When I embarked on my Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training retreat in Budapest at Normafa, led by Harijiwan, Mandev, and Gurujas, I was unsure of what to expect, but eager for the transformation it promised. The retreat’s structure was deeply intentional, blending rigorous practice, philosophical study, and personal growth into each day. Here’s a breakdown of my experience, reflecting the structure of the retreat, based on the timing and activities we followed.
1. Arrival and Introduction
Day 1: Setting the Intention
Arriving at Normafa in the afternoon before we started, I was immediately reminded of the beautiful environment that I’d originally been drawn to – this was the location that I’d first learned about kundalini yoga on a 4 day kundalini yoga retreat. The first day was all about settling in – people were arriving from as far afield as Australia and South America – meeting the other participants, connecting with the instructors, and learning about the structure of the week ahead. We were given our daily schedule, which immediately set the tone for what would be a full and immersive experience.
I could feel the anticipation building, and I was excited to dive in.
2. Daily Schedule: A Structured Rhythm
4:00 AM: Early Morning Sadhana
Every day, there was an optional gathering in the yoga dome at 4:00 AM for a practice that began in the stillness of the early hours. I was a bit apprehensive at first—waking up so early and committing to such an intense practice—but the quiet energy of the morning was incredibly spiritual.
The session began with a recitation of Japji. We then moved into a Kundalini kriya, meditation and followed this with mantras accompanied by White Sun music.
I’ll be honest and say that I only made it to morning Sadhana on 2 days of the 7 days I was there. Whilst I’m disciplined with my early morning practice at home each day, doing yoga all day was so physically demanding that I decided I needed to be kind to my body. On the days I didn’t attend though it was beautiful to open my hotel bedroom window and listen to the sound of the mantras being played.
6:30 AM: Breakfast and Rest
After the morning sadhana, we would break and there was time for breakfast. The meals were healthy, nourishing, and plant-based, fueling us for the long day ahead. I found that this time also allowed me to connect with fellow participants. I also used it to ground myself and connect with nature by taking a short walk in the local forest.
9:00 AM – 12:30 AM: Morning Session – Lecture and Practice with Mandev and Harijiwan
The morning session was a blend of lecture and practical application. During these hours, we were introduced to the deeper teachings of Kundalini Yoga. Mandev and Harijiwan taught us about the philosophy, and the science of kundalini yoga.
We also practiced kriyas; Mandev did a regular kriya which included the chanting of the long mud mantra, which she is famous for running, and takes around 30-40 minutes to complete.
12:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch and Rest
Following the morning’s intensive practice, we had a break for lunch. This was also a time to rest and reflect. I found this space particularly useful for processing everything we had learned and allowing the body to absorb the morning’s work. During this time, many of us would gather together to share experiences and insights and enjoy the food.
I also took time to return to the quiet grounding peace of the trees in Normafa national park which is right beside the hotel.
2:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Afternoon Session – Gurujas
In the afternoons, we explored the use of sound in kundalini yoga with Gurujas, a 2x Grammy-award winner and Billboard #1 artist. She has gained a worldwide reputation as the lead singer, songwriter, and co-producer of White Sun. She’s also the founder and creator of Vocal Lab, a course designed to teach and explore the fundamentals, science and esoteric application of the new era of sound. So we were in very good hands!
We delved into the science of sound for healing. These sessions helped me develop a greater understanding of the energetic power of sound and mantra.
4:30 PM – 7:00 PM: Evening session
In the final session of the day after some form of lecture we would do the Mahan Jaap to tune in to the group energy. This was a very powerful experience to really feel the energy from the group.
7:00 PM – 9.00 PM: Sauna session and dinner
Each evening there was an optional sauna session – 3 separate sauna experiences (as described in my separate blog: The best Sauna experience of my life) with the opportunity also for cold plunges. I made the most of both the sauna and the cold plunge as I was keen to do what I can to help repair and prepare physically for the next day of yoga!
I found these sessions to be really sociable and fun – a great opportunity to meet more of my fellow guests and unwind from the day.
Dinner was taken either before or after the sauna sessions, depending on how hungry I was!
What I Learned from the Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training Retreat
The structure of the retreat, with its carefully planned rhythm of sadhana, lectures, practice, and rest, was transformative. The early mornings and intense practices were challenging, but they were balanced with restorative moments that allowed us to integrate and reflect. By the end of the week, I felt not only more connected to the teachings but also more connected to my fellow students, my own heart and spirit.
This retreat wasn’t just about becoming a Kundalini Yoga teacher—it was about stepping into a higher version of myself and learning to live more fully and consciously. The experience left me feeling empowered, grounded, and ready to continue the journey as both a student and teacher of Kundalini Yoga.
In my next post, I’ll share more about the personal reflections and insights I gained from the training. Stay tuned for more on how this journey has shaped my life and practice!
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