We are following COVID-19 protocols

Songs of the Subtle Body

Taught by Samir Patel

In-person, Silent, Residential Retreat
April 24 - 28, 2026

There is music that plays without an instrument. The Sufis know it as the Saut-e-Sarmad; the Kabbalists hear it as the Kol Demama Daka—the still, small voice; and the Tibetan masters call it the Rang-dra, the self-resounding roar of Reality. It is what the Zen masters point to with The Sound of One Hand Clapping, and what the Yogis call the Anhad Naad—the Unstruck Chord.

This is the vibration of the cosmos that exists before the collision of opposites, before conflict, and before the "noise" of the reactive mind. It is the continuous, river-like current of reality that hums within the temple of the body.

Our Orientation: Breath as Prayer, Body as Cosmos
We begin with the recognition that the body is not a small, isolated fragment, but the universe itself in miniature. As the poet Kabir sang:

In this body seven oceans, right here rivers and streams
In this body moon and sun, right here a million stars

In this retreat, we step away from the modern, clinical approach to mindfulness—which often seeks to control, fix, or "manage" the self—and step into this vastness. We enter the ecstatic surrender of Bhava (devotional feeling).

Drawing on the wisdom of the Sufi poets, we approach the breath not as a mechanical function, but as Sanson Ki Mala—a living rosary. With every inhalation, we invite the "gentle intoxication" (Halka Halka Suroor) of presence; with every exhalation, we let go of the rigid ego. Here, practice becomes a trance of devotion, a way to dissolve the lover into the Beloved.

The Practice
We will move beyond static observation, engaging the full spectrum of Satipaṭṭhāna—not merely as "mindfulness," but as a total establishment of presence in the body, feelings, mind, and phenomena.

Our days will weave together silent sitting with active, somatic modalities designed to shake loose the stagnation of the subtle body. Through dynamic inquiry and movement, we will penetrate the dissonance of our conditioning. By meeting our patterns with a loving, intoxicated gaze, we interrupt the cycle of reactivity. We do not suppress the "struck" sounds of our trauma and daily struggle; we listen to them so deeply—through stillness and through motion—that they naturally dissolve into the harmony of the present moment.

As we deepen this investigation, we realize the truth of Kabir’s insight:

In this body lightning flashing, right here brilliance bursting
In this body the unstruck sound roaring, streams of nectar pouring

The Alchemy of Sound
Ultimately, this is a journey from friction to flow. For the Buddha, true happiness (Sukha) was not a fleeting emotional high, but the profound relief of the "Cooling"—the cessation of the burning fires of craving. It is touching the Amata (the Deathless), a peace so stable it transcends the cycles of birth and death.

We will learn to hear the songs of the subtle body—transforming the sharp notes of our suffering into this resonant hum of Ananda (Ultimate Bliss).

Join us to explore the body not merely as a vessel, but as a resonance chamber for the Divine.

About the Teacher

Samir was born and raised in India, where he was immersed from childhood in the spiritual traditions of his ancestors. For 19 years, he has dedicated himself to the direct transmission of dharma—not as an exotic import, but as a living inheritance from the land where these teachings first took root.

His practice weaves together the Buddha's original instructions with the non-dual recognition practices of Kashmir Śaivism's Vijñāna Bhairava Tantra—two wisdom streams that both arose from Indian soil and point toward the same liberating recognition. The Vipassana tradition offers rigorous investigation of phenomena; the tantric view reveals the luminosity already present within what's being investigated.

The name Tathātā (suchness) captures his teaching approach: pointing to reality as it already is, before concepts complicate it. Like the Buddha's wordless gesture with a lotus flower at Vulture Peak, this transmission happens in the space between words, in recognition that occurs when we stop trying to manufacture awakening and simply see what's here.

Retreat Info

Dana

This retreat is offered freely at no cost. Dana is a word in the ancient Pali language which means Generous Giving, which the Buddha tells us is a heart quality that arises from our gratitude and deep connection to each other. All of the teachers on this retreat are offering their time and knowledge on a Dana basis and receive no compensation. The practice of Dana, is part of the Buddhist legacy that has been passed down for over 2,500 years, beginning in Asia and continuing till today. Historically, teachers at monasteries would offer teachings out of generosity, and the community would support the teachers and the centers, generously giving to the level of their ability.

The teachers and the center, in offering the teachings and retreat freely, are acting in a manner that reflects their alignment with the Buddhist teachings and their mutual interdependence with the community. In addition, the practice of Dana invites us to disrupt the transactional consumer economy where everything and everyone is commodified and to live into a world where we can support all beings, and the planet, through generosity and care.

You can make donations to Dhamma Dena and the teachers at any time.

Dhamma Dena: Paypal or venmo, or by sending a check to: Dhamma Dena, PO Box 183, Joshua Tree, CA 92252. Please write "Samir Patel Retreat" in the memo.

Covid Protocols

In order to attend this retreat, a negative rapid test upon arrival is required.

Please review our full COVID-19 Protocols for a residential retreat here.

Important Dhamma Dena Policies

Before attending a retreat at Dhamma Dena, please also review our important policies.

Retreat FAQ

What is the nearest airport to the center?

Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)

Will I be able to get a ride to and from the airport to the center?

We offer rides to and from the Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) for a suggested donation of $30 each way. You can specify that you need to be picked up or dropped off in your registration and we will contact you to arrange that. You can also email us at retreats@dhammadena.org. Please be prepared to wait for consolidated pick-ups and drop-offs and please avoid late night or early morning arrivals and departures.

Does this retreat include food and lodging? What will those be like?

Yes, this retreat includes lodging and 3 vegetarian meals daily. Dhamma Dena has been lovingly (and often creatively) built by Ruth Denison’s students over the course of the last forty years. The structures and atmosphere can be described as rustic, quirky, beautiful and a work in progress. There is a main house where the kitchen and the office are located, the zendo (or meditation hall), two living houses for retreatants, as well as a range of other structures and trailers to stay in. On the grounds, there is also a walking labyrinth as well as four outhouses, two outdoor showers and a bathhouse.

I’m on a special diet. Will I be able to cook my own meals?

Food provided for retreatants will include options for a variety of diets, and we ask that you indicate your dietary needs in the registration form so we can meet them. We do have kitchens available if your diet requires that you cook your own meal. Please indicate this is what you plan to do on your registration form (or email us at retreats@dhammadena.org) so we can arrange a kitchen for you to use.

How much dana should I give?

There is no donation too small or too big! The teachers, chefs and center are entirely funded by your gifts. Bigger donations make it possible for everyone to attend regardless of financial circumstances. We encourage you to give dana according to your heart and your means and to appreciate your generosity as much as we do.

Can I bring my dog or pet?

No, we cannot accommodate dogs or other pets on this retreat. If you have a service animal as described in the American Disabilities Act, please let us know as soon as possible so we can reserve you an appropriate room.

Is this retreat wheelchair accessible? Will it meet my access needs?

Yes, the facilities are wheelchair accessible, offering two ADA bedrooms and bathrooms and a fragrance free environment. Please let us know your access needs when registering. Dhamma Dena is committed to making the center accessible to all who would like to come.

What do I need to bring?

Covid-19 Rapid Test
Loose and comfortable clothes, suitable for both moderate and cold weather
Slip on shoes for going in and out of buildings more easily
Shoes suitable for hiking in the desert
Sunglasses
Sun hat
Sunblock lotion
Water bottle
Flashlight or headlamp
Alarm Clock (we have additional alarm clocks to borrow from the office, as you are asked to check in or put away your mobile phone for the retreat)
Toiletries and personal hygiene products – please avoid all fragrances (see the Fragrance Free Policy)
Warm outerwear as evenings and mornings can be quite chilly in the desert
Optional but highly recommended: fragrance free lip balm, body lotion or oil (skin gets dry in the desert), gloves & scarves, umbrella & rain gear, your personal meditation cushions/benches (the Zendo is well-stocked with a wide variety of these, as well as chairs, so you don't need to bring your own unless you wish)
Sheets and towels will be provided but you’re welcome to bring your own

Report abuse