circles are an opportunity to share your thoughts, questions and insights mindfully - either by vocalising your comments or by writing them down. Samyama is the practice and experience of the higher limbs of yoga: dharana, dhyana and samadhi (steadiness of mind, sustained concentration and the resulting peace) merged together resulting in powerfully insightful meditation where we come to 'know' the true nature of that which we meditate upon. We identify and unravel the inner obstacles through self-enquiry and satsang, gaining the space and clarity to discern the higher truths and awaken to the usually inaccessible stages and states of spiritual consciousness (samadhi). The result...understanding, awareness, acceptance, peace, bliss, purpose. We also delve into the history and underlying philosophies of yoga which arose from the great traditions and texts of yoga including the Upanishads and the Yoga Sutras. Facilitated by Robert & Mandy - knowledgeable and caring teachers who have practiced and taught yoga and meditation most of their lives, after years of guidance from their own teachers in the traditional ashrams and centres of India.They have decades' experience facilitating yoga retreats, supporting participants to make the most of the retreat to emerge revitalised, radiant, with insights and a renewed sense of purpose. If you are already a yoga practitioner and/or yoga teacher this is a profound opportunity to deepen your knowledge of yoga and its underlying philosophies, and to experience the beauty and gifts of the subtler, less commonly taught practices of Yoga. The program is eligible for 30 points of Yoga Australia CPD hours and Yoga Alliance CE hours required to maintain your registration. If you are new to yoga or meditation this is the perfect place to learn and launch a meaningful, personalised and deep practice of yoga which can help you transform your mind, and transform your life. |
Fully inclusive price from $1390. Payment plans available.
$100 earlybird discount - book and pay 14 September for November retreat.
Program
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Saturday
2pm Arrive and Tea 4pm Welcome Circle 5pm Hatha Yoga 6pm Meditation & Pranayama 6.30pm Agni Hotra 7pm Dinner. 8pm Yoga Nidra & Yogic Healing 9pm Rest. Sunday 6am Wake 6.30am Meditation 7.30am Hatha Yoga 8.30am Chanting 9am Breakfast 10am Forest Walk & Meditation 12.30pm Satsang 2pm Lunch 3pm Rest 5pm Dharma Talk 5.30pm Yoga, Meditation, Pranayama 6.30pm Agni Hotra 7pm Dinner 8.20pm Yoga Nidra 9pm Rest. Silence until 9am Tuesday. |
Monday
6am Wake 6.30am Meditation 7.30am Hatha Yoga 8.30am Chanting 9am Breakfast 10am Ocean Walk & Meditation 12.30pm Satsang, Sharing Circle 2pm Lunch 3pm Rest 5pm Dharma Talk 5.30pm Yoga, Meditation, Pranayama 6pm Havan Fire Ceremony 7pm Dinner 8.20pm Yoga Nidra 9pm Rest Tuesday 6am Wake 6.30am Meditation 7.30am Hatha Yoga 8.30am Chanting 9am Breakfast 10am Room checkout 10.30am Closing Circle 12pm Lunch 2pm Retreat closes |
“Absorbed in this world, you’ve made it your burden. Rise above this world. There is another vision.
All your life you’ve paid attention to your experiences, but never to your Self. Are you searching for your Soul?
Then come out of your prison. Leave the stream and join the river that flows into the Ocean.
It will not lead you astray. Let the beauty you seek be what you do.” Rumi
All your life you’ve paid attention to your experiences, but never to your Self. Are you searching for your Soul?
Then come out of your prison. Leave the stream and join the river that flows into the Ocean.
It will not lead you astray. Let the beauty you seek be what you do.” Rumi
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blue sky mind
The sky over the ocean at Margaret River is vast, wild, changeable and expansive. Our minds are like this and meditation is like observing the sky, noticing the weather, the fleeting rain, clouds and the clarity beyond. Once the clouds pass (which they do) we notice the inner beauty, creative and expansive nature of our own minds. Meditation is amazing - we literally peel away the layers of illusion to reveal the majesty and beauty, the creativity and insight of the true self. In all our seeking, striving and all our doing, we forget that perfect knowledge and insight are cultivated through being still, becoming quiet, and are found within. Even yoga is something we 'do', yet is also the state we desire to attain. It is through immersive meditation that the meditator becomes the meditation, the dancer become the dance, the subtle form of that which we meditate upon is revealed to us. This knowledge of the inner self quite literally transforms our experience of life. During this retreat you will be educated and guided in the meditation traditions of yoga. You'll learn about mantras, yantras, mudras, bhavanas, bandhas, pranayama, puja, and chanting. You'll be guided to practice effectively and to build your own meaningful and sustainable meditation practice to continue after the retreat. Meditation can then become a steadying calming and uplifting support for your life. While the lower limbs of yoga (asana, pranayama) work to purify the body, prana and the senses, the higher, quieter meditational practices purify the mind, thoughts and emotions, leading to a state of pure peace. To be in samadhi is to be in a state where you have perfect control over the mind. In this state, the ideas and beliefs we think are true are revealed as illusory, fleeting and disproportionately important. This process of shedding illusion eventually reveals the divine self - and this first glimpse, our first experience of samadhi, even if it is momentary, can be electrifying and life-changing. It is through diligence and continuing practice that we integrate insights in a meaningful and authentic way. |
About the program
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The venueGilgara is nestled on a hillside near the corner of Caves Rd and Carters Rd, just 10 minutes by car from Margaret River town, Gracetown and Prevelly beaches. The homestead and surrounds are very quiet and peaceful. This is a beautiful, pristine and vital environment which supports, replenishes and holds you during your retreat.
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The healing power of natureLiving closely to nature brings us into harmony with both the external environment and our inner nature, enabling an intuitive understanding of what is needed to rebalance and bring healing to the body, mind and soul. On this retreat we meditate within and upon nature, including the sun, the moon and the trees.
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Hatha YogaKookaburra Yoga's integrated system of Hatha and Raja Yoga is holistic and beneficial on every level of being. Asanas are of 2 types (both rejuventative/uplifting and restorative/calming) imbued with 4 qualities: those which bring inner quiet; those which bring focus and body awareness; those which bring humility and detachment; and those which increase confidence and vitality.
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Daily RhythmWe establish a rhythm and routine which bring immediate calmness to the body, mind and soul. The schedule for your days and evenings is taken care of, allowing you to relax deeply, immersing yourself in the program and the retreat process. You'll fall asleep to the sounds of the forest.
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Switch off and reconnectWe unplug from technology, computers, phones, devices and social media and maintain silence for much of the retreat. With our focus consciously tuned to experience the present moment, the natural world and our own inner nature we are able to begin the recovery and reintegration of our fragmented attention.
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Delve deep into the mysticalYour retreat facilitators have practiced yogic meditation for decades, and have accumulated a vast amount of knowledge of yoga. They are adept at guiding participants through meditation experiences, and framing and contextualising the experiences within the great works of the yogic and vedic traditions.
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Mastering your mindDuring our techniques masterclasses we provide indepth detail on the meditation practices taught and shared. We encourage you to bring a journal to record information shared and personal experiences. You'll have guided experience of subtle and esoteric yogic practice to learn to personalise and incorporate the mantras, pranayama, mudras, meditation techniques into your own daily life.
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Rest, write, read & reflectMany people come to a retreat for rest and respite. We have allowed time in the program for the rest you need and reflection. Our wide verandahs overlooking the creek and forest with comfortable chairs and hammocks are the perfect place to read, write or reflect.
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AccommodationThere are two accommodation options onsite which include twin share or single rooms with ensuite bathrooms in the homestead. There are also luxurious garden split level, loft style apartments with a spa, king bed, lounge area and kitchenette. We also offsite accommodation staying in gorgeous tranquil two bedroom cottages at Bussells Bushland Cottages for a retreat within the retreat!
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Sattvic FoodFood on this retreat is sattvic - meaning it brings peace and enhances the wellbeing of the body, mind and spirit. All food is plant-based, predominantly organic using local, fresh, seasonal produce. Cuisine is vegan and gluten-free, and is sustainable, pure and real - supporting your body to detox, cleanse and heal.
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About the facilitators
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Mandy BeckerKnox
Mandy has decades of experience teaching the subtle, powerful and transformational methods of yoga with a particular focus on meditation. She is co-director of Kookaburra Yoga with Robert, and the founder of the Hatha Yoga Method teacher training and yogic education programs. Her knowledge and insights have been inspired through devotion, consistent practice, higher education in yoga, Ayurveda, the arts, and integration of yogic values and concepts into everyday family and professional life. Mandy makes traditional, spiritual yoga practical, relevant and accessible.
Robert Becker
Robert has taught yoga and inspired many students over almost 4 decades here in Australia, and also India, Africa and Europe. Robert is committed to sharing and passing forward the insights and knowledge he has acquired from his Guru and spiritual teachers. Robert has a Masters in Clinical Social Work, having worked in the field for many years, and is a professional and skilful group facilitator, counsellor and spiritual guide.
Mandy has decades of experience teaching the subtle, powerful and transformational methods of yoga with a particular focus on meditation. She is co-director of Kookaburra Yoga with Robert, and the founder of the Hatha Yoga Method teacher training and yogic education programs. Her knowledge and insights have been inspired through devotion, consistent practice, higher education in yoga, Ayurveda, the arts, and integration of yogic values and concepts into everyday family and professional life. Mandy makes traditional, spiritual yoga practical, relevant and accessible.
Robert Becker
Robert has taught yoga and inspired many students over almost 4 decades here in Australia, and also India, Africa and Europe. Robert is committed to sharing and passing forward the insights and knowledge he has acquired from his Guru and spiritual teachers. Robert has a Masters in Clinical Social Work, having worked in the field for many years, and is a professional and skilful group facilitator, counsellor and spiritual guide.
Accommodation options
We have 5 twin share or single rooms in the homestead and 8 luxury garden apartments onsite at Gilgara, our main venue. Offsite accommodation is less than 5 minutes away (by car) in 4 gorgeous rammed earth 2 bedroom cottages at Bussells Bushland Cottages.
Luxury apartment, Gilgara
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Homestead - twin share rooms Gilgara
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Rammed earth cottages, Bussells
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Cost & Booking
- Click 'Book Now' button to book and confirm your place.
- A non refundable $400 pp deposit is required when booking.
- The price is all inclusive and is based on the accommodation option you choose.
- There is a $100 early bird discount if booked and paid in full by dates below.
- 4 month payment plans are available. This incurs an additional $100 fee.
Accommodation Options
Gilgara Homestead (onsite)
- $1390 twin share room (1 person, single bed)
- $1890 single room (1 person, king size bed)
- $1290 twin share room (1 person, single bed)
- $1790 single room (queen size bed or single bed)
- $2190 single luxury apartment onsite (1 person, king size bed)
- $3890 couple - luxury apartment onsite (2 people, king size bed. No option for twin beds)
- March Retreat - book & pay by 14 February
- October Retreat - book & pay by 14 August
- if you require a payment plan, please book, pay your deposit and let us know on the booking form you would like to take up this option which incurs an additional $100 fee.
what people say
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The four day Yoga retreat was the most peaceful, insightful and healing experience I've ever had. The shared accommodation was comfortable and vegetarian meals were absolutely fabulous; home made exquisitely prepared cousins. The days were fully scheduled with yoga, meditation, bush walks, healing fire ceremonies and many more soul nurturing activities. Mandy and Robert are remarkably skilled in all aspects of Yoga and share their knowledge with love and attentiveness. I am very grateful for such a wonderful retreat, set in a beautiful pocket of green bush environment."
Debbie
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Sincere heartfelt gratitude to Mandy, Robert, and your beautiful family and friends for such a blissful weekend; words don't seem to do it justice. The Retreat was precisely what I needed at precisely the right moment. And the food was mouth-wateringly delicious each and every love-filled meal! I would highly recommend this to anyone seeking to soothe the soul, tune in to nature, self, and a joyful community that feels like home...
Charley
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It is very rare to find such authenticity and purity in teachers such as Mandy & Robert. I am so grateful to have been taught by them not only in the practice of yoga but all the other elements that make a yogi. Thank you for offerings your lives to this teaching and helping to heal this world.
Claire
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I thought the retreat was just simply beautiful and inspiring. I was inspired by the food which you made. My journey over my stay was extremely nourishing and I felt so safe and secure.Thank you both for your warm generosity and for being so inspiring and sharing the beautiful practices. As I have said before when I am going to spend a day at Kookaburra I always feel as if I am coming home to a safe and beautiful space.
Jo-ann
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The yoga meditation weekend was supreme. Mandy and Robert have so much knowledge and understanding of yogic philosophy and they are so willing to share with kindness, understanding and completely without judgement. The entire staff and other participants were so lovely and fun, the bush setting and facilities 5 star, and the food was out of this world. I could live there and be happy forever I feel sure. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity.
Karen
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Really enjoy the retreats here, can't wait to attend several again next year as well. Whether a beginner or experienced teacher, highly recommend Kookaburra Yoga Retreat if you value the following:
In depth training and years of authentic experience from yoga teachers, truth, tradition, authenticity, nature, Ayurveda food and beautiful people!
In depth training and years of authentic experience from yoga teachers, truth, tradition, authenticity, nature, Ayurveda food and beautiful people!
Hayley
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Such a beautiful and sacred place with teachers who not only have huge depth of knowledge but also clearly embody their teachings. I feel incredibly grateful to have discovered this place of peace, tranquility and joy in Perth. So much gratitude.
Heather
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Facts & Questions
Why choose Kookaburra Yoga for your retreat?
- Established, reputable business. Kookaburra Creek Yoga Centre is directed by experienced teachers Robert Becker and Mandy BeckerKnox in Perth, Australia. Kookaburra Creek Yoga is well established having been operating for twenty years.
- Retreat management experience. Kookaburra Yoga have offered professionally organised and facilitated international retreats for over ten years. Each retreat is carefully planned to ensure the safety and comfort of participants.
- Health & Safety. Our venue is maintained to a high standard to support the health and wellbeing of participants. We take every precaution to ensure the hygiene and health of participants.
- Quality food. Food is an integral part of our retreats and menus and ingredients are planned and considered to ensure they are nourishing, health-promoting and conducive to yoga and meditation.
- High quality program. Directors Mandy and Robert facilitate all Kookaburra Yoga Retreats. They are both exceptional yoga and meditation instructors with decades of continuing education, self-enquiry and practical teaching experience. They have literally taught thousands of people yoga and to meditate and how to effectively apply the knowledge gained to enhance and transform lives.
- Professional leadership. Both Robert and Mandy have worked professionally in high-level leadership positions in government and the not-for-profit sector and are leaders and skilful group facilitators able to guide individuals and groups safely through peak experiences and the transformational change which often occurs on retreat.
- Value for money. Retreats are fully inclusive with everything included in the cost. There are no additional costs and there are no items or services offered for sale during the retreat.
- Socially responsible. We care for people and the planet. All our retreats cause as little harm as possible. We are an entirely vegetarian venue.
- Personal development. Kookaburra Retreats are a wonderful opportunity for personal and professional development. You'll be gently guided to explore limitations and obstacles to achieving your potential and become equipped with the tools, techniques and practical wisdom to evolve and grow. Kookaburra Retreats are transformational and potentially life-changing!
Do I need experience in Yoga to attend this retreat?
No, we welcome anyone who is interested in embarking upon a journey of self enquiry and discovery. The yoga and meditation practices on each retreat are carefully explained and taught in a caring and respectful manner. All of the practices taught can be adapted to suit the needs of each participant.
WHAT ARE THE VENUE DETAILS?
- This retreat is to be held at Gilgara Retreat Centre, which is approximately 3 hours from Perth. The address is 3 Old Ellen Brook Rd, Gracetown WA 6285 (accessed from Caved Road, near the Carters Rd intersection)
- Onsite accommodation options are: 5 homestead rooms; 8 single (or double) luxury apartments.
- If you are staying offsite your accommodation is at Bussells Bushland Cottages. The address is 447 Carters Rd, Burnside WA 6285. We have reserved 4 rammed earth cottages accommodating 8 people in single rooms.
- Offsite accommodation options are: 2 bedroom cottages in a bush setting. Either single (or double) rooms or twin share rooms.
CANCELLATION POLICY
- Your deposit of $400 for 1 person or $800 for 2 people is non-refundable if you cancel.
- If you cancel 0-2 weeks before the retreat the full amount of the retreat is payable.
- If you cancel more than 2 weeks before the retreat the full amount minus the non-refundable deposit will be returned to you.
- If the organisers cancel the retreat the whole amount you have paid will be refunded to you.
What if I am not in perfect condition or if I get sick?
- You should be fine to attend if you are in reasonable health. Please check with your own health care provider if you have any concerns or doubts.
- Please do not attend if you have symptoms of respiratory illness.
- We are within close proximity to Margaret River. If you get sick during the retreat, an after hours locum doctor (bulk billed) can be called or you can attend the local health services. The nearest major hospital is in Bunbury (1 hour).
WHAT IS THE RETREAT SIZE?
Maximum Capacity:
- There are 4 twin share/single rooms - 4-8 people
- There are 7 luxury garden studio apartments - 7 people
- There are up to 8 places staying offsite.
what are the payment options?
- $400 deposit when booking to reserve your place
- Online payments only: credit card, paypal or direct deposit
- If you require a 4 month payment plan select this option when booking. An additional $100 will be added for payment plans.
What should I bring?
- clothing for: yoga, bush walking, warmth, waterproof jacket if raining
- sturdy shoes, water/wind proof jacket for bush walking
- shawl and warm clothing for meditation and evenings
- notebook and pen
- reading material
- torch
- toiletries, personal items
Margaret River venue
Blue Sky Mind
Look into the blue sky and go on looking.Do not think about it; do not say it is beautiful. Do not say, "How lovely!" Do not appreciate the color; do not start thinking. If you start thinking, you have stopped. Now your eyes are not moving into the blue, the infinite blue. Just move, just look – do not think. Do not create words; they will become barriers. Not even 'blue sky' should be said. Do not verbalise.
There should be just a pure, innocent look into the blue sky. It never ends. You will go on and on and on and on, and suddenly, because there is no object, just a vacuum, suddenly you will become aware of yourself. Why? Because if there is any vacuum your senses become useless. Senses are only useful if there is an object.
If you are looking at a flower, then you are looking at something – the flower is there. The sky is not there. What do we mean by a sky? That which is not there. Sky means the space. All objects are in the sky, but the sky is not an object. It is just the vacuum, the space in which objects can exist. The sky itself is just pure emptiness. Look into it.
What will happen? In emptiness, there is no object to be grasped by the senses. Because there is no object to be grasped, clung to, senses become futile. And if you are looking into the blue sky without thinking, without thinking, suddenly you will feel that everything has disappeared; there is nothing. In that disappearance you will become aware of yourself. Looking into this emptiness, you will become empty.
If you are looking into the emptiness, there is nothing to be reflected – or only the blue infinite sky. If it is reflected, if you feel the blue infinite sky within, you will become serene, you will find serenity.
In emptiness, how can the mind function? It stops; it disappears. In the disappearance of the mind – the mind that is tense, worried, filled with thoughts that are relevant, irrelevant – in that disappearance of the mind, serenity.
Osho,The Book of Secrets, Talk #23
Look into the blue sky and go on looking.Do not think about it; do not say it is beautiful. Do not say, "How lovely!" Do not appreciate the color; do not start thinking. If you start thinking, you have stopped. Now your eyes are not moving into the blue, the infinite blue. Just move, just look – do not think. Do not create words; they will become barriers. Not even 'blue sky' should be said. Do not verbalise.
There should be just a pure, innocent look into the blue sky. It never ends. You will go on and on and on and on, and suddenly, because there is no object, just a vacuum, suddenly you will become aware of yourself. Why? Because if there is any vacuum your senses become useless. Senses are only useful if there is an object.
If you are looking at a flower, then you are looking at something – the flower is there. The sky is not there. What do we mean by a sky? That which is not there. Sky means the space. All objects are in the sky, but the sky is not an object. It is just the vacuum, the space in which objects can exist. The sky itself is just pure emptiness. Look into it.
What will happen? In emptiness, there is no object to be grasped by the senses. Because there is no object to be grasped, clung to, senses become futile. And if you are looking into the blue sky without thinking, without thinking, suddenly you will feel that everything has disappeared; there is nothing. In that disappearance you will become aware of yourself. Looking into this emptiness, you will become empty.
If you are looking into the emptiness, there is nothing to be reflected – or only the blue infinite sky. If it is reflected, if you feel the blue infinite sky within, you will become serene, you will find serenity.
In emptiness, how can the mind function? It stops; it disappears. In the disappearance of the mind – the mind that is tense, worried, filled with thoughts that are relevant, irrelevant – in that disappearance of the mind, serenity.
Osho,The Book of Secrets, Talk #23
We hope you can join us for this mystical, magical retreat experience.
Kookaburra Yoga RetreatsBeautiful retreats in sacred destinations in WA and around the world. |
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