The UMAN Retreat 10-day program is rooted in the ancient Tamil Siddha teachings passed down through Ashok’s lineage. Guided with clarity and dedication by Ashok Kumar, the retreat weaves together different layers of practice and lived experience.
Participants are invited into Satsang to explore the teachings, to experience the vibrational power of ancient mantras, and to connect with the subtle energies of Arunachala. The program also includes visits to several powerful and beautiful temples in Tamil Nadu, supporting a direct and embodied connection to the region’s spiritual heritage.
At the heart of the retreat lies the wisdom of the five elements — earth, water, fire, air, and ether — which form the foundation of both the natural world and the inner human experience. Working with the elements is a way of restoring balance, not by forcing change, but by learning to listen more deeply to what is already present.
The UMAN Retreat offers a grounded yet deeply transformative experience — a gentle but profound cleansing of body, mind, and inner space. Food plays a central role in this process. Each day, nourishing organic Tamil meals and freshly prepared juices are cooked with care by a dedicated team of experienced cooks. The food is simple, vital, and supportive, designed to nourish the body while calming the nervous system and clarifying the mind.
Meals are prepared with attention, rhythm, and respect for traditional South Indian principles, allowing participants to feel held, sustained, and quietly supported throughout the retreat.
The maximum group size is 15 participants, ensuring a personal and attentive atmosphere.
In the program, each day includes plenty of free time to explore Tiruvannamalai at your own pace.
An essential part of this work is the chanting of the Pancha Bhuta mantra, a practice that supports living in alignment with nature. This mantra relates to one of the oldest insights in Indian spiritual science: that all of creation — including the human being — is composed of five fundamental elements: Pancha Bhuta. The mantra is not primarily symbolic, but functional. Working with sound as a regulating force, each element carries a specific vibrational quality. Through precise recitation, these vibrations help re-attune the body–mind system to its natural balance.
Alongside this elemental work, the retreat draws on the wisdom of the Shiva Purana, which points the seeker toward recognizing Shiva not as an external deity, but as the silent, ever-present awareness that is one’s own true Self. This understanding aligns naturally with Arunachala, the teachings of Ramana Maharshi, and the path of self-inquiry.