Last minute info: this retreat has encountered a massive response within the French Sangha, and although the information came out in the beginning of October only, there are already only a few places left… and since there are almost no English speaking registered (two at this point) we won’t be able to organize a systematic translation into English. I had envisioned an international event, and I feel sorry that it will not really be the case. I want to apologize for this. Of course, if you feel that you speak enough French, you are most welcome ( be quick to register!), and we can of course have some one to one in English. With the hope that we will be able to meet in the future, Yours in the dharma, Denis Read more >>
The Silent Caravan . 2nd edition
Walk and meditation in the heart of the desert
February 20 to March 03, 2023
In the immensity of this dense void, our deep nature finds an echo. A time in the heart of ourselves, where silence is presence.
Last minute info: this retreat has encountered a massive response within the French Sangha, and although the information came out in the beginning of October only, there are already only a few places left… and since there are almost no English speaking registered (two at this point) we won’t be able to organize a systematic translation into English. I had envisioned an international event, and I feel sorry that it will not really be the case. I want to apologize for this. Of course, if you feel that you speak enough French, you are most welcome
( be quick to register!), and we can of course have some one to one in English.
22.11.07
The trip is full and the waiting list has already been completed as well.
Many of you were interested in this silent walk in the desert. Dharma Nature is already planning a new edition for this trip. If you want to be the first informed, contact us on desertmeditation@dharmanature.org
The spirit of our journey:
During 9 days, accompanied by camels, we will immerse ourselves in the Moroccan Sahara. We will let ourselves be touched by this desert, a world of breathtaking beauty. The harmonious bareness of the sand dunes that undulate as far as the eye can see will awaken in us the love of simplicity. The desert, through its relentless language, reawakens in us the knowledge of a pure timeless joy. To accompany this song of the soul, our meditations will be supported by teachings on self-knowledge, emptiness and letting go – all three being aspects of one and the same thing.
This will be the second time that Dharma Nature will bring a group into the desert (the photos are from the previous trip), and it may well be the last given our questions about the impact of travel on the climate. And as you will see, this project will serve to raise funds for Dharma Nature (mainly to plant trees on our land), as well as for two Moroccan organisations dedicated to adressing the problems of climate change.
Approximate program:
We will walk as part of a caravan, in the silence of mindfulness. Thanks to our guide, our camels and the camel drivers, we will have the possibility of leaving the edge of the desert, to sink into its heart in complete safety. We will change camp every two days. On the days we stay put, we’ll do a loop walk through the thousands of dunes that surround our camp. The walks will be of medium level, without technical difficulties. Walking on the dunes is much easier than on a beach, you sink less! We will practice meditation (sometimes guided) every morning and every evening, supported by daily teachings, intended for both beginners and experienced practitioners. There will also be opportunities to get to know our Moroccan team, of Amazigh origin (commonly called Berbers).
The times spent at the camp (morning and evening) will be open to speaking. We will also have a retreat day completely in silence, without walking, and with more meditations and a night walk under the incredible night sky hanging on this landscape of panoramic horizons, as well as time alone in the desert.
Additional info:
Meals will be vegetarian. We can cater for dairy-free and/or gluten-free diets, as well as for food intolerance.
We will sleep in a tent on the sand (tents for two people) or under the stars
We will eat Moroccan style sitting on the sand
There will be a toilet tent and a wash basin with a very small amount of water.
Covid: Currently a simple test when entering and leaving the country is required. We will keep you informed in case of any changes.
Price
price per person : 960€/ person
Because early bookings make life a lot easier for us, we offer a price of 890€ if you register before 1st november 2022 !
This price includes :
Pick up at the airport, 2 nights in Marrakech, transport to and return journey from the desert, camping equipment, water, meals (except last day in Marrakech), the salaries of the drivers, guides, cooks, and camel drivers with their dromedaries, and the meditation teachings.
This price does not include :
Your return flight, the meal the last day in Marrakech, the tips for the Amazigh team, extras (drinks, snacks…).
Please note: if this price does not allow you to participate, contact us, and we will see together what is possible.
Registration:
We need to be 15 participants, so please don’t book your travel before I confirm the event.We also need to be at least 5 non french-speaking participants in order to organize a translation. That shouldn’t be a problem, but I will let you know when we are there.
As we said in introduction (Last information), this journey will be in french only. You can register if you are ok with the french speaking.
If you want to speak about journey, send me an email desertmeditation@dharmanature.org
I am currently traveling, I will respond within 72 hours maximum (18/10).
Solidarity projects:
Amazigh Trekking, which organizes our trip, is a solidarity-based travel agency. You can learn more about their work by visiting their website: http://www.amazigh-trekking.com. 3% of the price of the trip goes towards their projects, which we will have the opportunity to hear about during our time there.
In addition, we will also donate €20 per participant for a reforestation project in Morocco (our choice has not yet been made as to which organisation in particular).
