Q: Have you hosted this retreat before? If so, how many and what kind of people came?

A: The organizers and instructors have many years of experience hosting retreats in locations around the world. Although individually they have managed innumerable retreat events, on a large scale this is our fourth International Gnostic Retreat.

The first International Gnostic Retreat was held in the woodlands of New Jersey, and was by all accounts a successful and beneficial event. Fifty students attended from many parts of the world (Sweden, Netherlands, Germany, Canada, England, Panama, Colombia, and thirteen states of the United States).

The second International Gnostic Retreat was held at a retreat center in the mountains of Pennsylvania, and was again a very beneficial and enlightening retreat attended by fifty-two people from many parts of the world (Netherlands, Turkey, Canada, England,  and fourteen states of the United States), and provided two separate courses of instruction, one for beginners and another for more experienced students.

The third International Gnostic Retreat was held at Padmasambhava Buddhist Center in New York, USA, an authentic temple from the tradition of Padmasambhava, called by Tibetans “the Second Buddha.” The beautiful temple graciously opened its grounds for the first time ever to a non-Buddhist group. It was a sacred and protected refuge, whose radiant energy was a powerful source of spiritual inspiration for the retreat participants.We had a variety of instructors leading the practices and meditations. A memorable experience!

The knowledge we acquired from the first three events, in combination with the wonderful location for fourth retreat (our first time on the west coast), gives us a strong feeling that this will be the largest and most effective retreat yet.

Attending students come from all walks of life and include students from Gnostic schools and people who are interested in the Gnostic teachings but that do not necessarily have a Gnostic school near them. A Gnostic retreat is a wonderful place to see the diversity of people who are practicing Gnosis; it is always inspiring.

Q: How many guests will there be in each room?

A: The number of guests per room will be 3-4, depending on how many people sign up for the retreat. Couples have the option of having a private room.

Q: How would you rate the safety for a lone female traveler?

A: We have many females that come alone to our retreats. The Gnostic retreats are a very nurturing and friendly environment, with the purpose of becoming more spiritually in tune with your Self.

Q: I am a beginner and have never attended a Gnostic school. Is this retreat appropriate for me to attend? Will everyone else be more advanced than me?

A: This retreat is definitely for you! Last year, we had many students who were ‘new’ to Gnosis who benefited greatly by attending. This year, we have created a special beginner’s introductory course that will help the ‘new’ student to Gnosis acquire a foundation for the teachings.

Q: I attended last year's retreat. Should I attend this summer's retreat or will it be exactly the same as last years?

A: This year's retreat will offer many new things for a returning student. We listened to your suggestions and made appropriate adjustments as a result. The retreat center that we have chosen is in a very spiritual and breathtaking location. We will be offering two tracks - a Beginner's Track and an Advanced Track - different activities/lectures will be scheduled for each but we will have some overlapping activities/lectures in order for all students to come together. We believe that new and returning students will benefit greatly from attending the retreat. It truly was a wonderful experience last year.

Q: Is the food ethnically varied? I'm a vegetarian.

A: This year, we will be offering a full menu, complete with options for both vegetarian and meat-eaters. Meals be served three times a day. Once you register and fill out your dietary preferences, we will forward them to the retreat center to ensure that all registrants will be happy with the food choices.

Q: How structured are the activities? Are they held outdoors or inside?

A: There is a schedule of activities for the retreat, starting with an early morning meditation. There is also free time allotted in the day, with the option of attending other classes/lectures/activities/quiet time. Activities will be held both outdoors and indoors. We will also have early arrival activities- a day trip to Mesa Verde National Park and hiking in the San Juan Mountains.

Q: Can my son attend? I would really like him to be part of this…. I will take full responsibility for him at all times.

A: Yes! Toddlers and children can attend if accompanied by a parent.

Q: Would you please hold a spot for me for the retreat because I can't pay right now?

A: Due to the limited number of people we can accommodate for the retreat, we cannot verbally 'guarantee' anyone a spot. By purchasing one of the retreat packages you are guaranteed a spot. The first 50 people to reserve their spots will be eligible to attend. If you need to schedule payments, we can arrange something. Write to Martha for help.

Q: I registered for the retreat and received confirmation e-mail. It said that I was going to receive the full registration packet soon, I assume by normal mail?

A: You will receive your registration packet via e-mail, unless you request otherwise.

Q: I live close to the retreat center and am interested in attending. Could I commute to the retreat?

A: We do not currently have a commuter rate set up, but if you are interested, please contact Martha for more information.

Q: I cannot afford to got the retreat. Can you sponsor me?

A: Write to Martha for help. There are people who very generously offer to sponsor others. Sometimes we can offer full sponsorships and sometimes only half sponsorships. If you can pay for half of it, please request only a half sponsorship.

Q: I would like to sponsor someone. How can I do it? Can I sponsor more than one person?

A: Yes. There are many people who need financial help to be able to attend the retreat. You can sponsor someone with a full or half sponsorship at the online Gnostic Store. There is no limit as to how many people you can sponsor. Thank you for your generosity.

Q: I have questions that are not on this page. Where can I get answers?

A: Write to Martha for help.