FAQs

Happiness is often seen as a fleeting feeling dependent on external circumstances. In the Enlighten Life perspective Advaita Vedanta, however, we understand happiness as our natural state – an inner bliss that exists independently of external conditions. Madhukar teaches that in silence, inner peace and happiness become apparent. When the restless mind settles, and you realize who you truly are, the search for happiness outside fades away. What remains is, peace, lightness, and the joy of being. This realization leads to lasting bliss that is not dictated by transient factors. Thus, happiness is not a temporary state but the profound experience of your true self in unity with all of existence.

Inner peace arises when the mind calms and you recognize your true self. Madhukar teaches that in silence, inner peace and happiness become evident. Through self-inquiry, you can discover the source of your thoughts and emotions, freeing yourself from old patterns. This leads to a state of pure being, where inner peace naturally arises. In the Enlighten Life Retreats, you will learn to calm the restless mind and experience deep, lasting peace – a central goal in Advaita Vedanta and spiritual self- realization.

A retreat is a break from everyday life to focus on inner peace, meditation, and self- realization. Madhukar – Enlighten Life organizes unique retreats in beautiful locations such as Ibiza, Thailand, Morocco, Tyrol, Switzerland, and intensive silent retreats in India (Tiruvannamalai, Tamil Nadu). The heart of each retreat is theSatsang with Madhukar, accompanied by silent meditation, Yoga, and sometimes mantra chanting. Click here!

Madhukar's presence and his practical guidance have profoundly transformed the lives of many people. In these retreats, you learn to calm your mind and recognize your true nature as inner peace – through Advaita meditation, self-inquiry, and deep exchange in Satsang. In Satsang, the Advaita master directly points to your true nature – the peace that has always been your essence. Guided Advaita meditations, self-inquiry (Atma Vichara), and exchange in meditative silence enable you to integrate this inner peace into your daily life. Satsang – a combination of meditative silence and teachings – typically takes place twice daily. Through silence, meditation, dialogue, sometimes music, mantras, and ecstatic dance, you can, thanks to Madhukar's presence and care, immerse yourself in your own stillness and experience new harmony. Experience how silence, as the most powerful force in the universe, reveals your inner peace and happiness. Your benefits in an Enlighten Life Retreat: • The power of human and divine love • Guided Advaita meditation • The 9 Circles of Enlighten Life • Wisdom and sound advice in challenging times • Power Transmission and Guru Blessing • Peace in the now • Pranayama and healing Yoga courses • Experience of Sahaja Samadhi (natural enlightenment) • Connection to the spiritual master lineage • Strengthening of your perception • Selected music by Madhukar • "Amazing! You silenced my restless mind!" — Yana, Russia"What an incredible relaxation!" — Anna-Riitta, Finland Click here!

A silent retreat with Madhukar offers a unique experience of inner introspection and clarity. Through a structured daily routine, comprehensive meditation instructions, and practical exercises, you can dive into a space of deep self-realization – far removed from everyday stress. Especially impressive is the three-week Enlighten Life Silent Retreat at the foot of the holy mountain Arunachala in an Ashram in South India. Here, you take a vow of silence, which means you do not speak to others during the retreat and stay away from social media. However, you have the opportunity to ask questions or share in the daily Satsang if you wish. This practice of silence allows you to let go of old patterns and discover your inner light, your true self.

The Enlighten Life Online Retreat is an innovative way to experience inner peace and happiness – conveniently from home. Through Zoom, you participate live in the retreats, experience Madhukar’s inspiring presence, and ask your questions directly in the chat. He addresses your concerns individually, provides in-depth explanations, and supports you. This interactive online experience offers all the benefits of a retreat, even if you cannot be there in person.

In the Online Retreat "Self-Love", you will dive deep into the understanding of love – both its human and divine dimensions. Learn to feel more self-love and experience transcendental love through guided meditations, breathing exercises (Pranayama), health tips, and daily free yoga classes. This holistic approach strengthens your body, mind, and immune system."Human love is attractive to all of us. We love to love and receive love in return. However, divine love transcends everything – it showers us with peace and bliss." — Madhukar

Enlighten Life is more than just a retreat – it is a holistic life approach that integrates two essential dimensions: 1. Aluminous, enlightened life: On the spiritual level, Enlighten Life embodies the insights of Advaita Vedanta. It is about recognizing who you truly are – your true self, free from the limitations of the mind. In this dimension, an inner light reveals itself, granting you lasting peace, happiness, and profound self-realization. Satsangs and self-inquiry (Atma Vichara) support you in having this enlightening experience and living in unity with all being. 2.A light, carefree life: At the same time, Enlighten Life represents a lifestyle where you shed the burdens and attachments of everyday life. Through the practice of meditation, Yoga, pranayama, and the enriching exchanges in retreats, you learn to calm your mind and let go of old patterns. The outcome is a lighter, freer life – one that is characterized by serenity, ease, and inner harmony. In short, Enlighten Life means living both a radiant, enlightened life and a relaxed, light life. It invites you to discover your inner light while embracing life´s challenges with greater ease and joy.

Advaita Vedanta is one of the oldest spiritual philosophies of India and means "Non- duality." This teaching conveys that everything is one. The wisdom of masters like Adi Shankara and Ramana Maharshi is vividly passed on by Madhukar. The goal of Advaita Vedanta is the direct experience of the unity of all existence – your true self as pure consciousness – eternal, peaceful, and unchanging.What is Satsang? Satsang describes the community of seekers who collectively pursue the highest knowledge. Through meditative silence, dialogue, music, and sometimes dance, you allow yourself to look deep within and gain clarity – an essential component of Madhukar's retreats.

"Self-inquiry is the only direct method to lasting happiness," said Ramana Maharshi – the Guru of Madhukar's master H.W.L. Poonja (Papaji). He recommended asking the question "Who am I?" until you recognize your true self, the eternal underlying self. You will receive practical guidance on this process in an Enlighten Life retreat.

Consciousness is always present – it is all that exists. However, the mind creates a world of thoughts in which the immediate presence of the Now is often overlooked. In the Enlighten Life Retreats, you become aware once again of what lies beyond sensations, concepts, and perceptions: pure presence. Learn to truly be in the here and now and enjoy the direct experience of the moment.

Consciousness is a mysterious force that, in the realization of Advaita, exists independently of body and mind. It is free from our personal history and the constructs of the mind. By focusing your consciousness on itself, a deeper reality beyond space and time is revealed – the Advaita reality: a reality filled with simple peace and natural happiness.

Visitor: What keeps me from being happy? Do I need a Guru to transmit the truth to me, or can I find it within myself? Madhukar: A true Guru is essential. The word "Guru" derives from "Guri" (concentration) – by focusing on the formless love and clarity of the master, the identification with thoughts and the body dissolves. Moreover, a Guru is one who dispels the darkness of ignorance and frees you from false beliefs.