Meditation, The Heart of Yoga
Karuna Retreat Center, Monchique, Portugal
August 19-26, 2025
In this week-long meditation intensive you will dive deep into the depths of your being through meditation practices, yoga & pranayama, philosophy classes, and kirtan. This retreat integrates yogic practices that awaken strength and potential on all levels; body, mind, Soul.
Something powerful happens when we disconnect from the external distractions of life and dive deep into the silence and stillness within. Our heart opens, we become fully present to the magic of life, and we experience ourselves on a deeper and more connected level of being.
Karuna Retreat Center is located high up in the mystical Monchique mountains of southern Portugal. Come meditate surrounded by the power and grace of Mother Nature.
Whether you are a beginner or experienced meditator, I welcome you to join me on this transformational retreat.
Retreat Features:
Guided Meditation
Sitting & Walking Meditation
Daily Yoga & Pranayama Class
Daily spiritual talk, or Yoga/Vedanta philosophy class
Kirtan
Question & Answer Sessions
Delicious & nourishing vegetarian meals (Gluten Free, Dairy Free, & Vegan options available for all meals)
Guided Meditation
Sitting & Walking Meditation
Daily Yoga & Pranayama Class
Daily spiritual talk, or Yoga/Vedanta philosophy class
Kirtan
Question & Answer Sessions
Delicious & nourishing vegetarian meals (Gluten Free, Dairy Free, & Vegan options available for all meals)
The cost includes accommodation, three meals per day, and the retreat.
Communal accommodation
6:30-8:00am Asana, Pranayama, Meditation
8:00-8:30am Breakfast
8:30-9:00am Break
9:00-10:30am Scripture Class
10:30-11:00am Break
11:00-11:40am Meditation
11:40am-12pm Silent Break
12:00-12:40pm Meditation
12:40-1:00pm Break
1:00-1:30pm Lunch
1:30-3:00pm Break
3:00-3:40pm Meditation
3:40-4:00pm Tea/Coffee
4:00-4:40pm Meditation
4:40-5:00pm Silent Break
5:-5:40pm Meditation
6:00-7:00pm Kirtan and Prayers
7:00-7:30pm Dinner
7:30-8:00pm Break
8:00-9:00pm Satsang & Meditation
Paramesh’s teachings radiate from his very presence, reaching you on a profound level. Attending his philosophy classes has been an absolute gift! He beautifully draws you into the wisdom of Yoga, transforming each class into a joyous and enriching experience. His way of being inspires me deeply, and I’m endlessly grateful to have him as a guide on this incredible journey. I can’t wait for the next meditation and chanting session—just magical.
Ludovica, Italy
The yoga teacher training I did with La Casa Shambala was particularly special because of Paramesh. He is one of the most kind hearted, open-Minded and curious people that I’ve met, and he has the gift of seeing the best in everyone. It was such a beautiful and inspring thing to witness during the training, and you could see that touched people’s heart. I’m very grateful of the journey that I shared with Paramesh, which has become the beginning of a spiritual transformation that I had not forseen.
Colbie, China
I was lucky enough to have Paramesh as my teacher on a 200 hour yoga teacher training course. I have had quite a few yoga teachers over the years and I must admit that my experience is that good yoga teachers are difficult to come by. Paramesh is one of the best, if not the best teacher I ever had. He transmits his theoretical and lived experience with the spiritual in a way that is genuine, humble and funny. His teaching is both true to the original sutras as well as leaving room for the individual living in the modern world. I feel privileged that I had Paramesh as my teacher and recommend him with no hesitation.
Anders, 42, Psychologist, PhD, Denmark
I was fortunate enough to have Paramesh as my meditation and yoga philosophy teacher during my 200-hour yoga teacher training. Paramesh has a beautiful and fierce dedication to Bhakti yoga and his meditation practice, and this dedication extends to his students. Always guiding with an open heart, Paramesh meets his students exactly where they are in their own practice, and brings lightness and wisdom to every lesson. His mentorship has been an invaluable foundation to my own meditation and yoga practice. I will always begrateful to have had him as a teacher.
Schuyler Poh
San Francisco, USA
Paramesh was my yoga teacher during my Yoga Teacher Training in Portugal, and I couldn’t have wished for a better guide on this transformative journey. Through his teachings, I gained a much deeper connection to spirituality and an understanding of yoga as a holistic way of life. His unwavering devotion to spirituality and his personal story left a profound impression on me. Paramesh didn’t just teach us the physical practice of Hatha Yoga but also opened my eyes to the rich philosophy behind it. For the first time, I truly understood yoga as a lifestyle—something that extends far beyond the mat.
Paramesh always had an open ear for his students, offering not just knowledge but also heartfelt support and inspiration. His captivating stories and wisdom created a safe, nurturing environment for all of us. One of the most memorable experiences was practicing Kirtan under his guidance. His magical voice and the way he played his instrument transported me into a deep meditative state that I will never forget. I am deeply grateful for everything I learned from him, both on and off the mat. Paramesh is a truly inspiring teacher, and I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor.
Luisa, Germany
Paramesh was one of the teachers in my 200hour Ytt and im beyond grateful for that. He is definitely on top of the List of my favorite Yoga teachers! By his presence you can really tell he has been practicing a lot. I loved learning from him about Yoga philosophy, he was very serious about the Knowledge but super open minded and down for questions as well as curious for different persepectives and we could also joke and laugh together. He has a very grounded, present, loving energy. His guided meditations are amazing and the chanting we all did together literally send me into bliss. Honestly i would recommend practicing with him to anyone Thank you Paramesh✨🙏🏼
Lilly
Berlin, Germany
Paramesh is a deeply experienced yoga and meditation teacher known for his warm presence and breath-centered approach.
With over 15 years of teaching in diverse settings - from studios to hospitals to ashrams - he brings both depth and heart to every practice.
He integrates Hatha, Kundalini, and Tantric yoga with meditation and mantra, guiding students inward with clarity and compassion.
Based in Portugal, Paramesh leads retreats and trainings worldwide.
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