Cave of the Heart also runs its Hridaya silent meditation retreats at Retiro do Bosque. This peaceful retreat house is in Minde, in central Portugal, about an hour from Lisbon and close to Fátima. It is an easy place to reach for a few days of silence, practice and rest.

The retreats are rooted in Sri Ramana Maharshi's Self-Inquiry and the teachings of the Spiritual Heart (Hridaya). The days follow a gentle but full rhythm: long morning and afternoon meditations that build from short segments to one continuous sit, a daily talk, Hridaya Hatha Yoga, a Q&A, and an evening discourse and meditation. Noble silence holds the space from the first full morning until the last day, when it is broken with a gratitude meditation and a sharing circle.

The 3-day retreat (4 nights) is a short, complete immersion and a good first silent retreat. The 5-day retreat (6 nights) gives more time for the mind to quieten and for the practice to become easier. Both include three vegetarian or vegan meals a day. Choose a dorm room for 3 to 5 people, a double room, or the house's one single room.

No previous experience of meditation or yoga is needed. Beginners and experienced practitioners are equally welcome, and low-income discounts are available on request.

What's included

Accommodation at Retiro do Bosque (4 nights for the 3-day retreat, 6 nights for the 5-day); Three vegetarian or vegan meals a day; Daily guided Hridaya meditation; Daily Hatha Yoga; Daily talks and spiritual discourse; Daily questions and answers session; Orientation and closing sharing circle

What's not included

Travel to and from Minde