THE HEART OF THE RETREAT
耳根圓通
The heart of the retreat
Guided by the Bodhisattva Kwan Yin's practice of perfect penetration through hearing, this method does not rely on visualisation or analysis.
It returns awareness to its original sensitivity, allowing the Qi channels, chakras and karmic imprints to unwind naturally. Through listening, body, speech and mind are purified without force.
In Yantara's experience, it dissolves the barriers of limited perception to reveal the true nature of our being.
Listening at the water's edge, Yakushima.
ON THE WORD ITSELF
What an esoteric retreat actually means
The word esoteric simply means inner. Where many retreats offer relaxation, or information about meditation, an esoteric retreat offers something more intimate: teachings transmitted directly from teacher to student, and understanding that arises through experience rather than explanation.
Here the practice is not merely described but lived. Methods preserved within lineage are shared in person, supported by guidance attuned to each participant's experience as it unfolds. Subtle dimensions of practice are approached openly and with clarity, so that what is often hidden becomes recognisable and understood.
There is nothing secretive or mysterious to fear. The esoteric is not reserved for the few, but revealed to those who are sincere. Beginners receive what they are ready to hold; experienced practitioners find depth that meets them where they are.
THE NINE DAYS
How the practice is built
Over nine days and eight nights the practice unfolds gradually and with precision. Every element is woven to bring body, speech and mind into alignment with presence.
Element 01
Meditation & ear-faculty penetration
At the heart lies the practice of ear-faculty perfect penetration. Through seated meditation and conscious listening, sound becomes a doorway into non-dual awareness rather than an object of attention.
Element 02
Morning Qigong & energy accumulation
Each day begins with breath and movement that align Heaven and Earth within the body, awakening the meridians and stabilising vitality before sitting.
Element 03
Alchemy crystal singing bowls
Natural frequencies invite a deep settling of the nervous system, encourage the free flow of Qi, and attune the practitioner to subtle resonance.
Element 04
Sun, ocean & forest practice
Direct engagement with Yakushima's solar Qi, the rhythm of the ocean, and forests thousands of years old strengthens the core and steadies the heart.
Element 05
Foundations of the path
Clear understanding of why we meditate and what the true aim is. The teachings illuminate the eighteen elements, and how the experience we take to be solid is constructed.
Element 06
Dharma dialogue & open inquiry
Open space is held throughout for questions on meditation experience, doubt and difficulty — conversations that unfold, in their own time, back into silence and listening.
WHO THIS RETRET IS FOR
Those ready to move from effort into receptivity
This retreat welcomes practitioners of all levels who feel called to step aside from daily momentum and offer a period of undivided attention to refinement, clearing and quiet remembrance.
It naturally draws those with an affinity for awakening through sound, and those whose practice is ready to move beyond effort into receptivity.
WHAT YOU CARRY HOME
Methods that keep working after you leave
Each participant departs with a clear sense of where they stand on the path and how to continue — practical, proven methods that can be practised anywhere, at any time, together with the discernment to recognise and avoid the common pitfalls of meditation.
As these techniques ripen through practice, what remains is a confident, embodied understanding of the true nature of sound and awareness, realised through direct experience. It flows naturally into daily life, and into your relationship with yourself, with others, and with the world.
Beyond the nine days, a community of fellow listeners continues to walk this path together.
YOUR TEACHER
This retreat is a lineage-based transmission that integrates structured instruction with direct experience. Yantara's teachings arise from decades of disciplined practice and contemplative maturation in this ageless method — guided by inner transmission and realisation rather than personal interpretation.
He has offered performances worldwide, from the Forbidden City in Beijing to the Summer Solstice in Bosnia and the Crystal Tones gatherings in Tucson. His albums include Star Journey, Crystal Rainbows, Gifts of Blessings and Wisdom of the Heart, a Sanskrit rendition of the Heart Sutra.
As co-founder of Sound Universe, begun in Singapore in 2010, he has helped bring Alchemy Crystal Singing Bowls to practitioners across Japan, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and London, and taught hundreds of students in sound medicine and wellbeing.
Yantara Jiro
YOUR GROUP LEADER
Singapore Quantum Leader, Sound Universe International. Sarleia travels with the group throughout the nine days and is your first point of contact for anything practical — arrivals, rooms, transport and the rhythm of each day.
Sarleia Betty
WHERE YOU WILL STAY
Samana Hotel, above the Yakushima coast
Beautiful rooms with modern amenities, quiet places to sit alone, and shared spaces where the circle gathers. The practice room opens directly onto the water.
DATES
23 April – 1 May 2027
9 days, 8 nights
DATES
Yakushima, Japan
Samana Hotel, Kagoshima Prefecture
ACCOMMONDATION
Twin share or single
Oceanfront, breakfast daily
CONTRIBUTION
Retreat rates
All rates are per person, for nine days and eight nights at Samana Hotel, including the full programme of teaching and practice.
ROOM
until 12 Dec 2026
EARLY BIRD
from 13 Dec 2026
STANDARD
Twin room
USD 6,400
USD 6,900
Single room
USD 7,500
USD 7,900
Registration closes 22 January 2027. Places are limited and held in the order enquiries are received.
What is included
-
Nine days and eight nights at the luxury Samana Hotel
-
Daily buffet breakfast
-
Most lunches
-
Two dinners
-
Rental cars and petrol on the island
-
All park entrance fees
-
All organising, workshops and retreat leading by
-
Yantara Jiro and team
What is not included
-
Any visa required for entry to Japan
-
International and domestic flights
-
Personal expenses — drinks, laundry, telephone and similar
-
Travel and health insurance — please ensure you are covered
BEFORE YOU COMMIT
Cancellation policy
Because accommodation, vehicles and teaching are committed well in advance, cancellation terms are strict. Please read them before confirming your place.
IF YOU CANCEL
Before 30 Nov 2026, 23:59 USD 1,000
1 Dec 2026 – 20 Dec 2026, 23:59 USD 3,000
21 Dec 2026 – 12 Jan 2027, 23:59 USD 5,000
From 13 Jan 2027, 00:00 No refund
All times are Japan Standard Time. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
GETTING THERE
Arriving on the island
Please plan to arrive on Yakushima Island by 23 April 2027. Daily flights to the island are very limited, so we strongly recommend booking your tickets promptly once your registration is confirmed.
Once you have secured your international flights, send us your arrival and departure times and we will suggest suitable connecting flights.
We are unfortunately unable to accommodate early arrivals or late departures, and cannot arrange accommodation outside the retreat dates.
Public transport on Yakushima is very limited, so the group travels by rental car — included in your rate, petrol and park entrance fees along with it. Some participants have generously volunteered to drive, perhaps if you too, which is, to our mind, one of the best seats for seeing the island.
A digital pause
A retreat devoted to listening asks for a quieter relationship with daily noise. Participants are warmly invited to set aside phones and social media for the nine days, so that attention can rest fully in practice.
A vegetarian table
The retreat is held as a vegetarian practice, in accordance with lineage principles of purification. Simple vegetarian food supports energetic clearing and clarity of mind. During the retreat, only dinner upon arrival, and last night’s dinner will be included.
What to bring
Trekking shoes
Hiking water bottle
Ziplock bags, to keep precious items dry
Any medication you need
Waterproof backpack
Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
Hand towels for hiking
Your travel insurance documents
QUESTIONS
Good to know
Is this retreat suitable for all ages?
Any trekking is kept to a minimum, on easy and moderate routes. This retreat is focused on stillness; only on certain days are selective outdoor activities held, where the classroom expands outward.
How will we move about the island?
By rental car, included in your rate together with petrol. Public transport on Yakushima is very limited. Some participants kindly volunteer to drive.
Do I need any previous meditation experience?
No. Beginners receive what they are ready to hold, and experienced practitioners find depth that meets them where they are. The enquiry form asks about your practice simply so Yantara can prepare.
Begin with an enquiry
RESERVE A PLACE
Tell us a little about yourself and which room you would prefer. Yantara's team will write back with the full itinerary, travel guidance and the deposit details to confirm your place.
Early bird rates hold until 12 December 2026. Registration closes 22 January 2027.
Return to True Listening · Yakushima, 23 April – 1 May 2027 · connect@yantarajiro.com
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