The Vedanta Society owns a beautiful retreat in the high desert of Piñon Hills. It sits on the edge of town, in the hills, with beautiful views of the surrounding desert.

The house was built by Dr. Amar Pierce and Barbara Paul Pierce (Sati) in 1990. They called it Shakti Institute and held small retreats there related to health and spirituality. There were programs on Yoga, T’ai Chi, and Nutrition, discourses by spiritual teachers, and classes by John Dobson on Astronomy and Vedanta.

Dr. Amar Pierce died in 2005, and Sati donated the property to the Vedanta Society in March of 2006.

Regular Services

On select weekends, Swami Arupeshananda hosts Saturday morning scripture classes which include time for meditation and discussion.  All are welcome to attend any of these events. Registration is not required.

Monthly day-retreats are a regular offering at the Retreat. Watch our newsletter for details.

Antaryoga Retreats

The Antaryoga Retreats conducted by Pravrajika Dayaprana begin at 9:30 am on the scheduled day. Scriptural texts are read aloud, and meditated upon; group chanting is followed by silence. Retreatants share a meal together. The day closes at 4 pm.

Please e-mail Pravrajika Dayaprana at dayaprana@vedanta.org to register for the retreats. After registering, she will send details of the location by e-mail.

Reflections on the retreats, from two regular retreatants:

The retreat location is serene, quiet. Private, yet it is like a home and temple-like. The group is sincere. The routine keeps us focus yet allows freedom to take breaks as we wish. The topics are excellent; the teacher is inspiring. We come back looking forward to return next month.

I cherish the Vedanta meditation retreats in Piñon Hills. I learn so much about the scripture there and have the opportunity to contemplate and focus my mind on the teachings during the meditation. The singing and chanting are uplifting and joyful. Dayaprana is a wonderful, caring teacher and the setting in the temple and on the grounds are very conducive to contemplation and devotion. Many thanks.