Retreat
Los Gatos Center holds a yearly retreat at the Jesuit Retreat Center in Los Altos, CA, located about 20 minutes from Los Gatos.
The 2026 LGC Retreat will be held from Friday, Oct 2 to Sunday, Oct 4 2026, with registration opening on July 5th.
Many devotees have attended the previous monastic-led retreats hosted by the Los Gatos Center in October every year
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
If you have never attended a Self-Realization Fellowship retreat, the following information will let you know what to expect:
What is the purpose of the retreat?
The purpose of a Self-Realization Fellowship retreat is to provide spiritual seekers with an opportunity to withdraw from their usual environment and routine activities in a beautiful natural setting where – by going inward and practicing devotion and the meditation techniques – God’s presence can be more easily experienced.
Why are the retreats conducted in silence?
They are conducted in silence to facilitate inner communion. Silence helps retreatants stay internalized – ready to receive and feel.
What is the format of the retreat?
The retreats are led by visiting Self-Realization Fellowship monks or nuns (ministers). The program is structured, and it includes periods of minister-led group meditation and inspirational talks. Some of the talks, called satsangas, are in a question and answer format where the ministers answer spiritual questions previously submitted in writing by retreat attendees.
Group meditations include periods of devotional chanting alternating with periods of silence where retreatants practice meditation techniques (Hong Sau, the Aum Technique, and Kriya) taught in the Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons. The practice of these techniques is followed by sitting in the silence and devotion.
The program also includes group practice of the Energization Exercises. These are a series of exercises, performed standing, where you tense and relax all of the body parts. The exercises are done as a preparation for meditation.
There is ample free time that can be used for spiritual reading, hikes on wooded trails, private meditation, or resting.
What about meals and accommodations?
The Jesuit retreat center offers single rooms and a few double rooms that are simple and provide basic amenities. Meals served for breakfast, lunch and dinner are vegetarian with some vegan options.