Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
Up to 11 in group
February 1 - 16, 2026
About this Retreat
Mukesh Gupta is an international speaker and a facilitator for transformational dialogues, retreats and workshops. He has been on this meditative and transformative journey for more than two decades. He is deeply inspired by the teachings of J. Krishnamurti and other great teachers who are deeply concerned with ending psychological separation, duality, conflict and suffering within human consciousness through the direct perception of the existential reality not just from the intellect but from the heart and the whole being. During his long experience of working with students, teachers and seekers from all walks of life Mukesh developed his unique "Meditative & Transformative Self-Inquiry" approach which is primarily based on the exploration of existential questions from a still, non-reactive mind and compassionate attentive presence.
Mukesh was also associated with the Krishnamurti Retreat Centre in Varanasi, India for two decades where he focused on researching and translating the works of J. Krishnamurti as well as conducting retreats and workshops. He is a traveler at heart and regularly facilitates meditative self-inquiry based retreats around the globe. He has conducted over two hundred retreats and seminars during the past one decade. He holds a Master's Degree in Indian and Western Philosophy. He does not consider himself as any spiritual authority but only a fellow-traveler and a tiny explorer of truth or call it the unknown in this vast unfathomable universe... He believes that a deep non-authoritarian meditative process of self-inquiry, based on love, listening and looking from a silent state of being and presence, is essential to bring inner transformation and establish peace, harmony and compassion in one’s daily existence and society.
Any action which is not based on love and compassion is not only non-essential but also destructive..." - Mukesh
Details of this retreat
Join us on a special journey with the School For Self Inquiry's meditative journeys to India, open twice a year for those who've attended at least one retreat with Mukesh in the past or anytime before the start of this journey. It is in a spirit of a travelling school of fellow-seekers with a deep intention of learning and transforming together. The journey includes two deep immersion retreats with Mukesh. The size of the group is kept really small (around 11 only) so that we have an intimate time together delving deeply into fundamental questions of our life. We will support and look after each other in a safe, caring, respectful and compassionate way and learn together the art of living and sharing as fellow travelers. The daily program includes guided meditations, live discourses, meditative self-inquiry sessions, 1:1 meetings, silent walks/hikes in nature, optional Yoga sessions, and a strong emphasis on embracing the power of silence.
India's vibrant and diverse landscape can inspire you to grow. In any situation we will remain together – open, honest, and trusting – resolving issues in the sacred circle of one united group. Prior to departure, all participants engage in about three online meetings to foster connection, mutual bonding, and orientation. Together, we embark on a journey of self-discovery, forging bonds that extend far beyond the confines of our travels.
Itinerary:
1 Feb. 2026: You arrive at the New Delhi International Airport any time from early morning till late night - please feel free to choose any international flight convenient to you. You will be received at the airport and brought to our ashram/hotel for one night stay.
2 - 11 Feb. 2026: We travel to Varanasi by flight/train for our first immersion in the holy city of Varanasi. Known by its ancient name Kashi, this sacred city on the banks of the Ganga River is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world—a timeless center of Indian spiritual life and culture. It is also where the Buddha gave his first teachings, and where J. Krishnamurti founded his second school in 1934. Each day includes guided meditation by the Ganga, meditative dialogues (Satsang), heritage walks through narrow alleys and ghats, sunrise boat rides, and opportunities for gentle yoga or personal reflection. Varanasi invites us into the heart of India’s living presence.
11 - 14 Feb. 2026: We travel to Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its stunning temples built around 1000 AD. These temples offer a profound expression of spiritual and artistic vision—celebrating the unity of body, love, and consciousness. Here we slow down further, take time to meditate in the presence of these sacred structures, and reflect on their invitation to integrate the physical and spiritual dimensions of life.
14 - 16 Feb. 2026: We return to New Delhi for a short stay before your departure. This is a time to rest, reflect, and integrate the journey before flying out on 16 February. You are most welcome to continue your travels in India afterward, if you feel called.