Join Paramesh for a Live Q&A + Guided Practice on August 13 - 7PM CET.
Meditation, The Heart of Yoga
7-Day Meditation Retreat
Karuna Retreat Center, Monchique, Portugal
August 19-26, 2025
Open You Heart and Feel Within
In this week-long meditation intensive you will dive deep into the depths of your being through meditation practices, yoga & pranayama, philosophy classes, and kirtan.
This retreat integrates yogic practices that awaken strength and potential on all levels; body, mind, soul.
Something powerful happens when we disconnect from the external distractions of life and dive deep into the silence and stillness within.
Our heart opens, we become fully present to the magic of life, and we experience ourselves on a deeper and more connected level of being.
Karuna Retreat Center is located high up in the mystical Monchique mountains of southern Portugal. Come meditate surrounded by the power and grace of Mother Nature.
Whether you are a beginner or experienced meditator, I welcome you to join me on this transformational retreat.
Have Questions About the Retreat?
Join Paramesh for a live Q&A session where you can get answers about the upcoming Meditation: The Heart of Yoga retreat, and experience a short guided meditation and breath practice together.
Wednesday, August 13, 2025
7:00 PM CET
Live Online - Free to attend
This is a space to connect directly, ask about the retreat experience, accommodations, travel, or the meditation practices we’ll explore together. All are welcome.
Fill out this form to register and receive the event link.
"Paramesh’s teachings radiate from his very presence, reaching you on a profound level."
"Attending his philosophy classes has been an absolute gift!
He beautifully draws you into the wisdom of Yoga, transforming each class into a joyous and enriching experience.
His way of being inspires me deeply, and I’m endlessly grateful to have him as a guide on this incredible journey. I can’t wait for the next meditation and chanting session - just magical."
Ludovica, Italy
Our Daily Schedule
Mornings
6:30-8:00am
Asana, Pranayama, Meditation
8:00-8:30am
Breakfast
8:30-9:00am
Break
9:00-10:30am
Scripture Class
10:30-11:00am
Break
11:00-11:40am
Meditation
11:40am-12pm
Silent Break
Afternoons
12:00-12:40pm
Meditation
12:40-1:00pm
Break
1:00-1:30pm
Lunch
1:30-3:00pm
Break
3:00-3:40pm
Meditation
3:40-4:00pm
Tea/Coffee
4:00-4:40pm
Meditation
4:40-5:00pm
Silent Break
5:-5:40pm
Meditation
Evenings
6:00-7:00pm
Kirtan and Prayers
7:00-7:30pm
Dinner
7:30-8:00pm
Break
8:00-9:00pm
Satsang & Meditation
"Paramesh is one of the best, if not the best teacher I ever had. He transmits his theoretical and lived experience with the spiritual in a way that is genuine, humble and funny."
I was lucky enough to have Paramesh as my teacher on a 200 hour yoga teacher training course. I have had quite a few yoga teachers over the years and I must admit that my experience is that good yoga teachers are difficult to come by.
His teaching is both true to the original sutras as well as leaving room for the individual living in the modern world.
I feel privileged that I had Paramesh as my teacher and recommend him with no hesitation.
Anders, 42, Psychologist, PhD, Denmark
What Is Included in Your Retreat?
Guided Meditation - get comfortable and follow Paramesh's voice to find into yourself
Sitting & Walking Meditation
Daily Yoga & Pranayama Class
Daily spiritual talk, or Yoga/Vedanta philosophy class
Kirtan
Question & Answer Sessions
Delicious & nourishing vegetarian meals (Gluten Free, Dairy Free, & Vegan options available for all meals)
The cost includes accommodation, three meals per day, and the retreat.
Communal accommodation
"He is one of the most kind hearted, open-Minded and curious people that I’ve met, and he has the gift of seeing the best in everyone."
The yoga teacher training I did with La Casa Shambala was particularly special because of Paramesh.
It was such a beautiful and inspring thing to witness during the training, and you could see that touched people’s heart.
I’m very grateful of the journey that I shared with Paramesh, which has become the beginning of a spiritual transformation that I had not forseen.
Colbie, China
About the Retreat Location
The Meditation: The Heart of Yoga retreat takes place at Karuṇā Retreat Center, a secluded sanctuary in the Serra de Monchique mountains of southern Portugal's Algarve region.
Karuṇā means "compassion" - and everything about this place invites you into that spirit. Located in the green mountains of Serra de Monchique, the area is known for its healing thermal water, medicinal plants, pure air and lush green landscapes.
The Retreat Center offers a stunning view over Portugal's southern coast and the Atlantic Ocean and is just 30 minutes away from pristine beaches and less than 15 minutes away from the picturesque village of Monchique and Caldas de Monchique (Thermal SPA).
Getting to Karunā
The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), located approximately 85 kilometers from Karuṇā.
Travel time is about 1 hour and 8 minutes by car.
Lisbon Airport is 2hr 40 minutes away.
After registering, you will receive more detailed travel instructions.
Your Accommodations
Accommodations include 18 double rooms total: 12 in the main house and 6 in surrounding buildings.
Most rooms feature shared bathrooms, though 3 rooms have private bathrooms.
All rooms offer views over the southern coast of the Algarve.
Practice Spaces Built for Transformation
The large meditation hall features wooden floors and a view over the Atlantic Ocean.
The dining hall is spacious, yet intimate, so it’s perfect for large or small groups - you'll enjoy every meal with a view.
Nourish the Body, Support the Journey
Three fresh vegetarian meals are prepared daily, often with organic, locally sourced ingredients.
The center maintains a non-smoking environment with no alcoholic drinks, meat or fish allowed.
Vegan and Gluten-Free options are available upon request.
Meals are more than fuel - they're part of your journey.
Rooted in Lineage, Designed for Presence
Founded under the guidance of Tibetan masters, Karuṇā was created as a refuge for introspection, sincerity, and spiritual practice. Karuṇā is amongst one of the most secluded and silent places in this area and is home to a variety of local flora and fauna.
The entire space supports your ability to drop into stillness with its isolated location perfect for those seeking silence, seclusion and peace.
A Place that Holds You
Karuṇā offers spring-fed drinking water, walking trails through forested hills, eco-conscious design, and a peaceful atmosphere free from distractions. Every detail invites you to soften, settle, and remember yourself.
Karuṇā is more than a retreat center. It's a field of deep care - where your nervous system can finally exhale, and your meditation practice becomes a natural extension of being.
Here, stillness is not something you force. It's something you come home to.
About the Retreat Location
The Meditation: The Heart of Yoga retreat takes place at Karuṇā Retreat Center, a secluded sanctuary in the Serra de Monchique mountains of southern Portugal's Algarve region.
Karuṇā means "compassion" - and everything about this place invites you into that spirit. Located in the green mountains of Serra de Monchique, the area is known for its healing thermal water, medicinal plants, pure air and lush green landscapes.
The Retreat Center offers a stunning view over Portugal's southern coast and the Atlantic Ocean and is just 30 minutes away from pristine beaches and less than 15 minutes away from the picturesque village of Monchique and Caldas de Monchique (Thermal SPA).
Getting to Karunā
The nearest airport is Faro Airport (FAO), located approximately 85 kilometers from Karuṇā.
Travel time is about 1 hour and 8 minutes by car.
Lisbon Airport is 2hr 40 minutes away.
After registering, you will receive more detailed travel instructions.
Your Accommodations
Accommodations include 18 double rooms total: 12 in the main house and 6 in surrounding buildings.
Most rooms feature shared bathrooms, though 3 rooms have private bathrooms.
All rooms offer views over the southern coast of the Algarve.
Practice Spaces Built for Transformation
The large meditation hall features wooden floors and a view over the Atlantic Ocean.
The dining hall is spacious, yet intimate, so it’s perfect for large or small groups - you'll enjoy every meal with a view.
Nourish the Body, Support the Journey
Three fresh vegetarian meals are prepared daily, often with organic, locally sourced ingredients.
The center maintains a non-smoking environment with no alcoholic drinks, meat or fish allowed.
Vegan and Gluten-Free options are available upon request.
Meals are more than fuel - they're part of your journey.
Rooted in Lineage, Designed for Presence
Founded under the guidance of Tibetan masters, Karuṇā was created as a refuge for introspection, sincerity, and spiritual practice. Karuṇā is amongst one of the most secluded and silent places in this area and is home to a variety of local flora and fauna.
The entire space supports your ability to drop into stillness with its isolated location perfect for those seeking silence, seclusion and peace.
A Place that Holds You
Karuṇā offers spring-fed drinking water, walking trails through forested hills, eco-conscious design, and a peaceful atmosphere free from distractions. Every detail invites you to soften, settle, and remember yourself.
Karuṇā is more than a retreat center. It's a field of deep care - where your nervous system can finally exhale, and your meditation practice becomes a natural extension of being.
Here, stillness is not something you force. It's something you come home to.
"Paramesh has a beautiful and fierce dedication to Bhakti yoga and his meditation practice, and this dedication extends to his students."
"I was fortunate enough to have Paramesh as my meditation and yoga philosophy teacher during my 200-hour yoga teacher training.
Always guiding with an open heart, Paramesh meets his students exactly where they are in their own practice, and brings lightness and wisdom to every lesson.
His mentorship has been an invaluable foundation to my own meditation and yoga practice. I will always begrateful to have had him as a teacher."
Schuyler Poh
San Francisco, USA
About Paramesh
Paramesh is a deeply experienced meditation and yoga teacher known for his warm presence, humor, and integrated approach.
With nearly two decades of teaching in diverse settings - from studios to hospitals to ashrams - he brings both depth and heart to every practice.
He integrates Hatha and Tantric yoga with Bhakti and Jnāna yoga, guiding students inward with clarity, compassion, and a great respect for tradition.
His integrated approach includes teachings on āsana, prānāyāma, meditation, yoga vedānta, and devotional music through kirtan and bhajan - inviting a full-spectrum experience of yoga.
Based in Portugal, Paramesh leads retreats and trainings worldwide.
"His magical voice and the way he played his instrument transported me into a deep meditative state that I will never forget."
Paramesh was my yoga teacher during my Yoga Teacher Training in Portugal, and I couldn’t have wished for a better guide on this transformative journey.
Through his teachings, I gained a much deeper connection to spirituality and an understanding of yoga as a holistic way of life.
His unwavering devotion to spirituality and his personal story left a profound impression on me. Paramesh didn’t just teach us the physical practice of Hatha Yoga but also opened my eyes to the rich philosophy behind it. For the first time, I truly understood yoga as a lifestyle—something that extends far beyond the mat.
Paramesh always had an open ear for his students, offering not just knowledge but also heartfelt support and inspiration.
His captivating stories and wisdom created a safe, nurturing environment for all of us. One of the most memorable experiences was practicing Kirtan under his guidance.
I am deeply grateful for everything I learned from him, both on and off the mat. Paramesh is a truly inspiring teacher, and I couldn’t have asked for a better mentor.
Luisa, Germany
Register Now and Retreat With Paramesh
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"He has a very grounded, present, loving energy. His guided meditations are amazing and the chanting we all did together literally send me into bliss."
Paramesh was one of the teachers in my 200hour Ytt and im beyond grateful for that. He is definitely on top of the List of my favorite Yoga teachers! By his presence you can really tell he has been practicing a lot.
I loved learning from him about Yoga philosophy, he was very serious about the Knowledge but super open minded and down for questions as well as curious for different persepectives and we could also joke and laugh together.
Honestly i would recommend practicing with him to anyone Thank you Paramesh✨🙏🏼
Lilly
Berlin, Germany
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