Sounds of the Soul: Sufi Music Inspired by Rumi

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Up to 30 in group
Date
February 21 - 23, 2025

Retreat Highlights

  • Live Performances of Sufi Music by Amir Vahab
  • Exploration of Rumi’s Poetry and Spiritual Teachings
  • Sufi Philosophy and the Art of Divine Connection
  • Hands-On Experience with Sacred Music as Meditation
  • Community and Spiritual Connection

About this Retreat

Your Guides

Details of this retreat

Join master musician Amir Vahab for a weekend of music, mysticism, and the spiritual poetry of Rumi. Experience Sufi philosophy brought to life, and feel for yourself how devotional music gently guides your mind and heart to the present moment — all through the use of sacred sound.

Spend an enchanting weekend listening to the unique fusion of traditional Sufi melodies with contemporary influences. Amir has dedicated his life to preserving and sharing the Sufi musical tradition. Sufis believe that we are all one with the Divine, and that music is the language of divine communication. This deeply moving experience will help you connect to your heart space and relax into bliss.

Rumi, also known as Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī was a 13th-century Persian poet, jurist, Islamic scholar, theologian, and Sufi mystic. He is renowned for his prolific and influential poetry, particularly his works of ecstatic and devotional literature, which have transcended time and cultural boundaries. Rumi's poetry is characterized by themes of love, spirituality, and the quest for union with the divine.
This Program Offers

Exploration of Sacred Music and Devotion
Spiritual Poetry of Rumi
Sufi Philosophy
Live music sessions
Spiritual Community & connection
3 nights of accommodations
Vegan and Vegetarian meals. Dinner upon arrival + 3 meals per day on Friday & Saturday + breakfast and lunch on Sunday
Daily Integral Yoga Hatha classes

Tentative Schedule




FRIDAY



3–5 pm
Registration


5–6:30 pm
Integral Yoga Hatha


6–6:30 pm
Meditation


6:30–7:30 pm
Dinner


7:30–9 pm
Orientation and Introduction to Sufism



SATURDAY



6–6:45 am
Guided Meditation


7–8:30 am
Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 1
Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 2


8:30–9:30 am
Breakfast


10–11:30 am
Hand Drum Workshop - Introduction to Meditational Rhythms


12–12:30 pm
Meditation


12:45–1:30 pm
Lunch


2–3:30 pm
Whirling Workshop (Sufi Dance)


4–5:30 pm
Integral Yoga Hatha Mixed Level


5:30–6:15 pm
Dinner


7:30–9 pm
Satsang (gathering of the seekers of Truth)
Sufi Musical Offering, Video of Swami Satchidananda
“Speaker - TBA”



SUNDAY



6–6:45 am
Guided Meditation



IY Meditation - JYO


7–8:30 am
Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 1
Integral Yoga Hatha – Level 2


8–9:30 am
Breakfast - SH


10–11:30 am
Closing Session with Amir Vahab


12–12:30 pm
Meditation - GB


12:45–1:30 pm
Lunch - SH


2 pm
Check out



 



Testimonials
“Thank you for bringing your transcendent music, beautiful and uplifting. Your discussion of the mythic nature and history of the instrument was riveting!” - L
“Your soul seemed to travel through different spiritual states, and so did your voice. You were getting connected with the audience. In the last song, your voice took on a celestial or an unearthly quality to it. Your body seemed to gradually vanish from the stage as your spirit became the main performer. Your voice allowed the audience to travel to an unseen world. Beyond Rumi's lyrics, there were hidden lyrics. Their message sounded like, "Come to this magical place that is yours. Even though you doubt it exists, once you see how beautiful it is, you will not be scared to depart from it. Join me in this heavenly place." The texture of your voice changed because of the rapture of your spiritual state, it became purer, and transported the listener to a more peaceful place.” -Shukran
“I took Turkish Ney lessons and by that way met with his sufi circle & concerts. Wonderful Teacher. Amir & the spirit created around him is beyond words. Rumi, Yunus & all other sufi, mystic or lovely poets and music become alive with his great soul and heart. Words cannot explain, just attend one of events and feel; experience with all your soul & heart.” - Afsar

Getting Here

Location icon Yogaville

Directions

Yogaville offers transportation from the airport, train and bus stations in Charlottesville, VA. If you are driving Google Maps has reliable turn-by-turn directions.

Accommodation

Availability of complimentary accommodations is determined by the order of booking.
Dormitory

The most popular accommodations we have are Dormitory Accommodations – shared room and shared bath. We have two dormitories, Vivekananda Vihar and Ramalinga Nilayam, which are centrally heated and air-conditioned and convenient to meals and programs.
Lotus Guest House (Private Room)

Each room in our six unit guest house is equipped with a small refrigerator, queen size bed and full bath. Each room in our nine unit guest house is equipped with a queen sized bed and full bath, and no refrigerator.

Tenting
Set off in a quiet, wooded area adjacent to the Lotus Guest Houses are twelve campsites. Campers have use of the bathroom, shower, and laundry facilities nearby Vivekananda Vihar dormitory. Camping is available from March 15th to December 1st.

Shared Dormitory: Bottom Bunk

Accommodation
Bottom bunk in a shared dorm room. Dorm rooms contain 4-8 beds. Shared bathroom Dorm rooms are not coed Availability is Gender Specific

Private Dormitory

Accommodation
This is a private room with a shared bathroom in our Ramalinga Nilayam Dorm - Females Only

LGH: Full Bed

Accommodation
Private room and Private Bath. A single Full bed and a private bath designed for those seeking peace in solitude.    

LGH: 2 Twin beds

Accommodation
Private Room and Private Bath. Two twin Beds and a private bath that is ideal for friends looking to experience the bliss of Yogaville.  

LGH: Queen Bed

Accommodation
Private Room and Private Bath. A queen bed or a queen with two day beds and a private bath that is perfect for couples and families searching for a peaceful time together. Please put in the personal comments if you need a room that includes trundles.  

Tent-Site

Accommodation
Open from Mar. 16–Nov. 30. Closed from Dec. 1–Mar. 15 Set off in a quiet, wooded area adjacent to the Lotus Guest Houses are Eighteen campsites. Campers have use of the nearby bathhouse as well as laundry facilities at the LGH Building 3.   Also, all tent sites have tent platforms for a more comfortable and dry tenting experience.  Fires and Stoves are not Permitted. Price is per person per night. Please bring your own tent, tie downs, tarp (weather protection). bedding and towels.  

Venue & Amenities

A/C in Rooms icon A/C in Rooms
Free Wifi icon Free Wifi
Spa icon Spa
Sauna icon Sauna
Pool icon Pool
Towels icon Towels
Free Parking icon Free Parking
Kitchen icon Kitchen
Tour Assistance icon Tour Assistance
Hot Tub icon Hot Tub
Coffee/Tea icon Coffee/Tea
Cafe icon Cafe
Restaurant icon Restaurant
Fitness Center icon Fitness Center
Yoga Studio icon Yoga Studio
Housekeeping icon Housekeeping
Bicycles For Rent icon Bicycles For Rent
Yogaville is home to the Light of Truth Universal Shrine (LOTUS). The LOTUS is a unique temple dedicated to interfaith understanding and the Light within all faiths. Individual altars represent and honor the different world faiths and spiritual paths. The vision, design and inspiration of Sri Swami Satchidananda, LOTUS was dedicated in 1986. It demonstrates, “Truth is One, Paths are Many.” In the peaceful countryside of Virginia, the doors of LOTUS are open to welcome people of all backgrounds and beliefs.

Meals

Menu Types

Organic, vegetarian/vegan food Labeled ingredients Lacto-vegetarian Gluten-free and vegan options Salad bar Large herbal tea selection Coffee is available for purchase at Mandala Cafe

What's Included

  • Accomodations
  • Meals
  • Meditation Sessions
  • Yoga Classes

What's Not Included

  • Transportation
  • Airfare

Customer Reviews

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