OUR PRACTICES
At La Casa de Loto, you can expect an enriching and transformative experience that we hope will change your life for the better. We limit our guests to a maximum of 10 people at a time, so that each guest is ensured the attention and space that they need to have the best retreat possible.
BUDDHIST MEDITATION
Buddhism addresses two major types of meditation, or different mental skills. In Sanskrit, they are called Samatha and Vipassana.
Samatha can be translated as “concentration” or “calm abiding.” It is a state in which the mind is brought to rest, focused only on one item and not allowed to wander. When this is done, a deep calm pervades body and mind, a state of tranquility which must be experienced to be understood. Vipassana can be translated as “Special Insight,” a clear awareness of exactly what is happening as it happens. This insight comes naturally, when we become able to abide calmly, and allow our mind to look at itself.
Here at La Casa de Loto we teach you both techniques, a classic path to awakening as taught by the great Tibetan Meditation Master Dudjom Lingpa. When we practice like this our judgements fall away and we learn to gain control of our monkey mind.
HATHA YOGA
At La Casa De Loto, we offer a guided Hatha Yoga practice every day, with a focus on observing the breath and posture in order to become more aware of our body-mind connections. The practice of physical postures or “asana” help to release a natural flow of energy that helps break through physical, mental and spiritual blockages. According to classical yogic texts, these practices help to align and calm your body and mind as preparation for sitting practices of meditation.
NOBLE SILENCE
In a world inundated with noise, Noble Silence is a profound practice deeply rooted in many spiritual traditions. It is a conscious choice to abstain from all forms of verbal and non-verbal communication, offering a transformative path to self-discovery, essential within the sacred spaces of meditation retreats.
Noble Silence grounds us in the here and now, enriching our experience of life's fleeting moments. It can bring us clarity and insight, unveiling the intricate workings of our minds, and providing a vantage point from which to observe our thoughts and emotions without judgment.
