1What is happiness?
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.
2How do I find inner peace?
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.
3What is a retreat?
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.
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4What makes an Enlighten Life Retreat special?
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
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5What is a Silent Retreat?
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.
6What is an Enlighten Life Online Retreat via Zoom?
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.
7What can I expect in the Enlighten Life Online Retreat "Self-Love"?
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
8What does Enlighten Life mean?
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.
9What is Advaita Vedanta?
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.
10What is self-inquiry (Atma Vichara)?
"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.
11How do I get into the Now?
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.
12What is consciousness?
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.
13Do I need a Guru to find true 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.