Returning to Your True Nature

There is a particular kind of tiredness that comes from searching for happiness somewhere other than where you already are. This spiritual workshop in Rhinebeck, New York, invites you to set that search down for a weekend and look at what has been here all along. Returning to Your True Nature is led by meditation teacher Rupert Spira at the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies.

Over a weekend, Rupert Spira guides participants through non-dual understanding by way of guided meditation, open dialogue, and self-inquiry. The emphasis is on direct experience rather than theory. Whether you arrive curious about non-duality or simply want time among like-minded people, the retreat offers a chance to slow down, reflect, and explore together.

What to Expect

The weekend begins on Friday evening and moves through sessions that pair guided meditation with open conversation. Each session is designed for experiential learning rather than lecture alone, so understanding deepens through presence and inquiry.

- Guided meditations that invite you to rest in direct experience
- Open dialogue with Rupert Spira and fellow participants
- Spacious moments of rest and meaningful conversation, so insight can unfold naturally
- A welcoming, supportive atmosphere for newcomers and long-time inquirers alike

Participants leave with fresh perspectives, greater clarity, and a deeper appreciation of non-dual understanding. There are no requirements to attend, and all interested people are welcome.

About the Lineup

Rupert Spira is a meditation teacher whose work centers on Advaita Vedanta, the nondual philosophy rooted in Indian classical thought, together with Sufi devotional practice. Born in London, he encountered the poetry of Rumi in 1975 at the age of fifteen, an encounter that opened the door to the mystical and contemplative traditions he has explored for five decades. His approach weaves two lineages: the direct-path inquiry of Advaita and the embodied, heart-centered practice of Sufism, particularly the Mevlevi order founded by followers of Rumi. Shortly after discovering Rumi, he learned the Mevlevi Turning at Colet House in London. Omega describes him as an author and a leading voice of clarity in contemporary spirituality and nonduality.

MC YOGI is a musician born in San Francisco, California, who grew up immersed in a diverse cultural landscape. His early life was marked by a passion for graffiti art, which became a means of self-expression, and he found a home in hip-hop culture. Yoga entered his life during his teenage years and gave him a deeper understanding of himself and the world around him, shaping the path that led to his music and spirituality.

Venue & Logistics

The retreat takes place at the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies in Rhinebeck, NY. Tuition covers the workshop itself. Accommodation is booked separately and ranges from cabin rooms and dorm beds to tent cabins and camping, with meals and campus amenities included for those who stay on-site. Commuters can choose to stay off-campus. Ask Omega's registration team about accessible rooms. Tent cabins and dorms have no air-conditioning or limited bedding, so check each lodging description before you book and bring what it asks for, such as sheets and towels.