I wanted to offer a 'special thanks' for your care, concern and Love for us all. Where else does one go to consider things like forgiveness, generosity, virtue, reflection on what constitutes a meaningful life? It is a rare experience (and I am witnessing it being a treasured one) to see what might really be going on, that we don’t know, and that might just raise enough consciousness to allow for Love to prevail...not the body/mind. 'Tis a fine, fine thing you do for us. Just wanted to express my gratitude and Love. ~ Alfrieda, CA

Future Workshop Dates

Saturday, September 6, 2025 (Carmel, CA)
Saturday, September 20, 2025 (Encinitas, CA)
Sunday, November 16, 2025 (Carmel, CA)
Saturday, January 10, 2026 (Carmel, CA)
Saturday, January 17, 2026 (Encinitas, CA)
Sunday, March 8, 2026 (Carmel, CA)
Saturday, May 2, 2026 (Carmel, CA)
Saturday, May 16, 2026 (Encinitas, CA)
Saturday, September 5, 2026 (Carmel, CA)
Saturday, September 19, 2026 (Encinitas, CA)
Sunday, November 8, 2026 (Carmel, CA)

Future Pre-Retreat Workshop Dates

November 17, 2025 (Santa Cruz, CA)
March 9, 2026 (Santa Cruz, CA)
June 29, 2026 (Santa Cruz, CA)
November 9, 2026 (Santa Cruz, CA)

Future Retreat Dates

November 17-21, 2025 (Santa Cruz, CA)
March 9-13, 2026 (Santa Cruz, CA)
June 29-July 4, 2026 (Santa Cruz, CA)
November 9-13, 2026 (Santa Cruz, CA)

THE SILENCE OF THE LIGHT

November 17-21, 2025
Villa Maria Del Mar – Santa Cruz, CA

Join Siraj for an insightful journey into the Tao, where attendees will discover how its profound wisdom can serve both their personal growth and the betterment of humankind.

This transformative experience will delve into essential subjects, revealing how kindness creates virtue and alters life’s flow, teaching us to remain authentic in the face of difficulties, illuminating how wisdom emerges from humility, and guiding us on how to navigate uncomfortable change.

Attendees will also explore the unique path of how to follow in order to lead, ultimately preparing them to transcend conventional thinking and enter into a profound silence that reveals a great truth: in our silence is our strength.

To prepare for this Retreat you are invited to join Siraj at the Prelude to Stillness Workshop in Santa Cruz, CA on November 17, 2025.

Villa Maria Del Mar in Santa Cruz, CA offers a quiet, surf-side atmosphere in which to reflect into the sea and feel the life energy that is the Source of all in the Universe.

COST & REGISTRATION
The cost for this Retreat depends upon the kind of room you wish to reserve. To register for this Retreat, please print and complete the Registration Form and send to Carolyn Mollohan at the address listed on the form (a non-refundable deposit of $100* is required to register):

*Due to the financial commitment required to plan events of this size, please ensure that you are prepared to attend this Retreat before registering as all donations for Retreats must be prepaid and are non-refundable for any reason.

Planning For Your Retreat

Check In: 4:00 p.m.
Check Out: 9:30 a.m. (guests may remain onsite until 2:00 p.m.)
Quiet Hours: 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. daily

Meals

All meals are served in the main dining hall, featuring locally grown, healthy, fresh food – and a salad bar during lunch and dinner. Snacks including whole fruit Guests with allergies or special dietary needs/practices must bring their own supplemental food. A refrigerator and microwave are available in the dining room for personal use.

Breakfast: 8:00-8:45 a.m.
Snacks: 12:30-1:15 p.m.
Dinner: 6:00-6:45 p.m.

Linens & Towels

Hand soap and one set of towels per person are provided. Please bring any additional toiletries, a hair dryer, and any other personal items you may need.

WiFi & Parking

Complimentary WiFi and onsite parking are provided.

Face Masks (optional)

Although not required, guests who wish to wear face masks must bring their own.

What to Bring

Journal, refillable water bottle, small bowl for walking meditation, comfortable walking shoes, an alarm clock, layered clothing and a warm jacket.

Housekeeping

There are no housekeeping services provided. Guests are responsible for maintaining their own living quarters while on the property.

NO PETS, CANDLES, INCENSE, ALCOHOL, DRUGS OR SMOKING ALLOWED ANYWHERE ON PROPERTY. Please do not use cellphones in the dining room or Chapel. Please keep noise to a minimum in the public areas, in consideration of other guests.