What Does a Human Being Need to Be Happy?

Yoga and Zen Retreats in Serifos

Ananda Retreat, 25 - 31 March 2025
Santosha Retreat, 25 - 31 May 2025
Karuna Retreat, 25 - 31 October 2025

Yoga and Zen Retreats in Greece 2025

The core teachings of both Yoga and Zen traditions are the same.
Just be, realize that you are already exactly where you need to be,
and practice karuna, compassion, for all living beings, including yourself.

Yoga and Zen Retreat in Serifos

One of the greatest needs of a human being is to connect with Nature. In the presence of a natural environment, away from the frantic rhythms of city life, individuals can experience profound transformation and reconnection with their true selves. Our Yoga & Zen Retreats are hosted in Kaisanji, located in the Kalo Ambeli region of Serifos, on the island's unspoiled south side. This area remains untouched by mass tourism and large hotels, providing an ideal setting for renewal on all levels.

The retreat offers an intensive program that focuses on cultivating a consistent daily practice of Yoga and Zen, fostering compassion, and nurturing a deeper understanding of oneself. This experience is particularly beneficial allowing participants to heal and rejuvenate both body and mind. Whether you are a new practitioner or have prior experience, the retreat provides the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the healing practices of Yoga and Zen meditation amidst the serene beauty of Serifos.

The vision of the Retreat in Serifos

We invite you to be part of our vision at Kaisanji, where a community of like-minded individuals can make a significant difference. Our focus is on expanding the teachings of meditation, uplifting people, and fostering a sense of oneness with all living beings.

The name "Kaisanji" beautifully reflects this philosophy, combining three Japanese words: "KAI," meaning sea; "SAN," meaning mountain; and "JI," meaning monastery. Thus, Kaisanji translates to “the monastery of the mountain and sea.”

Currently, the new building of Kaisanji is under construction, adhering to the traditional principles of Zen monasteries. As the first Zen monastery in Greece, it aims to provide a space for more people to embark on their spiritual journeys. Kaisanji's central role is to support and inspire the individuals who decide to navigate the path of meditation.

Join us in this serene environment to deepen your practice and connect with others on the spiritual path. We look forward to welcoming you to Kaisanji, where transformation and community thrive.

Making a difference

We wish to extend a warm welcome to all those interested in exploring and supporting our vision. By joining our retreats, you can make a meaningful impact on the expansion of Zen meditation in Greece and contribute to the continued growth and success of Zen Center Athens and Kaisanji.

Joining our Yoga & Zen Retreat

The purpose of the Yoga & Zen Retreat is to facilitate a transformative shift in our way of living and our perspective for a designated period. All teachings emphasize that to expand our awareness, we must step outside the "box," which symbolizes the mechanical and habitual ways in which we live and interact. This shift in daily habits is closely linked to a change in our habitual thinking patterns.

During the retreat, participants are encouraged to evaluate their true needs and goals in life. This process often leads to spontaneous reflections on essential questions such as:

What does a human being need to be happy?
What are the foundations of a healthy mind and body?
How can meditation enhance all aspects of life?

These questions can find answers as participants learn to relax into silence, embracing the present moment without expectations or desires for something different. The retreat aims to create an environment where individuals can reassess their lives, cultivate mindfulness, and foster a deeper connection with themselves and the world around them. This experience not only supports personal growth but also encourages a compassionate outlook towards oneself and others.

Gautama Buddha said:

“You can search throughout the entire universe for someone more deserving of your love and affection than you are yourself, and that person is not to be found anywhere. You, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.”

Awaken the
Compassionate Buddha Self

The Buddha taught that compassion for all living beings is a fundamental quality of spiritual life. This compassionate path is essential for our spiritual journey and is rooted in the understanding that all beings are immersed in ignorance, which leads to suffering. The primary consequence of this ignorance is the feeling of separation, which causes isolation and the illusion of a small ego that seeks to dominate others.
Practicing compassion serves to awaken our intuition and expand the space of the heart. Through this practice, we begin to understand the root of pain and suffering, motivating us to do everything within our power to alleviate it. However, it is crucial to recognize that true compassion must start from within ourselves. By cultivating self-compassion and addressing our suffering, we can develop genuine empathy for others.
When we nurture kindness and understanding towards ourselves, we create a solid foundation from which to extend compassion outward. This internal work allows us to connect more deeply with others, fostering a sense of unity and shared humanity. Ultimately, the practice of compassion not only transforms our own lives but also contributes to the healing and upliftment of all beings, promoting a more harmonious and interconnected world.

Yoga and Zen Retreat Details

What is included:

Six nights accommodation in single, double, and triple rooms.
Two Yoga classes and three Zen meditation sittings daily.
Delicious Plant-based meals freshly prepared by our chef.

The journey to the Retreat in Serifos

The closest airport to Serifos is Athens International Airport which receives domestic and international flights all year round. From the airport, you can easily reach Piraeus port and embark on the ferry to Serifos. The trip to Serifos lasts approximately 2 hours with the speedboat and 4 hours with the slow boat.

Meals

All meals are vegan, prepared by our cook with fresh fruit and seasonal vegetables. The recipes are simple and tasty, based on the principles of the Plant-based diet, which emphasizes good nutrients and body detoxification. Please inform us if you have any specific dietary requirements that we have to consider.