FAQs About Spiritual Retreats

Both Western and Eastern cultures have revered religious retreats for thousands of years. In Buddhism, worshipers frequently situate the Buddha in remote locations. The most important teaching and insights of that religion occurred when the Buddha was alone. In Christianity, Jesus wandered alone for 40 days and nights, so the Church erected monasteries and nunneries far away from secular influence in the Middle Ages.

Q: What is a religious retreat in the Hindu religion?

A: An ashram stands as the traditional place of Hindu solitude and worship. Priests built ashrams in remote locations, usually difficult to access. This prevented visitors from "popping in" but also allowed occupants to meditate surrounded by nature.

Q: What do Eastern Orthodox religions consider a religious retreat?

A: In Russia, the most important religious retreat is called a poustinia. Although it translates to "desert," this can refer to any place of complete solitude. Orthodox Russians call a priest that spends a significant time in a poustinia a poustinik, a revered and holy position in the religion. Many Roman Catholics have adopted the idea of a poustinia.

Q: Is there any non-religious religious retreat?

A: The most famous artistic retreat in the U.S. resides in California, tucked in the middle of Los Padres National Forest. This artistic retreat features numerous religions in a fairly small area, and visitors tout it as the shining example of religious peace and harmony. Its natural beauty also attracts movie stars and film crews, and the Big Sur stars in over a dozen major motion pictures. Although not a religious retreat in the traditional sense, it probably has the most fame.