Seclusion is a powerful spiritual practice that’s been recommended by the Saints and teachers of many religions. Yogananda often remarked: “Seclusion is the Price of Greatness.” Others have described it as “the joyful art of spending quality time with God.”
If you’re new to the practice, we’d recommend experimenting with it, perhaps a few hours at a time. A good way to do this is during a personal retreat, perhaps starting with one hour at a time, then a few hours, and gradually building up to longer and longer times. The longer you go, the more you’ll be able to hear the subtle whispers of your Higher Self.
You’re welcome to spend your time in full or partial seclusion, according to whatever you feel will be most helpful to you, and also whatever you’re ready for. To make things easier, we have badges that you can wear, which say “I’m in Silence.” Whenever you put it on, that lets everyone else here know your intentions, so that they can honor them by not trying to discuss things with you.
Below are some articles we’ve collected to give you more of an introduction to this sacred practice, since many people feel uneasy about jumping into this the first time.
Articles on Seclusion
Seclusion Is the Price of Greatness
- Brief advice to an inquirer’s question about how to spend several days in seclusion, focussing on a natural flow for different parts of the day.
Time Out for Sweet Seclusion
- In-depth reflections on seclusion with many “how-to‘s“ and a personal testimonial by one of Ananda’s pioneers and foremost acharyas..
Testimonials
Seclusion as a Spritual Practice
- A testimonial by a long-time secluder about varied seclusion scenarios, from initial attempts as a young mother to longer periods including rented park cabins and a stay at Ananda’s Meditation Retreat in California.
Seclusion for Mommies
- Not just for mommies but for anyone who, like the author initially, is”terrified to seclude” or otherwise holding back from the experience.
Seclusion is the Price of Greatness
- “Lessons learned” by a young meditator, comparing an earlier unsuccessful seclusion attempt with a later successful seclusion after she had become a more seasoned devotee.
Seclusion is the Price of Greatness: My Week, and How & Why to Do It!
- Reflections by a veteran secluder on his own annual seclusions and on seclusion in general.
Three and a Half Lessons from a Nine-Day Seclusion
- Lessons a devotee found in the challenges of his second experience in seclusion.
