What to expect 

In this section we want to give you the 'inside story'. We recommend you read this if you are going to come on retreat with us.

Here is what a guest actually said in his feedback form written on April 13th 2009

"It was much more than I expected. I was expecting a less fulfilling weekend and it has turned out to be very much more..."

Ken

House Rules

Inisrath Island is a retreat centre and spiritual community, not an ordinary place by any means! Use of alcohol, recreational drugs and smoking is not allowed for full-time residents on the island, and that's the general ethos during retreats. However, for example, if not smoking occasionally over a weekend is simply too much for a guest, then they are welcome to smoke, but not in or around the main building (This means that if you don't come on the retreat that you are interested in simply because you are worried you'll get a big headache by not smoking, then better to come and have a puff or two rather than not come...if you see what we are getting at). Eating non-vegetarian food, or consuming  products that contain meat, is not allowed on the island at any time. And while on the island we request you respect some etiquette in the interaction between men and women. For example, a boyfriend and girlfriend intimately kissing in the public hallways is not considered appropriate behaviour in the grounds of a Vaishnava spiritual ashram. However, we are 'Westerners' ourselves, so are, of course, relaxed and easy-going. We just ask for a normal level of behaviour for someone visiting a sacred place, just like if you enter a cathedral or chapel everybody naturally acts appropriately. Having said that, we do have the space of a 22-acre wooded lake island. If you fancy going for a morning jog or a dip in the lake on a sunny day, that is fine. The retreat is a time for healthy relaxation.

Bits and Pieces

After rainy weather, some woodland paths on the island get muddy in places, so bringing an extra pair of footwear or walking shoes may be an idea for these times. You can explore anywhere you like on the 22-acre island. We do not have TV; remember the old days when people sat beside the open wood-fire and told stories? Well, welcome back to the good old days. Mind you, we often show an interesting documentary related to spirituality on Saturday evening. The schedule on retreats is generally quite jam-packed with activities and classes. However, if you skip something here is what you may be doing otherwise:

Your time on Inisrath is meant for you to re-experience the simple things in life. Remember when houses only had one TV and you did more reading? You can chat, play chess, read or go for moon-light walks in the evening. You are welcome to go outside any time of the day or night and hear and experience nature in the woodlands by the lake. There are always about ten residents on the island. They'll be going about their work and they won't disturb you. But you can talk to them if you like. Ask them where they're from, what they do here, do they like what they do? They'll be happy to get into a conversation. You are welcome to have a chat!

Karma-Yoga

On retreat, there is a big family mood. It's almost like you're getting a little experience of what it is like to be a monk for weekend. In this spirit, we appreciate when people offer to do small services. You will not be asked to help in any way at any time - Don't worry: you're also on a mini-holiday! However generally most people are at least expected to help by washing their own plate after meals. This is referred to as karma-yoga on yoga retreats. We appreciate any little help you can give like this very much.

Temple Visiting Options

Every day of the year in the temple on the island there is a morning ceremony and meditation that you are very welcome to attend. One begins at 4.30am and the second at 7.00am. You are welcome to attend any service, if you like Read More

For videos of temple special events, see here