Shai Tubali, Ph.D.

The Depths of Mindfulness

A Transformative Silent Retreat in Portugal

3

Summer Retreat 2025

Rediscover the Essence of the Buddha’s Teachings and Embark on a Journey of Ultimate Liberation

July 28 – August 2, 2025,  Estrela Serenity, Portugal

N

Deep Inner Transformation & Liberation

Discover the Buddha’s original teachings of mindfulness: a complete path of transformation and liberation.

N

Letting go

Go beyond stress relief to release emotional and mental attachments through Loosening the Knots of the Heart, leading to lasting inner freedom.

N

Silent Sanctuary in Nature

Immerse in Portugal’s serene landscapes, embracing silence and nature for profound rejuvenation and peace.
3

Escape the Noise

Awakening in Every Breath 

This is a journey into the essence of mindfulness—one that promises not only insight but the possibility of lasting inner liberation.

This summer, journey to the breathtaking landscapes of Portugal for a silent retreat unlike any other.

Led by renowned meditation teacher Shai Tubali, this retreat is a rare opportunity to delve into the Buddha’s original mindfulness teachings and uncover their transformative power.

Through practices rooted in the Pali Canon and Shai’s revolutionary method, Loosening the Knots of the Heart, you will gain profound insight into the essence of mindfulness, the impermanence of existence, and the path to liberation.

Whether you are new to meditation or a seasoned practitioner, this retreat offers an unparalleled depth of practice and understanding. 

Breathing Mindfully with the Buddha

A Complete Path of Transformation

 

 

This retreat is dedicated to uncovering the essence of mindfulness—its most profound, transformative secrets and keys.

A Return to the Buddha’s Original Teachings

In the West, mindfulness has often been reduced to a stress-relief technique. During this retreat, we will go beyond the superficial and explore mindfulness as the Buddha intended: a complete path of transformation. Through daily talks and guided meditations, you will study the original Anapanasati Sutta, uncovering its profound layers and its ultimate goal—the realization of impermanence and the liberation from clinging.

Original Buddha Teachings<br />
Mindfulness Loving Kindness

Discover ‘Loosening the Knots of the Heart’

 

Shai Tubali’s unique mindfulness of breathing process takes the practice to an entirely new level. Integrating breathing, contemplation, and visualization, this method transforms meditation into a tool for ultimate liberation. During the retreat, you will receive an initiation into this method, enabling you to carry it into your daily life.

Immersion in Nature’s Healing Power

 

Mindfulness comes alive in nature. Inspired by the Buddha’s own practice of meditating under trees, you will engage in Forest Breathing, a practice that merges mindfulness with the soothing presence of the natural world. Imagine sitting under ancient trees, breathing deeply, and feeling your connection to life’s eternal rhythm.

The Heart of Mindfulness
Buddha Walking Meditation

A Holistic and Integrative Approach

 

The retreat’s structure combines:

    • Morning Talks: Explore the Buddha’s original teachings and each stage of Loosening the Knots of the Heart.
    • Guided Meditations: Deepen your practice with clear, step-by-step guidance.
    • Expansion Method: Broaden your awareness and experience the interconnectedness of all things.
    • Hatha Yoga: Balance body and mind through gentle daily movement.
    • Evening Loving-Kindness Practice: Conclude each day by opening your heart and cultivating balance through this essential Buddhist technique.

Silence as a Gateway to Insight

 

Embracing silence allows the mind to settle and the heart to open. In this space of quiet, you can hear the truths of impermanence and liberation more clearly. With Shai’s guidance, silence becomes a profound teacher.

Mindfulness Loving Kindness

The Retreat’s Structure Combines

What You Will Learn and Experience

 

 

The Buddha’s Sixteen Stages of Mindfulness of Breathing

Gain a step-by-step understanding of the path that led the Buddha to enlightenment.

The Seven Layers of Loosening the Knots of the Heart

A process that enables you to gently release attachments and discover a profound sense of freedom. Each layer invites you to deepen your awareness and let go of clinging at progressively deeper levels—from emotions to universal existence.

 

Mind-Body-Breath Alignment

Learn how the unity of mind, breath, and body can serve as a foundation for inner calm and clarity.

 

The Power of Letting Go

Understand and practice relinquishment, the heart of liberation, as you embrace impermanence not as a concept but as a lived reality.

FEEDBACK

This is what enthusiastic participants say

AMY ELIZABETH FOX

Chief Executive Officer, Mobius Executive Leadership

"Dr. Shai Tubali is one of the great master teachers of our generation."
To have the Grace to study the texts and teachings alongside the receiving of his transmission of the mystical intentions of these works takes one on a rare initiatory process and offers a precious blessing for the journey of the Soul. Dr. Shai Tubali is one of the great master teachers of our generation. A brilliant mind, a pristine awakened consciousness, and a vastly loving heart enable him to decipher, transmit and induct the very soul of these wisdom teachings. To have the Grace to study alongside his transmission of these works is an initiatory process and a precious blessing. A true trustworthy resource for cultivating presence, peace and illumination.

VIV SAF

Coach and facilitator of the Work

"Shai's presence, his processes and his enlightened answers to your questions will leave you feeling transformed."
If you’re looking for a silent retreat that nourishes, enlightens, and creates a lasting difference, I highly recommend one with Shai Tubali and his team. Held in the most tranquil settings, Shai’s presence, his processes and his enlightened answers to your questions will leave you feeling transformed.
I’m so grateful Shai has chosen to share his wisdom and scholarly knowledge with us. His books, satsangs and courses are a great contribution to humanity.
Viv Saf

Effi Rabsilber

 

 

"Through the connection with the light that your retreat revealed to me, I always find my way back to my true needs"

For the first time, I understand what it actually means to be absolutely unconditionally loved and to love unconditionally, and what a need I have to let this realization unfold within me and to fulfill my being and my actions. I perceive this as a key that makes it possible for conflicts and contradictions, pain, pressure, fears and doubts within me and in my relationships with others to truly dissolve. Even if it is not always easy, through the connection with the light that your retreat revealed to me, I always find my way back to my true needs. Life feels less like a burden and more like a miracle that needs to be given space. Knowing that I know almost nothing and yet the ONE essential thing makes me more relaxed about life, which often presents itself to me as a great chaos.
I am infinitely grateful and feel deeply connected.
I wish never to forget that we are all connected.

Verena Winkler

 

 

"All the enlightening words that my thirsty mind absorbed dripped like precious nectar into my hungry heart, supported by the practices that, in their ingenious simplicity, created a space of connection and wholeness."

The Winter Retreat was a healing journey within, into the hidden precious treasure of the heart. It feels gentle and at the same time very powerful. Without a doubt, these mystical days at the end of the old and the beginning of the new year were the most meaningful Christmas gift I could experience. All the enlightening words that my thirsty mind absorbed dripped like precious nectar into my hungry heart, supported by the practices that, in their ingenious simplicity, created a space of connection and wholeness.
From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank you all for this precious encounter and the opportunity for remembering.
With an open heart, Verena

DR. BETTINA PRENEY

Literary scholar

"It is a wonderful intimate journey to one's Self."
“It is a wonderful intimate journey to one’s Self.”
A Retreat with Shai Tubali is a wonderful intimate journey to one’s Self.

Bathing in Shai’s pure Energy, we are cleansing and purifying ourselves – like in a bath of Light.

Especially his powerful Life-Force-Meditations let us experience the Unity we are – since I am sure that there are no real boundaries between us – that we are all this flowing Life-Energy.

Really, that gives such happiness!

In the time between the meetings with Shai, we can walk in beautiful landscapes, Yoga-exercises are proposed, Dynamic Meditation – and last not least, we have delicious vegan food.

So, I’m really grateful that I can participate in this new Retreat 2024, thank you for organizing such beautiful events!

Liliane Meier

Yoga Teacher

"My personal transformation process was an immense opening to the inner source."

“My personal transformation process was an immense opening to the inner source.

This connectedness, from which I can draw at any time in order to give, is probably the most sacred thing I have realised. I have experienced so much peace in my being that emotions no longer take up so much space. I react much more calmly and clearly when a storm breaks in from the outside. Decisions are no longer based on offended ego, but in compassion and peace.

I would definitely recommend this training. This training is key and there is probably no one who could not use this kind of healing. Especially now in this time when there is a global awakening going on.”

Dr. Nir Brosh

Medical Doctor, Meditation Teacher

"It is a haven for true seekers of truth and transformation."

“The meditation retreats with Shai Tubali had been one of the greatest engines of true spiritual transformation for me, combining profound spiritual wisdom, with crystal clear guidance, imbued with depth and inspiration. Shai is a true master of spirit, and the atmosphere in the retreats is highly supportive and well thought through- it is evident that every little detail is taken into consideration, in order to create a highly transformative and empowering spiritual field. It is a haven for true seekers of truth and transformation.”

Franziska Schneider

Web Designer, Transformational Coach

"This Universe is unbelievable and full of miracles – and so is this retreat! "
“After a meditation I had the gift to sink deep into the intimacy of my true essence, losing all boundaries and merging with a happiness which was so unconditional and nourishing that no words can describe it.

This Universe is unbelievable and full of miracles – and so is this retreat!

Thank you with all of my heart for all the Love!”

Konstantinos Schiffmann

"The summer retreat prepares every participant to a possible spiritual awakening, which has happened to me several times during the retreats."

A summer retreat with the enlightened Kundalini Master Shai Tubali is an extraordinary opportunity to merge into the essence of deep silence. To be in silence is more than calming down from the stress of our high demanding and overactive postmodern society. Beyond the psycho-somatic regeneration the subtle energetic systems are stimulated, which leads to unblocking energy blockages and enables it’s free flow from in- and outside to the body-mind-complex.

Satsang, guided meditations, body work, creative writing, music, dance and walks in nature etc. support this process. The summer retreat prepares every participant to a possible spiritual awakening, which has happened to me several times during the retreats. Spiritual awakening is often expressed though strong, even overwhelming feelings of love, compassion, devotion, serenity, bliss, freedom and oneness. One peak experience was merging with the abyss of divinity where oneness can be felt as an orgiastic ecstasy. For me the retreats with Shai Tubali are life changing. Life has gained a new meaning and the sense for beauty has been sharpened. A non-reversible and ongoing process of development and integration has been initiated. I just can express my gratitude and recommend to every interested person to try this wonderfully life changing opportunity. 

With love

Petra Rosarius

"Shai’s way of spiritual teaching and accompanying is a great mix of wisdom and down-to-earth learning."
Since 2018 I am participating in the silence retreats with Shai Tubali. And also in 2025 I am joyfully commited to participate! Shai’s way of spiritual teaching and accompanying is a great mix of wisdom and down-to-earth learning. As a result, many experiences from the Silence Retreat outlast the everyday life. With every retreat, a piece of retreat comes home and does not fade like in many other events, where the reality of everyday life demands its supposed price. Silence, to be with me, to have nothing to do – a luxury that actually represents no luxury, but lived energy and meaningful action. I am looking forward to my 8th Retreat this year !!!

WHAT AWAITS YOU

A Day in the Retreat

 

Morning

Begin with Hatha Yoga, followed by an inspiring talk on the Buddha’s teachings, and a guided meditation exploring mindfulness of breathing.

Midday

Engage in the Expansion Method to broaden your awareness and deepen your mindfulness practice. Enjoy nourishing meals in silence, supporting mindful eating.

Afternoon

Participate in Forest Breathing among the trees, connecting deeply with the healing power of nature.

Evening

Conclude with silent sitting and written Q&A sessions with Shai, allowing for personal reflection and insight.

Night

End the day with a heart-opening Loving-Kindness meditation, cultivating balance and preparing for restful sleep.

About The Venue

Estrela Serenity

The retreat takes place in one of Portugal’s most serene and picturesque settings. Surrounded by rolling hills, lush forests, and open skies, this sanctuary offers the perfect environment for silence, introspection, and connection with nature.

philosopher and spiritual teacher

Shai Tubali, Ph.D.

Shai Tubali Sintra Ocean

As an avid researcher of consciousness, Shai blends academic philosophy and mysticism to explore the transformative power of expanded consciousness. His journey delves deep into how these states shape not only individual lives but also humanity’s present and future. Integrating Eastern and Western philosophies, he offers comprehensive insights into the nature and potential of consciousness.

Holding a doctorate in the philosophy of religion from the University of Leeds, Shai is also a research fellow at its Arts and Humanities Research Institute. His academic works include the publication of “The Transformative Philosophical Dialogue” (Springer, 2023), which showcases his scholarly perspective on consciousness. As the author of several books on inner transformation, he shares his insights widely. Since 2000, he has been guiding workshops, retreats, and professional trainings, impacting countless individuals. He actively engages in programs focusing on emotional maturity, human intelligence evolution, and mystical evolution, blending transformative knowledge with proven methods. His passion has led to the creation of numerous original methods for psychological transformation, including the medically researched Expansion Method.

Shai Tubali meditating

Shai Tubali contemplating the ocean of existence near Sintra, Portugal.

Save a Place Now

How You Can Participate

Date

July 28 – August 2, 2025

Time

The retreat begins at 18:00 with a group dinner. Arrival from 14:00.

The retreat ends on the last day at 14:00 after lunch.

Venue

Estrela Serenity
Caminho das Regadas, Nº1
6290 – 081, Folgosinho
Gouveia – Portugal

Interactive Live Streaming

You can also participate online from home. The whole retreat will be streamed live via our interactive live broadcast platform.

Organizer

Carlos Stickel
carlos@shaitubali.com
+49 178 5175 114

COSTS

These are the prices for our retreat program with Shai Tubali:

  • Teaching Price: 480 Euro
  • Hotel Price: Depending on your room

 Spaces are intentionally limited to ensure a focused and intimate experience. Early registration is encouraged to secure your place.

CHARM AND PANORAMIC VIEW

1. The teaching contribution is €480.


2. The contribution for room and full board. This depends on your choice of room:

 

Room option Price in EUR,
per person
Shared double room 725
Single Room (fully booked) 950

 

THIS IS WHAT YOU GET

Join the Retreat Now

Participate live on-site with vegan organic menus that are designed to support the process of spiritual awakening. This package includes online access to all of the video-recordings.

  • Date: July 28 – August 2, 2025 — Five nights of full-board hospitality.
  • Three meals per day: a vegan, organic, energizing menu that is carefully designed to support the body’s processes.
  • Two inspiring and transformative talks per day focused on the experience of tantric enlightenment.
  • Hatha Yoga
  • Loosening the Knots of the Heart
  • The Buddha’s Sixteen Stages of Mindfulness of Breathing
  • Immersion in Nature’s Healing Power
  • Silent sitting
  • The opportunity to ask questions in written form throughout the retreat, so you can be supported optimally in your individual process.
  • No prior knowledge required.

Price: 

  • in EUR: 480 Euro 

+ Accomodation

 

FEATURED IN:

You have open questions?

Who Should Attend

This retreat is for anyone ready to:

 

 

Mindfulness Loving Kindness

 

  • Reconnect with the authentic teachings of mindfulness.
  • Deepen their meditation practice with a transformative method.
  • Experience the profound liberation that comes from embracing impermanence.
  • Discover a practice they can integrate into their daily life for lasting change.

What you will take home:

 

 

A thorough understanding of the Buddha’s mindfulness teachings and their relevance to modern life.

The ability to practice Loosening the Knots of the Heart as a daily meditation.

 

 

A renewed sense of clarity, inner peace, and freedom from attachment.

 

 

The tools to cultivate a lifelong mindfulness practice grounded in wisdom and compassion.

GOOD TO KNOW

FAQ

TIP
I am not experienced/have only a little experience with meditation. Can I still join?
Yes, the retreat program is built in a way that is supportive for beginners and experienced participants alike. You do not need any prior experience in order to participate. The teachings and practices will take you as far as you can go and lead you, in a soft and structured way, to your full potential of transformation at that time.
What are the accomodation arrangements?

The retreat includes full-board hospitality. You can choose between a regular single room or a shared double room. All rooms have a private bathroom. Please contact us with any questions about accommodation: carlos [at] shaitubali [.] com

TIP
I am not sure if my English skills are good enough to understand everything.
The retreat will be guided in English, but we offer simultaneous German translation for anyone who is interested in that through personal high quality receivers and headphones. You can choose to listen in English, German, or both.
You have more question?

Please feel free to contact us. We are more than happy to get to know you and answer your questions!

Just write an email to: carlos [at] shaitubali [.] com

2

STAY UP
TO
DATE

Receive news about next events and save discounts

Latest stories and new bestselling-books

Stories and
impressions for
your daily life

This site is not a part of the Meta website or Meta Platforms Inc. Additionally, this site is NOT endorsed by Meta in any way. META is a trademark of META PLATFORMS, Inc.